While they would never admit it, the royal reporters are so grateful for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s existence, because every single one of those reporters and self-styled “royal commentators” has gotten a book deal. Ingrid Seward is one of the royal reporters who acts like some kind of ancient gatekeeper to the throne, and if you told me she was in cahoots with Angela Kelly, I would believe you 100%. Seward has a new book called Prince Philip Revealed, and wouldn’t you know, Seward is selling the book by describing how Philip does not approve of Prince Harry. Shocking, I know.
How Philip feels about Harry. He has struggled greatly, for example, with what he sees as his grandson Harry’s dereliction of duty, giving up his homeland and everything he cared about for a life of self-centred celebrity in North America. He has found it hard to understand exactly what it was that made his grandson’s life so unbearable. As far as Philip was concerned, Harry and Meghan had everything going for them: a beautiful home, a healthy son, and a unique opportunity to make a global impact with their charity work.
Seward uses Philip to suggest that Prince Harry is like King Edward VIII: For a man [Philip] whose entire existence has been based on a dedication to doing the right thing, it appeared that his grandson had abdicated his responsibilities for the sake of his marriage to an American divorcee in much the same way as Edward VIII gave up his crown to marry Wallis Simpson in 1937.
Philip is mad at Prince Andrew too: Another situation that has troubled Philip, who has dedicated his married life to improving the standing and popularity of the Royal Family, has been the behaviour of Prince Andrew. The Queen’s favourite child, named after his paternal grandfather, Andrew had a promising start as a young man but became something of a problem. A failed marriage and a failed career as the UK’s special envoy for overseas trade did little to help his image. He would have done well to heed his father’s warnings of the dangers of being used, especially by what Philip described as ‘seedy billionaires’ looking for a pet royal to elevate their own status. Andrew allowed himself to be seduced by the rich and powerful whose only interest was his royal connection and the doors it could open.
Andrew’s biggest crime was that he was involved in something distasteful? For Philip and the Queen, their son’s failure of judgment was a tragedy. Not only had he besmirched the reputation of the monarchy but had become involved in something extremely distasteful and far more serious.
The Mail on Sunday published this excerpt with a headline that included the phrase “black sheep royals.” This is an unsubtle dog-whistle. Just in case you forgot: Prince Harry married a black woman! DO YOU UNDERSTAND? I mean… and to see the way that Harry and Andrew are constantly spoken of in the same breath is really infuriating. Harry married the woman he loved and they got abused and smeared for it. Andrew raped human trafficking victims “given” to him by a deranged pedophile, and don’t worry, Philip is mad at Andrew too. But Philip is mostly mad about how it looked, not what it was.
Also: I honestly don’t believe Philip cares that much anymore. The man is 99 years old and he’s completely retired from public life. Stop weaponizing this ancient old dude against the “black sheep” in his family.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Avalon Red.
No one in the freaking universe knows what Betty, Phillip etc knows except for them. Stop with the bullshit . I’m sad so many fall for it.
They’re out, they’re out of that hell hole! I’m so proud of Harry for putting his family first over that deranged institution! Your mama is so proud of you, good King Harry!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
P.S. I doubt this century old man knows what day it is, let alone what decade to even care what goes on beyond if he can wake up every day.
I’ve been re-watching Blue Bloods on DVD and whilst they have a couple of catch-phrases, their “family first” mantra is the one that has always resonated with me. And Harry has put his family first. If Philip doesn’t understand why he left the failure is with Philip, not Harry. So a pox on whichever witch put words and thoughts onto Phillip. I’m not convinced he is capable of either.
right. and you know what is mum thinks? She was higher than the royals in their society. A proper Lady. Delusional.
Where were you during the 90s? Because Diana was pretty clear in her dislike of the Windsors and how horribly they treated her. So yes we know what his mum thinks about that family because she literally told us and it was recorded on video.
I guess royalists have to be very stupid to still support them at this point.
While I don’t like Philip I think he might suffer from dementia so everything said by this “royal commentators” it’s simply awful: Philip can’t say or understand too much, and using a person who is not mentally able anymore? Disgusting.
“He has struggled greatly, for example,”
Poor Philip. Well, you won’t have to struggle much longer. Bright side.
ohh, cheeky. Love it!
It isn’t cheeky, it is a horrible thing to say.
God, Harry was what, fifth in line for the throne? six? He’s not the same as Edward. this is ridiculous.
Right??
When they say Harry “abandoned his duty” or whatever, what they really mean is “we don’t understand why Harry wasn’t willing to take the fall for William for the rest of his life.”
Harry walking away from royal life is not equivalent to a king abdicating and its frustrating that the two are constantly treated the same.
It is widely thought that this is why the Queen hasn’t officially stepped back as she saw what damage Edward abdicating did to her father and abdicating/giving up duties is a big taboo for them internally now on a purely personal (rather than PR) perspective.
That said, I highly doubt they have the self-awareness to realise they are the cause, or at least a major influencing factor, of said departure….
Or she hasn’t stepped back because she still has to protect her pedophile son. Even if she wanted to step down she can’t, she’ll protect him with her dying breath.
And, at this point, can’t someone explain to the Queen why her abdication now would not be the same as what Edward did? When she was 21 giving her speech did she really even think ahead to being 94 and still on the throne? I think the general public would give her a break if she stepped down at this point.
@Lady D – don’t doubt for a second that isn’t a factor now, but this has been a position held long before that came to light (although fully appreciate one could assume that even then they knew about his shady dealings, even if they weren’t public – most likely down to her influence – and therefore needed to remain in power).
QEII will never step down, retire and/or abdicate.
If she becomes mentally incapacitated, like George III, then Charles will be regent until her death.
yea, and he’s also not abdicating. so much false equivalency.
And of course these reporters feel no shame in projecting their own personal grievances on an old man.
This.
We don’t even know if he is mentally ill, which I think having seeing how fast he has been put under wrap afetr the incident.
It is rumored Philip has pancreatic cancer but who really knows????
Saw that the Queen and Philip left Balmoral and are now at Sandringham, and I wondered if Philip wasn’t doing well and had doctors in Norfolk he wanted to be closer to.
More likely his younger, married “companion” is in Norfolk and wasn’t allowed to be at Balmoral. Yes…even at HIS age (doubt it’s sex of course), but she’s his personal crypt keeper it seems. Like grandfather like grandson…they LOVE those Norfolk Rose bushes!
Also doubt Petty Betty can stand THAT much time bubbled alone with Phillip lol. Didn’t some reporters say that was the MOST TIME THEY’VE SPENT TOGETHER, IN THEIR ENTIRE MARRIED LIFE??? Pretty sad if so…wow…a WHOLE 5-6 mos???
@(TheOG) – Her name is Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Penelope Knatchbull.
Also known in Tatler and Hello! as Penny Knatchbull, she is married to (and estranged from) Philips first cousin once removed and is the granddaughter-in-law of Lord Louis Mountbatten off Burma.
Thanks, BTB, I’d forgotten! 😊 Those aristos are all so damned incestuous! lol
I reckon big Phil has been doing the dirty with this Penelope lady for decades, not that he’s getting much action nowadays. There are pics of them dating back to the 70s. Didn’t he have an affair with the queens cousin, Princess Alexandra, for 20 years? It’s funny cos I alway think of the queen as a single lady, I forget she technically still has a man.
Yeah I’m just going to laugh this off as ridiculous nonsense. I doubt that anyone (Phillip included) has much idea what he’s thinking these days. This is a laughably transparent way of attacking H&M yet again and it has nothing to do with Phillip.
But for reference, THIS is why Harry left. All of this.
Ingrid is doing a book talking about Philip’s intimate feelings on his family? So Philip must have cooperated& is doing damage trashing his family. Isn’t that how it works? ..
Love how the media downplays the very serious allegations against Andrew to just a misjudgedment about friendships.
I know Ingrid is projecting but to the extent Philip knows what’s going on I’m sure he probably is upset with Harry. He hated the press too and spoke about it a lot. But I think main issue why Sussexes wanted distance whilst still wanting to serve the Queen, was the family undermining & colluding with the press against them. So that’s on the family
@abritguest, this absolutely, downplaying it with missjudgment of friendships. My goodness ! It’s astonishing, unbelievable!
“… who has dedicated his married life to improving the standing and popularity of the Royal Family…”
Maybe he should have dedicated his life to being a decent husband and raising his children to have a moral compass. Probably would have been less disappointing in the long run.
this. I salute you Guestwho
Excellent comment, GuessWho! You are 100% on the mark.
For real. If the internet had been around when Phillip was in his prime he would be the same trash as Andrew. Sit down, old man.
Completely agree, i dont think he cares at all. H&M were never a problem or a scandal, they just left for known reasons. PA is a scandal that will last far longer then the mourn for H&Ms departure. But even then, the monarchy survived a lot. PA is the worst, even though the media doesn’t treat him like this which makes it even more understandable that a young modern popular couple said arrividerci MFs
I honestly don’t think Philip’s too aware of what’s going on but then it’s also believable that he thinks Harry just left on a whim because like I said, he doesn’t know/care for the exact details. He probably doesn’t know about the press and the situation leading up to it. Probably has been told basic details and that’s it.
Oh and I wish they would stop trying to act like Andrew and Harry are both equally terribly. One is no longer a working royal because he hated the press abuse his wife was getting and decided it was not worth it (and he’s not on the Sovereign Grant). The other is no longer a working royal because he did a tone deaf interview about his years long friendship with a pedophile and he’s been accused of raping a trafficked teenager himself. Oh and we still have no confirmation on whether or not Andrew is still on the SG despite the fact that he’s no longer a working royal
What about Andrew’s illegal profiteering off his role as Trade Ambassador? Why no mention of his selling his influence in return for millions and living the life – all under the BRF’s noses? While not as disgusting as his sex crimes, he should be held accountable for his financial crimes as well!
While Andrew is a POS in all ways, I was simply listing the things that caused him to step down – which was not his financial issues/possible crimes but his tone deaf interview in regards to his connection with a pedophile and his own accusations.
His financial stuff wasn’t the reason for his stepping down – even if they are pretty terrible
Even if you look at Meghan and Harry’s actions in the worst possible light (which I do not – I think they made a sensible choice and in some ways, I would have liked to see them strike back more), they are no where near comparable to Andrew’s crimes. Because his are literally crimes. He raped children who were trafficked to him.
It makes me sick that so many people lump them together.
What about Phillip’s many affairs? His temper tantrums and racist remarks? He’s hardly been perfect. Weird that having a wife isn’t mentioned among Harry’s assets, just the child.
You know, I don’t think Phillip cares that much, but at the same time, I think this description of Andrew is probably spot on. I bet this IS how the queen AND phillip perceive the situation – Andrew “allowed himself to be seduced by the rich and powerful” – notice how that takes the blame away from Andrew. and I’ve always thought (and we’ve discussed here many times) that probably a huge factor in the queen’s handling of the whole Andrew “mess” is that she probably doesn’t think he did anything wrong as it specifically relates to Virginia Roberts and the other victims – she doesn’t understand sex trafficking, not in this kind of situation, and she doesn’t think there was anything more to this than Andrew having some sketchy friends and women just throwing themselves at him because he’s the Duke of York.
It’s gross, but I really do think that’s her thinking.
Nigel Cawthorne’s book on Andrew and Epstein showed up at my house yesterday (I forgot that I had ordered it months ago lol) so that’s on my list to read in the near future.
I agree. He’s their son–of COURSE they’re going to believe him when he tells them he didn’t rape girls or participate in a sex trafficking ring. They would much rather believe that young women just threw themselves at his feet because of who he is.
Becks1, Please give us your review. Very interested in knowing if it worth reading.
All the books on The Sussexes are just excellent fuel for making Meghan one of the all time most famous women in the world. I am talking up there in the “famousphere” with Diana and Elizabeth Taylor.
Books will be written about the Sussexes for the rest of time just like they have been about Diana and Liz. In the very long game none of this will hurt the Sussexes. When the whole truth comes out (I predict after the death of QEII) the Sussexes will be viewed in a completely different light.
I tend to agree. I think it’s how she has always dealt with Philip’s behaviour (as far as I know, he preferred older married women who were fully consenting), blaming trashy women throwing themselves at him (when she let herself think about it at all).
Added to that is an assumption that sex trafficking is women / girls physically restrained and forcibly raped in locked rooms plus the fact she is probably one of the few women in the world who has never at any time felt sexually threatened (no concerns about walking down dark alleys on the way home from work, no worries about being the only one working late with that possibly dodgy colleague etc).
I think she genuinely thinks Andrew’s victim(s) were over the age of consent in the U.K. and therefore there was nothing wrong with him having sex with them. The fact that Andrew probably did know that the teenage girls Epstein had in his entourage were at best groomed and at worst coerced seems to be something she either cannot or more likely does not want to understand and that’s without the fact some if not all were underage in the US (I’m not saying they were consenting – just that if they had been, what Andrew did would still be illegal in many parts of the US).
If THEY had be more HUMANE regarding Harry’s Mama AND Harry’s Wife…we wouldn’t be here.
Alas….
Lala11_7, I think we would be here (but for a different set of reasons) even if Diana & Meghan had been treated fairly with much caring and understanding by the BRF.
Did Phillip not give up his homeland for love? Was it not him who once fell in love with a showgirl and wanted to marry her? Maybe he is just envious of Harry’s boldness.
That duty they speak of is simply cutting ribbons and unveiling plaques. Occasionally, they get to conduct soft diplomacy but most of the ceremonial duties are carried out by the monarch and occasionally Charles and William. What use would it be for Harry to abandon love in favour of duties he is unlikely to carry out? Harry can still serve his country outside of the royal family. There are everyday extraordinary heroes out there in the world making a difference without a title.
You would be surprised how many citizens of the UK actually want the Royals out cutting ribbons, giving out prizes & awards and doing all the bread-and-butter stuff. I personally know several Brits that feel this way.
What we all seem to forget is the monarchy is like a sacred religion to the BRF (and many in the UK). People who worship at the altar of Monarchy think everyone wants a title to make sure they get a key to the kingdom.
Charles realized 20 years ago that things could not not go on indefinitely as they were which is why he wants a slimmed down monarchy. Harry, like his Aunt Anne, actually made it easier for Charles to cut out minor British Royals in the future reign of Charles III.
I cannot say I’m surprised. I’ve seen many comments from people saying they don’t really care about the monarchy but then would insult the Sussexes if the media so much as hint that the Queen was disrespected.
And as much of a coward Charles is, he is also quite a visionary. These modern times do require slimmed down monarchies. When Charlotte and Louis come of age, they should be allowed to pursue their own interests.
The slim down plan was always to include both of Charles’s sons, their spouses, but not the children of his second son (Harry). And part of Charles’s plan, let’s be honest, was to get one over on Andrew by refusing to let his daughters be working royals. His jealousy over his disgusting younger brother Andrew was part of his planning process.
W&K’s two younger children should be raised to go out and earn a living. They need to start now with titles and pulling back on public access to those younger kids. No more referring to them by HRH or royal titles, just call them Mountbatten-Windsor or Cambridge.
Philip gave up his homeland and his title of Prince of Greece and Denmark to marry the Queen, hence why he became a Prince of the UK and Duke of Edinburgh, to replace them.
As a Brit, I personally want the royal family abolished because I think hereditary aristocracy and privilege is obscene. But if we have to have them, and we have to pay for them, I want them out and about working a 40 week cutting ribbons, giving awards, raising money for their charities (preferably across the entire UK, not just in the southeast around London), and meeting ordinary people, doing all the bread and butter stuff, not just attending ritzy premieres and parties. I think the more exposure the royal family have to real working people, and vice versa, the better for everyone.
“What we all seem to forget is the monarchy is like a sacred religion to the BRF (and many in the UK)”
Why is it then, so many people always say no one cares about the Monarchy.
Charles never said he wanted a slimmed down Monarch, I don’t know why that is always attributed to him. It’s a great idea, but he never said that.
@cc – IMHO (any Brit please jump in) the majority do not care one way or another and this majority is relatively silent.
For the people who do care, many of whom voted for BREXIT, the monarchy is a scared cow and they are the voices you hear because they are constantly shouting.
The pro-republic contingent who speak out is very small and seem to hang out in the commentariat of The Guardian. You can read many excellent pro-republic post there.
The above is just my opinion so I invite any Brit to jump in and correct me if I made erroneous statement.
@Jane – The 40 hour a week bread-and-butter work is why Anne, The Princess Royal is so respected and relatively popular.
‘gave up his homeland’? Even Philip admits publicly that he isn’t Greek. He’s German and Danish, not Greek. The now-deposed Greek royal family were never Greek; they’re Danish, German, Russian.
He was the youngest child of an impoverish, dysfunctional family, father abandoned them, they were thrown out Greece when he was a toddler. Philip was educated in France briefly, then the UK at age nine, brief stint at boarding school in Germany, then back to the UK.
Philip was raised by the Mountbattens, in essence. George and Louis Mountbatten his uncles took charge of his education. Louis Mountbatten played matchmaker for Philip and Elizabeth.
He actually did not give up his homeland. The Glucksburgs, who were originally Danish royalty, were banished from Greece when Philip was a baby. He has never spoken Greek; his mother tongue is German and after an early childhood in France, he went to school in the UK from the age of seven. He later on changed his name from Glucksburg to Mountbatten to honour his maternal uncle. The Mountbattens were originally the Battenbergs, a ducal, German family.
So actually QEII married a Glucksburg.
Therefore, Charles real surname should be Wettin-Glucksburg or Glucksburg-Wettin if all these royals would quit re-inventing themselves for PR reason sell-able to Joe & Josephine Q. Public.
Replied above before I saw this.
That’s interesting information. I’m sure it makes for great documentary. In any case he had to give up his foreign titles to marry a British princess and only became naturalised before marriage.
The point here though is not to pick apart Philip’s choices but to show that Harry did not abandon his country. Royals marrying into foreign royal families is a long-held practice. No one gets accused of dereliction of duty for leaving one royal household for another. So a prince leaving his country of birth is not a dereliction of duty. Harry has served his country both as a prince and as a soldier. He will continue to serve his country outside the role of a senior working royal.
Myra, where did any of us agree with the idea that Harry leaving is dereliction of duty? That’s right, none of us did.
We’re pointing out the inaccuracy of Jane’s idea that Philip ‘gave up his country’ for his marriage. For those of us who care about royal history, accuracy matters.
I am only adding further context to my own original comment in case it came across that I was criticising Philip as @Shoes replied to my original post. My comment specifically on Harry is not in response to anyone in particular, but a general observation on the story that Philip accused Harry of dereliction of duty.
I actually was quite fascinated with the explanation about Philip’s background and I wouldn’t mind watching a documentary on his family and upbringing. I enjoy history myself (WWI to End of Cold War politics) but I wouldn’t mind delving in royal history as long as the subjects are interesting. Not particularly interested in royal propaganda however which is what I believe this book by Seward would be.
Yes, when I want to live the pampered, self-centered celebrity life, I also…checks notes… hand out school supplies, deliver meals on wheels, and plant a garden with a kindergarten class in between my other charity projects and interviews.
To me it seems as if the U.K. thought of Harry as the real king over William, which I find odd. They’re constantly saying that Harry abdicated, how he needs to save the U.K. from brexit, or convince the scots to stay with the kingdom. Only kings can abdicate, so I don’t know why they continue to use that language regarding Harry. Shouldn’t William be the savior of the nation and the monarchy? Or maybe I’m just going out on a limb here.
Or they view William as useless. Harry was a top notch asset for the royal family that they have now lost.
Will is certainly useless, but it seems like there is more to it. If they really believe Prince Harry is just like Andrew or Edward, than isn’t it a good thing that Harry has left? Shouldn’t they be happy that Harry has removed himself so the “real” royals can represent the country? Who would want dead weight around? I’m starting to wonder if they consider Harry the shadow king or something and William was just the symbolic one. The obsession over the sixth in line doesn’t make sense.
“The obsession over the sixth in line doesn’t make sense.”
They know Harry has all the traits to be King
PS I’m new here, and I am confused by this board lol. Especially replying to threads
Because everyone knows Harry would be the far better King than William. It is only because he was born second that he’s not. It was even said that Diana thought Harry would’ve made the better King (I don’t know if she really said that, though).
Everyone knows Harry/King Henry 9th would be a far better King than William/King William the whatever and Meghan would make a far better Queen Consort than Kate. William knows it, the rest of the Royal Family know it and the press know it. That’s why #theymad.
William the whatever = William V
I thought Diana said William was too self-conscious to make an excellent King as he could not connect with general public on a continuous level or something to that effect. I remember reading this somewhere.
They know Harry would have nothing to do with any of that, William wouldn’t stand for it. I don’t know if he has a hand in this harassment or not but William should realize the implication of all of this is that he is useless and it’s all about Harry. But I think the media is throwing in all of these things to justify their obsession with a couple that they themselves called irrelevant.
I don’t get why William doesn’t see that he needs to actually step up and not just be keen. The press is using language referring to kings to describe Prince Harry leaving for goodness sakes. W&K have been absent for weeks and the press literally do not care enough about them to speculate. How dim could you be?
William is very dim.
William is not that smart and so far he has always gotten away with just being keen – and Meghan’s entrance meant that he actually got praised whilst doing practically nothing. William has never faced the harsh consequences for his mistakes – and that isn’t something that builds character.
The only thing William ever had going for him were his looks, which had faded by the time he was in his mid-20s. They know Harry’s the one with all the true kingly qualities. Diana called him “Good King Harry” for a reason.
Harry was the only interesting member in that family. He is incredibly popular and well loved. He was the most requested for tours. Even Richard Palmer mentioned how boring Will and Kate are. He had a tweet (before Meghan) that said Harry better get a girlfriend because they are bored of the Cambridge’s. Now they are stuck with them. Explains the constant meltdowns.
The comparison of Harry to Edward is apples to oranges. Edward was going to be king and abdicated. Harry was 5th in line and never going to be king–remeber? He’s the irrelevant one. Not even in the same ballpark. Enough of this bullshit already!
Oh please I highly doubt Philip GAF (I also highly doubt he’s very “there” anymore mentally, based on his retirement etc). Leave that man alone!
I call BS on this, PP is an old man from a different generation.
I do not think he is making these statements publicly, he has retired from public life a few years back.
The entire BRF is outdated, I say again.
They are pretty much a group of overpaid, costume wearing, snobs whose only use is to bring in money from tourists and sometimes putting on really good parades. 🙂
I’m not watching anything on Netflix because H&M produced it, I watch shows that interest me.
Same for O’Bama Netflix items.
The comments about Andrew are interesting in that the DM finally realized they have to come out against him so they’re starting off softly to see which arguments “stick.” I wonder if we’ll see some more direct statements condemning him as they see that this dance of calling his crimes a lapse in judgment isn’t working.
Ingrid soft pedaling Andrew’s association with a convicted pedophile. Good luck with that book selling in the US. Since M and H told the British press to kick rocks they have to make their money somehow by shoehorning Harry and/or Meghan in the fan fiction.
When the queen or Philip passes the news will not only be the funerals but will Harry AND Meghan show up. The optics will be bad for the Firm if they don’t; it will presumed they were banned out of spite. That’s how big the Sussexes are now.
In the middle of a pandemic, they may not be allowed to show up to a funeral. According to current regulations, they’d have to isolate for 14 days once they step foot on UK soil. So they couldn’t attend a funeral anyway. Harry might be required (UK citizen), to self-isolate after that for 14 days in the UK before being allowed to return to the US.
Can any British person explain how exactly these royals do anything out of “duty”????? These insiders keep claiming how tacky is that Harry and Meghan are Hollywood celebrities or something, but Hollywood celebrities still do WORK. The royals just sit on their asses attending cocktail parties and live off their stolen land. They’re literally just the top ladder socialites and are no better than d list actors, except they work less.
The Queen actually does get government documents and has certainly been portrayed as reading through them. Part of the reason the ‘establishment’ were pleased to boot Edward out and blame it on his love life was because he didn’t do any of the work he was supposed to do as King. The Queen also has regular meetings with the Prime Minister to discuss affairs of state.
A member of the Royal family who doesn’t have other responsibilities (e.g. Charles and the Duchy of Cornwall) can pretty much work full time as a charity fundraiser (which is why Megan and Harry were OK with being working Royals to begin with – they wanted to treat it as a full time charity fund raiser job).
The problem is there is no independent assessment of how much work should be done other than by comparison to the other Royals. This means Harry and Megan managing to do X number of engagements per week *did* make Will and Kate look bad because it allowed direct comparisons between two couples at a similar stage of life where one couple was doing far more than the other. Even massaging the figures (not counting all the Invictus work, inflating W&K’s numbers by counting a 30 minute visit as a full day’s engagement) didn’t help.
Charles does more charity work than W & K even *with* the Duchy but that was hand waved as not having small children at home. Anne and Edward do a lot of the unglamorous, ‘I hereby declare this municipal building / swimming pool / museum etc. open’ work as do minor Royals (the Queen’s first cousins for example).
Even Andrew seemed to realise he had to *appear* to work (his Trade Envoy post).
I’m not saying they aren’t all immensely privileged but most of them do a full time job in return (albeit one where they can set their own schedule).
Another thing is; Which Royal do the municipalities want to dedicated their municipal building / swimming pool / museum etc?
In the Queen Mother’s heyday, she got the most requests for an appearances. The Queen Mother absolutely loved these types of engagements bringing her majestic magic to the average Joe and Josephine Q. Public.
The next big one was Diana in her heyday for reasons need no explanation.
Anne, was the type that once she made an appearance in “Wherevershire” then “Wherevershire” would request her every time they needed or wanted a royal. The reason why Anne always gets invited back is because she actually seems interested in the engagement, glad to be there and requires minimum fuss.
William & Kate do not want to do this type of work, have flat-out said as much, do not get many request outside of the Home Counties and it has reflected back badly on them.
Meghan & Harry really did not have time to get started with these types of “Wherevershire” engagements (which are planned 6-12 months in advance) due to Meghan’s pregnancy.
Charles does this type of bread-and-butter work but it 99% associated with the Duchy of Cornwall and The Prince’s Trust.
The Prince’s Trust, Dumfries House, and Poundbury are more than just bread-and-butter engagements, but Charles does 400-500 of those engagements every year on top of those other thing.
What W&K have claimed all along is, they don’t want to do bread-and-butter (like showing up annually to the Irish Guards). They said they’d pick a handful of charities and give loads of effort to that handful. See the charity employee who spoke up and publicly told off Kate for not visiting them in eight years. They’re trying to LOOK like they’re doing big things like Charles, while refusing to do the everyday engagements.
W&K have tried big things, but those things only worked when Harry got involved. With Harry gone, W&K are left pretending to do big things and failing (Broken Britain, Survey to save all broken children anyone?).
They’re still at it, which has slipped under the radar. A few months ago there was a statement about how they were going to pick one-two charities a year. Help them with their fund raising goal for a few years. Then drop those charities and pick one-two new ones to help for a few years. But essentially not do any other royal duties or charity work.
All W&K are doing is working hard at excuses for not working.
The problem with William and Kate doing those big projects is that they are both uninspired and do not seem to commit to them fully. Kate still has a problem making speeches so giving her a bigger platform doesn’t help. It’s best they follow the Anne formula of bread-and-butter engagements until they are required to perform the ceremonial duties of the monarch.
“The Prince’s Trust, Dumfries House, and Poundbury are more than just bread-and-butter engagements, but Charles does 400-500 of those engagements every year on top of those other thing.”
@nota – you are so correct. I was referring to all the extra engagements Charles squeezes in when he is traveling for business for The Duchy of Cornwall and The Prince’s Trust. This “squeezing” in extra engagements is well documents in “Charles at 70” when he squeezed in a whole day of public Scotland work because he happened to be in Scotland at Dumfries House for some big “do”.
Sophie Wessex does a lot of the bread and butter engagements as well. I did wonder whether her behaviour towards H & M was because they had managed to get out while she had knuckled under and let the RF force her into the ‘how lovely to see you, have you come far’ box.
She was an intelligent educated woman with her own business that she tried to keep going after her marriage but the tabloids targeted her ( a Royal working, shock horror). The press eventually got her to say something inappropriate (I can’t even remember what now) to an undercover reporter and the RF forced her to give up work and be a full time Royal. Since she was the wife of the third son she didn’t even have the option of starting interesting projects from scratch (like the Grenfell cookbook).
She did behave badly the last time she saw H & M but if you’ve spent years squashing yourself into an ‘appropriate’ box, seeing people (especially another married in) who refuse to be bullied into doing the same must be difficult.
Well of course Philip wouldn’t understand – he’s the king of the racist and sexist comments so….and yes, the efforts to use Harry in the same breath as Andrew to minimize Andrew and distract from his activities are vile…
Anyone else see the story about the Queen and Philip leaving Balmoral a month early and going to Sandringham? She would ordinarily return to Buckingham Palace or Windsor, but they’re both going to Sandringham now.
‘The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will depart Balmoral Castle during the week commencing 14 September to spend time privately on the Sandringham Estate. Subject to the finalisation of the autumn programme, Her Majesty’s intention is to return to Windsor Castle in October and to resume the use of Buckingham Palace for selected audiences and engagements. These plans will be kept under review and will of course be subject to all relevant guidance and advice.’
I doubt Philip cares what Harry and Meghan are doing now. He may be beyond caring about anything.
I think Penny Knatchbull is based out of Norfolk or Leicestershire so she may be the reason for Philip’s return to Sandringham with QEII coming along for proper optics.
No need for optics. He’s been living at Sandringham alone since he retired, with the Queen living at BP, Windsor, wherever. What is weird is both of them returning to Sandringham early from Balmoral. I think Philip’s health is failing.
I was trying to be kind.
As if this man knows what day it is let alone that his grandchild and great-grandchild are not in the same country.
Philip is 99. Using him in this way is vile.
Philip is also the same guy who cheated on his wife and took off for a round-the-world trip on the family yacht. Wasn’t all that a dereliction of duty? When he was present, he was rude and racist while doing his engagements.
He also didn’t understand why Diana was so upset. Philip is not the guy you consult for marriage advice. Even now, he has a mistress.
More dysfunction from the BRF who leads in this arena. Philly’s mind is lost, a man who thought women should remain in their place, sexually seducing the many. Why would anyone believe it palpable to quote, post or tell fairy tales on this member of the walking dead.
Did Phillip collaborate with Ingrid Seward on this book because how can she know his innermost thoughts? Anyway, I don’t believe these are real thoughts of Phillip. He gave up his homeland, birthright, religion, military career and name to marry the Queen so why would he have issues with what Harry has done? Another thing, I don’t believe Phillip feels any shame about Andrew’s involvement with Epstein. Pedophilia seems to be accepted by the British establishment so Phillip would have no problem with Andrew’s actions.
Seems to be a pattern…wasn’t Charles’ bff Jimmy Saville? I’m sure there were others as well. They don’t care…just don’t get CAUGHT at it.
Louis Mountbatten was a pedophile and they’re still naming royal children after him -William, George, Louise, Louis.
People in the media like Ingrid Seward suck. They keep saying how Meghan and Harry could have had this global platform to do charity work, but whenever they did anything it was ridiculed as “woke” by the press and the other royals were jealous. They and the rest of the royals are a sick bunch. I don’t blame the Sussexes one bit for escaping.And Phillip is a trash human being. Wasn’t he boinking his wife’s cousin? Plus a racist.
“Wasn’t he boinking his wife’s cousin? Plus a racist.”
YES! He was for MANY years.
Phillip is a virulent racist. Who cares what this old biter asshole thinks?
I know a lot of people want Harry & Meghan to end up like Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, but it’s not going to happen. They are doing great, they’re happy, sorry not sorry!!
All these Lady Knatchbull comments made me google her and Phillip. And OH MY! There are so many pictures of them together and she’s BEAUTIFUL. Even in her old age. I found this article about the “scandal” of her husband leaving to be with someone else and her carrying on cause I bet they had been LONG separated. Especially since she’s been such a close friend to Phillip. I don’t understand why Liz likes her though!? I mean it could be just that she’s nice to both of them and has kept herself in her “place”? And if you really think about it, if Liz sees THIS as her duty. Turning a blind eye for God and Country. Being an absolute sham of everything you say you are just to keep the lifestyle, then yes she does not understand why H & M left. She expected them to be miserable for the sake of the BRF.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1351565/The-Queens-confidante-close-friend-Prince-Philip–cheating-husband-seemingly-ending-catalogue-misfortune-.html
@Mindy_Dopple – Following is a short list of long term Duke of Edinburgh affairs with family members:
1. Princess Alexandra of Kent, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy
2. Alexandra “Sasha” Phillips Hamilton, Duchess of Abercorn
3. Penny Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma
BatTampaBay. I know looks aren’t everything but Princess Alexandra was/is lovely and Penny was/is gorgeous. However Duchess of Abercorn? Eye of the beholder and all but she and her sister (Duchess of Westminster) aren’t that attractive. Just my opinion.
Most of the aristocracy have affairs after the ‘heir and the spare’ are born (I have no doubt Rose’s husband is well aware of her and William and if he’s upset it’s only because of the publicity). It’s why Diana got so little sympathy among her peers – Charles showed her respect in public and didn’t flaunt his mistresses and they couldn’t see why she was making such a fuss. When Kanga Tryon started publicly acting as though they were in a relationship Charles dropped her and went back to Camilla who played by the rules.
I do have some sympathy for Charles. He was playing by the rules of the society he and Diana grew up in. She wanted a modern marriage where fidelity was expected. From the books both of them cooperated with, neither of them ever talked about it – they both just made (completely opposed) assumptions of how their marriage would be conducted.
Philip’s mistresses were mature married women, most if not all who had had their children with their husband and were therefore ‘allowed’ to have relationships outside marriage. They never tried to flaunt their relationship with Phillip in public or tried to supplant the Queen in any way. They came from the upper classes and played by the old fashioned rules, as did the Queen. Going back even further, Edward VII’s wife is meant to have invited his favourite mistress to his deathbed.
Charles was not showing Diana respect in public. As early as 1983 he was showing signs of the jealousy and said in front of many people at a banquet he “needed two wives.” Diana visibly cringed. He started also making put down comments of Diana in public. He was not nice to her. He even got snide when they went out as an engaged couple on a walkabout, saying in front of reporters “I guess I’ll have to get used to seeing the backs of photographers when she’s around.” Diana also noticed the expensive baubles that Charles had packed for Camilla while he gave her cheap presents. Camilla also put down the wife (as evidenced by letters) something that had been taboo in society and sat at the dinner table at Highgrove playing hostess while Diana was away, and Diana gave no approval obviously. Alice Keppel and Lily Langtry and other mistresses of Edward VII would never have been allowed to put down Alexandra. Lady Kanga Tryon was a more traditional mistress she was not as pushy as Camilla in that she did not put down Diana nor replaced her as hostess, Camilla was more ruthless. When Camilla was pregnant with the Parker Bowles children, Charles was with Dale Tryon among other women and Camilla fretted that she would be displaced. Charles also was godfather To his mistress’s children which showed all was “civilized.”
The Queen was and is in a position of power. Philip was the expendable one, he was consort.
I think Phillip and Harry are actually much alike. They have both devoted themselves to their wives and country. Harry has served his country in the military and 35 years as a royal. Harry didn’t choose to be royal but carried out his duties until they were taken away. Philip did marry into the firm accepting royal duties. Rumors of affairs aside he has publically and privately in his family always supported his wife. Harry is supporting his wife just as Philip did. The thing Philip doesn’t understand is Harry did not give up his royal roles, his grandmother took them away.
Don’t kid yourselves, that line about ‘what did they have to complain about, they had a nice home blah blah blah’ has been used forever to pressure abused women to stay with their husbands.
All bullies think that it’s your faults for not “taking it”. It’s never on them.
Royal gossip has never interested me. Not a judgment, it’s just not my thing. I also hate bell peppers. But the Markle thing fascinates and horrifies me. It’s like pulling up a fancy run to see all the cockroaches skitter away. Why have we let these goobers swan around for so long? It’s just amazing to me
Honestly, and I’ve said this before, but I think this is the big problem with Sussexit. It pulls back the curtain on the monarchy and the royal family. the reason they weren’t allowed to be half-in, half-out, and refuse sovereign grant money/make their own money? Then people would ask why the other royals aren’t doing the same thing. Or then Charlotte and Louis would be expected to work and make their own money, and its clear (IMO) that will and kate don’t expect their children to work (why would they, they barely work themselves.) Factor in the spotlight its shining on the courtiers, the royal residences, the way the family is funded – I think in the long term Sussexit will be very bad for the royal family, but probably better for the UK and definitely better for H&M.
I have tried not to rise to the obvious clickbait from the RR and DM but I just get so angry (unreasonably so) when people talk as if H&M have just abandoned the BRF and are sitting around their mansion spending the British taxpayers’ money (which is obviously funneled directly to them) and complaining about their privileged life. Since the moment they got engaged, they have been publicly “working” and continue to do so, despite best efforts to strip them of every title and patronage they have ever had. When Sussexit was announced, Harry said he would pay back the renovations for Frogmore (which was unnecessary in most peoples’ opinions and mine); he did that within 6 months. He said they were working towards being financially independent; they are well on their way, if not already there. He said they would continue to represent TQ; they have continued work with charities, the Commonwealth and others while setting up their own foundation. In short, they have worked for a life of their own and what have they asked in return? To be able to live their lives without being abused.
Throughout history, the younger sons in a family have had to make their own way: farms or main titles were given to the oldest son, the younger sons traditionally went into the military and/or priesthood. As recently as Edward and Sophie’s wedding, it was expected that they would earn their own money, although they were given perks such as jewelry, a home and lesser titles. Both Edward and Sophie had their own businesses. So why is it such an issue that Harry, who is not even the “spare” any longer unless the entire line of Cambridges is extinguished, wanted to have his own life? Certainly other members of the BRF have left England, some have even worked in the film industry. Fergie will be the Duchess of York until Andrew dies or she remarries; in the 20+ years since their divorce, she’s used her title to hawk Weight Watchers and Avon while living with Andrew. At this point, the RR and DM just look like idiots because evidence of H&M being treated unfairly is just too blatant.
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This is all so sad. I am struggling to understand why everyone is unable live as they wish and be happy for each other?
The “dereliction of duty” phrase leaves me f*cking seething, because it was Harry who fought to be able to go off and fight in a war for his country. He’s done his duty to his nation. And he served valiantly by all accounts.
How dare they toss about that phrase at a veteran. It’s disgusting.
Ingrid Seward is a grade a snob, classist and racist who is angry and feels that Harry tainted the bloodline by marrying a biracial American. He was supposed to marry Cressida Bonas who is very much liked by Ingrid. 🙄🤡
Being that Ingrid is good friends with Cressida’s Ma she would have something all these gossipy parasites covet – access.
She is bitter.
I agree MJM. She is incredibly bitter Harry didn’t marry Cressida. Her letter in Majesty magazine begging Harry to take her back is still hysterical to me.
And Cressida has gone into acting. In low budget horror movie and a bit part in a Weinstein film, and some local theatre work. She would have been praised to the skies for being an “actress” and Meghan is trashed for it and she had a better career than cressida.
There’s a bit of revisionist history going on here!! They are making Philip as a saint who sacrificed for the good of the nation! They guy not only lives with his mistress penny( had affairs throughout his marriage), he has a long history of racist & homophobic behaviour as well as his siblings being nazis ( hitler even attended his sisters wedding ). I see DM is marketing this failing book😂the idiots dont know that bots & haters dont spend money
Type “Prince Philip gaffs” or “Prince Philip inappropriate comments” into Google, then tell me again about how his life is dedicated to upholding the refined standards of the monarchy. On the most generous interpretation, he is a racist, sexist, classless jerk.
He looks like the Cryptkeeper.
I know there’s a lot more to be said about the monarchy and that Phillip is probably just a senile old man and all that, but it was literally the first thing I thought when I saw that pic. I almost gasped and clutched my chest ’cause I thought the Grim Reaper had finally caught up with my arse.
I have only one question-what was the purpose of Diana having Harry?-was it because they wanted another child to love and bring up or a another child to imprison in the monarchy in case something happened to the older child-William-their sense of a loving family for the sake of loving coming first is definitely suspect-it seems they only want children to continue the money cycle for monarchy.
Charles wanted the heir and the spare. Diana wanted a larger family.
@Tessa – You are correct. Diana definitely wanted a third child.
It’s called ‘free choice’ mate. Everyone else gets to choose their own careers, it’s ridiculous that royal children have their lives mapped out for them from birth whether they want it or not. In any other context, a family this controlling of each other would be seen through the lens of family violence.
Good lord! This pic scared the shit of out me scrolling through the CB stories! lol :/