As Ever #2 Whatever

[PrettyFlyforaMaiTai]

I noticed the old thread is almost full so thought we could start a new one to carry on the discussion about the rebrand and merching.

Are you an ‘As Ever’ or ‘Whatever’?

link to the old thread: www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_royal_family/5277002-as-ever

I guess there is no way at this point, she can publicly come out and do a Mea Culpa especially after the breathy explanation of why ARO failed.was rebranded.

If it wasnt' for ARO collapsing, the Netflix trailer getting laughed out of the room, the disaster tourism, the Invictus crazy PDA's, I think the right PR move would have been to come out and admit "we totally messed up, we didn't realise we were encroaching on a small family brand, the logo is a pure coincidence, we understand why people are unhappy about it, we will rectify it, bare with us as we sort it out" obviously to be written in perfect PR language.

Unfortunately, most people are of the opinion she did know the name belonged to another company and didn't care, took advantage knowing it was not trademarked, just didn't give a crap about the business owners behind it.

I think what is really sad is their innocent kids are now part of this whole unsightly mess and media backlash.

Wonder where all the posters are who used to insist H and M are living their best lives ?
I actually think Harry would love to be back here maybe not full time but certainly more than fleeting visits to attend court cases or funerals.

A major downsize and a more realistic look at their security needs would cut costs because you're right, their current lifestyle is unsustainable without massive amounts of cash coming in regularly.

I think an income/outgoings spreadsheet for the last 5 years would be very interesting.

Serious question- do they actually need security guards 24/7 ?

Oh god, don't draw them on us again !

As I said above, I don't think their 'lifestyle' is all that impressive. The private jets and clothes will probably be paid for by someone else. They don't go on lavish holidays or host glamorous parties. I'm also not convinced their security bill is as high as they want us to think, because they are not as important as they want us to think. I also wonder if they have that much 'staff' because everything they do seems incredibly amateurish.

That said, I'm not sure where big money will come from going forward. They've already spilled the royal tea and that is their USP. They may well have to downsize in the future.

If they sold the house and moved to a cheaper country ( yes I know!) , then they could afford the lifestyle they want , but although I think Harry might tolerate this Meghan would not,

She craves the fame and limelight, in marrying Harry she finally achieved everything she had been working towards her whole life, to give it up now would be unthinkable for her.

I do actually feel bad for the total shit show she's now experiencing but then I remember what she's done to others in her pursuit of fame , all of this is self inflicted had she dialed it back just a small bit this would not have happened.

Good point. There are employee costs though. Unless they have a load of interns.

I think in the end, she could go back to using the name ‘The TIg’

Its a name associated with her, there’s not going to be any name issues etc.

BUT….shes literally right back where she was 10 years ago…. but with less Instagram followers and no public good will.

But can you imagine if she has to abandon As ever. After the ARO fiasco. It’s just so embarrassing.

How many people do they actually employ full time though?

A few domestic staff maybe, but they won't be expensive.

I'm not sure they have a load of professional staff on the pay roll, except maybe on a consultancy basis.

Nope, but Harry’s paranoia and Meghans delusions of grandeur need it

I think this is a brilliant idea but would involve a certain amount of humble pie & downsizing, perhaps a move to a more affordable if more inclement Texas…

It also wouldn’t be about them/her & that might be insurmountable for them/her.

Ironically this would earn her/them the most respect, adoration & ‘love’.

I am afraid M is a textbook narcissist, I had really hoped she wasn’t but the only other explanation I can currently deduce is she is she’s a bit dim & that’s not a fit. I honestly wish them well but fear things won’t end well if this indeed points to a personality disorder. If she genuinely loves Harry & he’s not just a pawn that’s very positive for their family future at least. I was less confident about that after reading about the channelling of deceased Diana in spirit in Spare. If the love isn’t true we might see a white knight in the form of Aristotle Onassis.

I agree. They may need some sort of security, as many public figures do.

But he is 5th in line and she is an aspiring influencer, so I do not believe they need high level round the clock protection. It may be good for the ego, but it will cost them.

I don’t know wage rates in the US but they have Nannies, gardeners , cleaning staff just for starters .

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14416701/Meghan-Markle-cutting-quip-photographer-lifestyle-brand.html.

Here the owner of the photography herself says she has had lots of nasty comments - so I am assuming true and not rumour in this case

Lots of middle class people I know employ nannies, gardeners and cleaners. You don't need to be a multi millionaire for that. I doubt they have an entire household staff on full time salaries.

I imagine the problem @IcedPurple , is that Harry is used to royal family level of staffing! And Meghan has now experienced it !
Anything less is going to seem a trifle disappointing!

Omg yes! Cooking her way through all the royal castles and palaces and stately homes.
They could chat about all kinds of stuff while cooking - history, kitchen gardens, upstairs/downstairs, royal stuff, architecture...

During the carriage ride (after the wedding ceremony) the carriage went over a bump and Meghan could be heard very clearly exclaiming ‘f@@k’. And I seem to recall she held on to her tiara when saying it.

The house has a sizeable mortgage. They pay heavy taxes. I would imagine the water bills are high to maintain the grounds, as well as the A/C bills.

Like many, they will both be hoping and praying the richest parent dies soon as they need the inheritance.

@ERthree will PC death solve any money worries?

Is it not more likely that KC will have set up a Trust Fund for Archie and Lilibet rather than a huge amount to Harry in case there is a divorce ?

I'm currently channelling a vision of H&M pursued like Jake and Elmore Blues, not by Illinois Nazis and the "men and women of law enforcement" but a mob loosely comprising William and Kate, the Mayor of Porreres, a NYC artisan clothing company, an Arizona wedding photographer, Emma Marchioness of Bath, numerous disgruntled ex staff, Piers Morgan, the Royal Marines, Queen Camilla and a very pissed off former stable girl.

I'm sure I've missed lots out.

Who’d have thunk it! It takes Meghan to make Gwyneth look real, that is some achievement 😁