Prince Harry: royal expert speaks of “long vacation”
Prince Harry’s move to California and his decision to step down as a full-time working royal have been ridiculed as “a hugely delayed act of teenage rebellion” by commentator Sarah Vine. The writer has argued that the Duke of Sussex tried to shed his privileged background.
With this move, she said, the prince might believe he will be able to embrace “a more” authentic “experience in America, which will ultimately make him a better human being. “
However, Ms Vine accused the Duke of Sussex of not having waived any of his royal privileges. Instead, she said, he cashed them.
She wrote: “In truth, he left none of the traps of privilege.
“And ‘authenticity’ is just a veneer. The reality is that he made the most of every ounce of his status, using it to secure lucrative deals with Netflix, Spotify, and others.
Prince Harry news: Prince Harry has been criticized by Sarah Vine (Image: GETTY)
Prince Harry news: Harry and Meghan now live in California (Image: GETTY)
“He lives in a house as lavish as any he grew up in, and he still rubs shoulders with royalty, albeit a Hollywood type.
“While expecting us to think he ‘keeps it real”.
“Old Harry’s joy is that he was never this self-aware seeker pretending to be something he was not.”
“Yes, he was a honking Sloane and a little silly at times – but he was at least subconsciously himself, and that’s why we loved him so much, for all his faults.”
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Prince Harry news: Harry and Meghan can no longer carry out royal engagements (Image: GETTY)
“This guy on the beach: I have no idea who he is.” “
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially stepped down as full-time royals at the end of March last year.
In doing so, they gave up representing the Crown, using the word ‘royal’ for their new ventures – which meant giving up their Sussex Royal brand and their royal and military patronages.
While they weren’t stripped of their titles, they were also asked not to use their RHS styles.
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Prince Harry news: Harry and Meghan talk to Oprah Winfrey (Image: GETTY / HARPO PRODUCTIONS)
Prince Harry news: Harry and Meghan teamed up with Netflix and Spotify in 2020 (Image: GETTY)
In turn, they were granted the freedom to live abroad, and since they no longer receive taxpayer money through the sovereign grant, pursue financially profitable businesses.
Over the past 12 months, they have become financially independent by making deals with Netflix and Spotify, which will see them become producers of TV shows and podcasts.
Moreover, Meghan and Harry have both entered the world of start-ups.
At the end of 2020, the Duchess of Sussex invested an undisclosed sum in instant latte company Clevr Blends.
Prince Harry news: Harry and Meghan tied the knot in 2018 (Image: EXPRESS)
In March, mental health and coaching firm BetterUp announced Prince Harry was its new hire.
The Duke of Sussex, the fast-growing company said, has been appointed Chief Impact Officer.
At the end of 2020, Meghan and Harry also launched their new non-profit organization, the Archewell Foundation.
Both on their new jobs and when introduced to virtual summits or opinion pieces they’ve written, Meghan and Harry have suggested they intend to continue using their royal titles.
Prince Harry news: Prince Harry is the Chief Impact Officer of BetterUp (Image: GETTY)
This drew criticism from some royal watchers, who accused the couple of trying to cash in on their royal ties.
Royal author Phil Dampier told the Daily Telegraph earlier this year: “Obviously Harry and Meghan are not coming back and have really made their living in America, so the best thing for everyone is to draw a line.
“I think they should volunteer to give up, or at least not use, their ducal titles, so that they are no longer criticized for cashing in.” “
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