I have looked at five British papers to see how this news was received.
It was a total car crash. Apparently the thoroughly modern and progressive approach they are taking doesn't include good publicity in traditional media. But maybe they are getting good numbers on twitter.
[edit] Finally found one that was somewhat sympathetic but it said they should take no more money from the royal family right away. That means no more security, moving out of royal property etc. If you wish to take the plunge, then take it. Don't ask people to pay for your transition to making a private fortune. A fortune you will get, but only as a result of the incredible efforts of the royal family to be seen as having a higher goal than money. Effectively, they are monetising the goodwill created by people other than themselves, and cheapening it in the process.