Mark Roche, a British royalty specialist from London, deciphers the implications of the documentary Harry and Meghanthe last episodes of which were released on December 15 on Netflix.
We were expecting an earthquake in Buckingham Palace… It is clear that the last episodes of the documentary series. Harry and Meghan did not finally reveal the best secrets of the British crown; Even if they scratch the monarchy somewhat, Prince William in the first place. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, according to Marc Roche.
In the video: the third trailer of the documentary Harry and Meghan
An expert on the British monarchy, this former journalist world authored numerous books on royalties including The Borgias at Buckingham (1). He has been in London since the 1980s, he shares Madame Figaro his analysis of the impact of the Sussex documentary on the monarchy.
Madame Figaro.- A few hours after the release of the last episodes of the Netflix documentary, how does the British press accept the testimony of the people of Sussex?
Mark Roche: The British press is very royalist. He hates Meghan and Harry and therefore covers the second episodes of this docu-series very negatively, even more so than the first. The crux of the attack by the English media is that the Sussexes have provided no evidence for their claims that the palace went out of their way to release leaks to the press.
In this regard, Harry condemns the “unhealthy game” that would exist between the monarchy and the British tabloids. In short, avoid releasing some compromising information about royals. What is really going on?
It is clear that there is an umbilical cord between the Chamber and the popular press. For a good and simple reason. For the palace, the tabloids are the interface with the people, and even if they annoy the royals, it cannot be done without them. Then there is an entity Royal Rota (or “royal rotation” in French), that is, a group of journalists accredited to Buckingham. As a member Royal Rota, you are subject to draconian rules: no official quotation, no submission of publications to an official, no approach to members of the royal family or entourage (private secretaries, for example) without first coming to you. The only interlocutor is the communications director and his deputies. So, inevitably, there is a media attitude of give and take. Then again, I don’t think the House wanted to discredit Meghan. And for good reason, the latter was a member of the royal family. However, there is a golden rule: the press service serves the entire royal family. So I don’t see how the House could mount an anti-Meghan campaign, at least not until Megxit.
Scandals, Meghan and Harry. declared storm chronicle
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Meghan and Harry claim it Their trip to Australia in the fall of 2018 was a turning point. According to them, the relentlessness of the media that they endured would begin on the way back from this official tour, spurred on by Buckingham Palace. And that’s because of their immense popularity…
I don’t believe it again. Kate Middleton and Prince William were still very popular. Moreover, the order of succession is clear and has not been questioned: after the death of Elizabeth II, Charles ascends the throne, then it will be William’s turn, and so on. Final point. Everything else is just Hollywood media stunts and the establishment doesn’t really care. It’s justentertainment. After all, Meghan and Harry’s popularity never threatened to overshadow Kate and William. I believe that Harry, haunted by his mother’s frustrations, accepted Diana’s refrain, convinced that the monarchy was being mistreated because she risked overshadowing Charles.
Psychologically, Harry has lost his mind
Mark Roche
The final three episodes of the documentary rail against Prince William, who would stop at nothing to mend relations with his brother. Why is it not trivial to attack him?
These attacks are more personal than institutional. Harry has always had a hard time with his position as the number 2 spare wheel. Psychologically, Harry has lost his mind. He is obsessed with attacking the press, while the tabloids he so condemns have now moved on. Like Andrew, he does not understand that he has no role in the monarchy. On the other hand, I think that if Harry is ever forced into a divorce, the royal family and the British people will welcome him with open arms.
Are the criticisms? “Hard» risk weakening Charles III?
The Sussex vote counts for little in Britain. I even believe that the question does not arise. Charles III had a start to his reign that can only be described as a great success; William and Kate have also outgrown their new roles, not to mention Camilla. In my opinion, the documentary, on the contrary, will strengthen the monarchy. There are no big revelations, the only claims are not proven and there are no direct accusations. The monarchy is therefore seen as more of a rock in the storm, and has proven to be very popular since the death of Elizabeth II. That said, I think something else is happening behind the scenes. The Sussexes will run out of money and Harry memorabilia (Spareto be published in January) should not reveal new things. Which leads me to believe that a financial deal was made between the king and his younger son. The idea of the monarchy would rather be to confine them to the titles of Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the titles of former King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson, and that they stop kicking the stretchers instead. . Otherwise, I don’t understand why they don’t make bloody revelations.
Contrary to all expectations, Kate Middleton is quite spared in this documentary. Why didn’t the Sussexes come after him?
Because Kate is untouchable. He is very popular and has become a key part of the Windsor Institute. Moreover, Meghan is a feminist and understood that attacking Kate would not look good. No one wants to see two women braiding their hair.
Scandals, Kate and William, 4/4. a survivor of Hurricane Megan
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Prince Harry explains during the negotiations for his departure from the monarchy that he wanted to see his grandmother to speak to her, but that the palace prevented him from doing so. What role did Elizabeth II play in Megxit?
At Megxit, Elizabeth II, then Prince Charles and her son William performed in concert. There was no way Harry was seeing his grandmother outside of the Sandringham conference (the family gathering that immediately followed the event, editor’s note) Elizabeth followed only the advice of Charles and William, with whom she was very close in her later years. But, of course, the queen is active in her negotiations. It was at three that the strategic decisions were made. Let’s not forget that Elizabeth II was a formidable tactician.
Meghan could bring what the Windsors lack: diversity, feminism and youth
Mark Roche
Finally, should we regret the outcome of this story? Won’t Meghan Markle bring a lot to the Commonwealth?
It’s a complete mess. Meghan could bring what the Windsors lack: diversity, feminism and youth. Unfortunately, I think the blame lies mostly with the Sussexes and less with the royal family for welcoming Meghan. Of course, reserving the minimum service, but no less than the others: Sarah Ferguson, Kate Middleton… However, the mistake of the royal family was not taking into account Meghan’s personality: American, actress, already famous and divorced. Maybe we should have been more flexible with him. Problem: he landed with the Windsors, where there is no emotional agenda. They have a very different hard drive than we do.
(1) The Borgias at BuckinghamAlbin Michel, May 2022, 336 pages, 20.90 euros.
In the video: the wedding dance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Source: Le Figaro
