Hard Megxit? Charles Fears Permanent Split from Royal Family

Meghan and Harry said that they planned to become “financially independent”, no longer receiving funds from the Sovereign Grant, whilst also still using the large Frogmore Cottage on the Crown Estate as their UK base, with the couple saying that they plan to “balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America”. It is expected that they may receive funds from the Prince of Wales’s Duchy of Cornwall Estate, and with Harry and his son Archie being the grandson and great-grandson of the Queen, taxpayer-funded security will almost certainly continue.

The Queen has reportedly tasked the remaining senior members of the household and their aides to come up with options for the couple that are both realistic and meet some of these demands. The couple has been warned that suggestions they can continue to serve the Crown and undertake work for private corporations would be “wholly unworkable”.

The Times reported on Saturday that Meghan has allegedly signed a voiceover deal with Disney; while the proceeds are said to be going towards an animal charity, the dealings may still prove a conflict. The couple has already trademarked over 100 items with their Sussex Royal branding.

The talks reportedly require the assistance of home secretary Priti Patel, with The Guardian reporting that the country’s most senior civil servant Sir Mark Sedwill is one of the figures at the negotiating table, as well as aides from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House (representing Prince Charles), and Kensington Palace (representing Prince William), and a representative from the government of Canada, where it appears the Sussexes will be living.

Negotiations have continued into the weekend, with a source telling the Press Association that talks are, however, “progressing well”.

“They [Harry and Meghan], like everyone, are hopeful this can all be worked out, sooner rather than later. It is in everyone’s interest for this to be figured out, and figured out quickly, but not at the expense of the outcome,” the source said.

Sky News reported that the Queen has summoned her son and grandsons for a family meeting in Norfolk on Monday to discuss solutions to Harry and Meghan’s decision. Meghan may join them by telephone, a source told the broadcaster.