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The royal family

Talks about reconciliation 2

1000 replies

bluegreygreen · 17/07/2025 10:18

I've never started a thread here before, but I thought some people might be interested in this take on the story by a PR podcast I listened to yesterday (started listening to this podcast as I know very little about PR!).

It would be good to know if any of the resident PR people agree.

When It Hits The Fan: A Right Royal Whodunnit

When It Hits the Fan - A Right Royal Whodunnit - BBC Sounds

David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the fallout from a very public secret royal meeting.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002fvh7?origin=share-mobile&partner=uk.co.bbc

OP posts:
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CoffeeCantata · 22/07/2025 17:18

HonoriaBulstrode · 22/07/2025 13:37

I don’t think H&M realised how badly the exaggerated curtsey would land. I think she saw it as ‘cutesy ditsy American meets daft old Brit customs’ without contemplating the insult it would be to the Queen.

And also the idea that someone who had had ballet lessons and was a trained actress should not know how to curtsey. Or that an intelligent woman couldn't find out beforehand. It made her look disingenuous at best, dishonest at worst.

It’s just daft - I think she forgets the stories she’s previously told and contradicts herself a lot. Eg the episode of not knowing who Prince Andrew was.

CoffeeCantata · 22/07/2025 17:19

tataler · 22/07/2025 13:40

So another thread devolved into name calling and derangement.

Whats new 😂

Are you going to contribute anything new, or did you just come along to sneer?

MrsLeonFarrell · 22/07/2025 17:19

CoffeeCantata · 22/07/2025 17:16

Just catching up…

I really advise sceptics to watch the programme. The lip-readers they use are forensic ones used by the police, and if you watch them you’ll see how cautious and professional they are. I think both are either profoundly deaf or at least hearing- impaired, so clearly such people are as expert as it’s possible to be in that field.

im not here to convince pps - but do give it a go, because it’s fascinating and funny in parts, especially what Charles says to Camilla at their wedding.🤣

I found it totally convincing but make your own minds up.

I'll give it a go. It sounds like it's a step up from the tabloids.

PoppysAunt · 22/07/2025 17:22

CoffeeCantata · 22/07/2025 17:18

It’s just daft - I think she forgets the stories she’s previously told and contradicts herself a lot. Eg the episode of not knowing who Prince Andrew was.

😂😂😂
As. If.

CoffeeCantata · 22/07/2025 17:34

@HiRen

I find it depressing to think that H & M could actually wage a lifelong campaign against William and Kate - at least for as long as they’re together. And as you say, their ammunition doesn’t even need to have any basis in reality. We see on these threads that their fans are ready to believe anything they tell them.

I get why Meghan feels totally free to do this, but what is Harry thinking(don’t answer that…clearly very little!)? He will stand or fall by his royal connection in the final analysis. He has lost so much already.

BigWillyLittleTodger · 22/07/2025 17:49

I find it depressing to think that H & M could actually wage a lifelong campaign against William and Kate

I agree, I think the best thing William could do is cut them off entirely, I don’t agree at all that the Palace have semi control over them while they are on the website, they have no control at all, we have seen it in black and white played out for the world to see. William not only needs to think of his reign but his children and George in particular, if he doesn’t end this ridiculous situation when he is King he is passing on a poisoned chalice to his son, who will then have to cope with the next generation of brickbats from over the pond. So what if Harry and Meghan throw their toys out the pram, they’ve been doing it for years, same old same old.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 22/07/2025 18:00

William not only needs to think of his reign but his children and George in particular, if he doesn’t end this ridiculous situation when he is King he is passing on a poisoned chalice to his son, who will then have to cope with the next generation of brickbats from over the pond

It's a very fair point, @BigWillyLittleTodger, but as you said yourself the palace have very little control over H&M so I'm not sure what William could do even if he was so minded

Probably the best the RF can hope for is that, after the countless lies, there are ever fewer people with sense who believe a word either says
Doubtless any new claims will please the media who always need a new story, but I'm not convinced the couple can cause much lasting damage any more

HiRen · 22/07/2025 18:02

He will stand or fall by his royal connection in the final analysis. He has lost so much already.

But he still has much to lose. It's still possible for him to return (not that he wants to): in his mind, he still - STILL - thinks daddy and the family and the country would take him back if he were on his uppers. I don't underestimate his entitlement. Also, it's true: there's no way that Prince Harry would ever be left on his uppers. At worst, he will be "managed" like Andrew is being managed, or Edward Windsor was managed. He'll never lose it all, but he still has a lot more to go before he gets even close. Not so for Meghan. Her worst case scenario, as the children's mother, is a modest house with a modest stipend in California somewhere. That said, Meghan will always be fine. She can more than look after herself. She's a hustler par excellence.

I don’t agree at all that the Palace have semi control over them while they are on the website, they have no control at all, we have seen it in black and white played out for the world to see

It could be so, so much worse. A throwaway comment about racism, walked back and attributed to third party: look at the damage that did to the head of the Coommonwealth, and how much extra work it will have created. A throwaway comment about lip gloss and not being a hugger: look how much that revealed to the public about Catherine's carefully curated public image. All they need to say is that (eg) Catherine likes a martini or 3 every evening; Charlotte is a spoilt brat/Mean Girl; William's temper resulted in xyz plausible consequence on such and such date. That's just tittle tattle that would be a pain in the neck to manage. But there would be things there that could totally pull the rug out from under the future King and Queen's in terms of the actual work they do: disclosures about how finances actually work, a comment Catherine once made about how boring and exhausting such and such charity visit was, dealings relating to her family. I mean the pair are managed and curated and supported and polished to an unbelievable level, one that probably nobody else in the country experiences.

Ex-communicating Harry and Meghan won't stop any of this. In fact, it would give them no reason NOT to do it, and the damage would occur anyway. It's basic, basic strategy. We all have to live with unpalatable people in our lives at times, if only because the alternative would be worse. This is one such instance, but with bigger factors at play. Nobody cares if Harry and Meghan throw their toys out the pram. That wouldn't harm anyone. It's the throwing of missiles that would hurt.

BigWillyLittleTodger · 22/07/2025 18:17

I think we will have to agree to disagree this time @HiRen, our Head of State needs to show leadership and strength not cow towing to a pair of abusive bullies, there are a lot of people who think Charles is weak but people give him a pass because Harry is his son so it can be somewhat understandable that he doesn’t want to rock the boat, however I doubt William will be given the same grace if he lets this situation continue and then blight the reign of King George with the next generation for him to contend with, I doubt very much he will have his father’s attitude to the Harry problem, we shall have to wait and see.

CoffeeCantata · 22/07/2025 18:20

Puzzledandpissedoff · 22/07/2025 18:00

William not only needs to think of his reign but his children and George in particular, if he doesn’t end this ridiculous situation when he is King he is passing on a poisoned chalice to his son, who will then have to cope with the next generation of brickbats from over the pond

It's a very fair point, @BigWillyLittleTodger, but as you said yourself the palace have very little control over H&M so I'm not sure what William could do even if he was so minded

Probably the best the RF can hope for is that, after the countless lies, there are ever fewer people with sense who believe a word either says
Doubtless any new claims will please the media who always need a new story, but I'm not convinced the couple can cause much lasting damage any more

Yes, they will need to play the VERY long game, which I think they can win because H & M will be driven over time to do more and more desperate things to hold the public’s attention. And they’re getting older, which in the RF is not such a disadvantage, but in Hollywood and the celebrity world, it’s a hanging offence. Also, that memory of the young Harry following his mother’s coffin will fade from public consciousness. How will they/he stay relevant and solvent?

But gosh, it will take some patience for the RF.

It reminds me of an old Chinese proverb: if you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of all your enemies will eventually come floating past.

PoppysAunt · 22/07/2025 18:31

They're untrustworthy, deceitful, manipulative and greedy. It won't end well.

My2cents1975 · 22/07/2025 18:32

Forgive me if I disagree.

H&M are facing exponentially increasing challenges in their target US market as the US sours on H&M. Protected by the first amendment, US media can shred H&M in ways that will make the coverage to date seem mild! The popular animated show Family Guy mocked them and a leading advertising focused podcast "The Art of the Brand" absolutely shredded M.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle brutally mocked in new Family Guy episode | Royal | News | Express.co.uk

On the episode, 'The Royal Disaster of Meghan Markle's brand', Mr Millar exclaimed: "Meghan Markle sucks as far as I’m concerned." He claimed: "It [As Ever] is run by a confederacy of dunces working on this platform that is just getting maximising the value from her fame that came from Suits and being a part of the Royal Family, and they're just milking that for everything they can".

'Meghan Markle sucks': PR experts destroy duchess in damning verdict | Royal | News | Express.co.uk

In the USA only dollars matter, and loss makers will be jettisoned. M's show flopped...outside the top 300 despite massive ad dollars supporting M. The return on marketing dollars from Netflix perspective is probably the worst ever. Ted is not a happy CEO facing furious investors in a viciously competitive entertainment market.

H&M are losing relevancy in the UK to the Wales kids and in the US to up and coming celebrities. Any vitriol hurled at the Wales family is now viewed through the lens of sour grapes and the overwhelming majority of the public on both sides of the Atlantic simply does not care.

Indifference and aging is slowly ending the House of Sussex.

Meghan Markle - Latest news, pictures and videos | Express.co.uk

Discover the latest Meghan Markle news and updates - Get the inside scoop on the royal family member and former actress, from her fashion choices to her latest charitable initiatives. Stay informed and never miss a beat with our comprehensive coverage

https://www.express.co.uk/latest/meghan-markle

My2cents1975 · 22/07/2025 18:35

To clarify, I was responding to @HiRen . I think we have a different view of things but appreciate your point of view.

HiRen · 22/07/2025 18:50

I don't disagree with any of the above, @My2cents1975 . I think what comes next for this couple, after this slide into irrelevance that you've described but stable or increased costs - is desperation. And that means danger.

There will come a point where Harry will come with a begging bowl (they always do). We likely won't hear about it but that's what will be behind an announcement of rapprochement: neither side wants rapprochement, but that's what we will be told and both sides will agree to it - with a "forgiving and magnanimous" spin for the RF, and humble reckonings from Harry + silence from Meghan - because H&M will get money out of it, and W&C will get to keep them juuuuust on the outside as they are now plus a commitment to throw no more grenades.

The truth is, Harry is able and allowed to do what he's doing. Seriously: how can anybody stop him?

Profhilodisaster · 22/07/2025 18:58

There will come a point where Harry will come with a begging bowl (they always do)

I don't know how he would have the nerve , I would hope they move to a smaller house and cut all outgoings as much as possible, to at least show they are trying to minimise their costs before asking anyone for money.

My2cents1975 · 22/07/2025 19:26

HiRen · 22/07/2025 18:50

I don't disagree with any of the above, @My2cents1975 . I think what comes next for this couple, after this slide into irrelevance that you've described but stable or increased costs - is desperation. And that means danger.

There will come a point where Harry will come with a begging bowl (they always do). We likely won't hear about it but that's what will be behind an announcement of rapprochement: neither side wants rapprochement, but that's what we will be told and both sides will agree to it - with a "forgiving and magnanimous" spin for the RF, and humble reckonings from Harry + silence from Meghan - because H&M will get money out of it, and W&C will get to keep them juuuuust on the outside as they are now plus a commitment to throw no more grenades.

The truth is, Harry is able and allowed to do what he's doing. Seriously: how can anybody stop him?

@HiRen

I do not know how one can hold H or M to any agreement since their preferred method of action is using proxies such as Omid Scobie. H&M can claim that they stuck to the non-disparagement agreement while weaponising their proxies to continue to wage a PR war against their targets.

We saw this in court documents where H literally wrote: “we have to be able to say we didn’t have anything to do with it." about briefing Omid Scobie for Finding Freedom. M provided her version of choosing her wedding tiara, and commentary on her version of her relationship with her Markle relatives.

There is no upside to W&C interacting with H&M at any level. All the family drama is baked in polls and facts are not going to change opinions. W&C have won in both the US and UK markets. They need to look forward and protect their children, who are already being attacked by SS proxies.

And it is not as if there is no precedent given KG6 and the Duke of Windsor. No one thinks of all the Duke of Windsor's attacks on KG6 including the faux royal tour to Germany as anything but a sad footnote to KG6's reign.

That is pretty much the future for H. W&C should let H&M enjoy the destination of their Freedom Flight.

IdaGlossop · 22/07/2025 19:36

Given what we know about William, I incline to the view that he will want to cut H&M off completely once he ascends the throne. If this is his wish, it would be interesting to see how the courtiers would react. A destitute Harry, drug-addled and on the streets of Los Angeles (I hope this doesn't happen) would be bad news for the reputation of the Royal family. A realistic way forward, therefore, would be to remove the HRH and titles, carry on not responding verbally to all except the most outrageous provocation, and know that financially the door has to be kept ajar.

HiRen · 22/07/2025 19:56

This is all plausible and indeed possible. The #1 priority of the RF is continuity, so they'll do whatever they need to do to ensure their longevity.

For sure William will have to remove all 4 of the Sussex's HRHs. There's no justification for not removing them, especially the children's.

Mylovelygreendress · 22/07/2025 20:04

He should remove Andrew’s HRH too ( before we get the whataboutandrew )

HonoriaBulstrode · 22/07/2025 20:13

A destitute Harry....

There's no reason why Harry should be destitute. If TLQ didn't leave him money in trust (and if she left him anything, I'm willing to bet it was in trust; she wasn't stupid) it would be easy enough to set up a trust to guarantee him an adequate income for life. And maybe a separate trust for the children's education. William needn't have anything to do with it; it could all be handled by the lawyers.

H&M will fade into obscurity. They are not young and glamorous, they don't have any particular talent or achievement to keep them in the public eye. As was said upthread, many people now don't remember Diana. They will equally not remember Harry walking behind the coffin, which is his chief claim to sympathy.

Anything they have to say about the RF is old news, and getting older. And does anyone who matters believe anything they say?

HiRen · 22/07/2025 20:15

Ah, but here's the difference: like Fergie, Diana and Camilla who have all been reported as having committed unsavoury to criminal acts, they were/are all unfailingly loyal to the royal family and the institution of the monarchy. That's paramount, it seems.

Harry and Meghan have shown treasonous disloyalty to the crown and individual members of the royal family. THAT is what will see them ultimately stripped of their HRHs (and in Meghan's case, monetizing her HRH). Their children should be stripped of theirs because they aren't royal, high or otherwise, and have nothing to do with and no personal knowledge of the UK. Their father is seeing to that never changing (securideeee) and their mother couldn't care less as long as they remain "Prince"/"Princess".

Personally, I'm anti-monarchy so none of them should have any status at all!

Holdingonfornow · 22/07/2025 20:21

PoppysAunt · 22/07/2025 09:54

I doubt very much that it's come from William's office! Sounds like malicious gossip to me.

and William has had the “Anne thinks he’s work shy” rumour articles as well
Someone has an agenda to undermine them both, I don’t think they would brief against each other

Vespanest · 22/07/2025 20:32

I doubt William will do anything other the completely ignore them. Removing titles will just give oxygen for retaliation. Harry knows it will be extremely difficult to gain traction as the next generation become adults. He's 10 years away from being an Edward.

CathyorClaire · 22/07/2025 20:36

Exactly what I've said for months.

NF marking time and fulfilling the minimum of their contractual obligations with Sussex turkeys until Sept nth rolls round.

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