Following a three-month Buckingham Palace investigation into the working lives of the minor royals, Lord Luce has determined that the Earl and Countess of Wessex can keep their day jobs, though new guidelines have been hammered out to prevent a repeat of Sophie’s “fake sheikh” debacle.
“Members of the Royal Family should in their own way, using their own skills, be able to make a contribution to their own finances,” pronounced the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Luce, speaking with the authority of the palace. “The Queen believes that the public respects this and understands the modern aspirations of some members of the royal family to do this.”
“The Queen believes that in the 21st century it is not only understandable but entirely right for members of the royal family – if they wish to do so – to embark on careers of their own choice, including running their own businesses or being in business of one kind or another,” he said.
And while minor royals including PR firm R-JH founder Sophie Wessex can pursue outside careers, they are expected to aid the Queen with visits. “There is a heavy workload for the Queen,” Lord Luce said. “She needs support and help in undertaking the wide range of official duties and the members of the royal family are keen to give that support.”
The Queen has suggested that royals with outside careers appoint their own watchdogs to monitor their activities. And while they’ve been asked to keep their official engagements separate from their business activities, the working royals will not be forced to register their royal interests and business shareholdings as previously suggested.
“This is a victory for the people and for commmon sense,” said R-JH chief executive Jack Cassidy. “It is good news for the royal family, the country, and of course, the Earl and Countess of Wessex.”
Though Prince Charles will support the new plan, which also calls for younger royals to make more public appearances, he was said to be upset by the ruling, feeling that the palace missed a chance to address the issue of conflict of interest.
Palace insiders say Prince Philip was behind the palace’s approved plan, earning himself the nickname “Prince Powerful” for steamrolling the proposal through.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
