Royalty Thread#12 Tiaras, Palaces & Gilded Cages

[aftershocks]

Oh ah, yes I almost forgot to point out that if you think Monday's Commonwealth Memorial Service is going to be interesting to watch for body language, you should take a gander at last year's service which is still up on Youtube. Especially the part where the Cambridges and Sussexes are standing together and Prince Charles and Camilla enter and walk over to where they're standing. It's a few minutes of interesting viewing while they all wait for the Queen.

BTW, Meghan's gorgeous red Safiyaa cape gown is very similar to the turquoise blue Safiyaa cape gown she wore in Fiji in 2018. The blue gown was looser fitting, as Meghan was pregnant:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqoEnPAfTz4/XmQTsAnQJpI/AAAAAAABmO8/iKjp-jAmA2MtMZ3dkx5eIVqU6-AtiiVhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/meghan%2Bmarkle%2Bred%2Bgown.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk4tQx55IWE/XmQFNXLjr3I/AAAAAAABmNs/2lcyV5n__k8bW3cOzikLYleCof-oP_Z4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/meghan%2Bblue%2Bgown22.jpg

Happy royal watching in general everyone.

ETA:
Reports on Meghan's private visit to Robert Clack Secondary School:

Meghan Markle makes surprise visit to Dagenham school to mark International Women's Day

The Duchess shared some empowering words of wisdom

www.hellomagazine.com

Meghan Markle pays surprise visit to East London school leaving pupil ‘turned away’ from gates for ‘not having ID’

Meghan Markle paid a surprise visit to an East London secondary school Robert Clack yesterday, meeting with pupils and staff

www.goodtoknow.co.uk

More articles about the Mountbatten Music Festival outing, the second with lots of pics:

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Receive a Standing Ovation at the Mountbatten Music Festival

The Duchess's red dress exactly matched her husband's dress uniform.

www.townandcountrymag.com

Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Mountbatten Music Festival at Royal Albert Hall

Meghan Markle wore Safiyaa Kalika dress, Aquazzura Purist pumps, Simone Rocha earrings, Manolo Blahnik clutch bag

www.newmyroyals.com

Interesting fashion footwear article about Meghan's various Aquazurra pumps, including the pretty strappy style with pearls that she wore on her visit to the National Theatre:

Meghan Markle’s Strappy, Pearl-Embellished Pumps Are the Ultimate Statement Shoes

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle is back. She was out in London wearing a tan coat with statement-making pearl-embellished Aquazzura pumps.

footwearnews.com

 

[MacMadame]

I think @aftershocks is really some failed romance novelist.

OMG, I think that all the time. And that she's using FSU to try out some of her plotlines to see if people buy them.

 

[canbelto]

OMG, I think that all the time. And that she's using FSU to try out some of her plotlines to see if people buy them.

I'm sure in her books Harry has a rainbow penis and shits chocolates.

 

[aftershocks]

OMG, I think that all the time. And that she's using FSU to try out some of her plotlines to see if people buy them.

A figment of your own very active and overwrought imagination. I certainly don't need to come here to 'try out' anything. I only share what I've learned and what I think. If you have a hard time with that, so be it. Making fun apparently is your best option. Continue having at it.

I'm sure in her books Harry has a rainbow penis and shits chocolates.

Ugh, yuck. Apparently and unfortunately, you are revealing your own questionable, misplaced fantasies.

 

[starrynight]

The psychology behind worshiping celebrities as gods is fascinating. I guess some of the figure skating fandom does it too. That's how you get the really hard core Yuna-bots, Fanyus, V/M ubers etc.

But at least skaters like Yuna, Hanyu, Virtue/Moir actually are incredibly talented individuals.

This thread is an eye-opener. I never actually realised people worshipped the royal family so much.

 

[aftershocks]

This thread is an eye-opener. I never actually realised people worshipped the royal family so much.

If you are surreptitiously trying to refer to me, don't worry. I observe, not worship. I'm also very honest and straightforward about the fact that I admire what I can see and what I know about M&H, but I do NOT think they are perfect, nor are they worthy of being worshiped! The way they conduct themselves with people on a human level, I think they would be somewhat bemused by anyone feeling worshipful toward them. They would probably quickly advise anyone they meet who gazes at them with worshipful eyes to call them by their given names and to treat them normally as the flawed human beings they actually are.

The thing about the Sussexes being flawed and knowing it, is that they have shown it's possible for all of us flawed humans to overcome our inadequacies, our human failings, and our personal tragedies and challenges to succeed at whatever we desire. But it takes self-acceptance, self-knowledge, self-belief and a ton of hard work. A lot of times in life there are no happy endings, but at least it's possible to be upbeat and to look at glass half-full, instead of whining about the crappy downsides and 'woe is me' all the time, as many humans tend to do.

Again, everyone sees what they see, and understands what they have the capacity to glean, no more and no less. It is what it is.

ETA:
Forget about 'aftershocks' admiring the Sussexes. Quite a few people in the world seem to be more than admiring of the Sussexes, if not worshipful. There's certainly lots of articles being written about that 'iconic photo' of the Sussexes in the rain, taken by Samir Hussein for the Daily Mail. There's obviously a lot of fascination surrounding the 'romantic image' the flesh-and-blood Sussexes present, in photographs and in-person if you are lucky enough to catch live glimpses of them. As well, I'm quite sure there are plenty of people who can't fathom what all the OTT Sussex fuss is about. In any case, apparently what M&H have together, sells.

Check out this article. Even I couldn't come up with this fawning concoction

Fans React To Meghan Markle And Prince Harry's Most Perfect Photo Yet

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a magical moment made for the cameras.

www.yahoo.com

"Royal fans and photographers alike swooned over the photo, which belongs in the Library of Congress and projected onto the Egyptian pyramids, at the very least."

@starrynight, you need to read more widely than FSU's royalty thread

I've heard that a number of royal reporters skipped out on the Cambridges' last day in Ireland just to cover the Sussexes' appearance at the Endeavour Awards. That's probably indicative of the fact that there won't be too many more opportunities for the terrible Royal Rota to see or to cover the Sussexes. Even despicable Piers Morgan is whining nonsensically about "Why don't the Sussexes always smile like that," and waxing poetic about being 'charmed' how they looked "grinning in the rain" at the Endeavour Awards. Ha ha, how M&H look at these recent events is nothing new. It's just that they are showing even more happiness because they are happier living in North America, free from the constricting royal gilded cage.

Pssst, hopefully William isn't still "incandescent with rage." I didn't make that up either. Royal p.r. palace staff actually said that to the media about William's mood during the height of the Sussexit crisis.

 

[aftershocks]

From the article I linked above, this Twitter comment on the photo (quoting something Meghan once said) is definitely adorable. And the poetic words written over the photo makes me wonder who is the author. It's not me, I swear.

Whoever can resist just ain't feeling the love, I guess.

michelle on Twitter

““Personally, I love a great love story” — Meghan Markle”

twitter.com

"The rain falling reminds me of you
Because it's falling hard
And I am too"

Awww, sounds just like the opening to some romantic fiction, eh @canbelto.

 

[floskate]

Lovely to see the warm welcome H&M are getting on this last round of engagements. The film of Meghanvisiting Robert Clack high school in Dagenham is all over the news. She's speaking on the fly and does it so well, the kids just love her and the banter from the head boy is just brilliant. This is how it could have been.......our loss

Then last night we saw another outpouring of affection with the sustained standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall. Harry looks close to tears in the video; I don't think he expected that kind of a reaction.

If this is their farewell tour then they are absolutely slaying it. The pictures and reactions we are seeing certainly don't fit the popular narrative of the gutter press. I'm sure Morgan, Wooton et al will be spitting venom soon enough but pictures really don't lie.

 

[skatesindreams]

I've rarely seen either of them look better.
I hope that the "Firm"; and the public, realize what they are about to lose.

 

[aftershocks]

Lovely to see the warm welcome H&M are getting on this last round of engagements. The film of Meghanvisiting Robert Clack high school in Dagenham is all over the news. She's speaking on the fly and does it so well, the kids just love her and the banter from the head boy is just brilliant. This is how it could have been.......our loss

Then last night we saw another outpouring of affection with the sustained standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall. Harry looks close to tears in the video; I don't think he expected that kind of a reaction.

If this is their farewell tour then they are absolutely slaying it. The pictures and reactions we are seeing certainly don't fit the popular narrative of the gutter press. I'm sure Morgan, Wooton et al will be spitting venom soon enough but pictures really don't lie.

I agree with you. The Sussexes are definitely in great form, which surely speaks to how relaxed and happy they have been in their fabulous Vancouver Island retreat, spending quality time with Archie and watching him growing and trying to walk. It's surely been a time filled with precious memories, along with the excitement of having the freedom to carve out their own future unencumbered by royal restrictions and constant press intrusions, enabled by palace leaks.

Here's an edited school visit video. That young man at the end is so handsome and fearless! Meghan's reaction is cool and lovingly supportive.

'She Really is Beautiful Innit!': Schoolboy Wowed by Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visited Robert Clack School in Dagenham, east London on Friday to speak with pupils ahead of International Women's Day. 16-year-ol...

www.youtube.com

Here's a video of the standing ovation at the concert:

Standing Ovation for Prince Harry and Meghan as they Complete Last Few Engagements

Harry and Meghan attended the annual Mountbatten festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall, as they take part in their final few official engagements as mem...

www.youtube.com

I guess the haters are still going to hate and to find fault, regardless. Thankfully, M&H will continue to mind their business and to take care of business, with amazing style, passion and dedication.

The royal family miscalculated, which is becoming even more clear and is being written about:

The incredible photo that proves Meghan and Harry ‘won’

Nora Ephron or Nancy Meyers or Rob Reiner, all masters of the romantic comedy genre, could not have created a more perfect moment.

amp.news.com.au

 

[Vagabond]

This thread is an eye-opener. I never actually realised people worshipped the royal family so much.

I take it you were either very young or had not been born yet when Diana died.

Princess Diana's Death- Flowers and Crowds

On the eve of Diana's funeral, the number of flowers left outside the Royal Palaces reaches a million and huge crowds descend on the capital. Broadcast on Fr...

www.youtube.com

 

[taf2002]

I have always liked the Cambridges & enjoyed all the pix of them & their adorable kids. They seemed to be adored by the British public. But I'm puzzled by all the PDA pix lately coming out of the blue of William & Kate. For the last 10 yrs they have been very circumspect about that. I find it strange that after a strong rumor of infidelity they have changed their public persona. Are they trying to convince the public that there are no problems in their marriage?

 

[aftershocks]

I'm sure Morgan, Wooton et al will be spitting venom soon enough...

Yep @floskate, Morgan was spitting venom in his recent commentary, even as he couldn't help but claim to be 'charmed' by the Sussex 'smiling through the storm' photo! Plus a number of British and Australian morning shows are already trotting out snarky, wacky creeps trying to revert back to the narrative that Meghan is controlling Harry, e.g., by idiotically suggesting she's smiling more and he isn't.

That umbrella photo with the diamond-like raindrops is trending everywhere, and it will be bringing the photographer a small fortune, even as it has already brought him renown. Because the Sussexes are so photogenic and hugely popular right now, that's why royal reporters covet access and have hounded them. But dragging, slamming, and crowding the Sussexes was a very dumb, last-century approach for the media and RR to take.

The royal firm's and palace courtiers' miscalculations, combined with the nasty media tripe, has only served to bring more attention to the Sussexes and to vastly increase their popularity. The best way forward was for Harry's family to fully support him and Meghan, and to put up a united front against the tabloid nonsense. This is simply a moment in time that is huge for the Sussexes, but will eventually pass as the next generation grows up. So the rest of the BRF simply should have ridden the Sussex wave benignly and with full support. It's too late now. George Clooney, Elton John, Ellen, Hillary, Sussex fans around the world, Meghan's friends and some others, including U.K. female legislators, were those who spoke out in support against all the hate and the racism.

Below is a sampling of some of the supportive comments I've seen on social media in recent days. I didn't come up with any of them myself, so I'm not 'trying them out,' I'm just sharing:

"It’s like these two have been bathing in rocket sauce while in Canada"

"Duchess Meghan: singlehandedly improving Victoria Beckham’s bottom line"

"I love that these two are still standing by each other just like their wedding song. They’re in this together and it shows... Can't wait to see what they're up to next..."

"It will never not disgust me that so much of our society thought it was perfectly OK for a woman to give up everything in her life to cater to her husband’s lifestyle, but when they agreed as a couple that it wasn’t working, a large majority of the world turned it into how she’s this evil, money-hungry, power-hungry selfish person. The double standard is gross."

"These two could have lifted the BRF to the stratosphere if they had just defended them and Archie from the rabid press. Instead, they blew it, and they have no one to blame but themselves. They say the Queen is leaving the door open if H&M want to return, but after seeing these pictures, Chuck and Bill will do everything they can to keep that from happening. Their egos are too fragile and their skin too thin to allow this kind of star power anywhere near the Firm again. What a tragic loss to Britain. They could have done so much good for so many, and smoothed the rough edges off of Brexit. Instead, Harry and Meghan will go global and succeed beyond anyone’s imagination. I am here for that all day long."

 

[aftershocks]

I'm puzzled by all the PDA pix lately coming out of the blue of William & Kate. For the last 10 yrs they have been very circumspect about that. I find it strange that after a strong rumor of infidelity they have changed their public persona. Are they trying to convince the public that there are no problems in their marriage?

Perhaps, or maybe it's more reactionary. The arm-holding PDA while hiking in Ireland on their recent tour, comes off as a bit staged, since that hasn't been their normal public behavior to this type of degree. Also, in 2018 at Princess Eugenie's wedding, Kate made an awkward show of grabbing onto William's hand while he was preoccupied with perusing the program, before the bride and other senior royals arrived. However, no big deal. It might be better though if the Cambridges were simply advised to try and be themselves, rather than forcing things for p.r. purposes.

The below video showing a jocular conversation by William seems more odd, yet revealing. William jokes about the Coronavirus while visiting an Irish pub. As a Prince of England joking in this manner, he comes off as somewhat insensitive and out-of-touch. While it is normal to make jokes, and there does seem to be some hysteria and over-hyping going on about the Coronavirus, it's very real and it is impacting and taking the lives of many people around the world. It's threatening economies in a number of places too. The main thing about William's joking is that he goes on with it a tad too long. Maybe he was trying to seem approachable and like 'one of the boys.' Who knows?

Prince William Caught Joking About Coronavirus | ET Canada LIVE

Find out how Adam Driver saved the day for Ben Affleck, plus Britney Spears’ son says she might be done with music for ever and Prince William’s jokes about ...

youtu.be

 

[Parsley Sage]

I read that William, a former air ambulance pilot, was joking with a paramedic about what they were dealing with during the corona virus outbreak.

 

[starrynight]

I take it you were either very young or had not been born yet when Diana died.

Princess Diana's Death- Flowers and Crowds

On the eve of Diana's funeral, the number of flowers left outside the Royal Palaces reaches a million and huge crowds descend on the capital. Broadcast on Fr...

www.youtube.com

Yeah I guess that's right. No I remember that - although I was only about 8. I guess I view mourning the death of a person to sit in a different category. But now that I think about it, you're right. Like how when Diana's memory gets invoked every few seconds, it's like talking about God or like Mufasa from Lion King looking down from the clouds 'Remember who you are Simba'.

 

[MacMadame]

Yeah I guess that's right. No I remember that - although I was only about 8. I guess I view mourning the death of a person to sit in a different category. But now that I think about it, you're right. Like how when Diana's memory gets invoked every few seconds, it's like talking about God or like Mufasa from Lion King looking down from the clouds 'Remember who you are Simba'.

It wasn't just when she died. Before her death, people were fascinated with her and everything she did was news. Lots of people talked like she could do no wrong too. They were ubers just like people are ubers of skaters. So many people watched her wedding too.

 

[taf2002]

Yes, but it's reached epic proportions now. The other day Kate wore a magenta dress with polka dots so obviously that was a tribute to Diana who wore that color once. IMO Diana's dress was nothing like Kate's. It's stupid.

 

[canbelto]

Well tbh the Diana worshippers aren't so different from the Kate and Meghan stans.

 

[aftershocks]

The Queen Personally Invited Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Join Her for Church Today

The monarch wants to make sure they feel "welcome and loved."

www.harpersbazaar.com

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Join Queen Elizabeth II for Church Service

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined Queen Elizabeth II for church service in Windsor, England, on Sunday, March 8 — details

www.usmagazine.com

A nice public gesture, in addition to private family time, coming ahead of tomorrow's festivities (likely absent Andrew).

 

[Judy]

I have always liked the Cambridges & enjoyed all the pix of them & their adorable kids. They seemed to be adored by the British public. But I'm puzzled by all the PDA pix lately coming out of the blue of William & Kate. For the last 10 yrs they have been very circumspect about that. I find it strange that after a strong rumor of infidelity they have changed their public persona. Are they trying to convince the public that there are no problems in their marriage?

They are on a tour of Ireland. I doubt there was any affair lol.

 

[aftershocks]

Anyway, the dastardly Daily Express reporter, Richard Palmer, is continuing to take swipes at Meghan with likely behind-the-scenes palace assistance. With the Sussexes recent star quality farewell to royal duties, the negativity toward them is being ratcheted up, with Meghan the main target. For some reason, Meghan's substantial popularity is feared rather than welcomed by particular royals.

Look What You're Losing / Meghan & Harry Latest News

Look What You're Losing / Meghan & Harry Latest News Support me on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/meghanandharrynews Follow me on twitter - https://twitte...

www.youtube.com

Even parody-driven cross-the-line meanie, Gary Janetti, took some despicable jabs at the Sussexes on his Instagram, which is followed by a lot of Meghan haters.

The Queen apparently continues with oblique conciliatory gestures (perhaps for p.r. optics), but seemingly she refuses to get too involved in the all-out internecine warfare. As someone observed on Twitter, far from the Queen 'losing the plot,' she has never ever been fully engaged with the plot in the first place, especially not when it comes to family and staff squabbles and power plays, etc.

The Queen Subtly Referenced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Exit in Her Latest Speech

She's calling for unity in a big way.

www.harpersbazaar.com

As highlighted in the earlier video, Omid Scobie speaks out:

Omid Scobie on Twitter

“I rarely add my own opinion to reporting but if there was ever a photo that illustrates what the Royal Family is about to lose — it’s this. Diversity, modernity, inclusivity and representation.”

twitter.com

 

[aftershocks]

Portions of livestream of arrivals for 2020 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, with journalist/ royal biographer Angela Levin and a Sky News host scathingly and pettily trying to defame Meghan, with disgusting supercilious attitudes, their voices dripping with barely disguised venom:

Watch Sky News live

Watch Sky News live. The first mass testing scheme for coronavirus begins in Wales, a UK volunteer has become the first in the world to trial a new coronavir...

www.youtube.com

^^ The arrivals already occurred, so to view, you must scroll back in the livestream. I don't see live video available yet inside the service. It's been stated that Meghan and Harry will unsurprisingly be seated after they enter and greet clergy and Commonwealth guests. Since they are no longer working as senior royals, M&H will not take part in the procession down the aisle with the Queen, the Cambridges and Charles & Camilla. The Wessexes are also in attendance, but obviously no Prince Andrew this year.

ETA:
Meghan wearing kelly green with Harry in his usual variety of blue suit:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xV0E0wcc4jc/XmZbCkHxVTI/AAAAAAABmUQ/475iybijF50blZ-jRN2CMJJVFlhsoCrnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jwjan57.jpg

Kate wore burgundy. It looks like the same coat she wore during 2018 Christmas at Sandringham, but I don't see any pictures up yet on What Kate Wore site.

 

[taf2002]

In that video above I think the speaker gets one thing wrong in that he says of the RF only Meghan exhibits warmth. I believe Kate has learned to open up & be approachable like Meghan. Of course we didn't see Meghan at age 19 so I don't know if it comes naturally to her or if she had to learn it too. And I don't know if either woman feels it internally or else is putting on an act. Either way they are both charming.

 

[taf2002]

Sorry, double post.

Portions of livestream of arrivals for 2020 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, with journalist/ royal biographer Angela Levin and a Sky News host scathingly and pettily trying to defame Meghan, with disgusting superciliousness:

Watch Sky News live

Watch Sky News live. The first mass testing scheme for coronavirus begins in Wales, a UK volunteer has become the first in the world to trial a new coronavir...

www.youtube.com

The woman speaking in this is absolutely disgusting & so judgemental. It's funny she's the only one who noticed H&M "snapping at each other". And she knows that Meghan's smiles are fake & OOT. Also it's an act when 30-somethings hold hands. I didn't know DH & I were doing something distasteful.

 

[aftershocks]

The woman speaking in this is absolutely disgusting & so judgemental. It's funny she's the only one who noticed H&M "snapping at each other". And she knows that Meghan's smiles are fake & OOT. Also it's an act when 30-somethings hold hands. I didn't know DH & I were doing something distasteful.

Exactly. Her name is Angela Levin. Such barely disguised bile directed solely at Meghan. Did you catch the part where Levin says, "The Queen has left room for one or both to return after a year." There's Fat Chance of either Harry or Meghan returning to this toxic gilded cage!

There's worse commentary than this directed toward Meghan on British morning shows, in the columns of bitter royal reporters and from the mouth of elderly 'dirty old man' photographer, Arthur Edwards, who is famous for taking that 1980s shot of innocent young Diana where the sun is shining through her skirt, revealing the outline of her legs.

Levin: "It's easier for Meghan to leave because she's not been steeped in the sense of duty... Some of her manners have not been appropriate... She wants to do what she wants to do..."
What a nasty old witch Levin is!

Levin on Kate: "Kate is a real trooper actually and she will do anything to keep her husband happy and to keep the Queen happy too..."

Levin on Archie: "I think a child of ten months is easy to bring over on a flight and should have been done..."

Absolutely nasty and negative commentary. On it goes...

 

[kittyjake5]

Some photos!

Kate and Meghan's outfits are gorgeous and they
both look beautiful!

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reunite with Kate Middleton and Prince William for Commonwealth Day

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined Kate Middleton and Prince William for the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

people.com

 

[Lorac]

Some photos!

Kate and Meghan's outfits are gorgeous and they
both look beautiful!

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reunite with Kate Middleton and Prince William for Commonwealth Day

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined Kate Middleton and Prince William for the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

people.com

Agreed - both ladies wore striking colours that suited them. My only issue with Meghan's is the side cape thingy - it would be irritating me no end and the neck of the dress would feel as if I were being choked - I never like anything on the neck like that. However that is just a personal preference - Meghan carried it off with aplomb.

I did find it interesting that last minute changes meant both the Cambridge's as well as the Sussex's did not process down with the aisle with the Queen and the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall - instead being taken to directly to their seats. I wonder if there was some concern that people would be checking out the pictures of them standing next to each other as they waited for the Queen like last year and reading all sorts of rubbish into the body language

 

[aftershocks]

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reunite with Kate Middleton and Prince William for Commonwealth Day

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined Kate Middleton and Prince William for the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

people.com

So apparently, neither couple walked in the procession down the aisle. Normally, there's a camera inside the service. But I haven't seen anything posted on Youtube yet.

This People article obviously is attempting to put a smoothed-over 'status quo' face on the proceedings, which is expected for U.S.-based reporters who want to continue being in the royal family's good graces. The article still spouts the same old narrative that tries to position the Sussexes as this vulnerable, 'bruised' couple 'feeling isolated' from the royal family due to their own audacity in wanting to have things their own way. This is the ongoing narrative that paints M&H as both victims and villains.

The principal senior royals are probably fuming about the largely positive coverage the Sussexes' final public events in London received around the world. The positive coverage is due to the fact that there's nothing negative about the union of Meghan & Harry or about their genuine charisma and ability to connect with people, as well as their passionate devotion to doing good things in the world. M&H have never tried to 'steal' anyone's spotlight. It's hugely sad that it's insecurity and ruffled feelings behind all the pushing back against M&H and their efforts to serve as productive senior members of the family.

The straw dog about a 'rift' between the brothers happening solely because William 'cautioned Harry about moving too fast with Meghan,' is William's laughable narrative that gets constantly repeated. Why should anyone believe that William was looking out for Harry's welfare in telling a grown 30-something young man to not 'move too fast' with his soul mate, an equally grown 30-something young woman, when they both happen to be deeply in love and know their own minds?

The truth is that the brothers have long been sibling rivals and have had occasional arguments throughout their growing up years, which is normal. William apparently became increasingly jealous of Harry's military career, which is one of the reasons why Harry was eventually forced to resign. The Royal Foundation was started largely because of the charitable work Harry was doing with Sentebale and the need for him to raise funds to support that project. Later, Harry's Invictus Games became a big anchor of the work of the Royal Foundation. William has in general piggybacked on a lot of Harry's projects, including the mental health initiatives. Harry has always been the convenient spare, and depicted as the jolly old cut-up. It apparently has been too much for William and ultimately for Charles and the ancient old institution of monarchy for Harry to have matured, and to have come fully into his own as a successful leader, with a strong woman by his side.

There's a lot to all that has been happening here. The union of Meghan and Harry has led to a lot of masks being pulled off. What's been revealed can continue to be ignored and incompetently covered up. But frankly, a number of royal observers and a number of people in the Commonwealth and around the world are too smart for all the usual platitudes and self-serving narratives of the British monarchy and the British press. These are two powers deeply intent upon trying to either neutralize the Sussexes, or bring them to their knees. Stay tuned.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I love the green lining in Prince Harry's suit. (Plus the tie: I'm a sucker for all greens, but especially that soft green, at least what's coming up on my monitor.)