Many options await Prince Harry and Meghan after royal split

Some possible options for the now-not-so-royal Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The newly married Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave Windsor Castle. Picture: AP

Harry and Meghan have traded palace protocol, constant press intrusion and a lavishly funded lifestyle for personal freedom — the opportunity to start fresh in Canada without the perquisites and burden of their status as royal highnesses. Some possible options for the now-not-so-royal couple.

WORK

The agreement with Buckingham Palace does not limit the kinds of activities Harry and Meghan can pursue. It does say the couple has “made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values” of the Queen. Those values are not spelled out, but it suggests the Queen would not take a tolerant view if Harry and Meghan tried to cash in on their fame in a crude way, or published a tell-all book about the royal family.

That still leaves a lot of options. They could launch a for-profit business since they are not receiving taxpayer funds. They could follow through on plans to start a charity to emphasise issues they have focused on, including the empowerment of women, mental health care and protection of international wildlife. The couple could even move into a new field like TV or film production. Meghan is also free to resume her acting career, which was going strong when she met Harry four years ago.

A PRODUCT LINE

Prince Charles started marketing organic food products in 1990 under the name Duchy Originals. The product was clearly linked to Charles but the proceeds go to charity, like the salad dressing sold by actor Paul Newman. In 2010, the brand formed a partnership with the upscale Waitrose supermarket chain. The brand has royal cachet but is not seen to be exploitative.

Harry and Meghan could try something similar, perhaps coming up with a product tied to wildlife conservation or helping women in developing countries find productive jobs. They could probably market something that capitalised on their fame, provided the money helped support their causes.

STATUS IN CANADA

The couple intend to spend much of their time in Canada, where ­Meghan worked for seven years filming the TV series Suits. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken warmly about them but said there are questions to be addressed. It is not clear who would pay for their security, or what their immigration and tax status would be.

There are other issues. Canada is a Commonwealth country where the Queen is head of state. The country’s leading newspaper, The Globe and Mail, wrote in an editorial last week that senior royals were welcome to visit Canada but should not stay, saying Harry’s extended presence would break an “unspoken constitutional taboo”. It’s likely that the couple’s subsequent decision to cease all royal duties would salve this concern.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Meghan enjoyed good relations with the press during her acting ­career, and breaking free from the palace media organisation will give her much more control over access. She and Harry will be able to pick and choose media opportunities on a strategic basic and won’t have to participate in events covered by the UK’s royal reporters.

OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE

Both have spoken repeatedly about a desire to have a more normal life as they raise Archie. Given the whirlwind since their wedding in 2018, Harry and Meghan could decide to take time off. Taking a breather might help them carve out the private space they need so that they can take a walk in the park with Archie without being trailed by 20 photographers.

A RETURN?

The agreement follows a “never say never” model. It does not take away their status, it simply puts the titles “his royal highness” and “her royal highness” on hold with the couple’s agreement not to use them once the new rules take ­effect this northern spring. Likewise, the couple is retaining access to the ample house that is their British base.

The deal does not address the possibility of a change of heart, but it does say it will be reviewed next year by senior family members. The door seems open for the pair to return at some future date despite the recent strain on Harry’s relationship with Prince William. It’s possible — irony alert — that they might miss the spotlight.

AP