Just call me Harry. (Everything Harry & Meghan)

[taf2002]

Eton is equivalent to middle school & high school, right? The incident above happened after his mother's death so it's not surprising that school was not his priority at that time. And that had to affect how prepared he was for university. If he was Harry Normalperson he may not have grown up in a fishbowl & he may not have lost his mother. I don't think we can assume he's not very smart.

 

[MacMadame]

I'm wondering how you know what were his marks in school or how smart he is or how high he could go in his chosen field.

The same way I know he'd go into the military and be good at it.

I know there are people who think the royals are a complete waste of space who only got where they are because of an accident of birth, but we've seen royals make a hash of it or just not do very well at all while some do really well so I think that's a big simplification.

Harry went into the military and from people who worked for him and with him there, he was good at it. I often wonder what would have happened if he had just insisted that he stay there instead of resigning out of some sense of royal duty.

 

[starrynight]

I don't think we can assume he's not very smart.

Hmmm

The Sun shows Prince Harry wearing Nazi uniform

Follow the latest news headlines from Australia's most trusted source. Read in-depth expert analysis and watch live coverage on ABC News.

www.abc.net.au

 

[mag]

Harry may have been happier if he had just stayed in the military, but he now has the family he has always wanted and I am not sure he would have met Meghan if he had stayed, so I suspect he is happy now that he left. I think deploying overseas was always going to be a security issue so maybe a long term career was not in the cards. I like to think that he looked at all the options before making a decision.

As for post secondary education, everything we do know, including Harry’s comments at the time, indicate that he was not university bound. Lots of people, including his mother, don’t go to university so I don’t see what the big deal is. I think it may have taken him longer to work his way up through the military had he not been royal as he probably would not have gone straight into Sandhurst (I think that is where he went) but I agree with those who say he would have done well. He seemed to thrive while he was there.

 

[cygnus]

Eton is equivalent to middle school & high school, right? The incident above happened after his mother's death so it's not surprising that school was not his priority at that time. And that had to affect how prepared he was for university. If he was Harry Normalperson he may not have grown up in a fishbowl & he may not have lost his mother. I don't think we can assume he's not very smart.

I never said he wasn't smart. He just has never given any indication that he was academically inclined- had he wanted to go to University, he could have gone. I know many very smart people for whom schooling was not their forte. He did well in the army, from all accounts- it's just that had he not been royal he might have had a harder time in initially getting his commission. But he made a fine officer when given those chances- he certainly did not shirk his duties.

 

[mattiecat13]

That was my question, @MacMadame, couldn’t Harry have stayed in the military? He may not have met Meghan but he may have met someone else that made him happy. Could he also have done royal duties while being in the military?

 

[MacMadame]

That was my question, @MacMadame, couldn’t Harry have stayed in the military? He may not have met Meghan but he may have met someone else that made him happy. Could he also have done royal duties while being in the military?

I think until William got married and started having heirs, there was a pressure for Harry not to do anything too dangerous so there'd be another heir in case William got run over by a limo or something.

At least that was what I was reading in the press at the time Harry left the military.

 

[aftershocks]

I've heard reports that Harry was diagnosed with dyslexia, but it hasn't been widely talked about:

404 - Page not found - Music News and Reviews | Contactmusic.com

404 - Page not found - Contactmusic.com is the premier destination for official music videos, music reviews | Contactmusic.com

www.contactmusic.com

^^ Maybe it wasn't widely revealed because of Harry's distrust of most media outlets and because as a young man he felt smothered by the public's interest in him anyway. As we know, Harry struggled quite a bit in his teens and twenties, and not just due to his mother's passing.

BTW, that costume party where Harry wore the Nazi uniform was the brainchild of his brother Prince William, who wore an African tribal-related costume, but William wasn't caught on camera. It was stupid of Harry to wear the Nazi uniform, but neither his brother, friends nor anyone else who attended the costume party thought anything of it enough to warn Harry against wearing the outfit. In fact, it is said that others who attended encouraged him to wear it. Plus, it's well known that many British aristocrats were Nazi-sympathizers back-in-the-day, including the Wales bros' great-great Uncle David, the Duke of Windsor. Both William and Harry were involved in club-hopping, drinking and wild-partying in their teens and twenties, but only Harry took the fall. William was always protected, as heir to the throne. In the end, at least Harry learned how to learn from his mistakes. Sadly, Wills did not.

There's some head-swimming posts in this thread. But whatever. That's not news considering the OTT over-fascination with Meghan & Harry in many quarters, especially on social media sites.

BTW, @kittyjake5, I get your drift with your posts about the upcoming book by Omid Scobie & Carolyn Durand. I just think you are on the wrong track with your thoughts about it, chiefly because the Sussexes will not be making any money off of it, at least not directly. And in any case, it's been confirmed by recent comments by Omid that his initial start in writing the book is unrelated to the Sussexes stepping down. Omid has an audio podcast and he recently returned from a 3-week hiatus to briefly discuss the book, along with other royal-related news with his co-host, Maggie Rulli. Omid mentioned that he began working on the book two years ago, around the time of the royal wedding of Harry & Meghan.

At that point, M&H were eagerly looking forward to the work ahead of them representing the monarchy, including Harry's role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, plans for their upcoming South Pacific tour, and starting a family. As well, Meghan was already working behind-the-scenes on her first project as a royal, with the women of Hubb Community Kitchen. The Together Cookbook project was launched on the grounds of Kensington Palace in September 2018.

It makes sense that a well thought out account of M&H's relationship and marriage would not be rushed and cobbled together in only 6 months. When Omid began working on the book, neither the Sussexes nor Omid had any idea what the Sussexes would be put through over the next year and a half, which would lead to them stepping down from senior royal duties.

Below is yet another speculative article, but at least it's not nasty and negative. BTW, two of the people quoted, fashion bloggers Elizabeth Holmes (of So Many Thoughts), and Christine Ross (of Meghan's Mirror and What Kate Wore) both stand to benefit by a continued boost to traffic on their blogs should Meghan become involved with some of the infuencer initiatives they are speculating about.

Meghan Markle Is Poised to Become the Most Prominent Influencer in the World

But don’t expect her to go shilling flat-tummy tea.

www.townandcountrymag.com

 

[ballettmaus]

BTW, that costume party where Harry wore the Nazi uniform was the brainchild of his brother Prince William, who wore an African tribal-related costume, but William wasn't caught on camera. It was stupid of Harry to wear the Nazi uniform, but neither his brother, friends nor anyone else who attended the costume party thought anything of it enough to warn Harry against wearing the outfit. In fact, it is said that others who attended encouraged him to wear it.

That doesn't make either costume okay.

Plus, it's well known that many British aristocrats were Nazi-sympathizers back-in-the-day, including the Wales bros' great-great Uncle David, the Duke of Windsor.

That, in fact, makes the Nazi costume especially and that no one thought to tell Harry not wear it even worse.

 

[VGThuy]

I just think if the monarchy gets toppled or at least shaken irreversibly by Harry and Meghan’s actions, then the whole thing is funny considering everything this institution has done and came out unscathed anyway.

 

[Vagabond]

BTW, that costume party where Harry wore the Nazi uniform was the brainchild of his brother Prince William, who wore an African tribal-related costume, but William wasn't caught on camera.

Do you have a link to any contemporary account that backs you up on this?

Here's what I remember reading at the time:

Royal family caught up in Nazi row

According to the Sun, the photograph was taken a week ago when Prince Harry, 20, attended a birthday party in Wiltshire for his friend Harry Meades.

His older brother, Prince William, is also thought to have been present, although he opted for a homemade lion and leopard outfit more in keeping with the party's "native and colonial" theme.

The Barbary lion is the national animal of England, but the lion costume can, I think, be fairly understood as representing both natives and colonials. To call it far "tribal-related" strikes me as bringing one's own agenda rather than looking at facts.

Likewise, the idea that Prince William concocted the idea for his twenty-year-old younger brother to wear a Nazi costume, which was not just tasteless and offensive but out of keeping for the (questionable) theme of the party sounds like projection rather than fact.

 

[taf2002]

I like Harry but it's not necessary to explain away all his youthful mistakes & tasteless antics. None of us are perfect so it's possible to like someone who isn't perfect either. The nazi costume & the event where he was photographed naked were IMO Harry's worst missteps.

 

[canbelto]

BTW, that costume party where Harry wore the Nazi uniform was the brainchild of his brother Prince William, who wore an African tribal-related costume, but William wasn't caught on camera. It was stupid of Harry to wear the Nazi uniform, but neither his brother, friends nor anyone else who attended the costume party thought anything of it enough to warn Harry against wearing the outfit. In fact, it is said that others who attended encouraged him to wear it. Plus, it's well known that many British aristocrats were Nazi-sympathizers back-in-the-day, including the Wales bros' great-great Uncle David, the Duke of Windsor. Both William and Harry were involved in club-hopping, drinking and wild-partying in their teens and twenties, but only Harry took the fall. William was always protected, as heir to the throne. In the end, at least Harry learned how to learn from his mistakes. Sadly, Wills did not.

Uh ... that doesn't excuse Harry wearing the costume. In fact, it makes it 100x worse if Harry wasn't just wearing an unfortunate costume but ... also carrying on family tradition?

Also "it is said that others who attended encouraged him to wear it" is classic In-Touch/Us-Weekly getting away with gossip without legal ramifications because anyone could have "said" it. Like someone (say, @aftershocks) who is overly attached to a fantasy of Harry being perfect and William being evil and wants to write about it compulsively in a figure skating subforum.

But we get it. Harry = William =

 

[kwanfan1818]

I don't know why anyone thinks that had he not been born a royal he would have been a peasant. He could have been born into other kinds of privilege that afforded him all kinds of help along the way. Or he could have been useful to an institution which granted a degree under similar circumstances of having little time, interest, and/or ability to do the work, like many top-level athletes.

That he was able to use those advantages to make something of himself and become respected in a tough profession says something solid about him, because he could have just become his uncle.

 

[Jenny]

That, in fact, makes the Nazi costume especially and that no one thought to tell Harry not wear it even worse.

Or maybe someone did tell him not to wear it, or take it off/leave the party once he did wear it, and he chose to ignore their advice?

 

[canbelto]

Harry and Meghan have hired Victoria Beckham's former assistant:

Entertainment News and Celebrity Gossip

From celebrity fashion disasters to exclusive celebrity interviews, here's where you can get your dose of what's happening in Hollywood.

www.cosmopolitan.com

 

[mjb52]

It sort of cracks me up to try to imagine William as a hard-partying teenager. He just really doesn't seem the type. Even if he actually was, I bet it was sort of comical to observe. As an essentially square person who hung out with some hard-partiers briefly back in the day, I imagine him like I remember myself, and I can assure you it is a very funny sight indeed.

 

[overedge]

When Harry wore the Nazi outfit he was 20 years old, and couldn't have been unaware of WW2 and what the outfit represented. He made a really bad decision, and there's no excuse that can justify it.

 

[MacMadame]

@kwanfan1818 that's what I was trying to say. Thanks for being more articulate about it.

I am actually not a fan of monarchies except maybe as a way to celebrate history. Like when a minor royalty in an obscure country lives in his ancestral estate and opens it up for tours to pay for its upkeep. This way a country doesn't lose its history but also isn't paying millions to support a family who has enough personal wealth to support themselves.

But I think the idea that anyone who is royalty could never have made anything of themselves without being royal is a bit extreme.

I also think it gives Harry & Megahn more power than they actually have to think that them opting out of being a senior royal is going to bring down the monarchy. The monarchy is slowly eroding IMO and will eventually go away but more because the taxpayers are tired of paying for it and don't think they are getting value for their tax dollars.

My prediction is that Queen Elizabeth II's death is going to be far more impactful on the future of the monarchy than anything someone so far from the line of succession (and getting farther not closer over time) chooses to do.

That doesn't mean I don't find it interesting and that I don't think it will have any impact. I just think the way it's been gone about is going to lessen its impact on the monarchy compared to other ways of doing it

 

[mag]

Prince Harry Makes a Surprise Appearance on the BBC — and a Sweet Off-the-Cuff Remark — People

Prince Harry appeared on BBC's _The One Show_ to talk about veterans overcoming life-changing injuries

apple.news

 

[mag]

Another piece on the upcoming book about Harry and Meghan. I think the following quote was designed to make us all think that the book will be the “truth,” although I am not sure that is the way it comes across.

“...The insider also revealed the Duchess 'had plenty to say about what went into the book, much more than the public is being led to believe.

'The only way Finding Freedom was ever going to be published, was if Meghan had the final say and gave her seal of approval.'...”

I hope there is some biographical information about Scobie included at some point. The fact that he doesn’t list his education makes me assume he is more of an influencer turned influencer writer. I am not sure that, in combination with him appearing to be fairly young, gives me confidence he will have the strength to show H&M’s life together from multiple few points and include that which may not be flattering to them. No one is perfect. H&M have done some fabulous things and have also had some big missteps. Perhaps we can hope this will be the medium they will use, as promised, to admit those mistakes as well as celebrate their successes.

Meghan wants biography out now, saying it will set the record straight

Meghan Markle wants the upcoming biography on her and Prince Harry's life to be released sooner rather than later, DailyMail.com can reveal.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[canbelto]

Harry and William are back in touch:

Princes William and Harry ‘back in touch’ after reported falling out

A royal reunion seems to be underway. Things are finally looking up for Princes William and Harry as the two are “back in touch” after months of a rift in the brothers’ bond, Ente…

www.nydailynews.com

 

[puglover]

If their issues are with the media, living in a goldfish bowl, feeling constrained by royal life, etc. - and those are what are discussed primarily in the book as the reasons for them seeking freedom, then I can see that gaining respect and understanding, although none of that seems new or particularly revelatory. I personally think it would be a bad idea to voice problems within the royal family itself and discuss those relationships. In fact, they have criticized Meghan's dad for speaking to the media and trying to publicly gain sympathy. If in fact William and Harry have mended some fences, that it great news, and I hope nothing comes along to further damage that.

 

[starrynight]

I've noticed that gossip site x7online has helicopters circling their house in LA and there have been photos circulating of Harry in the garden. Although I don't think any major news publications have run those photos.

The helicopters thing is pretty standard in LA. The same website was running photos of the Kardashians in their pool and I've certainly seen lots of photos of Britney Spears (back in the day) taken from helicopter.

As far as I know, the palaces in the UK are no fly zones.

 

[aftershocks]

Another piece on the upcoming book about Harry and Meghan. I think the following quote was designed to make us all think that the book will be the “truth,” although I am not sure that is the way it comes across.

“...The insider also revealed the Duchess 'had plenty to say about what went into the book, much more than the public is being led to believe.

'The only way Finding Freedom was ever going to be published, was if Meghan had the final say and gave her seal of approval.'...”

I hope there is some biographical information about Scobie included at some point. The fact that he doesn’t list his education makes me assume he is more of an influencer turned influencer writer. I am not sure that, in combination with him appearing to be fairly young, gives me confidence he will have the strength to show H&M’s life together from multiple few points and include that which may not be flattering to them. No one is perfect. H&M have done some fabulous things and have also had some big missteps. Perhaps we can hope this will be the medium they will use, as promised, to admit those mistakes as well as celebrate their successes.

Meghan wants biography out now, saying it will set the record straight

Meghan Markle wants the upcoming biography on her and Prince Harry's life to be released sooner rather than later, DailyMail.com can reveal.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Oh @mag. Please stop relying on the Daily Fail for your information on Meghan and Harry. They have no reliable sources. M&H cut off all contact and representation with all of the palaces and sent those 'we're done engaging with you' letters to those four specific tabloids for a reason. Whenever the DF says anything about a 'Sussex insider' or a 'royal source' who said anything about M&H, you should not believe anything that's printed because it's made-up.

It's really nasty that the DF continues with these outlandish stories about M&H while they're being sued by Meghan. DF must believe they are going to get off lightly with the court case, and of course they keep at it, because anything and everything about the Sussexes sells. I admire the Sussexes immensely for taking on the British tabloids and in the process defying the 'stiff-upper-lip' kowtowing advice handed down by the senior royals and by palace p.r.

There isn't a lot of biographical information available on Omid, and I doubt we are going to get a detailed account. I was able to find out that he wrote for Heat, a U.K. entertainment magazine, prior to becoming a royal reporter. He made a foray into the American market with Elle and Harper's Bazaar, and later as a royal correspondent with ABC. I trust Omid because of witnessing his professionalism firsthand on his podcast and in his reporting. I'm impressed by the way he's conducted himself from the beginning of the entire Meghan & Harry saga. I find Omid to be savvy, smart, very professional, fair and objective in all of his reporting on the British royal family. We'll see what the book has in store for us (for those who are actually interested). In the meantime, you really should give DF a pass online, or use the hardcopy for poop pickup or birdcage liner.

Omid had interviewed Meghan for Elle, I believe, when she was an actor on Suits (before she or Omid knew she would one day meet Prince Harry). I haven't been able to locate the old interview, but I remember reading it. Omid and Meghan have a mutual friend or friend(s) in common. Some people believe the mutual friend is Markus Anderson of Soho House. Markus is Canadian. There's not a lot of information about Markus either, but there are some bio features on the Internet. He started out at Soho House in London as a waiter and he worked his way up to Executive Assistant to the founder, Nick Jones. I believe Markus is now a Global Membership Director for Soho House clubs around the world. He was responsible for scouting new locations and opening clubs in a variety of cities, including Toronto. The Toronto club I think was opened sometime in 2013, which is probably when Markus met Meghan and they hit it off. She appears to consider Markus to be like an older brother, judging from a number of posts with and about him on her former Instagram. In his position, Markus Anderson knows a lot of high-profile people. He's known to be a very discreet, behind-the-scenes mover-and-shaker, and a savvy 'tastemaker.'

Meet ‘the second most important man in Meghan Markle’s life' - her charming Canadian confidant, 41

HE’S been dubbed the most important man in Meghan Markle’s life – after Prince Harry of course – and he plays an influential role. Canadian Markus Anderson, 41, works as the Duchess of …

www.thesun.co.uk

Even though the above article is from the dreaded, The Sun, it seems fairly accurate about the relationship between Meghan and Markus. There is a blatant error: Meghan moved to Toronto in 2011, not 2001. I don't believe Markus met Meghan until at least 2013 when he was in Toronto to scout for a new Soho House. It's possible they met as early as 2012, but more likely it was 2013. A lot of people don't realize that Meghan's and Serena's friendship began at a Super Bowl function possibly in 2010 or earlier. Their friendship pre-dates Meghan landing the 'Rachel' role in Suits.

 

[aftershocks]

Do you have a link to any contemporary account that backs you up on this?

Here's what I remember reading at the time:

Royal family caught up in Nazi row

The Barbary lion is the national animal of England, but the lion costume can, I think, be fairly understood as representing both natives and colonials. To call it far "tribal-related" strikes me as bringing one's own agenda rather than looking at facts.

Likewise, the idea that Prince William concocted the idea for his twenty-year-old younger brother to wear a Nazi costume, which was not just tasteless and offensive but out of keeping for the (questionable) theme of the party sounds like projection rather than fact.

Thanks @Vagabond for pointing this out. This is my first opportunity to respond. Life is so different these days. Anyway, no I don't have a primary source. I have just heard this mentioned more than once on social media. Because it's social media and can't be tracked or easily verified suggests caution, but doesn't always mean it's not true. Again, thanks for your recall. It made me dig deeper, and so now the mystery is solved. Prince William apparently loved these costume-themed parties as he enjoyed more than one in his youth.

Below is an old Fox news article in which William is quoted as saying that for his 21st birthday party, he told the Queen he wanted a costume party instead of a party with guests wearing traditional formal attire:

Prince William Celebrates 21st Birthday With African-Themed Party

Prince William (search) turned 21 on Saturday, proving himself to be the model of a modern royal: He wears jeans, loves fast motorbikes, does his own grocery shopping and holds tight to his independence.

www.foxnews.com

"I thought it would be quite fun to see the family out of black tie and get everyone to dress up," William said.

The 'Out of Africa' themed party was held at Buckingham Palace for William's coming of age birthday in 2003. The Fox article does not tell us what anyone ended up wearing. However, in 2005, a second Guardian article than the one you linked, mentions the earlier 2003 party at BP for William:

The swaggering prince

Prince Harry was merely following British tradition when he donned a party costume, writes Ros Taylor. He just forgot to dress up.

www.theguardian.com

"Prince William wore a straw skirt for his 21st (the dress code for that party was 'Out of Africa') and this time [in 2005] he reportedly turned up wearing a skin-tight black leotard and leopard-skin paws and a tail."

As the Guardian reporter states that William wore a 'straw skirt' for the 2003 'Out of Africa' party, it means he wore an African tribal costume. Therefore, it looks as if some people who have commented online are confusing William's attire for the 2003 party for his attire at the 2005 party. Maybe there were even more costume parties that weren't publicized. I doubt any photos are available, but if we believe the Barbary lion get-up for the infamous 2005 party, then I'm sure the reporters aren't off-base with the 'straw-skirt' costume for William's get-up at his 2003 BP 21st birthday 'Out of Africa' party. While it hasn't been confirmed why Harry chose to wear a Nazi uniform at the 2005 party, what is known is that a guest took a photo and sold it to the tabloids surely for a lot of money. Harry owned up to his mistake and he didn't blame anyone else. He could have done it on a dare, or just through his own bonehead drunken stupidity. I suppose the incident will be endlessly rehashed (even when his own children come of age), because the photo is unforgettable.

Speaking of which, it's a rotten shame that the symbol the Nazis appropriated is attached to such horrific acts of depravity. The actual origin and meaning of the symbol is ancient and celebratory:

How the Swastika Became a Nazi Symbol

For many people today, the swastika provokes instant repulsion. Across much of the world it is the ultimate banner for genocide and intolerance, a...

www.historyhit.com

Reminds me of Princess Michael and the brooch she wore to the Queen's Christmas luncheon in 2017, which btw is NOT a 'blackamoor' brooch:

Why the world got the 'racist' royal jewelry all wrong

***

www.haaretz.com

Look closely at the brooch's gorgeous detail. As this article reveals (and I've linked it previously), the brooch was made in Venus by Alberto Nardi. It is known as a 'Moretto Veneziano' brooch which "depicts a Moorish Venetian prince," modeled after Shakespeare's Othello, and also probably inspired by the cult of St. Maurice (a black Roman commander from Egypt who led the Roman Theban Legion and who became a martyr circa 287 AD):
https://pdjeliclark.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/saint-maurice-detail.jpg

Who knows what Princess Michael's intentions and knowledge of the history of the brooch are though. It is known that she had worn it previously to other Christmas parties.

I like Harry but it's not necessary to explain away all his youthful mistakes & tasteless antics. None of us are perfect so it's possible to like someone who isn't perfect either. The nazi costume & the event where he was photographed naked were IMO Harry's worst missteps.

Personally, I don't make excuses for any of the royals' youthful or otherwise 'mistakes.' For all of them, it is what it is. Certainly, Harry's faux pas are constantly rehashed ad nauseam. The good thing is that no one covered up Harry's mistakes. That was the point I was making in my earlier post. Harry owned up to his transgressions and he didn't blame anyone else. He apologized and he hopefully learned something. His time in the military and his fortuitous meeting with Prince Seeiso in Botswana certainly led to Harry transcending or at least atoning for his worst missteps.

 

[aftershocks]

It sort of cracks me up to try to imagine William as a hard-partying teenager. He just really doesn't seem the type. Even if he actually was, I bet it was sort of comical to observe. As an essentially square person who hung out with some hard-partiers briefly back in the day, I imagine him like I remember myself, and I can assure you it is a very funny sight indeed.

You're right @Michalle. It's a funny sight and it happened at a ski resort in Switzerland on Commonwealth Service day in 2017. I guess if you blinked or if you weren't following the royals or TMZ, you missed it. Check your pm.

I just think if the monarchy gets toppled or at least shaken irreversibly by Harry and Meghan’s actions, then the whole thing is funny considering everything this institution has done and came out unscathed anyway.

I don't think it's Meghan & Harry 'toppling the monarchy.' It's teetering and tottering because it's out-of-step and old-fashioned, and because the people running it are the same. Such goodwill and increased interest was brought to the firm when M&H married. But jealousy over 'spotlight' attention, and pure old-fashioned racism and classicism won out over protecting a beloved royal son and his unexpected American-born wife. It's too late now. They are not going back to be senior royals. I would bet on it. Of course, the monarchy doesn't want M&H to succeed outside of the royal firm.

So far M&H appear to be very relaxed and happy, contrary to the 'Harry is struggling' reports. I'm sure he's going through an adjustment, but I don't think he's at all unhappy. Prior to the BBC chat Harry had with veterans (linked earlier upthread), Harry had made another Zoom appearance to give an uplifting message to Invictus games athletes. Harry looked really good and very healthy and happy. His hair looked longer, as if he'd gotten an L.A. blowout, and maybe a bit of a red-hued tan in the warm, L.A. sun. See Harry at 2:37 in the below M&H news video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWUguNcOIaA
Harry echoes Meghan's relaxed look in her video chat for SmartWorks and in the video with Archie, reading Duck! Rabbit! An observer quipped, M&H seem to be 'aging backward.' As the saying goes, 'Living well is the best revenge.'

The Brititish monarchy has a far-reaching history of teetering and of being toppled and then of surviving. So we'll see what happens. I previously linked the below documentary made a few years after PrCharles & Camilla's wedding. It was a time of uncertainty about the future of the British monarchy. Surprise, surprise. This video also shows and discusses the wild partying days of both William and Harry. Also, royal reporter Judy Wade, spells out how palace p.r. and courtiers 'strong arm' the press to negotiate substitute stories in order to keep William's transgressions out of the newspapers: https://youtu.be/v1oq8r8i_Ls?t=966 Judy Wade's comments begin around 18:44
It's obviously a well-worn practice that predates Meghan's entry into the royal firm. IOW, Meghan became the preferred scapegoat, especially after her and Harry's successful South Pacific tour.

Not too long ago, a few years after Diana's death (before Meghan was ever heard of or thought of), a documentary was made about the similarities between royalty and celebrity. I'd never seen this until recently. It's fascinating viewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGY-UOvLWjw New Royals
Looking at the above documentary, I was SMH at the ironies involved with the gnarly Brit tabs today constantly accusing M&H of leading a 'celebrity lifestyle,' or of 'aspiring to be L.A. celebs.' To be honest, Meghan wasn't a celebrity until she began dating and ultimately married Prince Harry. Before then, she was a successful, hardworking Hollywood actor and a humanitarian and entrepreneur who laid the foundation for her success in Toronto, well before she ever met Prince Harry.

At one point in the New Royals documentary, a younger Ingrid Seward (who founded Majesty magazine during the Diana era), claims that the royals shouldn't be blamed for the problems and for the fine-line they face with the commercialization of being royal. It's rather interesting that what Seward said years ago doesn't seem to apply now to how she and other royal reporters are treating and characterizing Meghan & Harry.

 

[puglover]

I like Harry and Meghan and wish them well but for me they are only bit players to this point. The Queen, IMO, has kept the monarchy from teettering and toppling and she has been a source of stability and constancy in the world for basically my entire life. I do understand those who find the whole concept outdated and questionable but, for me, I love the role they play that is not so politically motivated. Although I am not a British subject, her words have encouraged and comforted me and my mother spoke of their power and uniting influence during WW2. I would not have believed that Prince Charles could rehabilitate his reputation after Diana but he appears to have done that and Camilla even seems to have found a place for herself. I think that speaks to the forgiving nature of most people and their understanding that both Charles and Diana were victims of the constraints and obligations of being royal. I am sure Harry and Meghan will do just fine. They have the support of many - including those with money, power and influence. If my heart hurts for anyone - it is Princess Beatrice who has had really lousy timing - first her Dad - and now a pandemic. I doubt either she or her sister have had life easy, and in fact, have endured a lot of criticism and ridicule. May they all find peace and happiness.

 

[mag]

I’m not wild about Harry any more — just disappointed

 

[VGThuy]

No offense, but that person needs to grow up. “Boohoo I thought he cared about me.” Blah. I can’t believe someone got paid to write that. Seems like Harry and Meghan is at least funding someone’s lifestyle. That’s the issue I have about this “commentary culture”. They need celebs of all sorts to “mess up” so people like that can cash in on poo pooing them.