Isn’t it fascinating, the range of views on this thread. What I haven’t seen mentioned (but may have missed it) is the extraordinary idea that in doing this, they are going to get less media attention. Surely it’s likely to increase if they aren’t showing up at public events such as trooping the colour etc.
And I also think they are confusing the press attention that Harry is still completely traumatised by wrt his mother, with social media which isn’t under any conglomerate’s control (other than if twitter/facebook etc closed down their platform), and again, won’t stop because they try to do this halfway house thing that’s in their statement but is still totally unclear in terms of how it will work. They could possibly, as Cambridges have done, try to do some deals w the press re how photos are taken and used etc., but the same courtesy will never come from social media as it’s a hive mind.
The statement to me sounds incredibly naive, and as if it’s coming from a very troubled and difficult place. Despite all the help he’s sought, it sounds like Harry’s mental shape is not great, that they aren’t getting, or perhaps listening to, good advice about how to navigate the difficult situation they are in, and that they are alienated and not prepared to work with the Firm that presumably would like to help, but may be doing so in a way that this couple doesn’t like or appreciate, nor is able to access.
I feel bad for them (but not that much given the extraordinary privilege they have along with this media attention), but not entirely sympathetic given their petulant and ill thought-through approach. I can see what they want, I have some sympathy with what they want, but I cannot see how this action gets them what they want.