Just call me Harry. (Everything Harry & Meghan)

[manhn]

I have no doubt that the monarchy is a source of money for lots of Brits. Lots of tv shows, newspapers, and other media outlets are making plenty of money covering the current Harry and Meghan drama.

It also “helps” that Britain colonized so much of the world, so many countries have them as their figure head. Their brand is more naturally emanated across the world, as opposed to other countries’ royal families whose significance is more confined to that specific country.

So, Canada let’s kick them out! My high school is named after the Queen and would have no problem renaming it—a rebuke to the institution and irritation to a ton of people. Shania Twain Senior Secondary.

 

[becca]

That jumped out at me immediately. I'm sure it wasn't lost on Harry and Meghan. I doubt they are feeling the "love" expressed in that statement, though they probably realize that one of the Queen's advisers wrote it.

I have no doubt that the monarchy is a source of money for lots of Brits. Lots of tv shows, newspapers, and other media outlets are making plenty of money covering the current Harry and Meghan drama.

Would they rather the palace give an interview with their version of the truth? I think it’s quite possible other members have different versions of events and different points of view.

 

[skategal]

It also “helps” that Britain colonized so much of the world, so many countries have them as their figure head. Their brand is more naturally emanated across the world, as opposed to other countries’ royal families whose significance is more confined to that specific country.

So, Canada let’s kick them out! My high school is named after the Queen and would have no problem renaming it—a rebuke to the institution and irritation to a ton of people. Shania Twain Senior Secondary.

I’d be up for renaming the QE II hospital to the Maud Lewis Memorial Hospital or the Anne Murray Hospital.

 

[overedge]

Well as soon as you tell Canadians we need to pay anything (our taxes pay everything) we freak out. especially when it really isn’t anything to do with us in the first place.

Um, the Queen is the constitutional head of state in Canada. What happens to her and her family most definitely has a lot to do with us in Canada.

 

[Allskate]

Would they rather the palace give an interview with their version of the truth? I think it’s quite possible other members have different versions of events and different points of view.

I think they might. The rest of the family seems to prefer having leaks and lies go through the tabloids. There's probably a reason for that. I can't imagine that Charles and Camilla would fare very well in an interview, especially if they couldn't dictate the questions and follow up questions. I'm not sure that the Queen would come off very well, either.

Imagine this line of questions for Charles (with Camilla present): After years of tabloid press about you cheating on Diana, the two of you divorced. She was not given security by the royal family and she was hounded relentlessly by the tabloids and was killed with the paparazzi in pursuit. Your young son, Harry, had to follow her casket while millions of people watched. Do you worry that Harry will have to do something similar with his wife and son? Do you worry that Harry himself might die? Do you think that your family has anything to do with why he isn't safe? Because you are his father and the Queen is his grandmother? Because your family trotted him out for the public since he was born? Because of the things the Firm or the Institution has said or not said to the tabloids?

Also, why is Harry hurt and unhappy with you?

Or, what do you think of your mother's advisers? Why does she need advisers to tell her whether to keep plans to see her grandson? Will those same people be your advisers when you are King? Who is really running the royal family? What is it that you think you contribute?

Or, is it true that the palace hosts parties for the tabloids? Why?

Or, do you think it is you or Harry who has done more to obtain goodwill for the monarchy?

Or, have you ever heard anyone discuss Meghan's race or Archie's race? What was said? What did you say?

 

[Judy]

Um, the Queen is the constitutional head of state in Canada. What happens to her and her family most definitely has a lot to do with us in Canada.

A symbolic position.

 

[overedge]

Although @Allskate would never be allowed near a royal ever again if those were the questions that were asked - those are exactly the sort of questions that should be asked if Charles ever agrees to be interviewed.

 

[kwanfan1818]

Are their children born in the US American citizens? I know there's a provision for the children of diplomats who are born on US soil, ie, they specifically don't get citizenship, perhaps because they're on duty, but I'm not sure about royalty.

I definitely believe MM that she didn't know what she was getting herself into. I'd guess she thought she had a handle on it, some of it softened through her husband, but she didn't understand all of the unspoken assumptions. I'd bet that she assumed that because of her professionalism, and having worked and been successful in a competitive and cutthroat field, she would be able to figure it out and learn quickly, actors having to be chameleons and all, but it was way too much. I don't think she was naive: I think she thought it out, but got it very wrong.

 

[Colleen]

Add me to the list of those who will be using 'recollections may vary'. Love it. I watched most of the interview. Denying/discouraging care for someone experiencing a mental health crisis is disgusting. As are the racist discussion of the child's potential skin tone. I could see a bit of 'will it look like mom or dad' but I wouldn't be surprised if it was more about colour of skin than colour of eyes. The British press/tabloid headlines were completely in the wrong. Who wouldn't have a psychological reaction reading that about yourself day after day? Harry seems to be a bit entitled and spoiled. I hope he and Meghan find the peace and fulfillment they're looking for - they do seem to love and support each other which is nice to see.

As a Canadian, I would be fine with Canada cutting ties with the monarchy after QE's death. I know other things are a priority now but that discussion needs to be on the agenda when things settle down. We could do away with the Governor General position too - as well as their provincial counterparts and all the expense that seems to come with them and the endless renovations to their various mansions.

Am I the only one that was totally amused by the rescue chickens? I had no idea that was even a thing. My farm owning grandparents would have said that the only way to rescue a chicken is to put it in a roasting pan.

 

[Lemonade20]

Even though they made a point to praise the Queen and say she's always been lovely to Meghan and they have no complaints with her?

I mean it's very compartmentalized of them given that she really is in charge of everything so if "The Firm" is racist, it's on her. But they made a point not to criticize her either because she really has been lovely or because they know it will backfire.

My impression of what they said is that they will give fuel to the fire for people who say the institution is outdated and should be abolished.


I'm not. She keeps saying it was something you can't know until you're in there and that makes sense. It's like having kids. You have lots of ideas about what they will be like and you can even do lots of research, but then you have them and it's like "I had no idea"

I find it very hard to believe Meghan didn't know the most basic things such as how to curtsy to the Queen. Even expecting parents gets books and do homework as much as they can so they're going into parenthood with an idea of what to expect, and learn the rest as they go.

 

[4rkidz]

Well, the Brits I know are very anti-monarchy so that's probably not a good sample size.

As a Brit I like the Queen & the history but it can finish once she passes. I dont think taxpayers should pay anymore, including the security for any of them. Let the hangers on be totally self sufficient. But my family in England loves them but even they are not keen on Charles etc so not sure how much support there will actually be when the Queen dies, she is 94.

 

[MacMadame]

Am I the only one that was totally amused by the rescue chickens?

I want to have backyard chickens so much so I loved that part of the interview (We aren't allowed where I live.) Plus I'm a big proponent of #adoptdontshop so anyone who rescues anything is in my good graces.

 

[4rkidz]

I find it very hard to believe Meghan didn't know the most basic things such as how to curtsy to the Queen. Even expecting parents gets books and do homework as much as they can so they're going into parenthood with an idea of what to expect, and learn the rest as they go.

To clarify she though the bowing an scraping was just something done in public an she was meeting the Queen in private so didnt realize the protocol. I get that.

 

[barbk]

To clarify she though the bowing an scraping was just something done in public an she was meeting the Queen in private so didnt realize the protocol. I get that.

I was surprised when I first learned that members of the royal family actually do all that bowing and scraping even in private.

 

[Lemonade20]

I was surprised when I first learned that members of the royal family actually do all that bowing and scraping even in private.

Yes, it's like a sign of respect. There are so many protocols to follow, but the very basics of it is she talks first, not you. You always have to bow/curtsy, and never touch her.

 

[4rkidz]

A couple of very left-wing Canadians I know are, surprisingly, in favour of the UK monarchy.

I can appreciate the history and the symbolism but how can one reconcile the class system and life of privilege on the backs of the tax payers?

I was surprised when I first learned that members of the royal family actually do all that bowing and scraping even in private.

So was I before I watched the Crown lol.

 

[Karen-W]

Would they rather the palace give an interview with their version of the truth? I think it’s quite possible other members have different versions of events and different points of view.

If they had a softball interview like the one Oprah gave Meghan & Harry, then I'm sure they'd think twice about it before passing, lol.

Are their children born in the US American citizens? I know there's a provision for the children of diplomats who are born on US soil, ie, they specifically don't get citizenship, perhaps because they're on duty, but I'm not sure about royalty.

Both of their children are American citizens as they are the children of an American citizen. I'm not sure if Archie would be considered a "natural born citizen" since he was born in the UK and his parents were working royals at the time. The new baby, by virtue of being born in the US, will be a "natural born citizen". And the only reason this would matter is if Archie grows up and decides to run for US President. But, regardless, both children are entitled to US passports and are as American as me and my entire family (except my cousin-in-law who is of Japanese heritage and was born & raised in Japan, lol.)

 

[Judy]

Add me to the list of those who will be using 'recollections may vary'. Love it. I watched most of the interview. Denying/discouraging care for someone experiencing a mental health crisis is disgusting. As are the racist discussion of the child's potential skin tone. I could see a bit of 'will it look like mom or dad' but I wouldn't be surprised if it was more about colour of skin than colour of eyes. The British press/tabloid headlines were completely in the wrong. Who wouldn't have a psychological reaction reading that about yourself day after day? Harry seems to be a bit entitled and spoiled. I hope he and Meghan find the peace and fulfillment they're looking for - they do seem to love and support each other which is nice to see.

As a Canadian, I would be fine with Canada cutting ties with the monarchy after QE's death. I know other things are a priority now but that discussion needs to be on the agenda when things settle down. We could do away with the Governor General position too - as well as their provincial counterparts and all the expense that seems to come with them and the endless renovations to their various mansions.

Am I the only one that was totally amused by the rescue chickens? I had no idea that was even a thing. My farm owning grandparents would have said that the only way to rescue a chicken is to put it in a roasting pan.

Add me to the list of those who will be using 'recollections may vary'. Love it. I watched most of the interview. Denying/discouraging care for someone experiencing a mental health crisis is disgusting. As are the racist discussion of the child's potential skin tone. I could see a bit of 'will it look like mom or dad' but I wouldn't be surprised if it was more about colour of skin than colour of eyes. The British press/tabloid headlines were completely in the wrong. Who wouldn't have a psychological reaction reading that about yourself day after day? Harry seems to be a bit entitled and spoiled. I hope he and Meghan find the peace and fulfillment they're looking for - they do seem to love and support each other which is nice to see.

As a Canadian, I would be fine with Canada cutting ties with the monarchy after QE's death. I know other things are a priority now but that discussion needs to be on the agenda when things settle down. We could do away with the Governor General position too - as well as their provincial counterparts and all the expense that seems to come with them and the endless renovations to their various mansions.

Am I the only one that was totally amused by the rescue chickens? I had no idea that was even a thing. My farm owning grandparents would have said that the only way to rescue a chicken is to put it in a roasting pan.

It would be very difficult for Canada to get out of it.

Could Canada follow Barbados and drop the Queen as head of state?

After Barbados’ government announced plans for the island nation to drop the Queen as head of state and become a republic next year, there has been speculation Canada could follow suit and cut ties to the monarchy too. But could that really happen in Canada and would anything change if it did?

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[Colleen]

Thanks for posting that article Judy. I didn’t realize or think about all the potential complications and barriers to separating from the monarchy. No wonder we haven’t done it. Most governments probably want to focus on other things and getting away from the monarchy would be complicated and time consuming.

 

[AxelAnnie]

And Harry doesn't? So if William wants to use his father's money to set up trusts for his children you think that a good use of the money? I guess Archie & the new baby aren't really Charles' grandchildren, at least not the ones who count.

Really? Your assertion has nothing to do with the facts.
The money for the Duchy is earmarked for the eldest living son of the ruling Monarch. They inherit it at birth.

The Duchy of Cornwall is a well-managed private estate, which was established by Edward III in 1337. The revenues from the estate are passed to HRH The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, who chooses to use them to fund his public, charitable and private activities and those of his family.

 

[skategal]

It would be very difficult for Canada to get out of it.

Could Canada follow Barbados and drop the Queen as head of state?

After Barbados’ government announced plans for the island nation to drop the Queen as head of state and become a republic next year, there has been speculation Canada could follow suit and cut ties to the monarchy too. But could that really happen in Canada and would anything change if it did?

www.ctvnews.ca

But not impossible.

The latest poll I read showed that Canadians didn't want the Governor General replaced and wanted the duties to fall to a Public Servant.

Plus, the Indigenous people would probably love to re-open those treaties for re-negotiation. Many are already in re-negotiation regarding land claims.

I would argue that there can be no true reconciliation with Indigenous people with the Monarch as Head of State in Canada due to historical trauma caused by colonization.

 

[antmanb]

Throughout the deep divisions of Brexit, several political elections, and now C-19, the Queen has been a unifying figure in the country (as she has for 65+ years). She, and the monarchy, are something that virtually all Brits can agree to respect even during the darkest days -- and we've had plenty of them. She has the ability to calmly inspire public order, trust, and common good, even among warring political and other factions of society.

Can we? I have a level of respect for the Queen, but not the Royal Family. I think the Queen has done a pretty good job of being the symbolic head of state and being a figurehead but not really behaving like a normal person or seemingly having a personality. She's like a projection of sorts and have been able to maintain that for as long as she has is impressive and deserves some credit, but the rest of them? No. And did the Queen really inspire public order and calm? The wounds of Brexit are still raw for many people and nothing the Queen/Monarchy has done has made that better....unless you count everyone being united in their hatred for Prince Andrew.

When I compare Britain to the U.S., which was dealing with parallel dysfunction, the UK seems to have weathered the various storms with less extremism and more social cohesion. In part due to the monarchy, which provides a common thread in society that the U.S. just does not have. (In part also due to the BBC and less biased media.) There are other, perhaps better, ways to achieve the same outcome than a monarchy. Like I said, I'm still a republican. But I really get the point of a monarchy in a way I did not before living here, and before living here through various sustained crises.

I don't think the monarchy are responsible for this at all. I think the sheer numbers of people involved make all the difference. If you think Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been setting their own rules (often acting faster/better than the English government), then you're left with just England to consider and just playing the numbers game - extremists at either end aren't going to influence that many people. The crud was not politicised here in the same way that it was in the US, and i think that's because the Tories were in power. I've said it before and i'll repeat it here - if a Labour Government had been in power and given the same financial support that the Tories have, the Tories would have screamed Communism for the next 20-30 years and would have blamed that socialist government for putting the country in debt for the next generation or two. As it is the Tories did the right thing and they won't be criticised by the left for doing so, so at least politically we get to preserve some peace.

 

[Lynn226]

Am I the only one that was totally amused by the rescue chickens? I had no idea that was even a thing. My farm owning grandparents would have said that the only way to rescue a chicken is to put it in a roasting pan.

This perplexed me, too. AFAIK, neither one of them is vegan. Why rescue chickens if you're going to eat other animals?

 

[skategal]

This perplexed me, too. AFAIK, neither one of them is vegan. Why rescue chickens if you're going to eat other animals?

I assumed they wanted the fresh eggs and missed the part about them being rescues.

 

[antmanb]

This perplexed me, too. AFAIK, neither one of them is vegan. Why rescue chickens if you're going to eat other animals?

Are rescue chickens not a thing in the US? They very much are in the UK. The chickens are rescued from battery farms which usually have the chickens in appalling conditions.

 

[PRlady]

Nope, haven’t heard about rescue chickens although I’m a city girl and who knows what’s going on out there! I used to support a bunch of vigilantes who rescued chimps from research labs and now see both sides of that argument.

My biggest WTF with Meghan isn’t the chickens, it’s the stilettos while pregnant, but if it’s not bothering her then more power to her.

 

[Karen-W]

Are rescue chickens not a thing in the US? They very much are in the UK. The chickens are rescued from battery farms which usually have the chickens in appalling conditions.

I don't think so... I think most people just go get chickens from a local farm supply store or farm if they want to start raising their own.

My thought on the chickens was "that's the fanciest chicken coop I've ever seen... must be nice to have the money to be able to build a nice chain link fence to keep the wild animals out and install a bench inside..." And I'm not someone who is resentful of other people having money but the dichotomy of "just live simply" with the luxury chicken coop was not lost on me during the broadcast.

 

[Lynn226]

Are rescue chickens not a thing in the US? They very much are in the UK. The chickens are rescued from battery farms which usually have the chickens in appalling conditions.

I usually think of factory farm animal rescue as a thing that vegans do. Perhaps, I'm wrong.

I stopped eating meat and poultry (again) about two years ago. I have to admit I sometimes miss the extra crispy skin of KFC. I didn't care about the meat, only the skin.

 

[MsZem]

My biggest WTF with Meghan isn’t the chickens, it’s the stilettos while pregnant, but if it’s not bothering her then more power to her.

she was sitting down, though.

Kate didn't go for comfortable shoes when she was pregnant, either:

Kate Middleton’s Top 10 Pregnancy Looks: See Her Regal Maternity Fashion!

The Duchess of Cambridge knows how to work a baby bump!

www.etonline.com

 

[antmanb]

I usually think of factory farm animal rescue as a thing that vegans do. Perhaps, I'm wrong.

I think in the UK it became a cause that was taken up by celebrity chefs to stop the massive percentage of eggs that were sold in supermarkets being from battery hens. Rick Stein started speaking out about it in in the early 00s and then I think it was Jamie Oliver's push in the late 00s that really made it mainstream. He was advocating people just rescuing one or two hens if they had the space, and one of the benefits was enjoying the freshly laid eggs. I remember a friend of ours getting about 5 rescue hens in around 2010 (which i'd say was around the height of things here). The eggs being one of the main benefits of rescuing hens, i'm not sure it was ever popular with vegans.