Today marks the historic show-down between the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry, as the Royal Family attempts to iron out a solution to the so-called ‘abdication crisis’, following Harry and Meghan’s shock announcement that they want to stand down as senior royals last week. The core four royals have been summoned to Sandringham for the talks, with the Duchess of Sussex thought to be ‘dialling in’ from Toronto. The Queen is said to be keen for a swift resolution to the crisis, with clear steps for the future, including answering the key questions raised by the Sussex split. Here, we look at where the talks will take place, what’s on the table, and who else will be there.
Where will the summit take place?
In a subtle power play, the Queen has summoned her son, Prince Charles, and his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to come to her at Sandringham, rather than finding somewhere else for the discussions to take place. The Queen always spends this time of year in Norfolk, with members of her family hosting shooting parties every Monday. Peter Phillips, her eldest grandson, was the most recent to host - pictured going to church with his grandmother this weekend, where he told waiting reporters that she was ‘alright’. It’s thought to be the most ‘calming’ location for talks: with none of the rigidity of Buckingham Palace or Balmoral. The meeting itself is thought to be taking place in the Long Library, which looks on to the grounds and is far from prying eyes or ears at doors. It will be familiar to William and Harry who would have spent time here as children with their royal cousins.
How long will it take?
The Queen’s strict daily routine means that the meeting has been scheduled for 2pm until 5pm, when Her Majesty typically takes her afternoon tea. It’s thought that this is to ensure proceedings do not drag on, but also so that it is seen as more of a ‘usual’ event - with no break from the Queen’s regular scheduling.
Who will be there?
As well as the Queen, Charles, William and Harry, it is thought that Meghan will be dialling in from Toronto - where the time will be 6am. Whether or not she is broadcast from within the Long Library, or Harry nips out to convey messages from the summit, is unknown, but we can’t really picture the Queen on loudspeaker or Skype.
Also in attendance will be the key players working for the royals. These will include Sir Edward Young, the Queen’s Private Secretary, and Lady Susan Hussey, her senior lady-in-waiting; Prince Charles’s private secretary Clive Alderton; Prince William’s top aide Simon Case and Prince Harry’s private secretary Fiona Mcilwham.
What is up for discussion?
Several questions have been raised by the announcement by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex last week. One of the main issues is funding, and how much they will receive from the Duchy of Cornwall. This is intrinsically connected to how much work they will continue to do for the Royal Family, something else that needs to be agreed. Tied to this is the tax question, and whether or not they will be required to pay tax on any earnings in the UK and Canada, thought to be their intended second home. As members of the Royal Family, they have also received taxpayer-funded security - will this continue as they transition from a mainstream role? And finally their titles: will they retain the HRH now?
What’s next?
In terms of next steps, it's thought that the Queen is keen to find a swift resolution and plan of action, one that will keep all parties happy. It seems most likely that Harry and Meghan will largely be given what they want, while a solution to the key issues surrounding security and tax will be hammered out. However, as a complex issue, it's unlikely that all will be finalised today - it's probable that it will take several months to completely sever ties.
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