This week’s activities focus on the news that on 13 January, the Queen announced she would allow Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle to reduce their royal responsibilities.
The couple had released a statement on 8 January saying they wanted to “step back as senior members of the royal family” and it is believed that they wish to split their time between the UK and Canada.
Harry and Meghan are looking to focus on new projects, including their own charity, and hoped this move would enable them to raise their son, Archie, with ‘an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born” while also providing space to “focus on the next chapter”.
They said that although they still want to perform some royal duties, they want to explore opportunities to earn money and support themselves.
Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to undertake certain royal duties, and in return they are paid a vast sum of money from the Sovereign Grant, money which the Government past to the Royal Family.
The total Sovereign Grant last year was £82.2 million.
However, most of Prince Harry’s money is given to him by his father, Prince Charles, whose income comes from the Duchy of Cornwall – a collection of farms, land and rental cottages in several places across the UK.
This PDF resource includes this article, as well as accompanying activity ideas:
- As a class, discuss whether you think Harry and Meghan should be allowed to step back from royal duties. They are paid for the privilege, after all. Or should everyone have the freedom to choose their career and life?
- Write a pretend letter to the Queen, explaining why you would make a good candidate to take over the role. What parts would you be most interested in and qualified for?
- Write a short poem about this news, serious or funny, set to the tune of God Save the Queen
- Look into the kings and queens of England since 1800 and make a list of them all. Then list all royal family members currently in line to the throne
To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.
Find the whole range of free Topical Tuesday resources here.