Royal family's diminution a shock to British establishment

The British royal family is in the grip of its worst crisis since the death of Diana Frances Spencer (better known as Princess Diana) in August 1997.

The crisis centres on Prince Harry’s and his wife Rachel Meghan Markel’s desire to separate from the royal family, leave the country and pursue a normal life as ordinary citizens.

The couple, who are officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have shocked and infuriated the royal family and the broader British establishment by their ground breaking decision.

The Queen and Prince Charles are set to meet Prince Harry later today to discuss the terms and conditions of his royal departure. Harry’s brother, Prince William, the second in the line of succession to the British throne, will also be attending the meeting. Rachel Meghan Markel is expected to join the meeting by phone from Canada.

The talks have been described as “royal history in the making”, as the British monarchy tries to come to terms with its diminution and loss of cohesion.

The gathering at the Queen's estate in Norfolk – which is being described as the "Sandringham summit" - is not expected to produce a speedy outcome as there are many issues to discuss and resolve

Chief amongst these are the departing couple’s financial arrangements and to what extent (if any) they will continue to perform royal duties, albeit from a distance.

It is also not clear at this stage if the couple will keep their royal titles. In principle, they shouldn’t as they are abandoning their royal duties, but there has been speculation that Buckingham Palace is keen to avoid a permanent breach.

Money matters 

The issue of money is hugely important as influential bastions of the British establishment are understood to be opposed to the idea of subsiding the couple whilst they lead private lives abroad.

The Sun newspaper reported on January 11 that the departing couple are expected to pay towards the cost of their personal security once they formally quit the royal family.  

The paper claims senior ministers are adamant that “taxpayers” must not foot the entire anticipated £1 million-a-year bill to provide bodyguards for the couple.   

Currently the £600,000 a year bill to protect the couple is met by Scotland Yard’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command.

But according to the Sun the cost can increase to £1 million a year once the departing couple settle in North America.

Harry and William denial

In a separate but related story, both Princes Harry and William have denied a “false story” in the Times which alleged that Prince William had a “bullying” attitude towards the departing couple.

The Times quotes a source as claiming that Prince William, formally known as the Duke of Cambridge, had “pushed out” Prince Harry and his wife by his “bullying” attitude.

This side story has been widely interpreted as illustrative of the divisions and fragmentation at the heart of the British royal family.

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