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The royal family

PR disasters thread 22

1000 replies

bluegreygreen · 09/07/2026 12:49

The ongoing saga of Sussex PR

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MargaretThursday · 11/07/2026 09:37

AtIusvue · 11/07/2026 08:01

Meh, am I the only one that doesn’t see this meeting as a sign of much?

KC would have ALWAYS entertained a visit of some kind from Harry and the kids. Even at the height of the all the accusations. I’m sure the Palace would have vetoed any meeting with JUST Harry at that time, because he would just be complaining/whingeing and causing drama.

The reason why such a visits with the kids/meg never took place was Harry was

  • at first waiting for an apology from the RF
  • still believed that he could get the security wish list he wanted.

There has never been an apology and I think Harry publicly stated he’s gave up on that.
With security, he didn’t want to set a precedent that he can travel to the UK with the kids safely …..so avoided it until now ( when he stupidly believed he would have security nailed in)
He’s now confirmed that both he and his family can visit the UK safely without the requested protection. He will never get the 24/7 police security as standard again. I don’t think he’s gave up on the security issue. I think if he pulled out of the meeting with KC it was one too many disasters for the week and would confirm he was blackmailing his father.
However, Harry still maintains it’s unsafe so isn’t about to make this a regular trip with the kids. There’s no way Meg would tolerate this.

So in the end…. Nothing much changes.

This has been an unholy disaster of a trip. I read somewhere that it’s been such a bad trip for Harry, he will probably lose his luggage on the way home! There’s fact he’s got a souvenir from the Highgrove gift shop changes nothing about his future.

Edited

I'd agree with this.

By releasing the information BP are saying:

  1. They can come without a huge media circus, so that excuse has gone
  2. They can't use the excuse of security either as they're here
  3. We will meet them privately as family members, not royals
  4. They are meeting on our terms not theirs

It takes away the "Poor Harry whose dad refuses to meet them" tone and shows that it was H&M keeping them away, not KC.
I don't think it does show that they're moving to HIHO, because if it had been that aim it would have been far more "royal" - or even more positive in tone. We have a factual statement with the addition "no photos" at the end, which surely was aimed as much at H&M as the media.

And we don't know what was talked about. I suspect in front of the children it would be very light small talk, but if they talked without them it could well be KC laying down terms for them and pointing out how far they've fallen.

It's not so much the prodigal son returning so much as Adonijah* holding the horns of the altar.

*When Adonijah faced execution for trying to take the throne, he fled to the temple and held the horns of the altar. King Solomon spared his life on the condition of future loyalty (1 Kings Ch1, I think) And just to note when Adonijah failed to honour the terms of their agreement and continued to try and take the throne King Solomon had him executed.

Indianrollerbird · 11/07/2026 09:38

Butteredtoast55 · 11/07/2026 09:26

I would also like to see a decent bit of investigative journalism & an evidence-based documentary (like Panorama used to be!) into the whole mess around Harry (charity finances, behaviour, ANL case, lies) but which broadcasters would do it?

None of them. It will be someone online/ "civilian" independent doing it, and they will be dismissed as a troll and a hater. You'd need someone with calibre and clout like Lownie, but he's not interested in looking at them.

IcedPurple · 11/07/2026 09:46

AtIusvue · 11/07/2026 08:01

Meh, am I the only one that doesn’t see this meeting as a sign of much?

KC would have ALWAYS entertained a visit of some kind from Harry and the kids. Even at the height of the all the accusations. I’m sure the Palace would have vetoed any meeting with JUST Harry at that time, because he would just be complaining/whingeing and causing drama.

The reason why such a visits with the kids/meg never took place was Harry was

  • at first waiting for an apology from the RF
  • still believed that he could get the security wish list he wanted.

There has never been an apology and I think Harry publicly stated he’s gave up on that.
With security, he didn’t want to set a precedent that he can travel to the UK with the kids safely …..so avoided it until now ( when he stupidly believed he would have security nailed in)
He’s now confirmed that both he and his family can visit the UK safely without the requested protection. He will never get the 24/7 police security as standard again. I don’t think he’s gave up on the security issue. I think if he pulled out of the meeting with KC it was one too many disasters for the week and would confirm he was blackmailing his father.
However, Harry still maintains it’s unsafe so isn’t about to make this a regular trip with the kids. There’s no way Meg would tolerate this.

So in the end…. Nothing much changes.

This has been an unholy disaster of a trip. I read somewhere that it’s been such a bad trip for Harry, he will probably lose his luggage on the way home! There’s fact he’s got a souvenir from the Highgrove gift shop changes nothing about his future.

Edited

Not just you.

I don't think this visit is a big deal. Harry has met with Charles a few times since Mexit. All seem quite similar to yesterday - short, probably awkward meetings done at a time and place of the King's choosing. Yesterday was no different except that Meghan and the kids were present, but I'm sure Charles would have agreed to such a meeting at any time. It was the Sussexes holding out, for the 'conditions' you stated, conditions which have not been met.

I very much doubt this meeting will change anything, and definitely it's not the start of some pathway back to being a working royal. That ship has sailed.

DJPJ · 11/07/2026 09:49

Recklessismymiddlename · 11/07/2026 08:01

Two minds about this.

Shows how far the Sussexes have fallen and how much they need the RF. it shouldn’t have happened, after Harry’s awful statement attacking the judiciary.

It’s a betrayal of the Waleses imo. KC has let them down.

and as some of you may remember my ‘republican’ mama is pro disruptor Harry and Meghan. Nothing this week has changed. She thinks it’s all a stitch up. And KC was mean not to allow him and Meg the couple of bedrooms, he needed to stay at BP. And he should be paying for their security.

So there are really people like that, who seriously believe it. She’s probably on here!!!! And Kate and William are big meanies. There is no reasoning with her. Hey ho.

I just try not to engage with her about it any more, as she’s so entrenched in her views.

“Arguing with idiots is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter how good you are, the bird is going to sh*t on the board and strut around like it won anyway."

This is a handy little analogy for you to context your mother. It also applies to the SS and also to PH. They will never change so don’t waste your breath. You will never be in a reciprocal relationship with these types you are always just ‘managing’ with grey rock - info diet, detachment, indifference and dignity.

But the best part is EVERYONE else sees it and knows it and swerves them too - if you step back and step up to look more carefully.

I think KC3 has played this approach for years and H&M by their twisted shenanigans have inadvertently painted themselves into a corner. They are two high conflict, reactive and emotionally thick personalities - playing 4 D chess against a sophisticated communications machine in place for a thousand years successfully protecting a monarchy. They will chew him up and spit him out of it suits.

H&M wanted a faux royal tour together in the UK a with a NF crew accompanying to capture the blue light motorcade, with armed guards and outriders screeching around city and in and out of palace and castle gates in a flurry of flashbulbs, they wanted MM to sell the clothes off her back, they wanted footage of their children (backs of heads only) frolicking around in Windsor Castle, clambering up on grandpapa’s knee, H&M themselves prostrate a Diana’s grave.

They wanted all of this to simulate HIHO - to be able to flog more As Ever UPF’s and tat online.

They got none of it to monetise and as they have all now come under the same security policy that has been in place since 2020 and reviewed each time to be adequate (even tho despite their protestations they travelled under it all 4 for Jubillee, as a couple for MM One Young World speech and PH multiple times solo) - H&M by their own actions have now declared the security policy appropriate - so that’s now put to bed.

KC3 meeting his grandchildren was always a given and a private moment- it was a ‘when’ not of. It served KC3 well to put out his simple statement (private, no photos) to end the speculation.

KC3 boundaries were maintained throughout wrt specific accommodation made available, conditions and deadlines - as well as the private meeting. I suspect PH only knew this was even happening only hours before.

H&M have played the dangerous game of dangling the A&L for this ‘first’ meet - if after they try that again it’s A&L who they will be hurting.

DJPJ · 11/07/2026 09:59

Batcats · 11/07/2026 08:39

I'm amazed though they've brought the kids but not for any security reasons. Just that arent they usually just left at home with the nanny while they go on these frequent foreign jollies?

Because they are their very last chance of generating a revenue stream - ever other venture has collapsed so they to monetise need A&L to keep the faux Spanish mansion over their heads.

FenellaFeldman · 11/07/2026 10:01

Excellent points @DJPJ👌

Batcats · 11/07/2026 10:03

Butteredtoast55 · 11/07/2026 09:26

I would also like to see a decent bit of investigative journalism & an evidence-based documentary (like Panorama used to be!) into the whole mess around Harry (charity finances, behaviour, ANL case, lies) but which broadcasters would do it?

There was a good dispatches episode into the ANL case into people being paid for evidence. It's still available on all4

MyDogClive · 11/07/2026 10:04

Indianrollerbird · 11/07/2026 08:39

It's very clear he's often high. And yet the media still give him serious airtime. Both ITV and BBC treat him like a person of substance - not a person taking substances!

Which begs the question, what do the media overlook when they are spinning for whichever side? Why are we only finding out now - from a DM journalist who has spun for Harry for years, and who was one of the ones curating the "cheeky chappy" image - that he was a potential date druggist whilst also a serving officer in the army, a role gifted to this unqualified man by way of more palace spin with media assistance? Harry "won" the media game years ago, when his true self was covered up by both the palace and the media that needs to keep the palace on side.

Rebecca English and the rest tearfully revealing that they have sat on a lot of negative stories over the years doesn't impress me at all, I'm afraid. It just shows the depths of the spin machines on both sides and the symbiotic relationship the royals have with our supposedly free press. It just shows the lies by omission and carefully curated image that has been sold about Harry (and who else, I wonder) in order to keep the public on side with the RF.

To be fair to both ITV and the BBC, if they didn’t give airtime to any people high on drugs, their content would be a lot less.

From a negotiation point of view, I suspect any giving by KC is dependent on H & M playing by his rules. We shall see if they can manage it.

As ever, I think their spin will be entertaining. My bingo card includes, magnanimous HAM forgiving the cruelty of the royals, sharing Archie & Lily with their Grandfather, whilst he still can, and some reached for Diana adjacency. Extra points collected for dissing villainous William and Kate.

Recklessismymiddlename · 11/07/2026 10:07

Good points @DJPJ i really tend to ignore. She also believes that Diana was murdered, on the orders of Prince Philip. She’s an intelligent woman and has only recently stopped working (in her 80’s). But she’s hardcore on this and won’t be moved. Deep rooted republican and can’t see that the Sussexes love those titles 😁 can’t make it up.

But yes it’s proven, that the Sussexes whinges they weren’t safe, are a load of rubbish. They clearly are. And if you are worried about security, you don’t give details of your itinerary!

DJPJ · 11/07/2026 10:11

Mylovelygreendress · 11/07/2026 09:34

At first the fact that BP made an official announcement really annoyed me but I see now that it was their way of saying that if any information or photos appear , the visit won’t be repeated .
I will be amazed if Meghan manages to keep quiet .

I read earlier in the thread that it was a response to media enquiries to confirm it had happened as H&M had leaked. Either way it was RF taking control minimising / containing message and putting down firm boundaries in a perfunctory fashion.

Indianrollerbird · 11/07/2026 10:11

KC3 meeting his grandchildren was always a given and a private moment- it was a ‘when’ not of. It served KC3 well to put out his simple statement (private, no photos) to end the speculation.

There was nothing private about it, otherwise we wouldn't know about it. Charles Mountbatten Windsor can see his son and grandchildren in private on his own turf any time he likes. When King Charles, head of state, starts using the palace PR to spin the nature of it and tell us all to forget about it, that is a problem. Either they speak up every time the Sussexes step out of line and stop playing the don't explain game, or they shut this down completely and the Sussexes out of any official royal association, leaving the relationship as purely and properly private and out of sight of the media. We all know the Sussexes need this visible association, so it will never be private.

IcedPurple · 11/07/2026 10:15

DJPJ · 11/07/2026 10:11

I read earlier in the thread that it was a response to media enquiries to confirm it had happened as H&M had leaked. Either way it was RF taking control minimising / containing message and putting down firm boundaries in a perfunctory fashion.

Yes, the statement annoyed me a bit at first but now I see it was the best thing to do in the circumstances. Put an end to the ridiculous speculation, emphasise that it was private and no photos would be released. That puts the ball firmly back in the Sussex court not to leak. Which they may or may not abide by, but if they don't, it's obvious they are acting against the express wishes of the King.

The statement itself was rather cold and terse for a family meeting. No 'the king was delighted to meet his darling grandchildren'. Just a brief factual statement. That itself sends a message.

MrsGusset · 11/07/2026 10:17

Mylovelygreendress · 11/07/2026 09:34

At first the fact that BP made an official announcement really annoyed me but I see now that it was their way of saying that if any information or photos appear , the visit won’t be repeated .
I will be amazed if Meghan manages to keep quiet .

The announcement from BP was a bald, no-frills statement of fact that verged on the terse with not a glimmer of the warmth that might have been expected had the family reunion been welcomed.

We will never know how the meeting went, although I think it's fair to assume that Harry didn't greet Camilla with the kind of dry-humping hug that he bestowed on Alison Hammond.

Oh to have been a fly on the wall at Highgrove House yesterday afternoon...

Recklessismymiddlename · 11/07/2026 10:18

Also more I think about it, KC didn’t meet with them in the US, on their turf. He met them on his turf. On his terms. And Meghan had to come to ‘salty island’. Interesting.

Aprilfountain · 11/07/2026 10:21

Indianrollerbird · 11/07/2026 09:25

She's very good friends with Omid Scobie. That tells you all you need to know.

That explains it, so she's clearly on HAMs 'good list' of sycophantic journalists.

DJPJ · 11/07/2026 10:23

MrsGusset · 11/07/2026 10:17

The announcement from BP was a bald, no-frills statement of fact that verged on the terse with not a glimmer of the warmth that might have been expected had the family reunion been welcomed.

We will never know how the meeting went, although I think it's fair to assume that Harry didn't greet Camilla with the kind of dry-humping hug that he bestowed on Alison Hammond.

Oh to have been a fly on the wall at Highgrove House yesterday afternoon...

I agree with this. Very intentional. No delighted to see the grandchildren etc - no more warmth than when they had to entertain Trump

FenellaFeldman · 11/07/2026 10:24

Recklessismymiddlename · 11/07/2026 10:18

Also more I think about it, KC didn’t meet with them in the US, on their turf. He met them on his turf. On his terms. And Meghan had to come to ‘salty island’. Interesting.

Guess what? They were perfectly safe.

KimWexlersPonyTail · 11/07/2026 10:30

So would the HAMs have bow/curtesy to QC? That would hurt...

FenellaFeldman · 11/07/2026 10:36

KimWexlersPonyTail · 11/07/2026 10:30

So would the HAMs have bow/curtesy to QC? That would hurt...

No, that would end up with her sobbing on the floor and I suspect QC would like to avoid histrionics.

MouldyCandy · 11/07/2026 10:38

Was MM "announced" as she entered the room?

jeffgoldblum · 11/07/2026 10:42

MouldyCandy · 11/07/2026 10:38

Was MM "announced" as she entered the room?

Doubtful! , the room she entered was already filled with higher titles that outranked hers! 🤣

ShamedBySiri · 11/07/2026 10:46

FenellaFeldman · 11/07/2026 09:14

So true. Many people have experienced loss and trauma and have just had to get on with their lives. Why? Because they've got no-one to bail them out with a wad of cash, readily available counselling and a handsome, secure property.

Very true. Back in time I had a job doing medical interviews for an insurance company. Long list of standard questions, followed by more in-depth specific ones for any conditions admitted to. Especially mental health. I remember one man, answering No to all the questions eg heart problems/respiratory etc. I was picking up speed for a quick one (the ones that answer yes to every question were such a heart sink, taking well over allotted time). Get to question about time off work - He'd had a year. Why was that? His wife and children wiped out in a car crash. I could hardly think what to say next, totally stopped me in my tracks. But guess what, he had a year off, well supported by his employers, and went back to work. No more time off. No self pity. I was even more speechless by the end. I have no idea how people get through something like that but he had. 💔

Candleabra · 11/07/2026 10:49

I still think Harry’s had a disastrous week. I wonder if he has the insight to realise it though?

I don’t think the meeting means much. It’s not much of a thaw to meet your son privately for a very short time. Who knows what was said, he might have given harry a major bollocking. Anyway, there are a 100 other better outcomes for Harry and Meghan - the public statement was very perfunctory- no support, no warmth, just the fact they’d met briefly. Which isn’t much when you consider this is Charles’s son.

RockaLock · 11/07/2026 10:51

Mylovelygreendress · 11/07/2026 10:46

I think that’s an old video, maybe with some booing added to it for extra effect to make it seem like it’s from yesterday.

Look at the number plate, they wouldn’t still be using an 18 plate car. And I think it’s Windsor rather than Highgrove(?)

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