Global Times

Royal revamp

▶ Megxit statement shows Queen’s punishment: UK media

-

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II arrives at St Mary the Virgin Church in Hillington, Norfolk, eastern England, on Sunday. Britain’s Prince Harry and wife Meghan will give up their royal titles and public funding as part of a settlement with the Queen to start a new life away from the British monarchy

Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will give up their royal titles and public funding as part of a settlement with the Queen to start a new life away from the British monarchy.

The historic announceme­nt from Buckingham Palace on Saturday follows more than a week of intense private talks aimed at managing the fallout of the globetrott­ing couple’s shock resignatio­n from frontline royal duties. It means Queen Elizabeth II’s grandson Harry and his American TV actress wife Meghan will stop using the titles “royal highness” – the same fate that befell his late mother princess Diana after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996.

“Following many months of conversati­ons and more recent discussion­s, I am pleased that together we have found a constructi­ve and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” the 93-year-old monarch said in a statement.

“I recognize the challenges they have experience­d as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independen­t life.” Her comments referred to battles with the media that prompted Harry and Meghan to sue several newspapers in October over intrusions into their private lives.

The Queen said she was “particular­ly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family” and wished the couple “a happy and peaceful new life.”

A separate statement attributed to Buckingham Palace said “the Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”

HRH stands for His or Her Royal Highness.

“As agreed in this new arrangemen­t, they understand that they are required to step back from royal duties, including official military appointmen­ts. They will no longer receive public funds for royal duties,” the statement said.

The settlement added that the two will also repay £2.4 million ($3.1 million) of taxpayers’ money spent on renovating their Frogmore Cottage home near Windsor Castle.

Much of the British media interprete­d the ruling as the Queen’s punishment for Harry and Meghan’s wayward ways.

The Queen “brought down the iron fist,” Sky News’ royal commentato­r Alastair Bruce said. “Make no mistake, Saturday night’s statement represents the hardest Megxit possible,” The Daily Telegraph newspaper said.

The Palace would not comment on who ends up paying for Harry and Meghan’s security detail in Canada, where the couple are expected to spend much of their time – an issue of intense public debate. It also failed to mention whether the couple would be allowed to benefit financiall­y from future royalties and franchise fees.

“They are now Mr and Mrs Ordinary,” public relations consultant Mark Borkowski told the UK’s PA news agency.

The couple are dedicated to environmen­tal causes.

 ?? Photos: AFP ??
Photos: AFP

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from China