I actually think the TRF are handling this just fine. It comes across to me that the pair of them have fallen for the long running media portrayal that has implied for decades now… everyone loves the Queen, the DOE always says embarrassing things, wish we could skip Charles and go straight to William… and isn’t William a bit boring compared to cheeky chappy Harry. Everything they’ve done fits the narrative of wanting people to wish they would be next after the Queen. But they’ve overplayed it (just a bit
and then some!) and have almost gone into to verbal “terrorist” mode… which automatically over time will flip 95% of British population into “Blitz” mentality and people will stop enjoying a “bit of a moan” about the establishment and will rally behind TRF.
I think that’s why there is such a big fight about whether the Queen truly granted permission for the baby to be named Lilibet. If she did, then they can imply she’s supporting their position that they love her and she them & isn’t it a shame the rest of the people in the line of succession before them exist. If she didn’t then they risk their whole gambit being massively weakened. It feels like TRF realise this which is why they have made their feelings clear on this one particular matter today.
It also explains the total tantrum comments about how she doesn’t own the word royal and anyone can have a life of service.
People I know, who were previously on the fence about it all, are opening mocking them now.
It’s clear they didn’t want to break free at all but want to be viewed as the more amazing ones.
I’d be astonished if my parents in law don’t score highly on the narassism scale: when my husband and I naively tried to explain what they did and why it hurt we just came across as petty and silly. When we got some counselling support and “grey rock”ed his parents and kept our thoughts to ourselves… everyone suddenly started seeing their game playing themselves. It was fascinating to see how being neutral and calm works so well as a strategy. Clearly TRF approach I feel and one I have found works well myself. Takes time but works.