The best deal under the circumstances
The agreement struck between Buckingham Palace and the Sussexes hopefully brings to an end a difficult period for the Royal Family. It cannot have been easy for the Queen; it must have been very hard for the Duke and Duchess, too. The resulting deal is undeniably a radical one, but it reads like the only sensible course available under these circumstances. It is frank, honest and decisive. This is exactly what the monarchy and the country needs.
Among the changes are: the Sussexes will step back from Royal duties and no longer receive public funds for them; they will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations; they can no longer formally represent the Queen; they will not use their HRH titles; and they will repay Sovereign Grant expenditure on the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, for which they will now pay a commercial rent.
Attention must be paid to the language of the Queen’s statement, which is both personal and kind. Her Majesty makes it clear that she loves the Duke and Duchess and that she is “particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family”. The Queen acknowledges the incredible strain of public scrutiny and assures the couple that they will continue to be loved members of the family. They have asked for their independence and they have received it: “It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.” All this starts in the Spring of this year.
This new start will be tough, no doubt. The Sussexes are a young couple with a baby, beginning a whole new life. It will also be difficult for the rest of the Royals because they will have to take on the Duke and Duchess’s engagements – but the Royal Family is more than capable of showing a certain Blitz spirit. The monarchy operates more by “doing” than by “saying”, and by acting in this swift yet compassionate way, the institution demonstrates once again its remarkable ability to adjust and evolve. A departure such as this was bound to happen some day. This agreement may well be a model for the future. We wish the Sussexes the very best of luck.