What do you think about Harry and Meghan’s decision?

[CanuckTravlr]

Is Harry really happy with this arrangement? I bet that he is feeling torn. Not my monkey, not my circus. The whole monarchy system is outdated. If "The Firm" goes away I wonder how many people will miss it.

According to recent polls, the majority of those of us actually living in constitutional monarchies would miss it. It is a non-political, non-partisan, stable way of passing governance from one party to another after an election and a method for controlling the abuses that could potentially arise under a Prime Minister with a strong majority government. It works for us. Many of the most developed and stable countries today are governed under constitutional monarchies.

Just because some Americans only understand one form of government and don't get it, doesn't invalidate it or make it irrelevant. In fact, even many of those who are ambivalent about the monarchy, currently are somewhat thankful for it. We have clearly seen some of the issues that can arise with republican forms of government in some countries and are grateful for not having those issues to deal with ourselves. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses and it is up to the people to decide under what form they choose to be governed.

 

[PigsDad]

Who cares? They are all a bunch of aristocrats who have long outlived their usefulness. For the life of me, I have no idea why the monarchy even exists in this day and age.

Kurt

 

[CanuckTravlr]

Who cares? They are all a bunch of aristocrats who have long outlived their usefulness. For the life of me, I have no idea why the monarchy even exists in this day and age.

Kurt

Really? Thanks for sharing your well-considered opinion on our system of government. In return, I'll just bite my tongue.

 

[cman]

Full Disclosure: I'm an American, and the expectation that a 35 year old man should have to consult anyone on matters that they deem to be in the best interest of their family, seems crazy to me.
Not sure how this will all play out, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Princess Diana would be proud of her sons decision.

 

[dioxide45]

They should give up Daddy's Money and pay for their own Security.

I would agree. It seems he is willing to give up the 5% paid for by the British taxpayer, but keep the 95% coming in through is father's estate but not really work for the estate?

I heard the Queen called Prince Harry back to London for a meeting with her, Prince Charles and Prince William.
Have to wait and see.
We were able to visit Buckingham Palace in September, we took a tour of the rooms and had tea at the Grosvenor Hotel. The Royals were in Balmoral so thePalace was open for tours. This was a highlight of our London Trip.
Silentg

We've been to England eight or nine times and 2018 was the first year we were there when Buckingham Palace's State Rooms were open. I booked online many months in advance. It was the highlight of that London Trip. Just stunning.

We went several years ago also and it was great. However, if you notice, all of the people touring there or piled up outside the gates are tourists, mostly foreign tourists. Very few locals.

According to recent polls, the majority of those of us actually living in constitutional monarchies would miss it. It is a non-political, non-partisan, stable way of passing governance from one party to another after an election and a method for controlling the abuses that could potentially arise under a Prime Minister with a strong majority government. It works for us. Many of the most developed and stable countries today are governed under constitutional monarchies.

While polls may support the monarchy now. I suspect that support will take a major hit when Charles takes over the throne.

 

[CanuckTravlr]

Full Disclosure: I'm an American, and the expectation that a 35 year old man should have to consult anyone on matters that they deem to be in the best interest of their family, seems crazy to me.
Not sure how this will all play out, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Princess Diana would be proud of her sons decision.

I don't think anyone disputes that, but then he also doesn't need to continue receiving the income from Daddy does he? Assuming he truly wants to act like an adult that is.

 

[dioxide45]

Full Disclosure: I'm an American, and the expectation that a 35 year old man should have to consult anyone on matters that they deem to be in the best interest of their family, seems crazy to me.
Not sure how this will all play out, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Princess Diana would be proud of her sons decision.

Perhaps if you are getting your paycheck from Daddy, some consultation should be expected?

 

[cman]

Perhaps if you are getting your paycheck from Daddy, some consultation should be expected?

My understanding is that they plan to be financially independent. I see this as no more than a couple making a decision that they deem to be in the best interest of their family. This is something that most of us have done. I don't claim to know all of the details, but my guess is that he doesn't want to have his wife and child live in a fish bowl, where their every move is scrutinized, and plastered on the daily tabloids for everyone to see. He's taking steps to protect his family. That's what men are supposed to do. I guess it's the American in me, but I can't help but to root for this guy.

I still remember the images of him walking behind his mother's casket. He remembers how she was treated. We all do. He's trying to protect his family. Why? Because that's what real men do.

 

[WinniWoman]

I say who cares? How does their "royal" lives affect any of us? To me it is the same as Hollywood movie stars. We can't relate to their lives and they can't relate to ours.

Most of us have more important things to be concerned with.

 

[Glynda]

Yes, but none of those women were black. The Washington Post had a good op-ed article today about how that aspect added to the dynamic.

I read of that too this morning. It had never entered my mind. Regardless, I personally believe she knew what to expect on all fronts.

 

[WVBaker]

Any moment now we should hear the mellow theme and Macdonald Carey in a serious tone proclaim "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.”

 

[geekette]

I don't think anyone disputes that, but then he also doesn't need to continue receiving the income from Daddy does he? Assuming he truly wants to act like an adult that is.

Lots of adult children of wealthy people toil at little and receive plenty of Daddy's dough. If it's not My money, it's not my call.

Let's not forget that this guy also served in the military and his wife had a lucrative career. These aren't people that sat around all their lives in velvet robes having their feet washed by servants.

 

[dioxide45]

My understanding is that they plan to be financially independent. I see this as no more than a couple making a decision that they deem to be in the best interest of their family. This is something that most of us have done. I don't claim to know all of the details, but my guess is that he doesn't want to have his wife and child live in a fish bowl, where their every move is scrutinized, and plastered on the daily tabloids for everyone to see. He's taking steps to protect his family. That's what men are supposed to do. I guess it's the American in me, but I can't help but to root for this guy.

I still remember the images of him walking behind his mother's casket. He remembers how she was treated. We all do. He's trying to protect his family. Why? Because that's what real men do.

I don't disagree. Though if reports are right, he likely isn't going about it the right way. You can go your own way without alienating those around you.

 

[x3 skier]

This whole story is reminiscent of my first timeshare presentation.

From Macbeth, written by a pretty great Brit,
“It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.”

With the exception of those from the British Commonwealth, who as has been noted, are perhaps effected directly or indirectly by questions of succession of the leadership of their Constitutional Monarchy, it is typical instance of children of wealthy families deciding on a different course for their lives.

Cheers

 

[Makai Guy]

I really couldn't care much less WHAT they do. Although our British, and to a lesser extent Canadian, cousins are affected and therefore involved/interested, I really don't understand the apparent American preoccupation with the British Royal Family.

 

[bizaro86]

I would be in favor of Harry as governor general (the queens formal representation in Canada). Its a royal type job that requires living in Canada not the UK, and the Canadian press will be much more discreet and polite than the UK version.

Also, from a Constitutional perspective it makes it less likely that the power of that office ever gets used, which I think is generally a good thing. I think he's probably at least as qualified for a ceremonial role as the average CBC reporter...

I also think having a multicultural family of immigrants to Canada as the GG/consort fits Canada's self image. Although it wouldn't be the first time that has been true, as Michaelle Jean was born in Haiti while her husband was born in France.

 

[DaveNV]

Speculating here, with an admitted lack of knowledge about how the whole situation works: Is it possible Harry is saying this now, while his Grandmother is still in charge? Might it be more difficult to step away from things once his Father takes over? I know there are a lot of rules and ways things happen, and who will do what, and so forth. At first look, the timing of Harry's announcement seems a bit premature, or at minimum, ill considered, at least to hit the press as it did. But maybe there is reasoning behind the scenes we don't know about. Regardless, I'll be curious to see how it all plays out.

As to the American fascination with the Royals, all I can do is respond as one who woke up to the shocking news of Princess Diana's death, and who watched the aftermath of all of that. Wills and Harry kind of grew up as sons of the world. I think of them the same as I might long-distance nephews. I've been interested in the life choices they made, and how they have become as adults. This announcement from Harry isn't completely unexpected, given his level of independence as a person. His life has been led very differently than his Father's life.

Dave

 

[geist1223]

I wonder if Princes Charles and William (as well as the Queen) may have been a bit miffed that they had time to discuss it will Elton John but not anyone in the family.

 

[Luanne]

I wonder if Princes Charles and William (as well as the Queen) may have been a bit miffed that they had time to discuss it will Elton John but not anyone in the family.

If you bothered to read anything you'd find out that the family was aware of their plans. What the Queen was upset about was the timing of the announcement.

 

[geist1223]

If you bothered to read anything you'd find out that the family was aware of their plans. What the Queen was upset about was the timing of the announcement.

Thanks for the insult. Actually I have read every story on BBC and FOX.

 

[Luanne]

Thanks for the insult. Actually I have read every story on BBC and FOX.

Sorry. I should know better than to comment without knowing the full story.

 

[oldred]

I can understand they want to live in Canada . . . it's a nice place.

 

[Luanne]

I can understand they want to live in Canada . . . it's a nice place.

I also read they planned to live in Los Angeles. We'll probably never know for sure until they make a final decision.

 

[Patri]

According to recent polls, the majority of those of us actually living in constitutional monarchies would miss it. It is a non-political, non-partisan, stable way of passing governance from one party to another after an election and a method for controlling the abuses that could potentially arise under a Prime Minister with a strong majority government. It works for us. Many of the most developed and stable countries today are governed under constitutional monarchies.
Just because some Americans only understand one form of government and don't get it, doesn't invalidate it or make it irrelevant. In fact, even many of those who are ambivalent about the monarchy, currently are somewhat thankful for it. We have clearly seen some of the issues that can arise with republican forms of government in some countries and are grateful for not having those issues to deal with ourselves. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses and it is up to the people to decide under what form they choose to be governed.

Excellent post. Americans don't have to be so judgmental on how another county operates. Every nation does not have to be identical to ours. Goodness, we have enough problems of our own. I enjoy BBC programs and Netflix series and documentaries on the royal families. There is great loyalty and sacrifice to keeping the system going. Times change. Royal practices have too, by necessity. The Brits and worldwide subjects are the only ones who matter in this current drama. Americans' opinions on the monarchy are irrelevant.

 

[Rolltydr]

Excellent post. Americans don't have to be so judgmental on how another county operates. Every nation does not have to be identical to ours. Goodness, we have enough problems of our own. I enjoy BBC programs and Netflix series and documentaries on the royal families. There is great loyalty and sacrifice to keeping the system going. Times change. Royal practices have too, by necessity. The Brits and worldwide subjects are the only ones who matter in this current drama. Americans' opinions on the monarchy are irrelevant.

I agree with everything you said, well, except the part about enjoying programs about the royal family. However, the OP specifically asked our opinions about the current drama. So, although they are irrelevant, it would have been rude not to answer his/her question.