I didn’t watch the Royal Oprah production recorded in sunnier climes than the UK at this time of year.
Here’s an observation from somebody that did.
“When I was pregnant, those around me happily speculated whether or not the baby would inherit my husband’s bright ginger hair. Thanks to the Sussexes, I now realise that I should have been outraged rather than simply pleased that they took an interest. Margaret Ingall, Minehead, Somerset.” (Letter in The Times, 9th March 2021)
The awkward situation that has arisen was predictable. The Duchess of Sussex, an aspiring actress, believed she was auditioning for a better role, starring in the royal family. Nobody thought to tell her she’d just been cast as the parlour maid in The Mousetrap; doomed to appear on stage six days a week with a Saturday matinee repeating the same lines unobtrusively. Three other wives of Windsor play their parts to perfection: the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex; like the Princess Royal, who perhaps mentored them, prepared to pitch in and do their bit.
It’s worth reflecting on the benefits of a monarchy. The continuity, wisdom and experience of a long-serving monarch is often cited. As Meghan calls it The Firm, let’s continue the analogy and look at extracts from Minutes of meetings.
The chairman thanked her husband for his many years of service when he stepped back to be a non exec director. In this family run, private firm the chairman and chief executive (she combines both roles) relies on her children and their spouses to maintain her brand, Royal UK. It was with regret she had to sack one of her sons for behaviour that besmirched her high values. Nonetheless she relies on her children and grandchildren to promote these values. Like many family firms, expenses are tightly controlled and all board members could earn more in the private sector.
A president, elected for a short term, would not have enough experience or support to give Royal UK the coverage it currently receives. The recently opened Beverley Hills branch of the firm is struggling and likely to be closed in the light of staffing problems and cost cutting. On behalf of the shareholders I propose a vote of thanks to the chairman and the Board for their unstinting work.
Brilliant!
Wonderful analogy!
I’ll now forever visualise her as a palour maid a la Julie Walters in the soup sketch.
A couple of comments on your excellent flight of fancy. I haven’t yet seen a view on Harry’s complaint that he was left financially bereft. He was left £10m by his mum and £3m by his great gran. An investment manager friend who is quite close to the Firm estimates he is worth £40m today. Should be enough to get by on.
Secondly they are clearly earning more in the “private” sector but only by trading on what they were, even if in the process they destroy it.
By the way La Winfrey was christened Orpah after the sister-in-law of Ruth; odd name to choose as Orpah was not a very admirable person. No wonder she changed it to Oprah (a fawn). Appropriate to her interviewing style.
Quite superbly put, top man Christpher!!
You’ve hit the nail on the head, probably quite a difficult one to aim at?!
This is fantastic and put in these terms makes much more sense of it all. Her Majesty may well approach my favourite blogger in the future for help with PR!!