Why Meghan Markle – and other royals – call the royal family ‘The Firm’

No, it's not a sly dig

Well, maybe it is, but Meghan's not the only one who has referred to the Windsors as a Firm rather than a Family, over the years. In fact, the Windsors themselves have done it in the past, suggesting that their family is not merely a group of people who are related but a business that must survive at all costs. This has only become more apparent in recent days, as the royals have done everything in their power to discredit Meghan and Harry's upcoming Oprah interview before it even goes to air, removing their royal titles and launching an investigation into claims Meghan bullied former staff members. So, what exactly is "The Firm", and why are the royal family sometimes known as such? https://twitter.com/scobie/status/1367293740637954052?s=20 In a teaser clip for Sunday night's interview, Meghan says that "The Firm" played a role in "perpetuating falsehoods" about herself and husband Harry. She says: "I don't know how they could expect that after all of this time, we would still just be silent if there is an active role that The Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us. "And if that comes with risk of losing things, I mean, there's a lot that's been lost already." Although this might be the first time that some have heard the royals be referred to as much, "The Firm" has actually long been used as a descriptor for the family, who many see as keen to put business over relations. According to Penny Junor's 2005 book The Firm: The Troubled Life of the House of Windsor, the term is widely used among members of the family themselves, including Prince Philip. The book's blurb reads: "Prince Philip calls it 'The Firm,' and all the royal executives and their powerful associates are supposed to make every effort to avoid even a hint of scandal that could diminish the reputation of the family business." Apparently, the namesake was first introduced by Queen Elizabeth's father King George VI, who once stated:  "We're not a family, we're a firm." Similarly, Queen Elizabeth herself has also utilised the wording in the past. Last year, the monarch reportedly set up a 'Firm of Eight' to carry out royal duties following Harry and Meghan's departure, including herself, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Charles, and Camilla. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah will air in the UK on Monday, the day after it is televised in the States.