Clare Foges, a former chief speechwriter to the British prime minister, described her experience being considered for a role to help shape the public voices of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In November 2019, Foges met with a senior associate of the couple at a discreet London cafe. The role involved speechwriting and public voice development for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
At the time, the couple was on a six-week "break" in Canada, but they were still considered part of the Royal Family. Foges, an ardent royalist, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. However, her prospects were dashed in January 2020 with the announcement of "Megxit," their decision to step back from royal duties. Foges described the announcement as a "bombshell" that she did not see coming.
Reflecting on the couple's departure, Foges stated that her professional disappointment was mild, but as a patriot, she felt genuine upset. She recalled the initial glamour of their wedding and the public's perception of their potential to sustain the monarchy. The rejection of royal life and, by extension, the country, was a significant blow. Foges noted that Britain had offered them extensive access to its traditions and society, which they seemingly declined.
The author expressed a surprising sense of delight upon hearing news of the Sussexes' recent return to the UK. This sentiment, she likened to a "scorned lover getting a surprise text from an old flame," suggesting a willingness to forgive their past actions. Foges acknowledged that the couple made serious errors, particularly their decision to "sell their story," which she deemed "tawdry."
Foges observed that Prince Harry's current demeanor suggests regret over the path chosen, contrasting his past enjoyment at charity events with his current association with Hollywood figures. She views their return to the UK as an attempt to "make amends."
However, Foges noted a generally unwelcoming public sentiment towards the Sussexes in the UK. She cited a YouGov poll indicating that 71 percent of the public believes the government should not fund their security, despite Harry's position as fifth in line to the throne and the potential security risks they face as high-profile figures. The perceived "hurt and embarrassment" caused to the Royal Family over the past six and a half years, particularly by Meghan, has also contributed to strained relations, with Prince William reportedly maintaining a distant stance.
Despite the public's cool reception, Foges argued that the couple's continued high profile could benefit the House of Windsor and enhance Britain's soft power abroad if they were cautiously welcomed back as working royals. She suggested that such a reunion could be a positive sign for the nation, symbolizing forgiveness in challenging times. Foges proposed that King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, should take the lead in facilitating this reconciliation.
Her advice to Harry and Meghan includes lying low for a period and focusing on unglamorous causes, such as the elderly and disabled, rather than progressive or "woke" initiatives. She urged them to avoid lecturing the public or flaunting their wealth, and instead profess their love for Britain. Foges concluded by humorously noting her continued availability to assist with speechwriting should they require it.