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Prince Philip is in the hospital

Prince Philip has been hospitalized, just a few days before Christmas. He reportedly walked into the hospital, and is being treated for a "pre-existing condition."

Of course, we all hope Philip will recover and go on to enjoy Christmas with his family - but he is 98 years old.

What do you think this means for the Royal Family in general and the Sussexes in particular?

Comments

lizzie said…
The Telegraph says PP has a "bad cold." Not good IMO.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/20/friday-evening-news-briefing-prince-philip-taken-125-miles-london/
lucy said…
I think Harry needs to visit with his grandfather. I hope he does the right thing

I would make good housekeeper @nutty :)
Anonymous said…

Part of this comment was left on the last blog, but moving those thoughts over here re Prince Philip.

At 98, I imagine PP knows that there is probably not a lot of earthbound time left, and I think he would secretly enjoy throwing some last and major shade Rach's way. Of course, I'm not wishing him gone, but I'm just saying that if he chooses this time to exit to the next phase (and I firmly believe there is a "next"), then he'll go knowing that he made a final impact upon his exit. As the enforcer all of these years, I'm sure he's had many opinions about all of the latest.

In fact, this "planned hospital" bit has left me thinking about Chas' visit to see his father, too. My guess is and was that it wasn't just about Andy, but also to spend some time honoring his father (and plotting and drinking because Phil & Chas, that's how they roll).

I do hope that PH gets his derriere out of his undisclosed location abroad and goes to see his GF, however. If he does not, he will regret it long after the divorce is final, and I would not wish that regret on anyone.

Nutty Flavor said…
Nothing personal Lucy - I'm sure you're lovely! - but I can see that you're quite new. I think we need someone who has been here a bit longer.

@Lizzie, I agree that this does not sound good. Pneumonia is the end of the line for many elderly people.
Nutty Flavor said…
I agree, Elle. If Philip passes on and Harry is not there, it will trouble him for the rest of his life.

If Harry is in rehab - as I suspect he is - I assume he can leave for a family emergency such as this one.
Anonymous said…
Also, and not to get too woo-woo or full-on crazy, but because I enjoy observing events from many angles, the ring of fire solar eclipse on December 26 presents significant timing for those who find that kind of thing interesting. I don't know how often or to what extend the BRF still relies on astrologers, but even the novice astrologer would see this solar eclipse and PP in the hospital and raise a cosmic eyebrow.
lucy said…
ha! thanks for your consideration nutty.
perhaps it best I stay in the shadows but for the record I have been here since first post shhh

I enjoy your blog very much and wish you much continued success in 2020 and beyond!
PP being in the hospital sounds like bad news. The news says it's nothing serious but come on, he's 98! He hasn't been well for quite some time. And he is now in the hospital. This would change so.many things for the family, wouldn't it?


That being said...science fiction time... Maybe Phillip is just paying a visit to his latest horcrux. Maybe he is planning on unleashing his inner Greek Spartacus on the Harkles and needs his annual dose of liveforever multivitamin booster.
Anonymous said…
Yes, @Nutty. I have learned this lesson the very hard way. In fact, now when one of my friends/family cross my mind significantly (3 times and for no clear reason), I follow the rule of three law and get my hiney to the phone or email to check in. I have learned that honoring these intuitions is important.

As for PH, I would think, though don't know for sure, that rehab would not only let him out but insist PH go because of the everlasting impact of the regret PH will feel if he doesn't show. That kind of regret would only underscore PH's guilt re not saying goodbye properly to his mother (and for all of his dramatic reenactments, I do believe that rushed phone call caused significant and eternal pain).
@Nutty, thank you for the new rules, I’m relieved and I’m truly hoping things stay calm now. It’s so great to see some of the older posters back here too! Yay! ;o))

Poor Prince Philip, they said it was planned hospital stay and for an ongoing problem. It could be his prostate or his bladder? Who knows. He’s had remarkable health up until 2012 (when he had that bladder infection). It would be sad for the Queen and her family not to have there at Christmas, let’s hope he’s able to go home sooner rather then later. :o)

I wonder what Harry is thinking now? :o/
Humor Me said…
Dearest Nutty and Nutters - Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Thank you for a fresh blog.
Any time a 90+ person enters the hospital, it is serious. CDAN (gossip site for those not in the know) had a blind months ago that intimated that Philip's UTI was actually bladder cancer. Again - take this with a grain of salt. The fact that Charles made a pointed visit to see his father and to spend time says much. The secrecy of the RF with personal health is notorious through the decades.

I myself, without any source material from other sites, wonder if Harry is in treatment somewhere for his issues. And that is the reason we, at this point, have not seen anything of the man, and the few (sarcasm) articles that discuss that Harkles Holidaze away from the RF have the caveat "with the Queen's approval". To me, this is the only rationale that justifies Harry not being seen.

and finally, the dam broke with a deluge of MM articles on the DM of MM then and now, with all the Berry Christmas featuring W&K, plus the panting of anticipation of the Christmas Church Walk with George and Charlotte. Me Again spoke to her minions and said Produce!

There is much turmoil under the smooth surface of the RF - my popcorn awaits.
Glow W said…
Obviously I hope Harry visits his grandfather. If it’s something like prostate cancer, many men would die naturally before the cancer got them.

I also think he RF uses “bad cold” as an euphemism for whatever is really going on. Planned admissions, even for a 98 year old don’t have to mean bad things. (Generally speaking). If it’s fluids, they could do an IV at home, so I’m at a loss to guess what this could be.

If PP takes a turn for the worse, would we even see a church walk?
The DM overload of what clearly looks like PR fluff pieces for the Sussex’s, now look in extremely poor taste now we have leant that Prince Philip is in hospital.
CookieShark said…
I hope PH goes to see PP.

@ Humor, you are right about the deluge of MM articles on the Mail today. One ridiculous article posits that W&K will use their children to "steal" the limelight from H&M during the Christmas walk. How can they steal it when H&M won't be there? And is this MM's PR getting the royal source to say such a thing?

There are photos of her from high school glammed up in another article. However, I can't imagine that she would want these pictures out there. It highlights that she had a very charmed adolescence and attended an expensive private school. This is incongruent with the "family she never had" narrative she appears to have pushed on PH.
Glow W said…
Hummm, daily mail says planned admission and will be there for a few days. My guesses (I could be wrong): a hit of radiation for supposed bladder cancer? IV antibiotics and because of his age needs to be watched so he doesn’t get C.diff or other bad bacteria? He has mild pneumonia so needs to be in the hospital because of his age (when I went to the ER they said they would admit me If I had pneumonia because I have asthma). He has the flu, so he needs continuous support because of his age and continuous watching so he doesn’t get pneumonia?

Guesses....
Nutty Flavor said…
@Tatty, I would guess that "planned admission" is what they would have to say.

Going to the hospital on a Friday afternoon five days before Christmas does not sound planned to me.
IEschew said…
I do not want to be a Pollyanna, but do you all think the Queen would have boarded the train to Kings Lynn if there were such serious concerns? That she did is a optimistic sign, I think. At any rate, his age of course heightens concerns and I am sure we all hope he’s back in Norfolk to enjoy Christmas with his wife and family in a matter of days. I hope the Telegraph is wrong about the “bad cold”; if he’s upright and moving, that is the best prevention of pneumonia and its complications, so I also take that as a good sign. Sending good thoughts and strength to him!

Incidentally, I was extra unhappy to see an influx of silly new MM puff pieces at this time, though it does put their ridiculousness in stark relief for her few remaining supporters.
Jdubya said…
have you seen this?

https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2019122082317/prince-harry-dresses-up-father-christmas-scottys-little-soliders/
Glow W said…
Nutty, what confuses me is TQ went from London to Sandringham while PP was going from Sandringham to London!! I’m befuddled. Why would she not be with him? That sort of points to it’s not urgent? IDK. Who knows with them??? I realize she may have visited him before she left, but why would she then travel 2 hours away? He’s 98. Anything unexpected could happen.
Glow W said…
@ieschew you are right that upright and walking is best pneumonia prevention. And I agree it seems to appear (???) to not be urgent since TQ is 2 hours away? Meanwhile, some awful comments on the DM story
Anonymous said…
@CookieShark: "...W&K will use their children to "steal" the limelight from H&M during the Christmas walk."

In the same way that Reese Witherspoon steals my limelight on the red carpet at the Oscars every year!
Anonymous said…
@Tatty: is it possible that in order to show "keep calm and carry on", TQ went to Sandringham, but will quietly venture back to London under the radar?
Glow W said…
@jdubya it’s cute I guess. Harry seems calm and relaxed at the end when he takes off the beard and smiles. What do you think?
Jen said…
@CookieShark However, I can't imagine that she would want these pictures out there.

It also shows just how much work she's had done.

@Elle...welcome back!
Glow W said…
@elle yes I agree and thought that myself. Maybe TQ felt compelled to do the whole “arrive at King’s Lynn” station, go to Sandringham and say a few words to staff, rest and then go right back to London under the radar.
CookieShark said…
@ Elle, hilarious!

How dare that Reese Witherspoon! :P
Humor Me said…
@Elle -
good thought re: secret trip. Like I posted - the Family has a history of secrecy with health concerns.

And shame on Reese for stealing your limelight on Oscar Sunday! .......passing the popcorn your way.
HappyDays said…
I hope PP’s hospital stay is short and he is discharged before Christmas. If Harry and Meghan are truly in California or otherwise out of the UK, if I were Harry, I’d hightail it back to London to see his grandfather in case things don’t go well.

Unless Harry’s in rehab himself, I can’t think of many reasonable excuses to stay away, but because Meghan dominates him so thoroughly, I wouldn’t put it past her to assert her control and keep him away from London. It would be incredibly selfish, but for a profoundly narcissistic person like Mayhem, I wouldn’t be surprised for her to deny Harry a last visit with his grandfather. Marcs thrive on drama and dividind people, especially families. Yes, I think she’s THAT wretched.
KayeC said…
It would be terrible for the entire family (BRF or any family) to lose your patriarch at Christmas. I hope that it is not serious, but as you have all said, going to the hospital, when they must have private physicians, is not a good sign. Saying prayers for them all, even Harry, and anyone that is sick this Christmas.

Many MM articles on the DM this morning...haven't read any of them, but it went from fairly quiet to full on blitz....interesting......
IEschew said…
@KayeC, yes, I also find the “blitz” of MM nonsense pieces interesting at this particular time. Who’s in charge?

And @Elle, yes, that’s a good point that HM might have boarded that train to keep calm/keep up appearances, with a plan to return under cover. I hope not. I hope it’s going to be okay for PP for right now. HM herself was “croaky” as reported by the DM yesterday, so maybe they don’t want to make each other sick? Photo of her alone on the train made me sad.

Who knows what is going on, really. I expect we rarely have even half the picture.
Anonymous said…
If she goes to the hospital publicly then the death watch press will show up and make everything worse. It makes sense she would keep everything looking normal “nothing to see here, move along”
KayeC said…
@Jdubya, just watched the video Christmas message from Harry. It was sweet and he sounded coherent. Wonder when and where it was filmed....that background was sad. It may have been the Santa beard, but I thought he looked fuller in the face, that could be a good sign.

Also, the DM has an article and pics of teenage MM at Christmas, what the what!! Desperate!!
Nutty Flavor said…
I thought it was significant that the Queen did not wear her usual Royal gear for this week's opening of Parliament.

The official explanation was that Boris did not want to look out of touch or extravagent to all the Labour areas he'd just won over in the campaign, but heavy royal outfits must also be difficult for the Queen at this age.

I don't believe she's worn the crown itself for a few years, now.
HappyDays said…
@nutty: “Going to the hospital on a Friday afternoon five days before Christmas does not sound planned to me.”
This sounds odd to me too, Nutty. Unless PP was already at Sandringham waiting for HM to travel north, why go all the way up to Sandringham if you have a “planned visit’ and admission to a London hospital just a few days from Christmas?

At his age and depending on whatever his existing condition is, a simple cold can easily turn into pneumonia as some other comments here have noted. If he doesn’t have bladder cancer, he could also have congestive heart failure, which is common in older people, which often needs attention in a hospital setting.

I feel bad HM has to worry about Philip all the way up in Sandringham, but perhaps it’s a good sign that she’s staying there. If she had stayed in London for this, it could be a bad sign.
IEschew said…
I just saw Santa Harry’s message—wow! I find it significant that Hello! broke the story vs SussexRoyal, and it does not have the ridiculous Sussex Royal branding and copyright. I find that significant indeed!
Maggie said…
The Royals are quite peculiar about visiting family members in hospital - they rarely do. Do you remember William and Harry appeared at Crathie Kirk hours after news of their mother's death. I think the Queen's strict adherence to schedule is such an integral part of her self-discipline that it's a hard habit to break.

As for Harry, I don't believe he is far away, may very well be with the family.

That video of him talking to bereaved children is unbelievably tone deaf; he must have known what a wonderful surprise his presence at the party would have been, really uplifting for the children and their parent to know that he cared.

As for all those glib assurances about how wonderful their Christmas/life would be - cliches 101! Absolutely shameful displaying a complete absence of empathy.

I hope to God that we soon see an end to all these frothy puff pieces; less, much less is definitely more.
KayeC said…
@Eschew, wow, didn't catch that...very, very interesting! And the Sussex IG post is all Meghan, no pics of Harry....
Nutty Flavor said…
The Santa message was odd. It was definitely not @SussexRoyal brand, with its plain background, off-the-peg Santa suit, and lack of woke messaging.

Nothing to merch there.

I wonder how excited the kids were about it. Harry said he met some of them "years ago". If that was, say, 5 years ago, I doubt a 12-year-old remembers much about meeting Harry when he was 7.
Maggie said…
@HappyDays - Philip lives at Sandringham.
Anonymous said…
Hey @Jen, thank you! I'm happy to be returning at what I think (fear?) is going to be an eventful (hopefully, in a pass the popcorn kind of way) holiday season.

If all goes well and PP is released happy and healthy, I'm hoping for a Christmas walk extravaganza! In my perfect skit, Rach & PH would show up early with Rach dressed in her high school prom gown to perform one of the many forms of dance in which she's been trained. Maybe sing her own version of "Santa Baby", too, replete with finger cymbals. After, she can demonstrate her book-binding skills and merch some craft supplies from Michael's. Now that would steal the limelight back from those heir-to-Rachel's-throne Cambridge children. (BTW, I wasn't like this before Reese stole my limelight lol)
Anonymous said…
@kayeC Sussex Royal has a photo of Harry as the 4th picture
Anonymous said…
@IEschew, Benjamin Wareing did copyright it on Twitter for SussexRoyal. At first he said KP, then changed it.
LX45 said…
Check out huffingtonpost.ca Meghan Markle paid to have top billing on a Canadian newspaper. I didn't click it not giving her or the "news site" the traffic.

I think she really want to go to Canada is she not here already. Huffington Post are desperate they just laid of thousands.
Unknown said…
I really don’t like this development for PP just days from Christmas. This is not planned. HMTQ has to be business as usual. So sad.
Unknown said…
@Elle. Do tell about this astrological “Fire” on the 26th?
Nutty Flavor said…
Just perused the latest Daily Mail story, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry share throwback pictures of Royal Variety engagements in December 2018 as 'tortured' fans beg them to release their Christmas card".

It's actually just one tortured fan, but whatever.

What amazed me is that that inappropriate dress Meg wore to the old folks home last Christmas is still available! You know, the tight cotton flowered dress she wore in early December 2018. Not only did it not sell out in 12+ months, but it's now on sale. Only 391 pounds.

I wonder if the designer ramped up production with the hope that influencer Meg would sell lots of frocks.
Fairy Crocodile said…
@Nutty It stroke me as another miss in Sussex PR. Children of the age when they are interested in Santa will not be delighted to see it WASN'T Santa, just some boring guy. Kids who are older would probably prefer something a bit more grown up as an encouraging message. And what about thumbs up to those who lost parents? Am I the only one to find the whole spectacle unsettling?

Re Philip - I so much hope he recovers, he is such a huge personality in the RF, I pray this is not the end of the era.
Hikari said…
For me, as for the bulk of people now walking the planet, this Queen and her consort have been in Buckingham Palace for as long as they have been living. When my mother was born in 1937, Elizabeth was already the heiress presumptive to her father's crown and living in BP.

Apart from the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981, I have not paid much attention to the British Royal family until William and Catherine's wedding, and subsequently, getting into "The Crown" on Netflix and reading biographies about this influential figure of the 20th-into-the 21st century, and her remarkable longevity. Teenage Lilibet could have been the inspiration for 'Sam' in Foyle's War . . just one of the amazing things I have learned about her in recent years. But because she's *always* been a fixture in our collective universe, albeit in the background, somewhat like comfortingly solid furnishings for those of us who are not her subjects--I realize I have somewhat been taking for granted that she and Philip are always going to be There.

They will not, sadly, always be there. Since Philip has gotten so frail and is no longer seen at ceremonial or family events--Trooping the Color in 2017 and Harry's wedding being two of the last times he was seen publicly, the Duke of Edinburgh has been on my mind a lot lately. He will almost certainly pass away before the Queen, perhaps very soon . . though I am praying fervently that he will rally and enjoy more than one last Christmas with his family. I'm sure if it were up to him, he'd gut it out to his centenary at least. Let's hope that his admission to hospital is to get him fit to go home for Christmas and it won't be his last journey. The royal doctors do not always play straight with their patients or the public. Elizabeth's father and the family were not told that the King's condition was terminal.

Sending all good wishes to Philip for his recovery in time to have a comfortable Christmas at home. Let's hope also that this is a wake-up call to his self-absorbed children and grandchildren to realize the urgency to spend time with him while they still can. I don't think at his stage of life, as he contemplates the hereafter that Philip is wasting any of his precious energy plotting how to stick it to his wayward grandson's 'Actress' one last time . .at least, I hope not. Meghan isn't worth it.

When Philip goes, the worldwide mourning will be second only to that which will eventually come for the Queen. How Elizabeth will cope without 'her rock' remains to be seen, but losing her partner of 70+ years will be the worst blow she has yet had to endure, even beyond that of losing her beloved papa. I don't want to think on that day.

If Philip dies soon, the Sussexes will be shoved so far on the back burner of public caring that they might as well be on Pluto. If they, and principally Meghan, try any of their whiny, self-entitled b*llsh*t antics to a world in mourning for Harry's Greatest Generation grandfather, they will be pilloried in public opinion the likes of which have not been seen. They are done. The death of Elizabeth, when it comes, will be the absolute end of them, if they are still together by then.

As for Bea and Edo . . maybe they are giving a serious re-think to waiting more than six months more to be married. I would be, in their shoes.
Anonymous said…
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Anonymous said…
@nutty Regarding that dress. Like with so much of her merching, her PR team must have done a number on the designer. It's a perfectly lovely dress. But seeing her stuffed into it, with the stomach so tight you can see the outline of her moonbump, would, at least for me, kill any desire to own it. Also, it was winter, yes, and I don't know why for the life of me she wasn't outright shivering. I think it was only because she was at a senior center and they probably had the heat hiked up to the top because the elderly are constantly cold. My mother used to have the heat up so high, we could fry eggs on the kitchen linoleum.

This woman is such a total trainwreck. Even her merching is done badly. This is has always had me question the rationale of her merching of clothes that were obviously NOT maternity clothes, and how we are supposed to pine for outfits that looked like she had to shoe-horn herself into them? And if you are on team pillow like I am, this stuffing herself into dresses and skirts only made the enlarging, shrinking, ballooning, then a flat stomach (in New York for a night out on the town with MA at, allegedly seven months pregnant) only drew attention to her stomach. She would have been able to withstand the rumors about surrogacy had she worn stylish caftans for the last six months of her alleged pregnancy. But then again, she would have had to forego the coat flicking and the cradling to draw attention to her stomach. Her vanity always undermines her schemes.
Hikari said…
@Nutty,

Re. the recycled photos of Meg's (sole) visit to the retired actors' home:

If we needed any further evidence of Meg's out-of-control Narcissism, it's that tasteless reheated IG post of her grudging visit more than a year ago. She puffs herself all up over visiting the old folks more than 12 months ago, brags that 'her' plaque is 'next to the Queen Mother's' on the wall and basically appears to take credit for the facility getting their kitchen remodeled on account of the Munificent Meg gracing them with her presence more than a year prior.

*This* was the day that I decided that the pregnancy was a complete scam. This was NOT a successful visit in any meaning of the word. She's got her tongue out in one of the pictures. Until the green tents she wore this past summer to the polo and the mosque, I called this black and white number her biggest outfit fail. It's a cute dress--if it were on another woman who was three sizes smaller, 20 years old and attending a summer garden party.

This harkens back to my previous comment about Meg the Local Cable Station . . .she's got *nothing* to showcase of merit since early December of 2018? Or she thought she looked sooo great in that outfit she wanted us to see it again? Some of us were just managing to start to forget it.

This is the kind of behavior I expect to continue, with or without the passing of venerable senior royals. Meghan is completely tone-deaf and blind to anything that does not directly involve burnishing her own interior monologue of herself as the Greatest Humanitarian Ever! for flaunting herself in a tight, inappropriate dress at an old folks' home. She is beyond the pale.
CookieShark said…
@ LX45, Markle Sparkles indeed. I about spit out my Diet Coke when I read the subheader:

"10 Years of Meghan Marke, the Royal Hero of the Decade"

Barf.

I re-read Narcsite's "A Very Royal Narcissist" last night. It is excellent.

That white dress when visiting the actor's home was a terrible choice for the winter and really highlights the very square bump she is sporting. It looks like something out of a Jane Austen novel. Tight sleeves, tight torso, tight top. I would be miserable.
KayeC said…
@ Drabredcarpet (I love your name, btw) I stand corrected...didn't see that, I only read it, I am not on IG so looking at it on my phone sometimes doesn't load all pics. I'm glad he made one photo in the collage.

@Nutty, I am going to disagree with you (probably for the first time, lol) but I have children that are older than 12 and they remember exciting things from their childhood as young as five or six. I imagine that meeting PH would be something you remember, even into adulthood. Five years ago he was still fun-loving Harry, he has always gotten down on their level (as in face to face with the kiddos) to talk and interact with them. It's funny cause my hubby always liked that about PH. He would say kids appreciate that and makes them feel they are being listened to.
KayeC said…
@Hikari, I do also worry about the Queen's health and PP's passing would surely effect hers. I have always thought that since she must remain neutral, almost stoic, that she probably loved Phillips quips and sense of humor. Of course that is just opinion.
Anonymous said…
Count me three, @Hikari and @KayeC, esp since @Nutty noted the TQ sounded sick yesterday, too.

Also, I saw some stills of PH in the Santa Suit. Those eyes do not look rehabbed, just sayin'.
Unknown said…
I'm not sure if anyone has already noticed, but it seems Prince Charles's Christmas card with them happily driving a vintage car and the Cambridge's with the retro motor bike seemed very cohesive.
My grandparents were of the Greatest Generation. They really do not make them like that anymore. I miss them every day. I really hope Harry is able to have closure whenever the time comes as he doesn't seem to have achieved it with his mother.
abbyh said…

I hope PP is home soon. I hadn't thought of TQ doing an undercover back to see him. My thoughts and prayers for them.

@KayC, ‘serious, but as you have all said, going to the hospital, when they must have private physicians.’

He is in a private hospital. The British telly news/media said he walked into the hospital and wasn’t in a blue lighted ambulance. The Queen is stoic and it’s always duty first, even her usual train ride to King’s Lynn. I’m doubtful Philip will get visitors unless his stay is longer than expected, it’s how the royals are. Let’s hope for the best. :o)
KayeC said…
@Raspberry Ruffle, I just thought it was unusual for him to need to be in a hospital, as private drs could visit him at home. Didn't HM give birth at BP? I guess whatever the problem is, I assumed (ass out of me, lol) that treating him at home would be more of a convenience for a 98 year old. That is why I thought it was serious.
Glow W said…
@KayeC yes if it were just IV needed etc then they can do that at home. He must need labs and supervision and/or treatment that can be done quickly in the hospital
Shaggy said…
Just catching up today. Sending thoughts and prayers to Prince Philip and hoping he will recover from whatever ails him.

Does anyone know what these posts below refer to? I don't see anything on the blog that would have generated these housekeeper responses.....

"I would make good housekeeper @nutty :)"
"Nothing personal Lucy - I'm sure you're lovely! - but I can see that you're quite new. I think we need someone who has been here a bit longer."
hardyboys said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
CookieShark said…
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/meghan-markle-decade-in-review_ca_5dfa6188e4b0eb2264d2c30f

This is rabid, relentless self-promotion. The article strangely includes her ex husband and ex boyfriend, almost as if to emphasize that those relationships were OVER when she met Harry.

Did she write this and just send it over to them?

The article mentions she was "just 30" when she got married to Trevor. That's not the same as getting married at 18; I think 30 is a fine age to be married and that's in fact older than I was.

The article praises her for her "extensive" philanthropy and highlights, perhaps without meaning to, that her biggest role was on Suits, a cable TV show. It also features the speech in which it has been shown that she probably stole a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt.

If I were doing her PR, I never would have greenlighted such a self-serving piece. Anything about her should have been axed by herself or her people in light of PP's health event today.
Shaggy said…
@Raspberry Ruffle - The PP story is indeed puzzling. So he was able to actually "walk in" to the hospital but needs hospital-based treatment that can't be done at home, and it is all happening days before Christmas....
Sandie said…
@Elle: 'Also, I saw some stills of PH in the Santa Suit. Those eyes do not look rehabbed, just sayin'

🤣 I saw a bit of the video, without audio. He could not keep still, the speech was stilted, and my first thought was 'Are you drunk?'. Shame, he tries hard but he really seems to have lost touch with himself.

Prince Phillip? One does not plan for a bad cold. But a planned hospital admission, technically, could mean that the planning happened the night before or early that morning. If this is for scheduled treatment for some condition, why so close to Christmas? Anyway, I hope he recovers and gets to spend Christmas and New Year with the Queen.
Anonymous said…
@Sandie, the DM stills are even worse. Sad try.

lizzie said…
I do wonder if PP needs testing or a procedure not available except in a hospital (for example, an MRI. At least as far as I know, those machines aren't yet portable even for royalty.)

It does seem hospitalization would be a last choice for someone who can receive outpatient treatments others can't. (Last choice because of the possibility of hospital-acquired infections.)

I expect PP would have preferred to "walk in" if at all possible. While they have said he wasn't taken by ambulance, DM is now saying he was taken helicopter. (Makes sense, a 100-mile + car drive would be grueling for a sick person.) DM also reports it's a "flu like" illness.
MustySyphone said…
Sorry I don't have a name so using unknown. Is anyone else wondering why PH videoed his Santa message? Seems odd as one would think you'd be in person for children. I'm thinking that this a test or balloon by the Harkles to see if they can get away with videoing their charities. That way they can still be "humanitarians" but live any where in the world they wish but at British tax payer expense. Personally I thought videoing the message was insulting (yes, the Queen videos her Christmas speech but she is 93, Harry is young and fit).
Anonymous said…
@unknown I think it suggests Harry isn’t in England and couldn’t attend in person.

@kayeC thank you!!
@KayeC and Sandie,

It was a planned hospital visit and obviously something that couldn’t be done or treated at home. The news also said he was admitted for observation as advised by his Doctor, ‘observation for a pre planned hospital stay for an ongoing problem’.

@Lizzie, yes, a helicopter ride makes far better sense for such an elderly man.

Very conflicting news, flu like symptoms or an ongoing problem (which needs observation ) or both?

I’ll try and see if there’s any better updates on the telly news, rather than the newspapers.

I’ve just seen a headline in the DM that the Sussex’s are in a secret hideaway in Canada, totally distasteful in my humble opinion when Prince Philip is in hospital. The DM should know better.
Anonymous said…
@Unknown, HMTQ also videos the speech for all her subjects. PH said there were about 190 children attending, so really, quite the difference. My first guess would have been rehab, but after seeing his eyes and watching him, I'm going to go with "just not up to it" so phoning it in from an undisclosed location abroad. It was a sad thing.

@lizzie, helicopter? This makes even less sense because why would they schedule an MRI on a Friday afternoon right before Christmas?
octobergirl said…
Richard Palmer is reporting that the Harkles are in Canada.


Richard Palmer
@RoyalReporter
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are spending “private family time” in Canada. A spokeswoman for the couple says: “They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.”


I'd be spending time with my 98 year old grandfather but that's just me.
Glow W said…
Yup, interesting comment in DM:

“Last night Buckingham Palace confirmed the Daily Mail’s exclusive story that the couple have been in Canada.

In a statement it said: ‘As has been reported, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are spending private family time in Canada.

‘The decision to base themselves in Canada reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both.’

It said it would not be releasing any further details for security reasons and requested that their privacy is respected.

The spokeswoman added: ‘The Duke of Sussex has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of the Royal Family.

‘They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.’
lizzie said…
@Raspberry Ruffle,

Interested in what news you find elsewhere. DM did say PP has had the flu-like illness for a period of time so technically that would make it a "pre-existing" vs a sudden emergency like a cardiac event or stroke.

@Elle, Reine des Abeilles,

The scheduling doesn't seem especially odd to me if it was an MRI or other hospital-based test. While usually x-rays or CT scans are used to evaluate lingering or worsening respiratory complications from other illnesses (and multiple outlets are reporting that's what's going on), sometimes an MRI is needed. And those are done at all hours (in the US anyway)
Anonymous said…
Well, if this is correct, then TQ arrived at Sandringham before PP left:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7815385/Prince-Philip-HELICOPTER-hospital-dash-hospital.html

This does not sound planned to me, but maybe?

Prince Philip was flown to King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone yesterday
The Queen arrived in Sandringham shortly before her husband flew to London


@RaspberryRuffle: As for the DM outing the Sussexes in Canada, it is hard to imagine that it wasn't leaked to the DM because the DM has a lot of info on who and what. I think that it will only look worse for Rach & PH if something happens to PP now. IMO, everything about the Sussexes' behavior is distasteful, but I'm not sure why the DM article makes it worse. Why do you think it does? (Not asking confrontationally, but because I know that I am sometimes obtuse and want to know your thoughts)
Anonymous said…
@Raspberry, that makes sense re the MRI then. I didn't know that about respiratory infections.
Sarah said…
I think Philip being hospitalized was not planned and anything at his age is serious. If something happens to him, Harry is going to have a lot of guilt to live with as well as Andrew. I hope the Sussex duo stay banished on a permanent basis. That video was straight up bizarre. It fueled my suspicion Harry is in rehab.
lizzie said…
@Sarah said "That video was straight up bizarre. It fueled my suspicion Harry is in rehab."

I agree it was bizarre. But it didn't convince me Harry is in rehab, just that he likely *needs* rehab. I'd buy they are off vacationing in Canada as much as I'd buy he's getting help, unfortunately. (So much for the visit to Doria and Meghan's beloved LA.)
KC said…
Over the years Prince,Philip has traveled by helicopter a lot, many times as pilot, to speed up travel. Doesn't seem like it was a Medivac thing, but he is 98 after all. Best wishes for him!

Didn't want anyone to miss this Mail Online article in view of recent expressions of admiration of The Princess Royal:

Zara Tindall reveals she 'doesn't enjoy shopping' or have a stylist and says Princess Anne taught her the key to fashion is to look 'presentable, clean and tidy'


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7810891/Zara-Tindall-says-key-fashion-lessons-Princess-Anne-presentable-clean-tidy.html
CookieShark said…
"It said it would not be releasing any further details for security reasons and requested that their privacy is respected"

If they truly wanted their privacy, why travel away from family during the holiday season?
Why announce where they are?
Daily posts to social media and daily stories in multiple online newsmagazines. That doesn't strike me as what people do when they want privacy.

While I'm glad that they are enjoying the scenery in Canada (?) I find it sad that Harry isn't with his elderly grandparents. It's harder to have sympathy for MM regarding family, as she appears estranged from most of them.

Perhaps PP is undergoing a planned procedure as other posters have said. Or, if he is suffering flu-like symptoms, he may need continuous cardiac monitoring (telemetry) or need observation for fluid volume status.
Marie said…
Regarding the "importance of this Commonwealth nation", do H&M think they are king and queen of the Commonwealth? @Cookieshark, I agree that the constant social media presence, PR puff piece in Hello! magazine, and the cutesy Harry as Father Christmas video certainly say otherwise regarding privacy. The lack of knowledge about their whereabouts also contradicts their sob stories about press intrusion, but what is a contradiction but a small inconvenience for them. I also wonder if all the family drama has taken its toll on PP.

As other posters mentioned above, she just has to promote herself and her patronage. How many posts have been a throwback to Harry's work? And has Meghan in one year even gone back to do a single event at anything other patronages other than Smartworks or the Bakery where she gets to hug Black and Asian women, bring cameramen to secretly photograph women fawning over meeting her, etc? The places where people aren't falling over themselves to meet her seemed to be ignored...

Also one of my favourite bits from that visit is when Megsy says in her super tight, titty-popping, back-fat squeezing dress while rubbing her belly, "I'm feeling very pregnant today", and the lovely resident deadpans something along the lines of "I know dear, we do get newspapers here."
SwampWoman said…
Hmmmmm. So Doria didn't want them either.
Royal Fan said…
I deleted my previous comment until we get a little more details, then I’ll give my best professional guess as to what’s going on with Philip.
KC said…
@KayeC " still fun-loving Harry, he has always gotten down on their level (as in face to face with the kiddos) to talk and interact with them. It's funny cause my hubby always liked that about PH. He would say kids appreciate that and makes them feel they are being listened to."

I think Diana taught them that, you see her doing that in a lot of video. And how to talk with people in wheelchairs.
CookieShark said…
@ Marie re: privacy

I believe I read on Harry Markle, or somewhere else, (unsure of source) that Harry's "Leave Meghan alone" press release back when they were dating was met with stunned surprise, as no one could recall, or had any pictures of, an event where she was mobbed or harassed by the press.
Royal Fan said…
Anybody else think that DM has been sitting on this information about H&M and purposely released it today when the news broke about Philip being in the hospital to throw shade at H&M? Many had been speculating they never left the UK so they could’ve potentially been visiting him secretly. Now the DM has basically called them out as horribly selfish grand kids.

@Nutty. Isn’t DM a sister of MOS and Murdoch as well?
Unknown said…
@SirStinxAlot I think H&M were forced into announcing they were in Canada because of Prince Philip’s hospital admittance. It looks very bad on their part if they are in England and they aren’t visiting or interacting with the family during the Christmas season. It would certainly start speculation of a serious rift between H&M and the BRF: who started it? who doesn’t care for reconciliation? Spending family time in Canada gives everyone plausible deniability.
Let's hope that PP gets well soon, in hospital just before Christmas, I take that at his age the are not taking any precautions.

I haven't watched the Harry as Santa video but it could have been taped before they left for their break or yesterday, who can tell? It doesn't mean they have spent the whole time together in Canada, is that what they are saying?
Anonymous said…
@RoyalFan, I go with throw shade, too. I don't think it protects their image because we are all aware that Rach thinks nothing of firing up the PJ for an avocado or a tennis match. Besides, they've had so many breaks from their break and then the Santa video, it felt like they wanted us to search for them and no one looked, so then they popped up and pretended to be found. And the whole world is like "whatever, eh".
HappyDays said…
@Maggie: Thanks for the info that PP has been living at Sandringham. I was thinking he was at a different royal property.
People magazine is also reporting Harry and Meghan are in Canada. If they are able to travel undetected, it makes me wonder if they are still taking private jets. If they were on regularly scheduled flights, other passengers would have probably put something on social media. It would be difficult to make the general public on a scheduled flight sign NDAs. Also I recall that someone posted here (I think) a couple of weeks ago that they had been seen getting off a private jet in Canada.
MustySyphone said…
drabredcarpet . Unknown unkonw here. Of course it means he was somewhere else. It would be silly to video from the same room. Sorry my English is not that good but thats what I was meaning. They want to live in hollywood ( it was reported) but still be funded by the UK taxes. So if they can video their charities then there is no reason to live in Uk even though supported by UK. I have no problems with the Queen doing this, she is 93 years old and has had a very public service life. And she lives in UK and serves UK and is funded by UK. I hope this makes sents. I think this a way to test the waters about living abroad but being funded by UK. This is just my opinion.
abbyh said…

Elle, I agree with you that the we're hiding/come chase us/me game might be going on. Thought about that with the IG controls and the card. Perhaps the game was called with this change in PP's health?

Tuneful said…
We have heard rumors that Her Majesty may step down, e.g., when she turns 95. If Philip passes soon, I would not be surprised if (1) her grief is an obstacle to pressing on and (2) she realizes she needs to put her health first, and steps down sooner. Grief does a job for a long time, even on spouses much younger than she is who weren’t married to their companion and primary advisor for over 70 years.
if I were Preach and Leech, I’d be nervous. Philip’s son and grandson would also be grieving and in no mood for shenanigans. The family legacy would be very much on their minds. I’m sure Charles counts on the counsel of the few he can trust, including William, Lord Geidt, and Camilla. None of them would want the embarrassments, affronts, and disrespect from the Harkles to continue. Perhaps it would hasten their exit. In fact I would bet "H" is in Calif. right now in some kind of treatment, as Sparkles should be, as they have BOTH appeared to have psychological “challenges” and “party” hard. I don’t like his always being singled out, among the two, when mental-health causes come up.
I got a “cold” a few weeks ago that was worse than any I’ve had in years. I thought at one point I might have to go to the ER, except my fever wasn’t high. I was sick for 2 full weeks, I mean barely able to get out of bed and walk around a bit. I am in my mid-60s. I have noticed (and healthcare professionals told me, when my Mom, 87, was in her final illness 2 years ago), that the winter is a vulnerable time for older folks.
Tuneful said…
Just adding I hope PP pulls through...and if so, this kind of close call can get famliies thinking along the lines I mention above, and having to move plans up.
lizzie said…
@Unknown,

You might be right but M's IG posts certainly argue against "phoning in" their charity work. Since they've been on "break" her posts have mostly consisted of photos of herself visiting charities in person (a year ago) with word salad text celebrating how great it was of her to make those visits.

I'm also confused by the "if video is good enough for the Queen's Christmas speech..." argument to defend Harry's video. While I guess the Queen's speech could be broadcast "live" instead of on tape, since it is a speech to all the Commonwealth nations, it can't be given to the entire audience "in person." In contrast, Harry's tape was shown at the 2019 Scotty’s Little Soldiers Christmas party.
So it would seem it was possible for him to do that speech in person at the party (if not for the "break.").
SwampWoman said…
I saw the Harry as Santa video and that man does not look as though he is enjoying some long-awaited private time (indoors! Barely setting foot outside!) with his beloved wife and his son. I almost expected him to blink out an SOS with his eyes.

The same article that claimed they were spending all that time indoors with friends (insert teenage-type eyeroll here) also said that she was spending a lot of quality time (also presumably indoors) with Marcus Anderson. How cozy. How completely unnecessary to the narrative. Shade, indeed.

If they are using their supposed location as an excuse not to see PP, that excuse ain't gonna fly (sorry, couldn't help myself). If PH arrived undetected, he can sneak off undetected and visit PP. It isn't like he's/they're tucked away at a research base in the arctic circle.
HappyDays said…
Item on today’s Blind Gossip is saying the RF wants him to return to London to see PP from Canada, but Meghan doesn’t want him to go because it would disrupt HER (my emphasis) plans for Christmas.
Anonymous said…
@Lizzie, OMG, LOLing seriously, just the way you wrote this, it's perfect:

While I guess the Queen's speech could be broadcast "live" instead of on tape, since it is a speech to all the Commonwealth nations, it can't be given to the entire audience "in person." In contrast, Harry's tape was shown at the 2019 Scotty’s Little Soldiers Christmas party.

Just really nails the difference.
Unknown said…
I hope Prince Philip gets well soon. He is such a fascinating character. I know that people think Harry is selfish if he doesn’t see PP but it is possible that he is very frail and the BRF is worried that him seeing H&M might worsen his condition. H&M have been destroying the legacy he built with HMTQ. Meg’s nonstop PR attacks are absolutely odious.

PA is clearly the most unsavory and unsettling BRF member. I am absolutely no fan! However, he does not bite the hand that feeds him. One of the biggest takeaways I got from his disastrous interview was how much he stopped in it’s tracks any Epstein link to the rest of the BRF. In no unclear terms, he put the kibosh on it strongly and immediately. There is never a doubt of his allegiance or his intentions towards the family. H&M not so much, especially Meg. I can imagine PP losing his temper seeing the pair of them.

The big reasons I believed H&M weren’t in America was logistics and the PA interview. The renewed interest in the link between the BRF and Epstein would make moving around problematic. Even a pap walk opens her up to a cameraman or a bystander shouting about Epstein. It is also possible Doria wants no part of them for personal reasons and the Epstein situation. Then it’s just a hop-skip-and a jump away to re-link Oprah with Harvey Weinstein.

I don’t think using Private Jets are an option for them after all the criticism they got. Those Private Jet trips H&M had seemed transactional and for business. That may be why Meg is getting frustrated about the optics of her use of Private Jets. She has to choose between the following defenses:
- H&M are heavy spenders
- H&M could care less about the environment
- H&M are out of touch and accept expensive gifts from elite friends most likely with strings attached
- H&M don’t have friends but business partners
- H&M are super private like their jets

If there is a serious rift between the BRF and H&M, they are between a rock and a hard place in explaining it without coordinating with the BRF. Staying in Canada away from all extended family with the BRF’s approval sounds a lot better than the BRF + Raglands + Markles can’t stand the sight of them.
DesignDoctor said…
@Cookie Shark I also read that Harry's letter "of protection" for Meghan surprised everyone because they did not know who she was. I remember seeing one pic of her walking to/from Whole Foods with a baseball cap on.
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said…
@DesignDoctor and CookieShark, I also read that the Canadian police never found evidence of the alleged break-in or stalking. I don't have the source, but I'm sure google does.
Glow W said…
Who thinks they went to Toronto for IVF? I think it’s possible.
KCM1212 said…
That video of PH is bizarre!

It's so "creepy uncle harry"
That double beard thing would have scared me to death as a child.

So the sugars are claiming the Canadian location was leaked by KP to divert attention from the SHRUG. (As reported by the-best-soap-opera-ever blog).

As of anyone cares where they are... as long as it isnt here.
xxxxx said…
Blogger charade said...
I hope Prince Philip gets well soon. He is such a fascinating character.
Yes indeed!
HappyDays said…
DesignDoctor and Cookie Shark:
I recall reading that the statement from Harry about Meghan being followed by paparazzi was actually concocted by Meghan and likely written by a lawyer for Meghan who played damsel in distress for Harry and gave it to him to release. I think it is in one of the older articles on the Harry Markle site chronicling the development of their relationship before the wedding.

Up to that point, it wasn’t widely known Harry was seeing her, and she desperately wanted it out in the mainstream press for public consumption to reel Harry deeper into the relationship and make it seem like a serious thing. Up until it became public, it would gave been very easy for Harry to break it off.

The “statement” was an incredibly manipulative move by Meghan.

Narcissists are experts at reading the vulnerabilities of their victims and exploiting them to the hilt. She knew that a hot button for Harry was the perceived intrusiveness of the press on his mother, even though Diana regularly courted and exploited the press herself.

As a young boy, Harry was not able to protect Diana from the press, and Meghan exploited it fully to her advantage and in my opinion, still does.

Narcs are experts at playing victim, and although Harry couldn’t save his mother, Meghan is more than happy to serve as a stand-in for Diana. It’s why she cast herself as Diana2.0 when they met, and she is still milking it for all it’s worth to this day. Harry fell for a carefully-crafted facade. Basically, he married a mommy with benefits.
Magatha Mistie said…
Robert Jobson, Royal reporter said in an interview that the first time Charles, & his staff & RR, heard about the ridiculous “protection” letter was when it knocked him off the front page whilst he was touring the Gulf. No clearance from BP/KP they went rogue from the start.
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
DesignDoctor said…
@HappyDays Totally agree with your assessment. MM manipulated Harry into making the statement so she would be seen as Harry's girlfriend and get that fact into MSM.
I have to admit your statement H married Mommy with benefits made me cringe!!!! Hence the monikers Ginge and Cringe??? LOL
HappyDays said…
DesignDoctor and Cookie Shark:
I recall reading that the statement from Harry about Meghan being followed by paparazzi was actually concocted by Meghan and likely written by a lawyer for Meghan who played damsel in distress for Harry and gave it to him to release. I think it is in one of the older articles on the Harry Markle site chronicling the development of their relationship before the wedding.

Up to that point, it wasn’t widely known Harry was seeing her, and she desperately wanted it out in the mainstream press for public consumption to reel Harry deeper into the relationship and make it seem like a serious thing. Up until it became public, it would gave been very easy for Harry to break it off.

The “statement” was an incredibly manipulative move by Meghan.

Narcissists are experts at reading the vulnerabilities of their victims and exploiting them to the hilt. She knew that a hot button for Harry was the perceived intrusiveness of the press on his mother, even though Diana regularly courted and exploited the press herself.

As a young boy, Harry was not able to protect Diana from the press, and Meghan exploited it fully to her advantage and in my opinion, still does.

Narcs like Meghan are pros at playing victim, and although Harry couldn’t save his mother, Meghan is more than happy to serve as a stand-in for Diana. It’s why she cast herself as Diana2.0 when they met, and to get Harry to issue that statement. And she is still milking it for all it’s worth to this day.

Harry fell for a carefully-crafted facade, which is what all people who have narcissistic personality disorder are. Basically, he married a mommy with benefits.
HappyDays said…
Apologies for the repeat of my comment about Harry’s statement to the press that let the cat out of the bag they were dating. It appeared to not post, so I hit the Submit button a second time. Will give the system more time in the future. Sorry about that!
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
CookieShark said…
@ HappyDays, ok now I am going down the rabbit hole a little bit.

Chelsy dated Harry for YEARS. Did they ever release a statement demanding privacy or citing harassment for her?

Ok, so they are in Canada. Why the need to release a statement that they are barely setting foot outside? Is that to cover them when no one can attest that they are actually in Canada? And even if they were in Canada but had never told us.... (in the words of Shep from Southern Charm....) SO WHAT. They could get papped but news has been all along that they wouldn't be spending the holidays with Harry's family, so they are only confirming what they have already put out in the media (multiple times).

The Narcsite article makes an excellent point that narcs will engage in behavior contradictory with what they say. So of course she does not want privacy, she wants us to know where she is. The disconnect is that it truly doesn't matter, but the sneaking around and leaking details must make her feel very important. Most of see it as rich people travel for the holidays; water is wet.



Royal Fan said…
Gotta love that his elderly relative is ill and all she cares about is her image in the press🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️
HappyDays said…
Design Doctor: Yes, it is a bit cringey, but from a psychological viewpoint, Meghan knew that putting on the Diana mask and creating a false narrative of being a victim would make Harry like putty in her hands.

Add in the fact that narcissists use sex as a lure to entrap their quarry, and she had the perfect combination. Many people who have been in a relationship with a narc will say that at the beginning it was the best sex they ever had. But for narcs, sex is just another item in their tool box of manipulation. They are empty people.

There’s no love, lust, or even passion for them. Eventually, it turns into a weapon when they cut their victim off and the sex stops or is only doled out like treats to a dog that does what the owner wants it to do. The sex will trail off and end after Meghan gets her spare baby later this year or early next year. Two bargaining chips are better than one and it will keep the marriage going long enough for her to establish Brand Sussex to replace Brand Meghan.
Unknown said…
Looks like the language used to describe H&M is becoming mainstream via PA: grifters, low hanging fruit, sap, ...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7812633/Prince-Andrews-cousin-claims-Jeffrey-Epstein-Ghislaine-Maxwell-thought-hapless-sap.html?ICO=most_read_module&mrn_rm=rta
HappyDays said…
Elle: Your comment about your dogs vs. your cat reminded me of a saying about both types of furry friends and their distinctly different views of humans:

Dogs have owners, cats have staff.
DesignDoctor said…
@HappyDays Unfortunately, as I have previously stated here I have personal experience with a narc. What you say about their actions and manipulative behaviour is absolutely true. The emotional and psychological tricks they play on their partner are horrendous. and cause so much damage to their partner and families. Their actions are all about power and control by whatever means they can muster. I feel sorry that Harry is in her clutches or should I say "claw?" Narcs are so hard to escape. I was lucky that I did.
Woke up way too early and made the mistake of checking insta, and boy oh boy, my caffein-less brain was so not ready to see Harry dressed as Mall Santa!! Wtf!!! 🤣🤣🤣

He looks like a he is in a hostage video, the kind they send out to family to make random demands. So THIS is what they come up with to counter the Cambridge's Mary Berry special. Wow! So classy!

This is the most ridiculous thing I've seen any royal do. Hell, any sane person do. And I saw those loose goose naked billiard pictures, mind you. This tops that. I can bet my Christmas tree that Hars did not come up with this genius idea on his own. Maybe farchie is their latest advisor. In fact, at this point I wouldn't be surprised if farchie is running their PR because mummy is probably with auntie Jes making merry of a 2 for1 Christmas discount on lip fillers and daddy is playing video games.

Looks like they got inspired by that rofl mockup Christmas card on Charlatan Duchess?! Please God, let this be thier actual Christmas card photo. That would definitely speread a lot of jolly cheers amongst us at the very least.
Rainy Day said…
Any other Canucks in the group? I, for one, am really annoyed that she might be blighting our landscape. I can’t imagine anything worse than being stuck indoors with MM for weeks on end, with typical Canadian winter weather outside, and MM madly typing away on her keyboard and plotting world domination. No wonder Harry looked like he had a bad case of cabin fever.


KnitWit said…
Harry's video reminds me of the movie "Bad Santa" starring Billy Bob Thornton.

Boggles the mind that someone raised in the public eye with both a royal press office and private publicists could issue such a disaster.

What an insult to the charity.

The scary santa video dashes my hopes that Harry is under treatment. Unfortunate. He needs professional help - from medical and public relations professionals.
Rainy Day said…
What is with the gloves Harry is wearing???? His outfit is horrible!! Your average mall Santa looks better. I hope the Mulroney kids didn’t see him - that’d be their big clue that there really is no Santa, except for that guy who’s been hanging around for a few weeks and looks Iike he’s on drugs.
Harrys santa picture look like something a doped up super high Seth Rogan would come up with. Harry has officially lost all dignity. And Meghan, who is so image conscious that she periodically ghosts people, should immediately distance herself from this mad-hatter behavior of his.

Also, weren't there all those rumours and Meghan sightings in Canada - HnM.going skiing, Mm with MA, HnM taking a PJ etc that no one wanted to believe because no one was actually interested in them? With the sudden barrage of HnM news and the palace statement saying they are in Canada I feel they are about to do something big (maybe come back for the Christmas walk with the BRF??)
HappyDays said…
Charade mentioned this article with a link, so I read it. Has anyone else read the Daily Mail article about Christina Oxenberg and her thoughts about her second cousin Prince Andrew and the Epstein mess?

Some interesting parallels, mostly about grifters, immediately jumped out as I read Oxenberg’s observations about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and how these two, in some ways bear a striking resemblance to Meghan Markle and Markus Anderson.

Please understand that I’m not saying that Meghan or Markus has a thing for sex with underage boys or girls or anything like that.

The parallels I see are of separate pairs of grifters who both successfully targeted two not-so-bright members of the BRF. Both pairs used the royals for their own different, but in some ways similar self-serving purposes.

The grifting of Prince Andrew seems to have mostly played out, but the grifting of Harry is still underway.

From the DM article:
Speaking on Epstein and his alleged fixer Ghislaine Maxwell Oxenberg says: 'They were grifters and he was low-hanging fruit. He really was a hapless sap'.

The parallel: After dumping her last husband to social climb to a far more famous and wealthier man, Meghan also saw Harry as a hapless, sap and low-hanging fruit and with the assistance of Markus, they went to work. Harry was a vulnerable, not especially discerning prince who deeply longed for the wife and family like his brother William had. Harry was especially ripe for picking.

From the DM article: “In her posts she (Oxenberg) speculates that Epstein and Maxwell saw Prince Andrew as a prime target to recruit into their circle of rich and powerful friends.”

The parallel: Narcissists like Meghan often target and stalk their victims. Over a period of about two years starting soon after her divorce from Trevor, Meghan plotted her way into Harry’s life and the RF by one-off humanitarian gigs and networking into Harry’s London social circle with the assistance of people like Markus. Meghan “recruited” Harry into a quickie marriage and with lightning speed is using him as a vehicle to elevate herself and, to a certain extent, Markus into the circles of powerful and wealthy A-listers she was never able to break into before snagging Harry.

Any thoughts?
Nutty Flavor said…
Good morning, all, and thank you for the quiet evening.

The "Harry and Meg are in Canada" story - complete with welcoming Tweet from Justin Trudeau - is strange. It feels like a setup, along with the idea that they are in a remote cabin and "barely set foot outside", accompanied by a bunch of old photographs, and that bizarre photo of Harry playing Santa against a this-could-be-anywhere white wall.

It just doesn't pass the smell test.

I think Elle's suggestion that perhaps they were captured by a mobile phone - or Meg was captured by a mobile phone together with Markus Anderson - and therefore turned off their ability to be tagged is a good one. Who knows, she could have had her arm around him in a friendly/more than friendly way, and the optics wouldn't have been good.

When Philip became ill, it was important to say that they were *somewhere*, and thus someone gave the Royal Reporters a Canada tip.

If they are indeed in Canada, then @TorontoPaper1 and @DripDrop's credibility will be shattered for good, since they keep insisting that Meg was denied entry to Canada.
Nutty Flavor said…
@Royal Fan, no, the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday are not owned by Murdoch.

He owns their rival, the Sun, and the New York Post, which is why the Post and the Sun often share Royal stories.

Nice kissy-kissy story about the Cambridges in the Mail today. (Google "William and Kate's Annus MIRABILIS" if you haven't read it; it's good.) It explicitly states that William and the mainstream media have made a deal about photos of the Cambridge kids: he and Kate provide regular photo ops (like the polo match, the football match) and the kids are otherwise left alone.

The photo ops seem to be running on a roughly once-every-3-months schedule, which would match well with a possible Christmas walk.

There's also been a suggestion that William and George were taking a "four sovereigns" photo with the Queen and Charles the other day, hopefully not the last one.
Nutty Flavor said…
Finally, here's an excerpt from the Cambridge piece that relates to the Sussexes.

"The only fly in the ointment, it seems, is William and Kate’s relationship — or rather, lack of one — with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

It is a rift that still runs worryingly deep. I am told the Cambridges only met their future sister-in-law four or five times before an uncharacteristically secretive Harry got engaged and they were suddenly thrust into a personal and professional partnership that saw them dubbed — rather optimistically, it seems now — ‘The Fab Four’.

No one can quite put their finger on when the schism occurred, but Harry is known to feel bitter that his bride didn’t receive the welcome or support from his family that he felt she deserved, and he instinctively takes her side over anything and anyone.

Indeed, the froideur is so bad, I am told, that the Cambridge children have barely met their new cousin Archie more than a couple of times.

One royal insider tells me there is still hope the couples will be able to work out their differences in the long term. But for the time being, the gulf between them is still achingly wide."

Sandie said…
@HappyDays: 'The parallels I see are of separate pairs of grifters who both successfully targeted two not-so-bright members of the BRF. Both pairs used the royals for their own different, but in some ways similar self-serving purposes.

The grifting of Prince Andrew seems to have mostly played out, but the grifting of Harry is still underway.'

I think that Meghan did fall in love - with the access to power (wealth and fame), and she has always played a role rather than be authentic, and she fully immersed herself into the heady role of being in love. Besides, Harry seemed like a personable chap - sense of humour (although her laughing at his pranks always looks so exaggerated and put on) and knew how to behave in and cope with those heady elite circles that Meghan longed to have access to. The big plus was that she could control and dominate him, easily.

We already know that Meghan knew she was being set up with Harry (and one day the truth will come out that she facilitated that). But maybe she weaselled her way into an introduction through her boyfriend at the time (who catered for a private dinner for Harry in Toronto) and easily seduced him (narcs can be very charming and her acting career shows that she is experienced at and fully willing to use sex to charm). The so-called blind date was simply a follow-up date that was arranged by a Soho connection.

We already know that she started focusing on selling herself as a humanitarian (even changing her Wikipedia entry) and hired a PR firm to help her with that, round about the time that she realised that she could get to Harry through her Soho connection. That was calculating, because nothing she has done since then represents any kind of work for or meaningful change or contribution to the causes she supposedly cares about.

The media is actually being kind to them. That Santa video is cringe-worthy and disrespectful of the monarchy, as is most of what they say and do.

I wonder how senior royals are going to try and fix this mess and rehabilitate Harry, or are they simply going to support these two when they are obviously not suited to an official role in the royal family?
Unknown said…
I thought I was the only one who believed them being in Canada was possibly fake news. I didn’t want to say for fear of sounding crazy. I really don’t think they left the U.K. Them being in England and being personas non grata with the BRF would be so embarrassing that I don’t think their reputations could ever live it down. Never!
Nutty Flavor said…
Nah, it seems fake to me. And WTH is Justin Trudeau doing? If it’s fake, he must know it’s fake.
Hikari said…
So they really want us to buy that they are having “private family time“ sequestered somewhere in a cabin with Archie? How festive. But their statement is just more proof that these two are so high, they cannot mutually hold onto a thought from one sentence to the next. To whit: how can they be showing their “young son the glories of the Canadian landscape“ if at the same time, they haven’t set foot outside? Are they holding binoculars up to his little face as they stare at the glorious Canadian landscape through the window? SMH. This incessant flow of drivel is never going to stop. Regardless of what life events overtake the royal family in the coming weeks or months, I fully expect Megan to share the entire contents of her high school senior yearbook with the breathlessly waiting world. What better antidote to grief and solemnity then to see Meghan in a tin tiara on the Homecoming Court circa 1999?
@Elle, ‘but I'm not sure why the DM article makes it worse. Why do you think it does?‘

Well, they know the Sussex’s aren’t well liked (people aren’t interested), they had the Sussex’s being in Canada as top article (online), it’s just flies in the face of poor taste with Philip being in hospital IMO. The article should have been given less attention. Alas, it doesn’t work like that, ‘clicks and likes’ and all that make money for the DM.

I think the secret hideaway Canada visit is fake news like a few other posters here. The story they are in Canada is an excuse to say they had pre-existing plans and therefore not in the UK. In an oblique way saying she does have family she can visit and see etc., that people care about her. No, I don’t believe it, not a word.

The only news this morning on the telly regarding Philip’s health, is the hospital stay is for a pre-existing condition (not sure anyone believes it). The DM states he had a fall and was confined to bed for a few days, but no breaks or injuries. News is sparse and sketchy My own Mother said it’s because the royals don’t like a fuss made.
Nutty Flavor said…
Agreed, Hikari.

There are 3 types of people who would enjoy a few weeks in a secluded cabin.

- Quiet people, with quiet interests like reading, knitting, drawing and painting, or watching multiple DVD box sets. Not the Harkles.
- Winter sports and nature people, who enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, or winter bird-spotting. Not the Harkles.
- Drunks and drug addicts who want to spend uninterrupted time getting stoned or high.

The Harkles?
Nutty Flavor said…
@Raspberry, I agree with the "don't make a fuss" approach of the Royals, and Philip in particular.

He's always been very proud of his strong constitution, so the inevitable effects of aging must have been very difficult for him. It probably wasn't easy to get him to the hospital in the first place.

I'm guessing it was Philip himself who insisted on being photographed walking in.
Nutty Flavor said…
Just read Richard Kay's piece about Philip in the DM. ("RICHARD KAY: Prince Philip may still be sprightly at 98 but he hasn't been the same since THAT car crash")

It's surprisingly open about Philip's relationship with Lady Penny.

The most devoted visitor, outside his family, is Penny (Countess) Mountbatten. The 66-year-old estranged wife of Earl Mountbatten has been constant company in recent years ever since she took up carriage driving. Indeed, the two still like to ride together but these days only in warm weather.

Apart from the Queen, Philip sees more of Lady Mountbatten than any other woman and her presence at Wood Farm, where she helps to take care of him, is said to make him happy.


Might as well get that out of the way while Philip is still alive, I suppose, so no one can be accused of speaking ill of the dead after he passes at some point.

I really don't begrudge Philip the company of Lady Penny at this point. He's an extremely elderly man who needs company and someone to fuss over him, and the Queen is very busy.
staurolit said…
Hi, I'm a reader from the beginning but first time poster.

@Nutty I enjoy your blog a lot, thank you for providing this place for ventillation and having fun.

@Elle, Reine des Abeilles - It's good to see you back after a hiatus. I find interesting your notes about solar eclipses but I'd like to add that traditionally solar eclipses have an effect only over the territories where they are visible from. The 26 December eclipes is visible over parts of Asia.

The next solar eclipse visible from the UK will be on 21 June 2020.

I'm not a native English speaker, please overlook my mistakes.
Clarissa said…
Google says Daily Mail, MailOnline, The Mail on Sunday and the Metro are owned by Viscount Rothermere. Net worth £940million/$1.2bn
Aquagirl said…
I don’t believe that MM is with PH or ‘Archie’. IMO, she’s either with her friends in Canada, or networking in LA.

I think that Harry is in the UK (hopefully in rehab, but based on the Santa video, probably not.) BTW, that event for the kids already took place, so that video could’ve been made at any time. They just used it as part of their ‘we’re in Canada’ push today.
Nutty Flavor said…
Hi Staurolit, and welcome. No worries, your English is fine.

Feel free to keep us updated about how the Royals are perceived in your country, and in your country's local media.
Nutty Flavor said…
Enty on his podcast today is going on about the Cambridge cheating rumors again, then admits his sources are someone on Meghan's team. He can be really dense sometimes.
Nutty Flavor said…
Hi Charade. I read tons of media for my job!

I read the media of the country where I live, plus lots of UK media and some US media. I make it a principle to read stuff from a variety of viewpoints - basically, anything non-racist I will read. ( I don't think that reading a publication suggests endorsement of all its views.)

In the UK media, I read the DM, the Telegraph, and the Guardian, plus the contrarian sites Unherd and Spiked Online.

In the US media, I read the NYPost on the right and sometimes The Atlantic on the left, and then follow journalists like Yashar Ali on Twitter to get a good selection of what the mainstream media is talking about. (Used to read the NYTimes and Washington Post, but they've lost the plot during the Trump years. I still read specific articles if Yashar or someone else I trust sends me there.)

I also like US contrarian sites like City Journal and Quillette. (Quillette is actually Australian-Canadian, but its chief focus seems to be the US.)

Finally, I look at Lipstick Alley's Meghan Markle threads - Lipstick Alley is a site primarily for Black Americans, which isn't me, but I enjoy learning from the contributors.

I think a really good way to stay informed is to find some journalists on Twitter you click with and see where they send you.
Nutty Flavor said…
(Charade had asked me what media I liked to read, but then changed her mind by the time I'd finished typing!)
Unknown said…
LOL, sorry. I thought I was being rude by asking. Thank you so much for the amazing answer Nutty. Here is my original post:

@Nutty I know this is off-topic but I wanted to ask what media you consume? I am just so amazed at how knowledgeable you are about everything. It really is awe-inspring! Maybe you have pointers on being a better consumer of media? LOL! I am so sorry if I am being too much.
Unknown said…
I am truly sorry Nutty if I offended in you in any way. Thank you truly for the response! I am trying to work on being better with current events. This answer means a lot to me. Thank you tons!
I saw the Richard Kay piece too. Lady Penny has been a friend of Prince Philips for decades and it’s well known they enjoy each other’s company, they used do the carriage riding competitions together.

I know their friendship has raised a few eyebrows at times, but If The Queen has been, and is okay with that friendship, that’s all what matters.
Apologies for my typos etc. I’m not great typing on my phone, but my phone has an annoying will of its own, which has become even worse since the last couple of OS updates. :o/
Fifi LaRue said…
I saw QE and PP in San Francisco years ago. PP had extraordinary charisma, even at a distance. I was smitten. PP would naturally draw people to himself, and how fortunate they would be. But, can you imagine if PP turned his charm into disdain? I bet that disdain got turned full blast on MM.
I think PH is in rehab. The family must have become alarmed when PH tells people living in abject poverty that he can’t get out of bed in the morning. As for MM, who knows. She’s got Mulroney pulling in a favor from JT to cover for her.

I hope and pray the Clawedius & Meggalina situation may be resolved by the time the inevitable happens and we enter a period of official Solemn Mourning and State Funeral(s). My narcs just could not stand me being the centre of attention when it was legitimately my `big'day (ie my Degree Show & my wedding) and the thought of what MM might attempt is nauseating...

It's almost 200 years since Queen Caroline, estranged wife of George IV, demanded entry to Westminster Abbey for the Coronation, She was refused -it must have been quite a scene, played out in full public view.

After all, MM has form when it comes to gatecrashing,stealing the limelight from the living and making a mess of honouring the dead, apparently accidentally-on-purpose.

There was a verse applied to Queen Caroline that could applied here, with a little tweaking:

Dear Gracious Queen, we thee implore
to go away and sin no more.
And if the effort be too great
to go away at any rate.

Or something like that.

I'll try to get my u/n showing this time: wildboarbattlemaid



DesignDoctor said…
Just heard on Good Morning America (in a pop culture news segment on events of events of 2019 talking about Archie's birth),
"Archie may be seventh in line but who cares? It doesn't matter--he is number one in popularity."
Gag. I think not! No one tops the adorable Cambridge kids in popularity from what I have read/observed!
The visuals were Harry making the birth announcement in front of the stables at Windsor and then Megs and H with the baby (doll?) and Megs stroking his head.
Ugh--Good Morning America is not a very good show IMO too much fluff, not enough news!
lizzie said…
@DesignDoctor
GMA has been pretty Gag-inducing for years IMO. I can't remember the last time I even watched it.
hardyboys said…
I'm not surprised that MM is in Toronto. It is probably the city that she connects with most and is most comforting for her. I just wonder if she and Harry are staying with the Mulroney family and their 3 kids. That's a lot of people in one home. It would not surprise if they wore out their welcome. They are probably stuck as one poster said because they know they have to come home to see Grandpa, but Megs knows she is officially toast in England. On a funny note, I read that the petition to remove their names as Sussex because it is Elitist has enough signatures to give effect to the Petition. Can you imagine if their titles were removed?
CatEyes said…
There are many medical reasons why a preexisting condition (ones that could have been manageable but if changes occur could be fatal,, could cause PP to have to ideally seek in-hospital medical attention. Her Majesty loves her husband dearly so her absence at the hospital is maybe d\ue to his wishes not to bring attention to the situation.

As far as the recent events surrounding the Harkles I wonder if the Queen's plan to hire a Social Media person has happened yet? Does anyone know (as I have been sequestered at hospitals for days until a few days ago and I am catching up).

Jenx said…
I don't believe they are in Canada nor do I believe they are even together. I can't believe our Prime Minister tweeted a warm welcome to them. I am so embarrassed. IF they are here, we better not be footing the bill.

Santa Harry did not look good at all. Like another poster said somewhere- all he needed was today's newspaper. It looks like a hostage video.

If the truth ever comes out about what is really going on here and JT was complicit in the fraud, it will bring a heap of trouble upon him.
QueenWhitby said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Scandi Sanskrit said…
Trudeau is an airheaded male-bimbo who's only where he's at because of who his daddy was back in the day.

Like Meghan, he lacks substance and original idea. So he jumps onto whatever trendy-cause-du-jour bandwagon he thinks will score him brownie points with the Far Left. Right now that "cause" is Meghan (supposedly a victim of racism).

He's what I call a "non-thinking Lefty", the type that parrots whatever he thinks people want to hear. In reality he probably had to be schooled by his party's HR Department to be made to understand why he can't do blackface anymore...

It's just a popularity contest to him. (I'm a Leftie too, by the way, so really this isn't me hating on him for his politics. Nor am I hating on Canada. Actually Canada probably deserves better LOL.)

Seriously regardless of what you think if Trump, what PM gossips like that (in the hot mic video) about the president next door? So unstatesman-like... He acts like an eternal immature frat boy. The dumbass probably thought he could talk to Rutte/BoJo like they were his fellow woke wankers. LOL: Rutte's VVD and BoJo's a Tory.

I'll bet you other world leaders speak about Trudeau negatively behind his back too (in a more dignified statesman-like manner, naturally).

Anyway, when you guys said Meghan's got "political aspirations" I thought you meant like Ayaan Hirsi Ali-style...

And then I thought, "wait that can't be right? Ugly American Meghan? Who complains about avocados 🥑 in a pretty-much-flawless country like the 🇬🇧 UK? Refuses to adapt and respect local English culture? Nah..."

Then I realised you all meant in America.

She's going to stab the Brits in the back, isn't she? And cry to America, "wheeeeeee the Brits were so mean to me! Old-fashioned racists!"

And then she's going to capitalise on her victimhood to run for office? Is that the plan?

Gross.
PaulaMP said…
New blog, what did I miss? Why are they hiding in Canada allegedly? If Philip doesn't make it Harry will be sorry he went along with all of this nonsense. No Christmas card? Have enjoyed the break from them.
Scandi Sanskrit said…
Also, this is what I envision for Meghan's future: https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1635500-ok-boomer 🔮
Tea Cup said…
The Sussex reticence for making appearances right now (originally the announcement about their 6 week leave said they would likely return before Christmas and are expected to be at Sandringham) and in light of PP's confinement to hospital leaves me to strongly believe one of two things, or maybe both. Either Ms. Self-absorbed is going through the IVF process --OR-- she is having cosmetic tweakings done of the plastic surgery variety. Lipo on those stubborn spots anyone?

Wait a minute, let me add one more, indulging in her love of blow... uh I mean snow.
CookieShark said…
@ DesignDoctor

I saw the same thing on Twitter. Hard to see how Archie can be popular, since he has been seen only in SA with Tutu and a maybe a few times in Britain (I'm counting the appearance as a newborn where we could see almost none of his face but the tip of his nose and mouth). There are stories that MM had a cat named Archie who died. Archie is an inappropriate given name in general, but especially so considering its origins may be a dead pet for MM. My opinion only, but I find this to be in terrible taste.

Several users have photoshopped Archie's face quite a bit, then posted the picture. Why do they feel they need to do that?

Archie, not even a year old, has been described as sleeping through the night, sleeping on Harry for 11 hours (didn't Harry want to move)? on an international flight, crawling, speaking, having 2 teeth, having a nutritionist and dietician at 6 months (I thought she was breastfeeding). The delayed Christmas card makes me wonder if H&M have finally realized that many of us didn't believe Archie was only 4 months back in September. Are they trying to reverse age him for the Christmas card?
Rut said…
Do we think Trudeau is going to experience the Markle curse from now?:)
Louise said…
This Canada story is a head scratcher on many levels.

Only last week, they were described as being in an "undisclosed location", in order to protect their privacy and security.

And what better way to protect one's privacy than to announce to the world that they are in "Canada". As the world's second largest country by land mass being "in Canada" is pretty generic although I, and most people, assume that they are in Toronto, which is the only Canada that Smarkle knows, presumably with the Mulroneys. But why do they want everyone to know?

As for Trudeau, only two days ago, Trudeau gave a year end interview to CTV news wherein he stated that he intended to be more "businessman" and less celebrity like during his second term because he recognizes tht the latter approach almost lost him the last election.

But then here he is doing an Oprah, welcoming the Smarkles via Twitter, when protocol requires that Royals be greeted by the Queen's representative, i.e., the Governor General. Not only did he break protocol, he threw shade at the Royal family by stating that they are "among friends" in Canada, as if the Royal Family were not their friends. (This is not the first time that Trudeau broke protocol.. he also overstepped during the visit of Katherine and William to British Columbia.. to the chagrin of the Cambridges)

And his line about a "blessed stay" in Canada? I can't.. I just can't... don't even know where to begin. Has he just finished binge watching The Handmaid's Tale? Blessed be the Fruit? IVF?

However, his close links to the Smarkles in known.. he and his wife are close friends with the Mulroneys, with Jessica also acting as Sophie Trudeau's stylist, and their are photos of Meghan, Sophie and Jessica "hanging out". Trudeau also shares their false wokeness, flying around in his private jet while talking climate change. His wife Sophie shares Meghan's love of word salads and promotes herself as a feminist, even though the only job she has is being Mrs Trudeau.

Personally, I believe that they are in Canada now, but only after spending time in California. I do believe that her IVF doctor is in Toronto.

As to why they are announcing her location to the world, either she recognized that people didn't seem to care where she was and needed some attention or they are putting out feelers about moving to Canada, with Harry thinking that he will be more important in Canada than in a non Commonwealth country. Probably a little of both.


Sandie said…
Why does the media get away with publishing such nonsense? Is there not an official complaints board where media can be held to account?

1. PP is in hospital: planned admission, pre-existing condition, flu-like symptoms, a minor fall, helicopter. Do all these things add up to a story that makes sense?

2. M&H in Canada: Have hardly stepped outdoors, enjoying the warmth of the Canadian people and the beautiful Canadian landscape, family time, no Doria, Doria there for Thanksgiving/Christmas. How can an editor of a newspaper accept such contradictions in a story?

Have you noticed that the PR by the Sussexes has been rather strange? The IG posts from Meghan are like a review for a CV (with H appearing as a sidekick) ... her glory days as a royal (e.g. emphasis on plaque next to the one for the Queen Mother, always emphasising the royal). The video of Harry is bizarre. (Making him feel insecure about giving speeches and encouraging him to make a fool of himself in so many ways makes it easier for her to dominate and control him, along with the isolation, so she probably did the girlie, sexy 'what a wonderful idea' thing and even shot the video, unless they are not together and he did that all by himself!)

I wonder if Harry's family are worried about him and/or are planning an intervention (even something coming from the side like exerting complete central control on finances and royal official duties)?

I hope that the H&M debacle is kept from PP. It is enough that he had to deal with the disaster of PA, his son. I hope that Harry gets to see and spend time with his grandfather (and forget about the Meghan disaster while doing so). I hope that Meghan is not at the funeral or any of the remembrance services for PP, or the Queen, because in some way she will make it all about her and she has disrespected and used and abused the monarchy despite being given a uniquely special welcome and privileges.
@Sandie, ‘1. PP is in hospital: planned admission, pre-existing condition, flu-like symptoms, a minor fall, helicopter. Do all these things add up to a story that makes sense?’

Agree, what a quagmire of issues. The news hasn’t changed as far as I know, ‘treatment for an existing issue’.

I know he had a stent fitted a few years back, and he’s had bladder infections. Other than that we haven’t been told anything else. I did read in the DM or I might have heard it on the news that he wasn’t the same after his car accident earlier this year. The news on the telly earlier today said that officials say it’s not serious and he should be home before Christmas. If we start to see family members visiting or there’s reports they have or are, then we could assume that things aren’t so good as they once thought.

The news has just said that Queen is still carrying on as normal. The palace has confirmed they are on a break in Canada, it’s just been on our news.
Glow W said…
My husband just said that at 98, really he should be treated for anything in the hospital. Just an opinion. He feels that 98 precludes home treatment.

I believe they are in Canada. That person on twitter said they arrived by private plane on December 4 and were greeted and cleared on the plane by customs. Also she said it was Harry Meghan and Archie (did not specify staff but I assume there is at least a nanny and possibly RPO).

If they are in a cabin, it is likely elaborate and more of a compound rather than a single log cabin. It might even have an orangery 🤪

I doubt Trudeau, like the queen, holds M’s secrets and goes along with whatever MM says because she is (and you know what I’m going to say ) the MOST POWERFUL woman in the world. She isn’t.
Fairy Crocodile said…
I don't know about you, dear Nattiers, but I am tired of Dumbartons and their PR disasters. Right now the message they are sending to the British is "You are all morons, racists and ungrateful bunch. We are much happier elsewhere and we do not care for you".

To which the majority I suspect is replying "Very well, stay where you are and stop pretending you are representing us. Farewell, au revoir, do svidania, sayonara, auf wiedersehen".

The moment Harry cut ties with people who so carefully built up his image after his screw ups is the moment he went downhill. We are watching his real spoilt stupid self. As for MM I think the country is done with her. Even Christmas miracle will not save her image and reputation. A briefcase duchess indeed.
lizzie said…
@Sandie said "PP is in hospital: planned admission, pre-existing condition, flu-like symptoms, a minor fall, helicopter. Do all these things add up to a story that makes sense?"

Obviously I don't know what's going on with PP. But yes, those facts could easily make sense. Let's say PP got the flu or other respiratory bug a few weeks back (Pre-existing #1) then he had a fall perhaps because he was already ill and weak.(Pre-existing #2) That kept him in bed for a few days and depending on what part of his body he fell on, could make him breathe more shallowly, inviting complications (pneumonia) from lingering flu. Could be the Dr said on Thurs, we'll need to hospitalize if X doesn't happen by Friday am. (Pre-planning) X didn't happen. A helicopter was used rather than take a sore sick elderly man on a 2 1/2 hour car drive.

That may not be what happened but it could have. And saying something was pre-planned doesn't mean planned weeks or months ago---it just means it wasn't a sudden emergency like chest pains. Since there is footage of PP walking into the hospital, I think we can rule out stuff like heart attack or broken hip (although I'm sure P preferred to walk in.)
Portcitygirl said…
Poor Her Majesty. What a bad year 2919 has been. I wish for Prince Phillip a very speedy recovery!
Louise said…
Raspberry Ruffle: Because the Dumbartons were not allowed to have their own court, communications about them come from Buckingham Palace. But they do have their own staff at Buckingham. Therefore, when "Buckingham Palace" says something about them, it is never clear whether it is coming from the Queen's spokesperson or from the Dumbarton spokesperson.
Glow W said…
I imagine they are saying in a place like fhis: https://www.luxuryretreats.com/vacation-rentals/r/28639235?price_min=4608&federated_search_session_id=45a05bbd-9aca-4150-aaf2-f281ba329442 (this is in whistler, but you get the idea).

Here are the choices for 4-5k a night: https://www.luxuryretreats.com/s/Canada/homes?refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&price_min=4608

Again, most are in Whistler. Fun to look at anyway. There are not in JM’s basement,

I also assume when they say they haven’t been outside, it means to the city or town. They haven’t left the compound. Just speculation.

Also, I don’t think MM tuned off tagging because someone spotted them and tagged them. Any photo like that would be worth some coin to DM
Unbeweaveable said…
I’m a new unknown. Delurking to say that one of weekly celeb magazines I picked up in early Nov at the Dubai airport (Ahlan or Hello Middle East, I can’t remember) had a little article that the Sussexes would be spending their majority of their 6 weeks in Canada—a few days in Toronto with whatsername, then skiing. I assume the reason they’ve outed themselves at this awkward time is because they can’t stop everyone from taking pictures of them on the slopes. They need to get ahead of any sightings on the piste.

I also assume the skiing was Harry’s idea, since he’s been skiing for 30 years. I don’t recall ever seeing pix of Meghan doing winter sports, so maybe she’s on the bunny slope or sulking in a cabin somewhere.
@Louise,’Dumbartons were not allowed to have their own court, communications about them come from Buckingham Palace. But they do have their own staff at Buckingham. Therefore, when "Buckingham Palace" says something about them, it is never clear whether it is coming from the Queen's spokesperson’.

True. It was news on the telly, so in this instance I’m more inclined to assume it’s BP on behalf of The Queen, rather than the Sussex’s team that’s based there. :o)
Louise said…
Regarding Prince Philip, I don't have more information than anyone else, but don't find the story contradictory an I agree with Lizzie.

"Flu like symptoms" could mean a respiratory infection, a gastroenteritis or various other conditions that cause fever and achiness. Anything that causes a fever (and especially gastroenteritis), causes dehydration, a drop in blood pressure, and a fall.

A fall can cause a subdural haematoma, especially in someone his age. Maybe he was a bit confused after the fall and the doctor said that if Philip wasn't better by the end of the week that he would send him to London for a scan . Or maybe the doctor said that if the flu like symptoms were not better by the end of the week that he would need further testing.

In other words, the visit might have been "preplanned" in case there was no improvement.
Jenx said…
Lol @Louise & Sandi. Sophie Trudeau is very Meganesque in her love of the spotlight, woke word salads, cringeworthy inappropriate singing and yoga posing. Fortunately, she was shut down 2 years ago and has kept a very low profile since.

I would be very surprised if we are intentonally harbouring the fugitives, but like another poster said, Canada is very big and it's fun imagining them "chilling" in Churchill while Archie frolicks with the polar bears. But MM is more than likely with MA frolicking at Soho House in Toronto.

I think publicly announcing they are in Canada while PP is in hospital is not doing them any favours. While they may love the Commonwealth cough, cough, but it can make them seem like cold, heartless, selfish knobs.
Louise said…
I don't see how the fact that it was reported on television would prove or disprove whether it was coming from the Queen's communications or the Dumbarton's communications when they say "Buckingham Palace". Both teams are located in Buckingham Palace.

Personally, I don't see why the Queen would have any interest to tell the world that they are in Canada when the Dumbartons have previously said that they wanted privacy. The only one who would do something so incongruous is Smarkle herself.
Louise said…
Jenx: Agree that here are so many similarities between Sophie and Meghan. They (and Jessica as well) even use the same jazz hand gestures when they speak.

Like Meghan, Sophie came in "hitting the ground running", until even Prime Minister Trudeau realized that she was more a liability than an asset. But at least Sophie was willing to step back, something that Meghan refuses to do.
QueenWhitby said…
I’m in Canada and the Trudeau tweet is embarrassing- I really wish he’d stick to running the country. If MM is in Canada, she’ll be at Soho Toronto snorting all the Xmas goodies they provide methinks.

Because I work in healthcare, I have been obsessing over why PP is in hospital and my money is on another angioplasty, a pacemaker, or perhaps even a new heart valve. There is very little in terms of elderly ailments that couldn’t be managed at home by a private team of nurses and physicians, the fact he he walked in makes me wonder if he is there for a diagnostic or interventional procedure that requires special equipment?

At any rate, I’m waiting on Royal Fan’s assessment, and really hope Philip is home and well for Christmas. The “optics” ( as the un-divine Ms.M would say) of them being in Canada for Christmas while Harry’s grandparents are at a very precarious stage of life are bad. Is BP throwing subtle shade announcing their wherabouts?
Liver Bird said…
No way that message came from HM's office. "The warmth of the Canadian people". Official palace PR don't talk like this. It's classic Meghan. So much for family time. Question is, is Harry with her?
CatEyes said…
A manageable or unknown preexisting condition can become serious, even life-threatening suddenly as happened with my brother (recently went comatose for two days due to cardiac arrhythmias that suddenly started). At 98 any illness even minor can turn life-threatening with the best of medical care in a hospital no less. Saying this as my family are physicians and RN's, I hope PP gets home for Christmas!!
Rainy Day said…
@Nutty There are 3 types of people who would enjoy a few weeks in a secluded cabin.

- Quiet people, with quiet interests like reading, knitting, drawing and painting, or watching multiple DVD box sets. Not the Harkles.
- Winter sports and nature people, who enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, or winter bird-spotting. Not the Harkles.
- Drunks and drug addicts who want to spend uninterrupted time getting stoned or high. The Harkles?

I’m going with the last one. Pot is totally legal in Canada - you can buy it online or at pot shops - I know someone who says that their dealer is Canada Post! You can also smoke it anywhere in public that cigarette smoking is legal.
Louise said…
Liver Bird: I had already believed that the message came from the Meghan arm of Buckingham, but now that you point out the "warmth of the Canadian people" ( as well as the "reflects the importance of the Commonwealth country to both of them") , I am more convinced than ever. Meghan likes to lay it on thick.
InnerLooper said…
Regarding PP, could it be he’s a grumpy old man who doesn’t want to be told what to do and will go when he pleases. Imagine being a medic around him, telling him to do something. My thoughts are he’d be a colossal pain in the ass

Nutty Flavor said…
@Liverbird So much for family time. Question is, is Harry with her?

Question #2 is - who is paying for the Harkles' tour to Canada?

Luxury resort, private jets, some form of security (although skimping on security might be one reason they're so big on secrecy), daily expenses like restaurant meals and alcohol/marijuana? That's several thousands of dollars per day worth of getaway.

Is Sir Elton or Ron Burkle being very generous? Is Harry running down his trust fund?

If Meg is on her own, the financial arrangements are even more mysterious.
Louise said…
Nutty: Do we know that they are staying at a luxury resort? I am still thinking that they are in Toronto, based on the "haven't gone outside" comment. It would be very unusual for anyone to go out to the countryside and not step outside, especially as this would be Archie's first exposure to snow.

In any case, I would like to know who is paying and I certainly hope that it is not the Canadian taxpayers.
Liver Bird said…
And why Canada? She's been there and done that. We all know her ambition is boundless and goes way beyond what is a bit of a backwater in celebrity terms. Equally, we all know she doesn't value friendship so she's not there to catch up with old friends. She held her silly baby shower in New York, not Toronto. She would have planned for much bigger and in her mind, better things by now. So was Canada simply the best option available to her?
Glow W said…
Maybe Uncle Elton has a Canada spread 🤩
Glow W said…
I thought Elton did but they deny this is his home:

https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/1425447-is-elton-at-home-/
Nutty Flavor said…
@Louise

No, pure speculation on the luxury resort. But they need to be someplace where they will not be spotted - particularly if they are without RPOs. That would suggest either a private home or a luxury spot accustomed to discretion.

Even dining out in Toronto would reveal their location. It seems unlikely that they're in an apartment somewhere living off grocery deliveries and Uber Eats.

Or: Harry is elsewhere, Archie is elsewhere, and no one cares enough about Meg to spot her when she's out on her own.
We don't seem to hear much about `lookalikes' these days; they gave a number of pretty girls a good living in the Diana era until it all came to an abrupt end. Do we just call them `body doubles' nowadays?

Yet there is at least one agency online with an`MM' on their books (at £400 a time). Apart from strippagram jobs, I can't think there'd be much call for pseudo-MM's but could they account for some of the reported UK sightings?

Still, it's all smoke & mirrors with these two, so perhaps only they know what's going on, assuming they're not as clueless as we think.
Glow W said…
Here is another saying Elton has a Toronto house: https://www.narcity.com/gossip/ca/9-toronto-celebrity-homes-that-are-understated-but-unbelievable
Glow W said…
Would it be more believable that they are in Toronto if they had access to Elton John’s private plane and an exclusive private landed estate?
Louise said…
Liver Bird: I do think that she maintains friendships with the Mulroneys and with Marcus Anderson, all of whom are based in Toronto.

And I suspect , as I said earlier, that Harry is trying to get a feel for whether he would be welcome here in some type of para -Royal role.

There was a recent (within the past month) article in the OttawaCitizen promoting the idea that if Harry was to be the Governor General of Canada that it would save both their marriage and the monarchy (!) Maybe the article put an idea into his head...
Rainy Day said…
Is it possible that MM is testing the pulse of the public and press for a move to Canada, thinking that it may be more palatable than using the US as her offshore base? We’re in the Commonwealth, it’s easy to commute back and forth to the US, and she appears to be welcomed by our unfortunately woke PM Trudeau.

If they aren’t staying with the Mulroneys or at SOHO, then they’ve rented a large luxury house or condo. I think the clampdown on tagging photos is because they plan to be on the move after Christmas - maybe to Whistler, a luxury ski resort on the west coast, and they think the public will be able to take photos.

And she definitely was the one who announced they’re in Canada - that stupid phrase about “the warmth of the Canadian people” pretty much gave her away. She must have thought we cared.
Glow W said…
@louise I tend to agree and it’s my opinion (just running scenarios through my head) that they are trying to find a commonwealth country where they can live and have a sub-royal yet still royal role. Also, Toronto fits the bill and it’s where their relationship started and is sort of mid way between LA and London, closer to London. I think they are probably bruised by the bad press in London and anyone who has been to Canada knows how lovely the people are there.

This 6 weeks may be them trying out Canada as a base.
Nutty Flavor said…
I see the Daily Telegraph is allowing comments on its most recent Sussex piece, "Duke and Duchess of Sussex are spending break from royal duties in Canada", something it hasn't done for a couple of months.

It's not going well.

The Telegraph commenters generally use more sophisticated vocabulary than the DM commenters, but they're not any more enthusiastic about the Sussexes.

Samples:

They could have stayed in their incredibly-expensively-renovated 'cottage' if they wanted 'privacy'. Her mother could have visited and that poor child could have had some consistency and continuity.

Just to let you all know, in case you haven't noticed, we're in Canada so leave us alone. Memories of his mother, sitting on the diving board of a yacht on the Cote d'Azur, clad in a leopard-pattern swimsuit, saying 'Give me some privacy'. The apple hasn't fallen far from that barking tree.

Once the Queen dies, the state's largesse extended to the House of Saxe Coburg Gotta should be confined to Charles and William and George.

Just like the BBC during the election campaign, Harry and Meghan are completely out of touch with what the public feel about them. It’s been nice not to witness any lectures or inappropriate behaviour from these two virtue signallers over the last few weeks - and for the DT to allow comments must be a mistake. Hopefully, they will have been able to reflect during this period of absence, but I won’t hold my breath.

Given the turmoil that these two have caused during the past year, plus the Prince Andrew saga and the failing health of Prince Philip, it would have been far more appropriate for them to return to Britain and give their support to the Queen, especially at Christmas. She has been a rock in Harry's life particularly after the death of Diana and deserves better than this from her grand-son. What an incredibly self-centred pair.
Has anyone else seen this yet?

https://www.dailysquib.co.uk/entertainment/34456-new-album-from-the-rolling-sussexes-exile-on-meghan-street.html

Quite a neat summary, don't you think?
@Nutty, wow at those comments from the Telegraph!!! I think it shows that most in this country feel the same about the Sussex’s. Just no enthusiasm or appetite for the self-centred pair. I could go on, but I fear I would never stop! ;o)
Nutty Flavor said…
Well, The Guardian still loves Meg - or at least insists that any distaste for her is because of her skin color.

The Guardian hasn't written about the Sussexes since November 9, however, at least if their search function can be believed, and in general I believe they're anti-monarchy.

Being The Guardian's favorite Royal is kind of like being the favorite football team of people who prefer hockey.
@Louise, there was no message reported on the news, the reporter just stated that BP confirmed they were in Canada, nothing else. Maybe the announcement was made due to Prince Philip’s health concerns? If Harry was summoned home, he’s not at Sandringham or near London, there would be some delay with him getting home. Perhaps this is to cover him.

I agree with LiverBird that worded message is probably not via an official Palace PR source. That does sound very Meghan.
CatEyes said…
I asked earlier about when the new Media expert was to be hired but ended up finding on CNN website that the New, Bigger media position will have applicants apply by December 24th. Here is Cnn's blurb about said job

>>>It's about never standing still and finding new ways to maintain The Queen's presence in the public eye and on the world stage," the posting says. "This is what makes working for the Royal Household exceptional."

The Head of Digital Engagement will be charged with leading a team in creating the royal family's public profile across all social media platforms.

Back in the spring, the palace advertised for a similar post that got a lot of attention, Digital Communications Officer.
While the postings said that job would pay a salary "circa £30,000, ($38,000) dependent on experience," the Head of Digital Engagement will earn £45,000 - £50,000 ($60,000 and $65,000). Oh, and the new job listing says you'll get free lunch, too, which is absolutely something to consider.<<<

Of Note: the statement that it will be leading a team" in creating the royal family's public profile..."
Hence I wonder if the Queen's new Top Media person will supersede the Sussex rogue social media actions. I would like to think they will be brought under control somewhat (and we consumers won't be bombarded with the nonsense that is due to MM's ridiculous PR forays a la Sunshine Sacks or her leaked stories to the press.
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