I think it’s vitally important that Harry and Meghan take some down time, and that doing so is in no way a deriliction of duty but rather a much-needed reset that will preserve their ability to be effective in the long-term. 1/12

Changes, even happy ones, cause stress. Refer to the commonly used Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory (see http://stress.org ). Taking the test as Meghan, I scored 304 which is “80% chance of health breakdown in the next two years.” 2/12

Meghan’s fast start was with the absolute best of intentions, and easily arguable that she was well-positioned to do so, being already accustomed to publicity and public appearances. 3/12

However, I believe it wasn’t wise as it underestimated the cumulative effect of multiple major life changes, compounded by the particular demands of royal life. 4/12

I believe she wished to be known from the start as a hard worker (as she is) and to put her new platform to as much good effect as possible, as soon as possible. 5/12

But this job isn’t a job, it’s a new 24/7 life until your last breath. It is unlike any other, even other forms of fame, and it’s alongside your entire family, where you also each have a rank and unique role, but with a common purpose. 6/12

While they certainly avoided the “lazy” commentary that Will and Catherine got for the years they spent living quietly in Angelsey while he was an air ambulance pilot, what W&C gained far outweighed the opinions of commentators.... 7/12

...which was precious, necessary, time to be just a couple, just newlyweds, just a new family, before beginning the irreversible lifelong trajectory towards the throne that will make it inestimably harder to find those quiet steady times of peace, internally and at home, 8/12

It’s so much more than issues with the media, unfair accusations (the neighbor demand list), or gross headlines (Demanding/Diva, etc.). Major multiple transitions put us in a taxed and vulnerable state for dealing with anything. 9/12

So, I believe it’s vital that they slow down and lay low for a bit, no matter what commentators choose to say about it. Take a deep breath, and just be a couple and just be a family. 10/12

I will personally ignore any commentary that classifies it negatively, as I did for W&C, because in the context of royal life and basic humanity, it’s absolutely necessary so they can carry on not only as effective Royals but also happy, healthy people.11/12

I wish them well and hope that 2020 brings many happy things. 12/12