Their move, of course, throws up SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. a great number of which we answer right here. But as the newly-resident Brit in the Glamour US offices (I’m Glamour’s new Executive Editor) —and Harry and Meghan superfan (yeah, AND?), I’ve taken it upon myself to attempt to answer the many other BURNING H&M questions that came tumbling out in the immediate aftermath. Here goes:
1. Does this mean Meghan can do SmartWater #sponcon?
Well, technically, probably yes. They have committed to extricating themselves from the shackles and limitations of being a “senior Royals”—thus giving up the Sovereign Grant which pays them around $2.5 million a year—meaning Meghan and Harry should be able to undertake work like any other civilian/Instagram influencer with over 10 million followers. Harry’s first cousins Princess’ Eugenie and Beatrice have both held down jobs—in an art gallery and at a technology firm respectively—while also retaining their Royal titles. And Zara Tindall, another of Harry’s first cousins who actually doesn’t have a Royal title, is not just a celebrated athlete but also a paid ambassador for global brands including Range Rover motors and iCandy strollers. As bonafide influencers in a digital age, don’t be surprised if they pop up as ambassadors for brands that align with their own goals. But lucrative speaking engagements might just be their first (slightly less controversial) port of call.
2. How does Kate REALLY feel about it?
Sadly, just because I have British blood does not mean I have a hotline to our Queen-in-waiting. Current British media speculation has William and Kate as blindsided as Queen Elizabeth. While Harry alluded to some tensions between himself and William in a recently televised interview with television presenter Tom Bradby, the issues were believed to have been mostly between the brothers. Kate also reportedly expressed her wish that her children and their cousin Archie could spend more time together, so it’s unlikely she’ll be celebrating H&M’s upcoming decampment abroad.
3. WTF does “work to become financially independent” mean?
“Granny’s no longer paying for us, but dad’s still giving me an allowance.” Plus, oh, that inheritance in the bank. Oh and Meghan’s fortune from her time on Suits. #prayforthesussexes
4. What are people in the U.K. saying about this? Do they actually care at all?
Yes we do! More than is rationally normal, especially for a family WE DO NOT KNOW and who, as is made more than regularly clear to us, DON’T REALLY WANT US TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM EITHER. Mainly, millennials and gen-Zers supports their decision. Frankly, wouldn’t we all want the profile and the Instagram followers, without having to censor our thoughts and tailor our lifestyles to the whims of a bunch of pale, stale, and male Royal officials? We’ve seen how Meghan and Harry have tried to modernize their roles to ones that reflect the lives and habits of their peers—and they’ve been faced with non-stop offensive, sexist, and racist criticism. But those Brits with a more traditional take don’t like the fact that Harry and Meghan have deserted their Queen and want to live life on their terms. They believe that the couple have a duty to share their lives and family in return for their lifestyle. I say, go your own way.
5. Will The Tig come back? (BRING BACK THE TIG.)
Good question, but sadly unlikely. However, since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have actually patented the Sussex brand for a news publication or website as well as even t-shirts and merchandise, expect sussexroyal.com to become more editorialized. The Tig 2.0, if you will.
6. Who gets Sussex? Do they keep Sussex? Did she legally change her name?
As Buckingham Palace have suggested in their statement, all of these details are still to be worked out. We, however, have a different suggestion. Harry Markle has got quite a ring to it, dont’cha think?
Natasha Pearlman is the executive editor at Glamour. Follow her on Twitter @tashpearlman.
