Royalty Thread #8.....A Pregnant Pause

[Skittl1321]

I'm 18 weeks right now. I never touch my stomach. Later in my pregnancies, I certainly do. I get that lots of women want to connect with the baby, and the pain reason makes a ton of sense; but it seems near constant that her hands are on her bump. When she is doing professional presentations. It's one thing on a walk about, in between shaking hands. It looked crazy during the British Fashion Awards. Especially since it was double handed so much. She looked like she was holding on to remind people she wasn't fat.

However, I think my issue with it is that it appears to be a crutch because she doesn't know what to do with her hands. Michelle Obama is a great example of being able to speak without needing to hold something. It's a good skill to learn.

 

[AxelAnnie]

Now for something that is totally none of my business and has no effect on me what so ever, but really, really, bugs me for some reason, I do wish Meghan would stop walking around cradling her bump, especially in both hands. Some of those photos from the fashion awards are just plain odd (IMHO, of course.)

That holding your baby bump bugs the $hit out me too. I think it is an affect adopted for effect. We all know she is going to have a baby.

IMO which means nada, cradling, rubbing, punching, talking to (see Raising Helen) and most else with your "bump" is stuff you can do when you are NOT making a public appearance. IMO it is an action designed to draw attention to the fact that you are carrying a child..........like people weren't going to notice. Is there is an award for the biggest bump? The best formed bump? The highest or lowest? Are you afraid it is going to take off and go somewhere if not supervised?

As an aside.....if you ever watched Sweet Home Sextuplets....now THAT was a bump! From the back, you could actually see a baby hanging off to the side!

 

[skatesindreams]

What does it matter if the Duchess of Suffolk cradles her "baby bump"?
Why is it any concern of ours?

 

[MsZem]

What does it matter if the Duchess of Suffolk cradles her "baby bump"?
Why is it any concern of ours?

I posted pretty bling and inspiring women at the Nobel Prize ceremony, but I guess it's just not as interesting as hypothesizing about the prenatal care of the Duchess of Sussex... here is some more Swedish (and Dutch) sparkly stuff, maybe that will do the trick?

Congratulations to the FSUers who are expecting

 

[AxelAnnie]

Here is an explanation of why it is creating such a buzz.

Meghan's Baby Bump.

"Cupping the bump? WHOB DOES THIS? #MeghanMarkle who the hell does she think she is Madonna and child? Something VERY creepy going on in this woman's head," one user wrote.

"#MeghanMarkle holding on to that bump like someone’s about to snatch it," another quipped.

"Seriously, no pregnant woman poses for photo like this. Ever. She's such an actress. #MeghanMarkle #duchessofsussex #BritishFashionAwards #actingup," another wrote, adding, "Especially when you're a royalty [sic] ... She should learn from Kate on how to pose regally when pregnant. Both hands discretely [sic] under the bump. Not cradling like Demi Moore. #Crasspregnancy #MeghanMarkle."

 

[skatesindreams]

I much prefer information about the "sparkly stuff"; rather than endless speculation, Zemgirl.

 

[Skittl1321]

What does it matter if the Duchess of Suffolk cradles her "baby bump"?
Why is it any concern of ours?

Yeah, it's just gossip, not a concern. She's a public figure being photographed at public events. It's not like I'm criticizing her private life. She's chosen a public life, even before marriage.

I suppose if someone was British it might be a concern of theirs because she is representing them as an official, and they are certainly within their right to be critical of their representation.

 

[taf2002]

Yeah, it's just gossip, not a concern. She's a public figure being photographed at public events. It's not like I'm criticizing her private life. She's chosen a public life, even before marriage.

I suppose if someone was British it might be a concern of theirs because she is representing them as an official, and they are certainly within their right to be critical of their representation.

(clutches pearls) I really doubt most of the British people are concerned that their representative is cradling her baby bump. They may not even be (gasp) critical.

There are posters here who say they do or have done the same thing. One reason may be it relieves or soothes cramping or pain. Another is that the bump is foreign to a person usually familiar with her body. When I had my reconstruction I cradled it all the time, at 1st because my warm hand eased the pain. It got to be a habit that DH had to remind me not to do in public. If anyone had criticized or even mentioned it I would have told them to mind their own business. I guess you've been thinking to yourself how crass they are.

 

[ballettmaus]

I posted pretty bling and inspiring women at the Nobel Prize ceremony, but I guess it's just not as interesting as hypothesizing about the prenatal care of the Duchess of Sussex... here is some more Swedish (and Dutch) sparkly stuff, maybe that will do the trick?

Congratulations to the FSUers who are expecting

Loving all of the Swedish gowns and tiaras this time around!

 

[Skittl1321]

(clutches pearls) I really doubt most of the British people are concerned that their representative is cradling her baby bump. They may not even be (gasp) critical.

No, I doubt MOST British people give her a moment's thought. But certainly gossiping about the royal family happens in British circles as well as international ones. I've read plenty of comments about the Duchess of Sussex's bump cradling from British citizens on forums I frequent.

She can cradle her bump all she wants. But she did not come across professionally at the Fashion Awards. IMO, there is a time and a place. When giving a presentation is not when you go two hands across the belly.

At least people aren't talking about her hair on her face anymore?


The gowns at the nobel ceremony are gorgeous.

 

[antmanb]

Nevermind

 

[smurfy]

I posted pretty bling and inspiring women at the Nobel Prize ceremony, but I guess it's just not as interesting as hypothesizing about the prenatal care of the Duchess of Sussex... here is some more Swedish (and Dutch) sparkly stuff, maybe that will do the trick?

thanks for link. Love seeing royals all dressed up.
I think the King of Sweden reminds me of the actor Jim Broadbent.
Queen Maxima - she always has such cool fashion and a great smile. She seems like a fun person and very comfortable in her position.

 

[MsZem]

Queen Maxima - she always has such cool fashion and a great smile. She seems like a fun person and very comfortable in her position.

She seems like the royal who would be the most fun to hang out with

Crown Princess Mary would probably be the best royal to shop with. Beatrice Borromeo has even better clothes, but would only pick expensive things.

 

[mattiecat13]

I'm old enough to remember how Sarah Ferguson was considered to be, like Megan, the "breath of fresh air" while she was dating/engaged to Prince Andrew. Unfortunately, after the marriage the knives came out and the poor woman could do nothing right. It seems history is repeating itself.

 

[Vagabond]

I think the King of Sweden reminds me of the actor Jim Broadbent.

OMG LOL!!!

King Carl XVI Gustaf

Jim Broadbent

I will never, ever be able to look at a photo or video of either of these two (If they are two, and not just one!) in the same way as before! And that mental confusion will be so totally worth it!

 

[RoseRed]

Oh wow

 

[aftershocks]

I'm 18 weeks right now. I never touch my stomach. Later in my pregnancies, I certainly do. I get that lots of women want to connect with the baby, and the pain reason makes a ton of sense; but it seems near constant that her hands are on her bump. When she is doing professional presentations. It's one thing on a walk about, in between shaking hands. It looked crazy during the British Fashion Awards. Especially since it was double handed so much. She looked like she was holding on to remind people she wasn't fat.

However, I think my issue with it is that it appears to be a crutch because she doesn't know what to do with her hands. Michelle Obama is a great example of being able to speak without needing to hold something. It's a good skill to learn.

But how constant is constant? And how would you know in any case? You really seem to be projecting with that "remind people she wasn't fat" reference! I think you are very off-base with that out-of-left-field characterization. It really is Meghan's business how she presents herself in public during her pregnancy, after all. Plus, we really are not getting to see glimpses of Meghan 24/7.

The Duchess of Sussex hasn't been doing a lot of public appearances since coming back from the South Pacific tour. The other night at the fashion awards event, I thought Meghan looked glowing, happy and very graceful. Whether or not embracing her baby bump was a comfort gesture due to feeling the baby moving, as some have suggested, or just simply Meghan feeling proud and enjoying her pregnancy and her femininity, I applaud her ability to be spontaneously in the moment. No matter what she does, there's going to be over-scrutiny and criticism, so she might as well enjoy being herself. Like she and Harry said in their engagement interview: they ignore the noise, and per Harry: "Whatever obstacles we have to face, we'll face together..."

Your speculation about Meghan needing a crutch to hold onto is all kinds of silly. What do you mean anyways? I think everyone has nerves when all eyes are on us in public, but Meghan is used to that, and she handles it all very well. The way she walked in was so graceful. She has such lovely posture, even in pregnancy! Since she's been practicing yoga from the age of 7-years-old, I would guess that she's very comfortable with and in-tune with her body.

As far as Meghan needing something to hold onto when speaking, well yes, she was holding the microphone, and the award envelope, and in the past, she's held onto the lectern when speaking, and she held onto both of her hands occasionally when she gave the brief speech at the public launch of her Hubb Community Kitchen project. And every time, she's always been so eloquent! And she writes her own speeches too!

Apparently, Meghan has always been a confident public speaker. Here she is around age 13 giving the keynote speech at her middle school graduation:
https://royallysussex.tumblr.com/post/178324282250/team-sussex-meghan-has-always-been-a-confident

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfaGleA4qYo At age 11, very articulate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkb-zg4JCLk U.N. speech 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq0tvm1zTFM Hubb Community Kitchen cookbook launch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZQiB1ChLAQ speech in New Zealand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7yGJ7Vic8k speech in Tonga scroll to 2:23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuBk1rIIxqI speech at Invictus Games in Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtl9mnEoZUY interview with Larry King, early 2016

ETA: Here's a revealing video of Meghan in a USA Network public service campaign (2012), speaking about her experience of being faced with racist attitudes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmEnNAy80ak

One thing I notice, and it has been commented on a lot is how Meghan often touches her hair, smoothing it back from her face. To me it seems like a nervous tick or mannerism. But whatever, nobody's perfect. She is really very accomplished, but at the same time, she's written and shared a lot about overcoming obstacles and dealing with challenges in her career as an actor. She seems like a person who tries to learn from every experience and to look at life glass half-full. She used to post so many encouraging quotes/ words of wisdom on her Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXlZtmZ8F6k

Meghan certainly had an amazing, busy and fun-filled life before meeting Prince Harry. Her friends and Suits castmates in her former life must surely miss her. Hopefully, she finds time to stay in contact with closest besties like Jessica Mulroney, Lindsay Roth, Abigail Spencer, Benita Litt, Misha Nonoo, and especially Markus Anderson (who appeared to be like an older brother to her -- there were lots of pics of him on her Instagram). One thing about Meghan's notoriety post-Harry is that she was unable to attend her close friends' Serena Williams' and Priyanka Chopra's weddings.

I wish the Sussexes well -- what they have appears to be such a beautiful, inspiring love story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Buj1VvxJW7M montage to Beautiful, by Mali Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCe8xFSrCwc montage to Ed Sheeran's Perfect

 

[clairecloutier]

New photo of the Cambridges: https://mobile.twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1073533100934733824

Louis is adorable!!

 

[Lizziebeth]

Kids are adorable. Charlotte looks older with her hair back. She must have enough hair for a ponytail now!

 

[Skittl1321]

The Cambridge's Christmas card is adorable.
And George is in long pants!

 

[Jenny]

LOL at George in long pants, like he just knew we were talking about it!

 

[Wyliefan]

Those kids are too cute for words!

 

[mag]

Love George’s boots!

 

[Habs]

Those kids are adorable. Prince Louis

 

[Lorac]

This link shows the Christmas card images for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as well as the previously linked one to the Cambridge's:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46568554

As everyone else says the one of William and Kate and their 3 children is adorable. I also like Prince Charles and Camilla's card - very loving. Not sure what I think of Harry and Meghan's to be honest - except it does highlight the fact Harry is rapidly following William in losing his hair

 

[Vagabond]

So it goes, so it goes!

 

[SHARPIE]

Oh, I am never broody but I’m wanting a Prince Louis!

 

[avivadawn]

I love all of the pictures. Not sure which I enjoy more: The Cambridge Family or the Sussexes.

 

[aftershocks]

New photo of the Cambridges: https://mobile.twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1073533100934733824

Louis is adorable!!

Such a sweet family portrait. Looks like it was taken in the fall. The kids are so cute. It's nice seeing how much Prince Louis has grown. It's Prince Louis' first Xmas! Both Windsors and Middletons are sure to enjoy celebrating this year with new young family members. Indeed the Middletons have two new grandsons.

https://mobile.twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1073533100934733824

The one of Camilla and Prince Charles is sweet and loving. The one of the Sussexes harks back so nicely to their wedding. So obviously M&H didn't have a special photo taken for their Christmas card, but are simply sharing one of the many photos that were taken on their wedding day/eve that were not shared with the public. It's a really nice shot of them from the back sharing a special moment. And with the setting being Windsor where they will soon be moving to set up their full-time residence, this photo is even more poignant in that respect.

Cecil Beaton used to be the official royal family photog back-in-the-day, and he took a great many formal, posed pictures mostly as well as more casual family photographs that were shared with the print media. I have an old hardcover book of days keepsake appointment book calendar that features a nice selection of Beaton's many photographs (color and b&w) of QEII and her family. The Victoria & Albert museum had an exhibition some years ago of many of these photos.

Oh No! Gary Janetti can't help but to weigh in with his mean Prince George take on the Cambridges' Xmas card: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrYEmxVnZPS/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrVoE3onEkd/ Janetti is certifiable

 

[AxelAnnie]

I'm old enough to remember how Sarah Ferguson was considered to be, like Megan, the "breath of fresh air" while she was dating/engaged to Prince Andrew. Unfortunately, after the marriage the knives came out and the poor woman could do nothing right. It seems history is repeating itself.

Gosh.....I thought she was the thorn in the side!