In her infamous TV interview with Martin Bashir, Diana, Princess of Wales, describes seeing herself as "a good product that sits on a shelf and sells well, and people make a lot of money out of you."
All celebrities are products, to some extent. Media companies use them to draw attention and sell advertising; the public projects their own emotions onto them - desire, anger, fear, hope.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are products, too.
And proudly so, which is why they have put so much energy into their @SussexRoyal brand.
Their supporters (paid and unpaid) will tell you that they are a contemporary and cutting-edge product, shaking up the Royal Family and moving it into the future with meaningful lectures on environmentalism, multiculturalism, and girlpower.
But very few people want this product.
The British public definitely do not want this product, which they are nonetheless obligated to pay for. And the American public is mostly indifferent.
Nobody is buying, and Meghan is angry.
And proudly so, which is why they have put so much energy into their @SussexRoyal brand.
Their supporters (paid and unpaid) will tell you that they are a contemporary and cutting-edge product, shaking up the Royal Family and moving it into the future with meaningful lectures on environmentalism, multiculturalism, and girlpower.
But very few people want this product.
The British public definitely do not want this product, which they are nonetheless obligated to pay for. And the American public is mostly indifferent.
Nobody is buying, and Meghan is angry.
Talking vs. listening
This week there were a number of comparisons between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges' masterful visit to Pakistan and the Sussexes' ramshackle tour of South Africa last month.William and Catherine focused on Pakistan's positives; the Sussexes drew attention to South Africa's many negatives.
Most importantly, William and Kate appeared to spend a lot of time listening to their hosts, while Meg and Harry were there to talk.
And talk and talk and talk, largely about themselves.
When they weren't talking about themselves, they were taking pictures of themselves for the @SussexRoyal Instagram account.
Or video of themselves, for the documentaries that will be broadcast in both Britian and the US.
And, of course, overshadowing the entire trip with a last-minute lawsuit about breach of privacy.
Basic sales theorey
There are many versions of Meg's cv online, but looking back at her twenty years or so of job history, it doesn't seem like she's ever worked as a salesperson.It's about listening, not just to what your customer says but what they do not say - listening to their unsaid motivations, which are probably what's really driving the sale.
(One example: a young person in my circle was sent out recently to sell lottery tickets in front of a supermarket in support of her teen athletic club. My tip: the people you're approaching aren't buying a piece of paper, or even a chance on the prize. They're buying an image of themselves as the sort of person who will spend a few coins to support kids' sports, and perhaps revisiting a warm memory of themselves as a young athlete. That's the real product.)
Meg doesn't seem capable of thinking about other people's motivations - and probably doesn't care.
From her father to her first (second?) husband to Prince Harry, she's had a standard method of getting what she wants: throwing a raging tantrum until the browbeaten fellow finally gives in.
This is the tactic she is now trying on the British public.
Push and pitch and publicize
But Meg's angry letters and lawsuits and tearful interviews aren't working: they don't like her, and they're not giving in, at least not if the 26,000+ disparaging comments on a recent Daily Mail story can be believed.You simply cannot sell a product people don't want.
You can pitch and push and publicize and perhaps generate a little interest, but it doesn't last. In the long run, people will go where their true interests and desires, said and unsaid, are taking them.
The whole setup reminds me of another publicity campaign, from the late 1990s, for Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah was at the peak of her power and influence then, and she had just produced and starred in a movie based on the Toni Morrison novel Beloved.
Morrison was and is a very popular author, and Oprah was everywhere promoting the film; on her own show, on other people's talk shows, on news segments, in the print media, everywhere. It had all the earmarks of a Sunshine Sachs PR carpet bombing, although I don't know if Ken Sunshine himself was involved.
But the movie was a failure, coming in fifth in the box office on its opening weekend, well behind "Bride of Chucky." (Winfrey has since described the episode as the worst moment of her career.)
You can't sell people something they don't want.
And right now, they don't want Meghan.
Comments
The question is, how does Archie fit into all of this? Will he be coming to the US as well? Will Meg try to hold him hostage - refusing to bring him back - in order to get a payout from the Royal Family? And will that lead to some disclosure about his true origins?
If I were Charles, I'd use the Queen's Christmas speech to announce the slimming of the Royal Family - the Gloucesters and Kents are retiring from active service, and perhaps Andrew too, and the Sussexes will be taking a health break - and bring Beatrice and Eugenie on to help out.
It's a sellable message - replacing 10 minor royals with 2 younger minor royals.
I do think they have been categorically told to lay low, maybe given a dressing down. To cancel all their engagements overnight would be too drastic and lead to more speculations, so it's safer to let them complete their handful of engagements in the coming weeks. The wording of the article is very telling, it does sound like they are being fired or forced to take an extended break. December is generally is very slow period work wise in the UK and I'm guessing in the States as well.
It's also suspicion that Harry keeps bringing up again and again that he would like to leave his royal duties. At this point it's not even speculation and rumours and hesaid/she said. He has categorically stated many times that he would like to leave. First of all, leave you whinging twat. You clearly have no respect for what you are supoyto represent. If you are so miserable stand up for yourself and leave. If the public is losing patience with his whining just imagine how depressing it must be to be a family and see his dour face all the time. Plus he is botching up at his job.
Secondly, it also hints at things to come. He may not be listening to palace advisors but he is listening to his wife and their private PR advisors and there is no way in hell these sound bites haven't been vetted, approved and are going out blindly without a reason. They are prepping the public sentiment by playing victims. Harry specifically is a master manipulator. He is feeding off of his own misery and let his wife take the flak because it serves his need to be adored right now.
I also agree this isn’t for inpatient because that would be happening now.
I’ll have to watch and judge when I see it.
Buckingham Palace wouldn’t be promoting this ‘mock-you-mentary’, it’s an ITV production, BP has no say in what a media outlet does. No doubt Megs and Harry are silent producers and said ‘do it’ . The palace will show their displeasure by cutting ITV out of any future interviews or announcements where ever possible.
I’m certainly with the opinion of some here that say : Meghan has been plotting this out, working the crowd but at the same time pulling the RF strings (espacially Williams) into 'doing something about her'.
She is orchestrating this weepfest and the piling on of the ‘bullies’ so she can convince Harry they just have to get out of the UK and go to America for their own and Archie’s peace of mind and ‘safety’, to a place where she is ......pardon THEY are loved’. That 27k well of negativity on the DM played right into her claws.
Once the Royal Sussex Foundation (GLC )is up and running and has enough millions sitting in the bank they will be gone, to live her fantasy of the highlife all on ‘foundation expenses’ while merchandizing the hell out of everything she touches.
My guess is this ball will start rolling at the Christmas gathering (She has no patience so would want that seed planted as quickly as possible) the family would breathe a collective sigh of relief and say ‘sad to see you go but you have my blessing’. Meghan will become the new Wallis Simpson to Harry’s increasingly dependent and despondent Edward. She is probably looking at AOC and saying, “I can do that, I’ll just suck up to a few Democrats and it will be a breeze”
It might take another year for her nest to be feathered enough for the break but Frankly my dear I can’t wait.
Re William cutting them off financially, when POW, yes he could and will. However if Harry and Meghan are still in the UK at that point duty for their expenses still lays with Charles , their financing would then come from The Duchy of Lancaster. In much the same way Anne’s Edward’s and Andrew’s expenses are now paid by the Queen. When/if Charles becomes King I can see Andrew being jettisoned for all but his military patronages. Edward/Sophie and Anne would probably stay on the payroll unchanged. If Harry and Meghan leave I think we will see the York girls given official duties, in exchange for Andrew stepping out of the RF limelight. The RF will need that younger look and the girls are harmless and know how to do the job and act the part. They do have patronages now just not with the Royal seal.
On a lighter note : Anne willsoon be at two of my favourite events (for her). Luncheon/Dinners for the Wooden Spoon Society and as Fourth Warden of the Fishmongers . Yes Anne has some doozies in her portfolio, could you ever see Megs at those events , not only doing them year after year but enjoying them.
Now that some of you have mentioned the surrogate again, I have a thought that if there was a surrogate then the surrogate may not even know who’s baby she was carrying. It would be very hard to keep her quite otherwise, the British equivalent of an NDA does not cover illegal acts and passing a surrogate Archie off as 7th in line to the throne and heir to the Sussex Dukedom would be illegal.
If we think about all the change of due date, having the baby at home,two weeks late, then at hospital, no doctors names, no clear pictures of him during the first few months, "babies can change a lot in two weeks" , Archie seemingly older than advertised etc, etc. It may have been to disguise the actual date of Archie’s birth not from us but from the surrogate , all the secrecy/deception could also hide a child being delivered (like a package) from a foreign country. Probably a European country were EU membership makes travel much easier with less of a paper trail.
I’m also preparing a post on the current gossip at KP and Sophie Agnews sudden exit. Convoluted story so I’m taking my time getting the facts in order so they make sense.
Meg doesn't have a good reputation there in the first place, due to her poor behavior during her come-up.
And if their specials aren't bringing in ratings and nobody can make money off them, they won't find themselves getting many invitations.
Someone compared them to John Legend and Chrissy Teigen the other day, but I don't think the comparison holds. John Legend makes a lot of money for a lot of people. By contrast, who is Harry if he's outside the Royal Family?
Meg running for office isn't out of the question - after all, Sonny Bono, Cher's ex, was a congressman from California for many years (although he was a Republican.)
And there are certainly some vicious, unlikeable women in Congress now from both parties. Sheila Jackson Lee from Texas, for example, is known for her arrogant behavior in public. (Here's a Daily Mail piece on Sheila: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5216023/Rep-United-flight-fight-history-bad-behavior.html )
The problem for Meg is, there are lots of Democrats available in California, including lots of "multicultural" Democrats, and Meg isn't particularly good at building a base of genuine support.
Also, politics involves a lot of the same work she disdained as a Royal, such as shaking a lot of hands and remembering people's names.
Meg would do a tearful interview about how the cruel force of nature (wind) is trying to smear her name.
"Waity Katey" suffered much more uninvited criticism than Markle did. Kate was a teenager, and yeah, obviously she knew there would be difficult times, and increased spotlight when dating the royal. But she also had the end game in mind, and she has played her role perfectly. She fully immersed herself in William's world. She fully committed to this life.
Meghan could have been great. I'm sure I speak for a lot of us when I say how happy I was that Harry found someone who shared his humanitarian goals.
But she's not a humanitarian. She's someone who went to Africa once before she met Harry, took the requisite photos to PROVE that she cares so much, then used that as a springboard to relate to Harry.
Do I consider Kate a humanitarian? No. I don't. She's a royal who does her humanitarian duty. And I'm cool with that.
People wonder why we can't stand Meghan. It's because she's fake. Humans get offended when people try to trick us.
This is why we like Kate, even knowing that maybe she went to that particular college to hopefully meet William. Girl, I don't blame you!
So when Meghan tries to tell us that she never knew anything about the royal family, nothing about Harry... we're not stupid!
We know you're lying! And that one utterly obvious lie put us all on edge and THAT is the reason that nobody likes Meghan.
We saw through the first lie you told us, and it's been a disappointing sh*t show ever since.
Harry is clearly on the outs with the Royal Family, so they can hardly be selling RF access.
There's the one or two big exit interviews - Oprah or Ellen will get those - but what else?
It'll be interesting to see the ratings for the Robin Roberts special on the Sussexes. If they're not good, that will suggest that the Sussexes are not of great interest in the US, which will sharply limit their options.
Anyway, I am a Soho House member and it isn't some debauch club. Just want to shed some light on this since I have personal experience. It is a usually cool looking bar/restaurants/lounge/sometimes pool/sometimes hotel place to hang out or cowork. I visit the one local to me often and have been to ones all over the world. I've probably stayed at the Shoreditch House one 3-4 times. The reason celebrities like it is because it is a members only club for creatives and has super strict privacy rules. You can't take any pictures, you can't post on social media about it/who you saw and you can't go up to celebs you don't know. I can see Meghan wanting to go there because it would be good networking (or for finding a husband). I've met a few producers there and it would make sense why an actress would hang out there. I really don't think there is some larger conspiracy going on between Soho House and MM. I have friends who know the owners and friends who work there and it doesn't seem nefarious. Soho House actually doesn't like getting press so if anything, they are probably annoyed MM brought so much attention to it. Marcus Anderson and MM are another story I'm sure. They probably were trying to target people but I don't think that has anything to do with Soho House except that it is a place that has people MM would want to meet.
ITV began overshadowing William and Kate's Pakistan tour before it ended by using such heavy handed sound bites first from Harry now from Meghan, hyping the M&H pittyfest at the expense of the African Tour and sucking all the oxygen out of the RF balloon by airing that documentary within a few days of the Duchy documentary featuring Charles and William.
RF Documentaries are carefully timed so we don't get overkill and the African Tour Doc has been rushed out to capitalize on the drama, ITV are playing a very short sighted game for the sake of upping the audience numbers on H&M at the expense of RF trust.
It will not go down well and ITV will be subtly 'excluded' until they are required again.
"Where does Andrew get his cash?" https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-7591869/Former-MP-NORMAN-BAKER-asks-Duke-York-buy-13million-ski-chalet.html
Perhaps this is part of an initiative by Charles to sideline Andrew?
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My impression is although Andrew is in trouble because he knows bad people (Epstein, etc.), he may be being kept on precisely because he knows bad people. Tin-pot dictators, shady financiers, arms dealers, etc.
The BRF may need some of these people, not just to sell British weaponry and ensure the safety of the UK, but for the care and feeding of their own murky finances.
"She is probably looking at AOC and saying, “I can do that, I’ll just suck up to a few Democrats and it will be a breeze”"
OF COURSE MEGHAN THINKS THAT!
The first time I saw that AOC person, my initial reaction was: great, an American version of Justin Trudeau (never liked him even before the 2019 revelations, icky vibes).
Trudeau is the King of Gimmicky Publicity Stunts.
He's known for the memes floating around about his butt FFS.
that AOC person is the same way only she's American.
OF COURSE Meghan thinks she can do that.
(Not to get too political but the only American who doesn't give me the heebeejeebees is the elderly dude Bernie who's too old to Run for office anymore. Everyone else make my skin crawl.)
I'm shocked SHOCKED I TELL YA that AOC is a Meghan fan. Climbing brown-nosers ALL Of them.
IDK if they simply don't understand the difference between "social mobility" vs. "social climbing", or if they're all really that shameless.
Meghan, these people wouldn't have given you the time of day 3 years ago. Wake-up! Wake the hell up, you're Not even living the dream but you think you are.
One of my acquaintance took a few of us to a lecture at the Electric Cinema and arranged for us to have lunch next door. Her husband is a member , does lots of overseas trips and uses the Soho House group for his stays, costs about $3k a year but it can be used to host small dinners and functions if members book in advance. A bit like a golf club membership.
It seems to me just to be an exclusive international boutique hotel chain, who have found a unique business model, keeping out the riff raff as it were, you have to be nominated for membership by a couple of other members so that's the way they keep it exclusive and draw in the millionaires.
For some reason I thought it was something of a swanky 'bottoms up' club.
At the rate they acquire properties there must be very deep pockets in the background, if there is anything nefarious going on their cover is brilliant,
Time someone really looked into that, instead of just hinting. The tabloids have tried so many times but it always gets swept under the carpet. It would be nice if an American journalist would dig deep and publish the facts, I don’t think a UK journalist would touch it, maybe after the Queen dies.
Cash for access is part of it, a few glaringly obvious examples made it into the press but just fizzled out. Greasing the way for arms deals with contacts and introductions is also a large part of it and not just UK arms deals. He revels in the company of the scum of the earth (as long as they have money).
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3603746/The-truth-Andrew-s-15m-house-sale-furore-grows-Prince-s-links-corrupt-Kazakh-regime-expose-new-details-surrounding-mysterious-sale-Prince-s-marital-home-oligarch.html.
Also the Fergie scandal when she was caught out selling access to Andrew and his contacts
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/may/23/sarah-ferguson-andrew-cash-tabloid
The reason the reporter made the sting was because they were tipped off she had done it several times before. Andrew was the master mind of the scheme. Sarah took the fall.
There were a lot of trade deals on his watch that involved arms and drug companies I have no doubt 'thank you' payments were made. The Khashoggi family was just the tip of his very greasy ice berg.
One thing that is not generally known is that Andrew and Fergie were good friends with Diana Jenkins and her husband at one point and tea is worth a deep dive all by itself.
I think the Mail is underestimating his worth the Jenkins' would have helped him shuffle it about.
BTW, the Swiss chalet being in both their names is because Swiss law doesn't allow a non Swiss individual to own property it has to go through some form of corporation and have several owners. (I can't remember the exact details) , hence co-ownership with Fergie (does anyone really think she had £6.5 million of her own money to cough up). I also doubt Andrew paid a penny.
He also works in extremely high-end London real estate. I'm guessing he has more than a few oligarchs, dictators, and arms dealers in his customer database.
I know I'm in the minority, but I think the Bea-Edo match is a good one. He's known her and her family since childhood, so he knows exactly what sort of people his in-laws are. He's also somewhat familiar with the rules of The Firm.
A lot of DM comments calling him a "male Meghan", but he's an insider, not an outsider.
I didn't read the article but I did see somewhere that they are expected to spend Christmas with the family at Sandringham. I wonder if they will decide to extend their stay in the US indefinitely to avoid that. If they do decide to return for Christmas, William has an easy solution to his gift giving this year--scarves for everyone!
Took the words out of my mouth. Is this the beginning of the end? Or to be a little more Churchillian, the end of the beginning?
So the pressure of 'working' maybe half a day a week is too much, and they are now obliged to 'rest' for a month and a half? I doubt they will be at Sandringham or if they are, they'll miss the walk to church because as we know Harry just hates cameras.
It's interesting that CB and other sugar sites have for years been slagging off Kate for being 'work shy'. How are they going to justify the golden couple officially taking an extended holiday from the little 'work' they do? But justify it they will.
So will this 'family time' be used to build up contacts in Los Angeles in preparation for their move there, sooner rather than later? Of course it will.
It’s a long story but H&M don’t really seem to have anything to do with it.
This whole ‘Kate makes Sophie’ redundant thing is part William and part Quinn. Not in a nasty way but things change and William is a bit paranoid where staff is concerned.
1. William: Dislikes staff not doing the job 24/7 because.....husbands and kids and romances that get in the way are a pet peeve and he can be very peevish.
There was a lot of chaos and rivalry for a couple of years between Harry/William v. Clarence House/Charles, Clarence House v Buckingham Palace, Harry/William v. Buckingham Palace , then came the Sussex v Cambridge’s households.
Staff were resigning all over the place, not just in the Cambridge and Sussex camps. KP was more akin to Bedlam than a well run machine. Finally Harry and William separated entirely, Geidt returned to BP, the Sussex’s moved out and KP staff breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone in the media was concentrating on the William/Harry staff fiasco but there was staff haemorrhage throughout the family. The Queen blamed Harry and William, the will to do it their way had created mayhem in three Palaces. Clarence House, Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.
Kate was trying to keep the peace with everyone.
2. Quinn: Sophie had been Rebecca Deacon’s assistant and expected the job, especially when Natasha Archer was shown the door. She never quite got over Quinn’s appointment (a total outsider). Sophie is lovely by all accounts but a Deacon or Quinn she is not. Quinn is the show runner now and very efficient.
Sophie had really been redundant for around a year but Kate has kept her on. Now she has a new life with her husband , plans were afoot to phase her out, maybe even find her a new job. However while she was on her honeymoon something happened connected to emails which pointed to the fact that Sophie was in contact with Clara Madden who used to work with the Cambridge’s but now works for H&M. That was enough to set William off and told Kate she had to go at once .
Hence CDAN’s blind about Sophie leaking to H&M. There was no evidence of this just that Sophie and Clara were still in contact, William wasn’t taking any chances.
Just to refresh everyone’s memories on the Cambridge’s staff emotional dramas and why William was so peeved about it.
Rebecca Deacon, worked her way up from being one of Harry’s minor staff to top of the Pole in Kate’s Office, around the same age as Kate, Deacon’s boyfriend was a fellow staff member Nick Loughran, who broke up with her when he took up with an assistant in Prince Harry’s team, Clara Madden, lots of drama and bad blood until Nick had to leave.
Rebecca found new love, married and left or was encouraged to leave.
Another member of Kate’s staff, Natasha Archer was widely tipped to become Kate’s private secretary after Deacon but her boyfriend (now husband) was a Getty images royal photographer and William distrusted the link. Natasha received an order of merit in the new years honours list ( MVO) and exited stage right after 11years.
Sophie took over for a few months after Deacon left and hoped to keep the job, nice woman but not really up to it. Quinn is recruited , Sophie slid back down the pole. Two years on she marries and is made redundant.
So basically three long time assistants (including Nick) exit when their romantic life gets in the way of their job . Sophie’s time was up and her marriage along with the continuing Clara link heralded the end.
Just to cap off William's distrust and playing into the brothers new enmity, Clara Madden married Nick and still works for Harry and Meghan as their project manager. Nick was media advisor for Kate and William and regarded as a friend. Now Nick is married to one of Harry and Megs chief staff members – awkward.
All this has led to William becoming quite paranoid regarding staff but also much more business like over the past few years and expecting his staff (and Kate’s) to be more professional and experienced, a trusted employee rather than a friend which was the tone at KP when it was just William, Kate and Harry. Previously KP office staff was on the young side (20 to 30) William and Kate are older now and are choosing staff of a similar age or older.
Quinn is older, divorced and has grown children so no romantic hiccups likely. Very efficient, masses of experience, business like, no drama and no nonsense. She’s also a good speech writer.
My contact feels a noticeable shift in William came a few years after the Cambridge’s older, job dedicated, highly experienced Spanish nanny Maria came on the scene. suddenly William and Kate realized what a difference a competent, professional, highly qualified staff member makes , someone who is friendly but doesn’t expect to be your friend.
Instead of hiring friends they now hire experience with long term palace links. Harry and Meghan are still hiring ‘friends’.
Hope that all made sense as there are so many players connected to the story.
BTW, my friend doesn’t work for the Cambridge’s , she works for Kensington Palace and rarely comes in contact with any of the royals but she does get the scuttle butt.
This explanation makes interesting reading all round. Many thanks emeraldcity.
I'm dyýyyyyyying
"A source told The Mirror: "They would love to build a traditional bush lodge, constructed by locals, bringing work and trade to the land.
"There has also been talk of a local school being built as well.
"Most importantly they want somewhere where they have complete privacy and will not be disturbed."
Has anyone ever dug a hole for themselves this deep? It's getting so exhausting making the same comments in response, over and over, that I think the Great British Public needs to outsource the work. It would be great. Just one company to watch all the dross coming out of the H&M camp. Fire off one perfectly-phrased rejoinder each time. H&M slowly wither from lack of attention and the rest of us can get on with our lives.
For others, I didn't know who "Quinn" was originally and had to look it up.
According to Hello Magazine, "Catherine Quinn was appointed the Duchess of Cambridge's private secretary in October 2017 taking over from the royal's former private secretary, Rebecca Priestly. Prior to her role, Catherine worked as the chief operating officer and associate dean for administration at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School. Catherine's duties in her role include organising official engagements and ensuring that Kate is aware of who she will be meeting, and is on hand by her side during public events. Two assistant private secretaries will also be on hand to assist Simon and Catherine."
You can see an image of Ms. Quinn at https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2019100778729/prince-william-kate-middleton-pakistan-royal-tour-entourage/.
She looks no-nonsense.
I wonder if Will has gotten a bit more serious too now that he's a "full-time working royal" and not pretending to work 20 hours a week as a helicopter pilot. (I know he did work for EAAA but not as many hours as claimed)
Harry MIGHT do it - but even then for him Africa is a place to go glamping for a few weeks before returning to your London palace - but Meghan? No way. She's all about luxury and city life. I don't believe she showed the slightest interest in Africa until she got with Harry. It's LA or bust for her, and no doubt this 'family time' will be about laying the groundwork for her new life there.
Of course Catherine Quinn is much more than clothes, but she obviously knows that they matter in a professional context. I only wish she was less discreet as I can rarely find photos of her at work. I went from wishing Kate's previous support were less obtrusive to wishing Catherine Quinn was caught by camera more often!
I also just noticed I never used Quinn's first name Catherine once, probably because my friened just kept calling her Quinn, she is a dynamo alright.
Quinns C.V.
"Mrs Quinn will take up the role in October, effectively becoming the duchess's chief of staff, with her role involving running the 35 year-old's official programme and coordinating her charitable interests.
She will also be expected to support the duchess at public engagements, keeping her well informed on who she is due to meet
She will also be tasked with making statements, responding to letters and organising Catherine's diary - which is likely to become a great deal busier.
Mrs Quinn has an impressive CV, with many speculating that such a heavyweight appointment suggests the Duchess plans to carve out a more serious role for herself with her patronages and charity campaigning.
She has gradually stepped into the spotlight in the last few months, with punchy speeches about motherhood, confidence and mental health, and carried out her first solo overseas trip last year, visiting The Hague and Rotterdam.
Mrs Quinn - who previously held roles at the Wellcome Trust and the Middle Temple, as well as positions on the boards of the Charity Commission, Met Office, the Royal British Legion and the National Memorial Arboretum - will likely be able to help her build on this when she becomes her gatekeeper in the autumn.
Lancashire-born Mrs Quinn - a divorcee with a grown-up son - has an MBA from Oxford as well as degrees from other British and US universities, and spent several years working at Oxford, directing the university's Research Services and co-founding Oxford University Consulting, before joining the Wellcome Trust, the charitable healthcare foundation, where she led its grant-giving operations.
From there she moved to become chief executive of the Middle Temple, before finally joining Oxford Said Business School in 2006, where she said her aim was to transform "a rather unwieldy, old school" organisation into something more modern.
While it may not be unwieldy, you couldn't get a much more old school institution than the Royal Family, so her presence at Kensington Palace may well see a shift in the way the younger royals operate."
Now we see why their Pakistan tour was so well organised and drama free.
I'm not sure about Beatrice's intended yet, but am happy to follow Nutty's view there, and I really hope all will go well for them.
Charles may have planned on cutting the firm to himself, his sons and their families, but as H&M continue to implode, he's going to need the Yorks, as we've been saying for ages. Also, someone's suggestion that Prince Andrew would agree to fade into blessed (and hopefully cheaper) obscurity in exchange for greater prominence for his daughters sounds like a plan. The only two occasions when I was happy with Prince A were his own wedding, as I loved Fergie, and his care for Eugenie on her own wedding day.
What a beautiful wedding that was. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
I don't think for one second that they will move to Botswana, perhaps Harry would like to for maybe a month or two there each year and Megs is just humouring him.
The press may be blowing up a throw away wishful thinking remark Harry made on tour. A 'wouldn't it be loverrrly' moment from Harry.
I my self think it would indeed be lovely.
They could go to live in America or elsewhere without being stripped of their titles. Great great uncle Edward retained his, including the HRH, after he abdicated and went to live abroad. I also think one of the York sisters lived in New York and still retained her titles. However, they would have to give up the status of 'working' (!) royals, and with it their RPOs and other benefits. Since they barely 'work' now, and much of the 'work' they do is for the benefit of their 'brand' rather than the monarchy, I hope this happens sooner rather than later.
And of course they had to get in a line about how they'd use local labour to build their privacy lodge, as though that was doing some great favour to those grateful Africans. I mean... of course they'd be using local labour! Just the fact that they had to slip that line in is typical, everything this pair does or says is about polishing their image. Every little thing. But they don't seem to realise that it's backfiring badly.
Huh? As a South African this makes me wildly angry. Fauxmanitarianism at its finest. I hope they rot in hell.
How do you feel about them using your country as a colourful backdrop to their televised pity party? It makes me cross and I'm not even South African!
There they are in a country where there are many serious problems and hardships, and they make a behind the scenes doc about their struggles. They clearly don't pay attention and evidently don't care.
So many questions. It is hard to know if she has the brains and wherewithal to plan ahead to this degree or if it is and has been reactive. I can't help think that she is impulsive with sociopathic tendencies and a heightened fear of exposure, scrambling to save her own skin at this point. The weepy interview drips of desperation. The longer this goes on the more I feel for Harry. He must be so out of his depth.
Tom Bradby in his article alludes to PHs insomnia, I'd say that's been very ibvious to us all. And maybe if MM hadn't gotten all those fillers and chemical peels and laser facials she could have had a much easier time selling us this so fest of hers. I still remember her smug smile in the white shirt dress while PB was lunch bring on to the stage in SA, the day after the released the infamous statement. I'm pretty sure all this ends with a sit down interview with Oprah to be aired around Christmas. So many tears are going to be shed that day in that couch by all.3 of them.
I dare both PH and MM to build a bush cottage by hand. And film it. And then make a damn roast chicken and feed the locals and post that on your Instagram. I dare ya!
Back to the extended 'family time'. Do we think we are finally seeing what so many of us have been wanting to see: the senior royals finally putting their foot down? Is this 'family time' the royal equivalent of being suspended from school? Maybe the ITV whinefest - and the 'noone asked if I'm OK' dig at the royal family - was the final straw?
The difference in Kate's engagements - she seems more confident and poised for a start - has been huge since the arrival of Catherine Quinn ... I imagine she just knows that she's in good hands. Plus Catherine looks the part too, whereas Rebecca used to turn up in some very questionable outfits (short skirts and cheap looking outfits - Catherine's style is tailored). Sophie is probably a very nice person and good at the basics, but comparing her to Catherine is like weighing up chalk and cheese - the job has grown from what it once was for a start.
I heard a rumour a while back that William would gather all the staff around at Christmas to watch a movie but he would sulk if he couldn't choose it ... who knows if it's true or not, but I imagine their early years as a married couple were probably a good time for all most of the time - whereas now, they have a family + have matured + have taken on responsibility, things have changed. You can't be mates with your staff - it just never works. There has to be a line that doesn't get crossed, and I think what they have now is working extremely well.
I think Harry will come right in time, but it will take years to undo the damage. When he is welcomed back into the fold, I firmly believe he will be offered a role as Commonwealth Representative somewhere ... not Governor General (the Queen's / King's representative), but a newly created role to keep him out of their hair but still allow him an income.
No need to apologise.
People need to understand that each sign has a light and shadow side.
What you described (the narcissism) is a shadow side of Leo (or rather the behaviour of an unevolved Leo soul).
An evolved Leo (the light side) might embody more positive traits of nobility such as generosity toward their subjects and a sense of responsibility for their wellbeing (quite selfless in that sense, the opposite of narcissism).
If you had asked me about them five years ago, I wouldn't have given you a nickel for either of the York girls. Neither of them ever seemed to stick with a job, all they did was party and vacation, and they just struck me as useless. Now, however, I think they could be a big asset to the Firm. Whether that's from them maturing or me comparing them to the succubus that is Meg, I don't know.
But here's the deal -- if you look at the court circular/royal engagement calendar, the vast majority of the engagements are carried out by Princess Anne, the dukes of Kent and Gloucester, the queen, and Edward and Sophie. Most of these are not the sexy, glamorous, attention-grabbing events. All of these people, with the exception of Edward and Sophie, are at least 65 years old. They are going to start slowing down/passing away soon, and the family won't have someone to attend the opening of the new housing development in Elephant and Castle or be patron of the Royal Fishmongers Society or what have you.
It will be two decades before William and Catherine's children can do these events. In the meantime, Andrew is persona non grata. Harry and Meghan have poisoned the well too much -- no one will want to see them. So who will do these events? Beatrice and Eugenie are the only younger royals who can and will (neither Anne's nor Edward's children are/will be "working royals"). I think Charles was, as usual, incredibly short-sighted in enacting his "slimmed down" monarchy and giving the Yorks no role.
I say give them small roles and let them do what they were born to do -- support the monarchy. William and Catherine will need their cousins to pick up the slack.
And also, for what it's worth, I think Edo could definitely be the family enforcer. Behind that pretty face is a will of iron. He'd have to have one to be successful in his chosen field.
Just my two cents from someone who isn't British, but has followed the royal family since 1981 and even minored in British history in college.
“As we lifted off for home, I found myself left with a single question: if they can’t cope with this; if it is, as she says, existing not living; what then?”
She says her life is existing not living. Apparently @Mischi her life is already hell. (Snort)
IMO that’s only because BP won’t allow her to do everything she wants to do to promote her fantasied global stardom.
And she has gaslit Harry sufficiently with the existing narrative that he will leave with her.
My guess is Thanksgiving in the States is just the kickoff to six weeks of setting the stage for the North American relocation. God help us over here.
PS Excellent story on James Middleton’s journey with depression in the Telegraph (Oct 11), which I just read. He was authentic and endearing. Totally the opposite of everything the Harkles are attempting to represent. Because I have some concern for a family member, I found Middleton’s honesty and point of view to be illuminating.
What nice posts filled with some great commentary. Thanks people.
Ah, yes, (pause to take a breath) Ms Sheila Jackson Lee. How funny to see you here.
There was a Metro meeting years ago at a school auditorium to talk with the public about the proposed train extension. So lots of local politicos present. Lots of talking heads and eventually they open up the stage for the public to comment. Lots of comments.
Then an older guy gets on stage (late 70's maybe, not frail, active, wearing jean overalls) and starts talking about he doesn't care about the train but he wants Metro to put in a covered for the weather bus stop near him.
Sheila Jackson Lee quickly flounces up to him, throws her right arm around him, he leans back ever so slightly as she takes more air space and starts telling him that all about how she will make certain that that happens for him. Loudly. He is frozen in space at what has just happened to him.
Metro top guy starts talking about how Metro wants to help him and to talk to any of the people who are standing and holding a clipboard. Those people are already moving toward the stage.
Frozen guy pulls it together and asks her if she is connected to the federal government.
She joyfully confirms this, still arm around the guy and then again more about how she will take care of him, he only needs to call her staff.
He starts to move off the stage and says (as he's walking) loudly enough for the audience to hear: "We're doomed. We're doomed."
Entire auditorium breaks out into laughter. Typical showboating Sheila Jackson Lee move.
Meanwhile, whose shoes do you think the Harkles would like to wear?
I think he is even worst than Meghan. He had the choice to forgive, to step back, to be compassionate instead of being constantly angry, to choose a partner who would have done everything possible so that he can be the best version of himself. He chose to manipulate the media, to lie, to disrespect people.
@emeraldcity : thanks for taking the time of writing this long post. It is really interesting, well documented. Now, Sophie's dismissal Kate's transformation makes sens.
@Liver bird: I doubt senior royals finally putted their foot down. They are part of the Firm. Won't be easy to get ride of them.
I'll bet they have prepared their "spring break" for a while...
It started at the end of their trip in S.A., then Harry's breakdown, plus MM' crocodile tears plus the fact she is "existing not living" and tonight will be the Grand final.They needed to create opportunities (complain, cry, look for pity) to go on well-deserved public funded vacations because you know they don't make it easy!
I also doubt she would be able to survive 6 months in Africa. The rumor concerning their move to Africa is a regular one they like to spread....
Not sure if this has been mentioned upthread.... no way is that a happy marriage. AT. ALL. I've been married for a century, and when things are stressful or chaotic in our lives, whether it's just the crap life throws at us or us making bad choices (which we definitely did in the early years), we take it out on each other at times - it's just human nature to lash out at the person next to you when you're feeling beat down. Now my husband and I are crazy devoted to each other and wouldn't dream of intentionally hurting the other one, but life happens in our everyday-mundane lives as it does for most everyone else on the planet. So when things are stressful we can reflect it in each other. And I consider us strong, mentally healthy, and we have the benefit of having many many years together ... whatever.
TL;DR - To display such angst and unhappiness and pity-me-ness, M & H are NOT a happily married couple. There is a lot going on behind palace doors. Guarantee it.
Those two are such morons! No doubt PP and PW are burning up the battery life on their mobiles commiserating. No way did PP get through the other side of the Diana and Fergie years to let this z-list cable actress ruin the Family in his twilight years. I suspect he's wily and crafty enough to start putting things in place to detour these two, and chase MM away while he's at it. It's been said many times that PP is the secret to HMTQs success these many years.
Seriously, HMTQ needs to do something that is somewhat public, or the outcry of these two idiots sashaying over to USA/Cali/NY WITH any British taxpayer support, the peasants will burn down the palace doors.
Don't they for a second realize that with this narrative that they are trying to sell, that both of them suffering these mental health issues, both of them cripplingly depressed and lonely with not much of a hope in sight, they are putting their tiny little baby's health and we'll being at jeapordy?? I don't really believe theybare actually having problems more serious than a bruised ego. (Bruised is another word that Tom has used more than once in this article to describe their hurt and state of mind. It think it just means bruised ego). And with such faffy, scatterbrain parents what's actually happening with the baby?? Because if this is serious then a social worker should be on their case. And that's a legit concern.
DON'T DO IT MAGGIE!!!!! Nobody will ever ask you if you're okay! ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Ungrateful wanker.
They sound so *polite*! ☕
Also, isn't it ironic that narcissists are completely self absorbed yet fail to exhibit any ability for self-reflection? Love the reflection. Hate and fear the self-reflection. LOL.
"I know what others do to me but I know not what I do to others." Says the Narcissist.
And Meghan couldn't abscond with Archie to the states due to the Hague Convention, the international agreement among 98 countries that prevents people in the member countries from violating the custodial rights of the aggrieved party (Harry in this hypothetical situation).
However, I do wonder if Meghan and Harry's prolonged break to the US this November could be a cover for their house hunting. It would be a perfect opportunity for them to view potential homes in person (the best way to select an expensive abode).
"The timing of this 6 week leave announcement is quite interesting given the documentary airs tonight. I'm sure The Firm is privy to most of its contents and are in damage control mode."
Remmeber the Panorama documentary was the last straw for the Queen with Diana - she ordered Charles to divorce her the next day.
I still think something similar might be afoot here. After the breakdown at the Wellchild event, the constant 'leaks' of self-pitying nonsense, the nasty attempts to overshadow the highly sensitive tour of Pakistan, and finally the cry fest mockumentary. I'm not sure why they'd feel the need to announce the 'family time' more than a month in advance - they barely 'work' anyway and it's hard to tell the difference between their offical engagements and self-promotion, so I doubt anyone would even notice they were 'on leave'. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I reckon we might finally be seeing some action from the palace.
Oh god, I hope so! @Liver Bird
__________________________________________
I am now in two minds as to whether to watch the documentary tonight, as it seems the most contentious bits have already been released in the 3 trailers. I have a sneaky feeling the remainder will be nothing more than a borefest.
These are the lengths that Meghan will go to to sabotage those she envies.
I read the announcement of their sabbatical shortly after I saw the negativity campaign on twitter,so I am wondering if the two are related.
.
I speak as a former Independent Candidate. and I had to overcome an additional hurdle by getting 5% of prior registered voters sign a petition for my candidacy (in Texas).
1) The Twitter trend "#welove meghan" lasted less than 24 hours. It then fell off the top 10 in the USA
2) I seem to be in the minority in thinking that the 6 week vacation is not particularly significant, as it falls over the holiday period from Thanksgiving to New Year. While I don't think that they really do require a holiday, I don't think that the timing is related to the documentary
A holiday period in America, not in Britain. Christmas holidays here don't start until mid-December at the earliest, and the run-up to Christmas is usually quite a busy time - relatively speaking of course! - fo royals. Even if Meghan wanted to take a few days 'off' to celebrate Thanksgiving, why should she and Harry have several weeks 'off' when other royals are still on duty? And didn't they both 'work' during this period last year?
They can take their pity party elsewhere. For Tom Bradley to say they are existing and not living is a truly sickening and contemptuous insult to people whose lives are a constant struggle through no fault of their own. I’m totally disgusted with these two, who’ve solely bought the negativity on themselves; what a despicable pair.
It's absolutely disgraceful.
Particularly as they said it having met HIV survivors and others making their way in a relatively poor and deeply troubled country. What a pair of absolute self-absorbed chancers.
So despite having good health for you and your child, a supposedly loving marriage, a 'job' which involves you 'working' maybe once a week (and 'family time' whenever you want), tons of unearned money, a taxpayer funded home... and so on and so forth..... you consider your charmed life to be a mere 'existence'?
Add to that the fact that they're not even celebrities who earned their own money, but public servants subsidised by hard-pressed taxpayers, they are deep deep into Marie Antoinette territory now. They need to go, and soon.
Her ethnicity's not a factor. It's her incessant outlandish spending, pathetic belly cupping, rude pushing in front of QE & PH. I believe she sprung the pregnancy news on PH just as she did those attending PEs wedding. Hence, he took her for a long walk upon arriving in AU.
Most of all, the baby was not born of her body!
I shall watch the documentary tonight, but I fear a slipper or two making its way across the room!
Absolutely not.
Monarchy is inherently undemocratic. If the public get to say someone should have their royal dukedom revoked (a very difficult thing to do at any rate) and the queen were to acquiesce in this, what would stop the public picking their favourite prince to be the next king, like with the X Factor? Or indeed deciding not to bother with kings and queens at all?
They may not be in the UK, but they'll do everything to stay in our mind.
I don't believe they'll soon divorce : for better or for worse, they need each other : it would be a wrong timing.
I can imagine MM's daily routine during their 6 weeks vacation in one of their new BBF's villa :
4.45 am : send a couple of emails to staff.
5.00 am : Archie's nannies (number 6 and 7) night-day shift / yoga class.
6.00-6.15 am : Kale smoothie.
6.15-700 am : bath.
7.00-8.00 am : reading UK/US press (check on the 3 scheduled headlines about us : Me preparing our 1st Christmas as a family, Me enjoying time with Archie after being overwhelmed by my royal duties, Me and Haz having a baby sister for Archie).
8.00-10.00 am : social media management :
- You-tube : Makeup artists (MUA) tutorials,
- IG posts : find inspirational quotes.
10.00 am : weight watcher conference call with Oprah.
11.00-12.00 am : text to Harry's private secretary to check on Haz' effective wake up. Home hunting in L.A. Lunch.
12.00am - 04.00 pm : business charity work :
- interview with children's book editor,
- speeches for Harry and I,
- video conf with possible fundraiser,
- conf call with SS (today's 3 headlines in UK/US press, future interview on GMA, Kate bashing, arrange meeting with Spielberg & Kofi Annan).
- skype with Jess et Misha : Dior dress for Met Gala 2020.
04.00-04h15 pm: say hello to Archie.
04.15-05.00 pm : spa & yankee candle / matcha latte.
6 .00 pm : day-night shift Archie's nannies / Hair stylist (new wigs).
7.00 pm : MUA.
8.00 pm : party at John & Chrissy's place (bring roasted chicken & vegan banana bread).
If I was a Brit, I would be livid about Harry's and Meghan's actions and I would be writing to the Queen (actually I DID write the Queen a couple of weeks ago and complimented her but pointed out I was embarrassed about Meghan and her antics).
I think your 'day in the life of MeAgain' was pretty spot on and gave me a giggle, but this particular task might be a tad difficult seeing as Kofi died last year. Meghan probably doesn't know that however.
Meanwhile, whose shoes do you think the Harkles would like to wear?
OMG, Maggie, have you SEEN the size of her shoes? She may be part Yeti. I don't think I'd want to wear either of their shoes. I prefer sturdy leather high top work boots (lots of poisonous snakes here, and did I mention alligators and alligator snapping turtles?) so I'm pretty sure the Harkles do not want mine.
If I were to guess, they covet the D & D of Cornwall's footwear.
I also found it was very interesting that they were not invited to the reception with The Queen for the major change to the Commonwealth Trust (I don’t remember exactly what ended but whatever is new is I believe what H&M are Pres and VP of). It did not seem like they had anything else scheduled for the evening.
And finally if H&M are dealing with some mental health issues, why not just come out with it? I mean with his behavior how can he not be. Taking time off is just such a cop out. If they truly want to make this their platform then be honest! Anything they say on the matter rings completely hollow...
Those are just my thoughts. Love the discussion on here!
no one has mentioned it here but there was an attempt on twitter yesterday or the day before to make it seem like the Pakistan royal tour by the Cambridges was a big failure. It didn't last long because obviously it wasn't true.
These are the lengths that Meghan will go to to sabotage those she envies.
I read the announcement of their sabbatical shortly after I saw the negativity campaign on twitter,so I am wondering if the two are related.
Goodness! If that is true (that it was her doing this) then the next scarfing she gets from William may entail having it accidentally pulled tight around her neck.
But does Rachel know she’s a bad political candidate? I think not!
Comments are scathing. Interestingly, although the comments aren't moderated, my comment didn't get published.
Tell that to a struggling single parent, someone critically ill fighting for life, a homeless person, a wounded vet...
And to say it Africa, of all places.
This is incredibly tone deaf; it will backfire spectacularly. Mark my words, the Harkles are on the way out.
Re: whether the monarchy will listen to "the people" or not; history has repeatedly shown that when the monarchy fails to listen to the people, said monarchy eventually ceases to exist.
The clock is ticking towards the show.
On that note, I will casually mention that:
Diana did her I'm withdrawing from public life announcement without realizing that it meant any photo of her - the asking price would sky rocket.
Tina Brown's bio of Diana (The Diana Chronicles) chapter of just before the Panorama release which touched off the need to formally divorce is titled: Deal or No Deal.
I would say that there is some precedence for former royal to withdraw. How it would look and what would it include or not include would be probably slightly negotiateable.
If the this child is not born of the body truth comes out, well then, I guess someone pushed too hard about something.
I feel badly that QE has to do deal with these two middle-aged children at this time in her life, and with Brexit et al.
Those two are lucky they are not being Banished to Banff.
Well. I'm in the US, but I feel your pain (in sympathy) so I've got some pain meds and a whole big box of wine (an ode to Meghan's Cali background and mine too). I may have to progress to Vodka when it airs in the states! Don't bother to warn me about liver problems, as I got bigger worries (like 5 inches of stitches from head surgery). I actually enjoy reading about Me'gain here as it gets my mind off things.
“Taking a sabbatical and leaving the UK” is the title
No, seriously, that doesn’t sound good at all. Are you sure you want to watch the show? I am in L.A. but won’t be watching it. There is not enough alcohol, Vicodin, weed, etc. in this world to entice me to watch. I do have ONE Ritalin pill that my grandson left here by mistake that I have been saving for a special occasion that I may take in order to stay up and read what the brave souls who will be watching have to say when they check back here with us.
So, for those watching.......please take careful notes, close your windows, stock up on bags of marshmallows (to throw at t.v.) Keep your beverage of choice, t.v. remote, boxes of tissues, pop corn, computer,, iphone, ipads, close at hand, send others residing in household to a safe area in the home, call in sick to work before you start slurring. Good luck to you all and hopefully we’ll be able to get a few chuckles out of this as it is so dam sickening and disgusting otherwise!
I've said it before, but I'll say it again: The British public is mostly indifferent to the royals in general and Markle in particular. So there's no real 'public sentiment' to her one way or the other. People who follow the royals closely mostly dislike her, but they are a minority. Diana was a phenonemon. Markle is no Diana.
I beg to differ. You are quite wrong. The papers have a special section on the royals every day. The horde of photographers, the magazines, the television specials - all because the Brits love their royals and the royal gossip.
Do you live in the UK? Because I do, and the papers I read have articles, but no special section for the royals. Yes some magazines have numerous royal stories etc., but they cover celebrities too.
The media make and produce the programmes and they cover royal news, but it isn’t because we love our royal family, that’s archaic thinking! Maybe my Grandmothers generation did. They are tolerated and because a republic could be worse. However, with the increasing negativity over the Sussex’s behaviour and Andrew’s scandal on top, a republic is looking more rosey by the day.
Tin foil hat time...I genuinely, honestly believe that they doped Archie on something prior to his appearance hanging against Harry while papa holds his head like a vice. He just...hangs there. No focus in his eyes, mouth open, doesn't move as Harry Carrie's him down a flight of stairs in that strange, unnatural position...nope, nope, nope, it sets my mummy sensors off. I once knew of a couple that would dope their kids on some mild sedative cough syrup before social worker visits to make the kid quiet and compliant. I'd bet any money Archie is being controlled in the same way. I just feel so anxious and uneasy seeing a baby of his age so completely tuned out and indifferent to his parents/surroundings
That is a *very* concerning observation about "Archie". I believe that they also said that he slept for the 11-hour plane ride.
My mother, on the other hand, had shelves of the blooming stuff.
Anything thus far about Africa or the charities they are so 'passionate' about? Or is it all about them and the ghost of Diana?
I'm taking a WILD guess...........
That's why I do think the queen or Philip have finally taken action and sent them away on 'family time'.
harry: “I will not be bullied into playing a game that killed my mum”
So somebody is trying to get Harry to whore around Europe like his mum?
This show sounds much worse than I thought it would be so I am going to sign off and check back in tomorrow.
My Mother’s words exactly! Lol
@SwampWomen, ‘Well, I'm pretty sure if I were watching it I'd be laughing my butt off at the horrible acting.’
I had to turn over! Lol I turned back and saw the nauseating bit about Meghan and her struggles!
Tom added the bit about existing and living right at the end of the documentary as a narrator...viewer and UK country wise....such a provocative thing to say.
I would like to share some points :
1/ there is no other breaking news,
2/ I can confirm from the 1st to the latest minute : it’s a propaganda video : oriented questions from a biased journalist (he let them the floor to expose all their struggling : that is the objective). They use the excuse of their visit in S.A to complain.
3/ Harry takes a backseat and is sad, down but he looks definitively better when he is without MM (eg. In Angola, Malawi).
When they’re together, she doesn’t let him talk using some key words (« as a woman », « as a newly »wed/mum…, « empower women »…).
4/ MM : what a joke. « she tried », people are telling things which are « not true », she didn’t know about the tabloids, she’s not happy….
To sum up : no surprise : if you’re not familiar with the Sussex or if you like them : you’ll feel sorry for them.
The document isn’t about Africa (even we are badly expecting to believe it). They want to sell THEIR story/personal journey.
Watching the video I realized how both William & Harry seem to be stuck with their mother’s story./heritage (burden ?). Harry, particularly rests on his mum’s heritage. He needs to gain more freedom (from his wife/mum, from his mum).
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7594059/JAN-MOIR-reviews-Harry-Meghan-African-Journey.html
I do think, however, that the building blocks are now clearly being put into place for a move to America. We've suspected that for a while, but now it might actually be taking shape.
Actually the British press - though they can indeed be awful - operate under a lot of constraints when it comes to the royals. Most of these are 'gentleman's agreements' rather than law, but none of them would apply in America. Indeed the American and European press have published royal stories no British paper would touch. So if the Harkles do indeed move to Los Angeles they'd probably enjoy a brief 'honeymoon' period but the gloves would be off pretty soon, and the treatment they'd get would be much worse than what they get here as the American press feels no need to show deference to the British royals.
However, if the aim is to build up a story of the evil British press forcing this poor loving couple into exile, you won't hear any mention of those inconvenient truths.
I was confused about her comment about the tabloid press and that they don't have that in America? Don't they? I don't know, surely the press in the US make people accountable for their actions
Well, she certainly wasn't important enough to warrant any attention in any press that wasn't bought and paid for for publicity. Will she have press attention when/if she moves back? Maybe, if she pays for it. Again, she's just not important enough IMO to warrant attention on the national level except for gossip.
I’ve worked with many mentally ill people, for what that’s worth. He’s lost.
This DM comment made me laugh out loud, for real, not just the letters.
Are the rules for getting mental health help the same in the UK as here; i.e., the person has to want and request the help? They can do a 3-day involuntary hold for evaluation but then the evaluees are left to roam free if they are not an immediate danger to self and others.
"I hate press (but use it to push my message across), unconscious racists who are everywhere and traditional royal duties".
PS Leave me alone, you killed my mommy and I will not play with you nasty people.
Royal family will be mad to use them to represent the crown and country again. Possibly he can still do some good working with conservationists. Meg is finished. She may get sympathy but she will not get respect.
many people commenting that if you are watching and feel nothing then you have no heart.
I hate to be told what feelings I ought to be feeling about a specific issue. The signalers come off as trying to say I am too stupid to pick up the clues. Calling someone stupid (flat out or implied) does not usually make for a good selling point to close the deal.
harry: “I will not be bullied into playing a game that killed my mum”
You mean the one your mother played with the press? Calling them up when it suited her to get a message out? Or that you've stopped drinking?
talking about probs with Wills
Oh, not a good move. Short or long term strategic. That kind of hand grenade was like the one by his uncle at his mother's funeral - that speech. After the service, they all rode in the train car together to then do the internment. And, the uncle is a godchild of Her Majesty. Chilly.
The US has tabloids (think National Inquirer and more). Our laws are very different. There are books which cannot be printed in the UK but are in the US so I doubt, no, know that the US market is a much tougher/rougher one. That will be a wake up call to someone.
@SwampWoman, I enjoy your comments. I laughed out loud at the scarfing comment-funny mental video.
Seriously, Harry knows the signs of mental illness and he is not heeding them. I guess I'm jaded but I think this is all manufactured for the sake of their lawsuits. I resent that this mockumentary (or fauxmentary) was supposed to be about South Africa and it's nothing more than a whining self-centered diatribe by two crybabies. I hope the palace gives them a Botswana home in the bush but I would feel sorry for the Africans
I think it is safe to assume we aren't really buying this "taking a six week break to be a family" line, rather they have been banished by the BRF for all the shenanigans.
I have been reading and seeing the signs of Haz being affected in some way - I wonder if this is some attempt to separate him from the toxic marriage and rehabilitate his image? By doing this, the palace can keep some semblance of his rep intact and use the mental health card to get him away from the mess?
I could be totally off base but just my thought :)
Harry seems to need an intervention or something. Not pleasant to see someone fall apart in real time. Sad.
https://www.spectator.co.uk/2019/09/the-appalling-vanity-of-western-feminists-who-think-margaret-atwood-writes-about-them/
All of *this* - this documentary, the never-ending whinging, is deflection ... Meggy knows her tape has been bought and could be published at any minute (they're sending a warning to the press not to go there by suing them over the letter), and they're trying to make people forget that they had Range Rovers flown into Africa for their tour. They're probably trying to make people forget a whole lot of other stuff too, but those are the ones that stand out in my mind.
There was a nasty attempt to bring Kate down by Radar Online over the weekend, by publishing articles about her past dress fly-up mishaps. If that's the worst that Meggy's PR company can do then William and Kate really have nothing to worry about.
At this point it appears the Royal Family have given Harry sufficient rope for him to hang himself. In this day and age when so many people are doing it tough and Meggy complains that she's only existing not living, is just such a slap in the face to so many.
This will be short because most has already been covered above and also have just read Jan Moir's article and it's spot on!
*This was pure propaganda from start to finish.
*Harry when discussing his feelings about his mother said, "I thought I was out of the woods and then it all came back." and I'm SCREAMING at the TV - yes of course it all came back, cause your bloody wife has probably done nothing else but remind you of it!!!
*There are obviously problems between him and William. They have good days and bad days.
*His and Sparkles way of doing things - is neither the new way or the old way. They are trying to be authentic.
* It was her British friends who warned her that out tabloids would destroy her life. (wonder who?)
Lastly, if I had been in a coma for the last 2 years and woke up to watch this - I would think they were a marvellous pair of humanitarians.
*Pukes*
I still think that if her bronzer and butt pad deliveries were held up at HM Revenue and Customs, we would be seeing a lot less of her at public appearances. Then, she would be able to say she was just "existing, and not thriving".
I could not love the Mystery Science Theater reference more.
New Harry Markle blog post about the show is up.
Ashlee from Danja Zone is saying that this is all a set up to get out of their royal duties to go to California because they have lots of projects lined up with Oprah. Oprah is also invited to Doria's Thanksgiving dinner.
And Harry, please let your mom rest in peace. He complains the media is commoditising his wife, but in reality, he is the one commoditising his mom's memory.
This couple are whiny, ungrateful spoiled brats.
Just wanted to add to the interesting conversation earlier on about whether many British people just getting on with their lives are bothered about H&M. Well I live in the wealthiest part of the UK outside London (excluding the odd WAG enclave) so I find it interesting that I pick up a fair amount of criticism of Meghan. I'll never forget sitting in a hairdressing salon and hearing a very well-heeled customer suddenly mention "that bloody woman" (I didn't prod her I swear). We all knew who she was talking about and I also saw the hairdressers exchange quick looks with each other, which could indicate it's now a workplace hazard for them. Also comes up at work, when people are getting coffee (again not started by me). I have also lived in areas of high unemployment and would have assumed the real anger would be there, but I can tell you high-earners are pretty steamed too. Of course, bearing the heaviest taxes, there could be a reason for this!
About the much earlier comments in response to the question:
"Do you think she [HMTQ] would listen to her subjects if this was a formal protest of their actions?"
One response being:
"Absolutely not.
"Monarchy is inherently undemocratic. If the public get to say someone should have their royal dukedom revoked (a very difficult thing to do at any rate) and the queen were to acquiesce in this, what would stop the public picking their favourite prince to be the next king, like with the X Factor? Or indeed deciding not to bother with kings and queens at all?"
I do get that point, that it doesn't work that way. Drives me crazy when DM comments assume it does. But, as some have said here, the Queen did respond to the huge anger after Diana's death. (I wrote on an earlier post how I was outside K Palace as the mountain of flowers grew, walking among the crowds.) The monarchy does respond to social and political pressures but usually very slowly. So slowly you can only properly understand it decades later (I write having two History degrees, predominantly English/Irish). Something will happen, but probably too late for our collective blood-pressure!
All the doc did was use Africans as the wallpaper behind the Harkles narcissism. Can it get any worse?
Oh Harry, you already are. Eschewing the Palace and the advice you’ve been given will be the biggest mistake of your life.
They are done. They are out.
We will not see a big announcement; it will be little pieces fed here and there until it's obvious that the Harkles are no longer part of the RF. Whoever said this is their swan song got it 100% correct.
William is reportedly very close to his grandfather. I just hope the two of them can create a kind of pincer movement of persuasion around the Queen. Charles is just hopeless. They need to lock him up in a cunningly disguised wildflower garden and sort it out without him.
As for the six-week break, I agree with @Nutty about the poor RPOs being forced to leave their families for the holidays, and the unbelievable cost of security for a US holiday. I think the LA visit is just a cover, though. I doubt H will go. I suspect we'll get photoshopped or body double pics and some leaked stories from SS, but I don't think anyone will visit LA unless M goes there for private purposes (which could be anything from IVF to signing divorce paperwork -- who knows?), accompanied by one or two RPOs.
Here's hoping she never comes back to the UK.
I think I was saying the same thing. Right now Oprah isn’t one thing or the other, just over. But the Harkles could tip her over into being widely disliked. She thinks she is immune to the Markle Effect, but she isn’t.