More News on Harry and Meghan

[Viviennemary]

Two little bits of news I read today. First the bells won't ring out at Westminster Abbey for Meghans birthday next month and she'll be devastated. No I don't think she'll even expect them to ring. And I had to smile at Bogart the dog was left behind in Canada because it didn't take to Harry. What else could she do. Hardly leave Harry behind. And it would have been a worry with a baby in the house too. She did the right thing here.

No-one who is in the business if providing sensible press or PR advice was involved (or listened to) when that statement was drafted and released. When it comes to being investigated by your regulator due to a complaint the only, only thing to be said is that you are sure that all appropriate steps have been taken and the correct process followed, but you will of course co-operate fully with the Charities Commission/other regulator as appropriate to ensure that any questions they may have are fully answered.

I bet William is fuming, as would anyone when something like this comes out of the blue, but knows as long as he keeps a lower profile, nothing much will happen as the media are far more interested in H&M. He also did the sensible thing as @Serenster mentioned above by issuing a short, concise statement and letting time take care of the rest.

It's sad but this has most likely strained the relationship between the brothers further. H is probably angry that W is letting him take all the hits whilst they keep digging themselves further into a hole. The book is going to be a cherry shaped grenade on top of this whole mess.

@Serenster 100%. No other way to play it- at all.

If 'never complain, never explain' is not acceptable then a brief statement that they welcome the CC review as everything was above board, would have been much more effective in shutting down criticism.

This, definitely. If nothing else, it would leave them wiggle room in the event the investigation uncovers something that was done wrong, then they could do a humble apology, fix it and move on. Unfortunately for them, the smug self congratulatory crap they've put out means that if an error has been made, however innocent, they'll be piled on.

That Scoble book is going to be an utter disaster. Things are moving so quickly he must be furiously rewriting by the hour.

The questions were specific and based on corporate filings. This is not a pap shoot or "sources close to" situation. Questions like this they need to take on the chin and do better at responding

Very well put - except that responding sensibly takes judgement and so far I'm not seeing much
The outraged responses, with the undertone of "how dare you presume to question me?^ are pure gold to the media, so it's a shame they've not learned to keep their heads down, enjoy their wealth and get on with whatever the cause is this week instead of constantly seeking publicity

And TBF William's team did respond, in saying that handing the money to Sussex Royal followed guidelines, but beyond that he's very wise to keep schtum. Right now the RF machine can paint the whole problem as being "those two over there" and I don't suppose they want the second in line tainting with it

I can't see any lawyer worth their salt issuing a statement like that. It's undiluted H. It also makes him sound a bit ridiculous. Either they have done things properly or they haven't. If the latter, they will get plenty of expert advice from the CC who really know their stuff. All the hysteria is completely unwarranted.

William was right in that transferring funds from a registered charity to another registered charity is fine if the aims are roughly the same. Funds from registered charity to private company perhaps not fine.

@Roussette

As I said, I feel he has grown up since he was so stupid to go on hunting holidays and is making amends for that now. As far as private jets, yes too, but it's not unlike other members of the RF, including Charles who has an even worse record for that. I still feel it's a good initiative, so we'll have to agree to differ.

Some will agree and some will disagree (like lots of things). I feel that to have someone as the head of this initiative who provokes a strong disagreement from some (because of his past hunting as well as past and ongoing use of private planes) that it might have been a wiser choice to have chosen someone who wasn’t thought of by some in such a way. It seems a shame to either put people off Travalyst or deny them the full support they could have received because of Harry. Not sure who would be a good alternative though (is there even anyone who is universally popular and suitable to such a position?).

@YouSayWhat

I think people / media will now be goading HandM into a hot headed response at every opportunity now, as their responses are click bait gold.

Harry. Here is a message for you. Never complain, never explain.

Agreed.

This is something some have abided by and others have realised along the way. I wonder when or if Harry will follow this and stop reacting.

Every day a new bit of news about them and they don't even live in this country. And the news never seems very favourable. They really need to take a back seat for a while.

@Viviennemary

They need their connection with royalty to stay relevant. Without that they're finished IMHO.

I agree although I do wonder whether or not that would have been the case if we hadn’t had a pandemic straight after they stepped down. They had a lot of publicity with them at the time and that could have worked to their advantage. Now the world is already a different place and will continue to be.

Both Harry and Meghan come across as being very hotheaded and responding before taking the time to think. Be interesting to see how the witness stand goes at court with such personalities.

Her name's Meghan actually. That's a bit childish

Bet Meghan had got her dress bought (made) and make-up artist booked for Bea's wedding!

@SunbathingDragon. I have to admit that if they did take the witness stand, I would look, scared and fascinated, peeping behind half-closed hands...

It seems a shame to either put people off Travalyst or deny them the full support they could have received because of Harry

Somehow I doubt Harry would see it like that; given his experience of sycophancy he probably feels his glittering presence is just what's wanted, and it's only the nasty media who are spoiling things

Not sure who would be a good alternative though (is there even anyone who is universally popular and suitable to such a position?)

I can think of a few, but there are just so many "climate causes" to choose from that I'm not sure why Travalyst would be a stand-out choice ... especially if it's seen as a vanity project or there's a risk of a lawsuit for anyone who doesn't quite see things Harry's way

Is Tavalyst a private company? If it is it shouldn’t be taking funds from a charity.

I think people / media will now be goading HandM into a hot headed response at every opportunity now, as their responses are click bait gold

No doubt, but it's hardly obligatory to provide the media with what they want at every turn. They're not children any more so could just put out measured statements instead of displays of petulance and otherwise keep reasonably quiet, but as said that would take judgement

As for seeing "such personalities" in the witness box, I'll eat my hat if that happens. They'd both get absolutely monstered by defence barristers and I'm not sure they could afford the fallout

Can someone explain why H&M just haven’t created twitter and Instagram accounts with their personal names (just like Beatrice and Eugenie have).

I think M must be dying to get out there again.

Although if anything upset either of them we might see scenes reminiscent of Donald Trump’s twitter meltdowns.

@timetest

Is Tavalyst a private company? If it is it shouldn’t be taking funds from a charity.

Travalyst was registered as a private company in April this year.

I actually don't understand why they haven't launched Archewell now if it's ready to go. I know back in April it wasn't appropriate at such a peak in the pandemic, but if it's a non-profit organisation to help people and relevant causes then what's the delay? They have reportedly said it's delayed as the time isn't right and to focus on BLM and the impact of COVID but what are they actually doing for those causes apart from the odd speech? Why can't they use Archewell for that focus?

Therefore I actually don't think Archewell is ready. I think there is some sort of technicality such as the reported instagram account issue or trademark issues. No idea what but I just don't believe it's COVID/BLM holding it up. I think it's a convenient excuse. I just don't know why they can't launch it now if it's truly meant to help people and other causes, and not themselves.

Just to add, I thought a large part of Archewell was around supporting people's mental health and well-being. A global pandemic is a major threat to mental health and well-being so why delay launching the foundation, if it's ready to go? Surely there is no better time than now?