VANCOUVER, Jan 21, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Prince Harry was spending the first
full day of his new life in Canada on Tuesday after jetting in from Britain
to join his wife Meghan following their shock exit from their royal roles.
Harry, 35, landed at Vancouver International Airport on a British Airways
flight from London Heathrow shortly after 7:00 pm on Monday (0300 GMT
Tuesday).
He then took a connecting flight to Victoria on Vancouver Island, where he
and Meghan have temporarily set up a home from home, having spent six weeks
on the Pacific west coast over Christmas with their baby son Archie.
British newspapers published pictures of Harry, escorted by security,
descending from the plane wearing a beanie hat and jeans with a bag slung
over his shoulder.
Meghan, 38, was earlier spotted with Archie taking their dogs for a walk
in the neighborhood.
According to local reports, the couple are looking to buy a beachside
house in Vancouver, or possibly in Toronto, where US former television
actress Meghan spent several years while acting in the legal drama series
“Suits”.
Like Britain, Canada is a Commonwealth realm, meaning Harry’s grandmother
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state.
– ‘No other option’ –
Harry and Meghan are bowing out entirely from representing the monarchy,
in a crisis that has shaken the centuries-old institution.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex openly said they have struggled in the
spotlight since their wedding in May 2018, and were seeking to step back as
frontline royals.
Harry said Sunday that they did not want to quit their royal duties but
reluctantly accepted there was “no other option” if they wanted to cut loose
from public funding and seek their own income in pursuit of a more
independent life.
On Monday, Harry, who is sixth in line to the throne, attended the UK-
Africa Investment Summit in London.
He seemed in good spirits as he met the presidents of Malawi and
Mozambique, and the Moroccan prime minister.
He also had an informal 20-minute private meeting with British Prime
Minister Boris Johnson, who hosted the event — which might be one of the
prince’s final engagements as a working royal.
– Price of freedom –
Under their new arrangement, the Sussexes are free to earn their own
commercial income — but can no longer represent Queen Elizabeth or be
referred to as their royal highnesses, and must repay taxpayers’ money spent
on their UK home.
They will no longer receive public money — though 95 percent of their
annual funding comes from his father Prince Charles’ hereditary estate for
the heir to the throne.
To what extent that will continue, and who will cover their security bill
— currently met by the British police — remains to be seen.
The couple intend to raise their own income streams. They have launched
their new Sussex Royal website and trademarked the name.
However, Queen Elizabeth’s senior advisor on heraldry suggested they
should not be allowed to use the royal moniker, having relinquished their
public duties.
“I don’t think it’s satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You
either are (royal) or you’re not,” Thomas Woodcock, the Garter King of Arms,
told The Times newspaper.
Woodcock said the final decision would rest with the sovereign but he was
giving his personal opinion.
In a role that dates back to the 15th century, he is involved in making
sure that royal symbols are not used illegitimately for commercial purposes.
“It is such unusual times that it is a matter of waiting and seeing how
things develop,” he said.
Meanwhile Britain’s Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said there must be a
“line of delineation” over who foots their security costs.
Asked whether British taxpayers should fund the Sussexes while they are in
Canada, he told Sky News television: “I don’t have an easy answer to that.”
– Milking it –
Harry and Meghan have pledged to uphold 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth’s
values in any commercial arrangements they strike.
Making money without seemingly cashing in on royal connections has proved
tricky for others who have sought a life outside the Windsor family business.
The Daily Mail newspaper said Tuesday that Peter Phillips was using his
connections to sell milk on Chinese television, holding up a glass in front
of a stately home.
The sports and entertainment agency director is the Queen’s eldest
grandchild and son of her only daughter, Princess Anne.
Harry’s first cousin, 42, is 15th in line to the throne but has never held
a royal title or carried out public duties for the royal family.
“It may be lucrative, but it’s undignified,” the Daily Mail said.
“Harry and Meghan should take note.”