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No socks in Canada? On Meg's first post-break appearance

Whatever Meg learned from her time in Canada, it did not include wearing socks.

She stepped out of her Royal vehicle at Canada House today wearing velvet (velvet being a winter fabric) shoes, a long satin skirt (satin is also generally a winter fabric), and improbably bare legs.

London weather for January 7: 51 degrees Farenheit, 11 degrees Celsius. Check out how the people in the background are dressed.

Meg's 7+ weeks off - counting from her last official appearance on Rememberance Day, November 17 - have left her looking much the same as she did when she left.

Her hair (or wig) is still unstyled and her coat too short for the dress and rather wrinkled. (Wouldn't it be an idea to slip on the coat just moments before exiting the car, to avoid having long horizontal folds across the back of a garment you know you will be photographed?)

When she emerged from the engagement, there were visible sweat stains on the armpit area of her brown turtleneck sweater, and ill-fitting undergarments were visible in the camera flash.

Besides appearing to be in a cheerful (perhaps hyper) mood, Meg showed no signs of an extended sojourn in Canada.

While I am not intimately acquainted with the habits of hikers on Victoria Island, I believe those habits include wearing socks.

Harry looks thin

Prince Harry, meanwhile, looks terribly thin. Perhaps he did not enjoy Canadian cuisine, or whatever else was available on the estate of the oligarch where they supposedly spent several weeks. Or perhaps some other enjoyment is making him thin.

Harry does look a little better than the last time we saw him - he's standing up straight instead of wobbling, and his trousers are not covered with mysterious stains. 

The explanation for their visit to Canada House, to "thank the High Commissioner" for hosting them for their break in Canada, is a little shaky. Perhaps the Royal Family PR team did not provide them with any official events and this was the best they could do on their own. 

They also reportedly stopped by the Hubb Kitchen beforehand. The Hubb ladies seem to be part of the dwindling portion of the British population that still likes the Sussexes. 

What do you think about the Sussexes' reappearance?

Comments

NeutralObserver said…
@SwampWoman @Hikari

<>

I lived in Southern Baptist territory as a child. Great people & great fun. Not supposed to drink, smoke, dance or play cards, but they all did all of these things with enthusiasm, just ignored the contradiction & knew that the Lord forgave them. These are minor peccadillos, & different from real immorality, which involves treatment of other people. As I've moved throughout the world I've noticed that Catholics & the vociferously Protestant Southern Baptists are very often in strong agreement as to real morality.

The Lord will forgive the Harkles & all of their misdeeds as well. Had to get that in, or Nutty will delete me for going off topic!
Nutty Flavor said…
@Princess Mrs B, yes, sounds to me like an old-fashioned Chuck vs Di approach where each side has its "team" journalists.

Meg, on some level, must think she's winning. She's long wanted to take her title out of the UK and live someplace else, and Africa didn't fill the bill for her.

The question is, do she and Harry take their HRH's with them? It seems like their income has already been cut back, so perhaps that's not a factor. But it's hard to fundraise for the Sussex Royal foundation when you are no longer a Royal.

I still don't know who the donors to the Sussex Royal foundation would be, or what they would expect to get for those donations. Ron Burkle seems to be a puzzle piece somewhere, although I don't know what his recent tragic event would mean for his participation.

DesignDoctor said…
@Miggy Great video. Thanks for the link. Harry should watch it. He is being lead around by her in a very disrespectful way.
SwampWoman said…

Meg, on some level, must think she's winning. She's long wanted to take her title out of the UK and live someplace else, and Africa didn't fill the bill for her.


I don't think Hollywood would suit her either. She has to know that she would be a tiny, tiny insignificant tadpole there in a pond filled with far bigger, even more self-important froggies that would not be kind to her.
Princess Mrs. B said…
@Nutty, thank you for your response. Perfect analogy with "the Chuck vs Di approach."

@Miller Langhorne, I had the same thought that I didn't see her wedding rings this morning, but as that doesn't seem likely right now, I didn't want to mention it and appear as though I am looking for trouble. Maybe it's just that they aren't showing up in the pictures. In any case, one never knows with this one as she seems to act without thinking things through but why are her fingers splayed out in the pictures? Are we supposed to notice something? I've read that the Sussexes are due to meet with senior royals (Her Maj and Charles, I presume) to discuss their future. Maybe things didn't go according to her liking and H didn't kick up enough of a fuss in backing her up so she is sending a message to him and to the Palace that she better get her way, or else.
Hikari said…
@Neutral,

>>>Dim Harry may be, but he's obviously a master of the passive-aggressive put down, which does require at least some quick wit. That ' My wife will now speak to you in French' was stone cold cherry bomb throwing.<<<

I believe the 'Passive-Aggressive Put Down With Cherry Bomb Insults' is de rigeur for all public schoolboys in the United Kingdom. It does not appear on the official curriculum but is more of a grass-roots tradition amongst the student body. Harry might have only been able to manage a D in Geography and B in Art with a teacher submitting his work, but he earned top marks in "Snark 101".

I didn't have a chance yet to actually watch the video, but the 'My wife will now speak to you in French' impresses me as both quick-witted and a devastating dig at her. Haz is probably even more tired than we are of her boasts that she speaks multiple languages and all the other false brags she employed to burnish her 'resume' as such a great addition to his family. After growing up in L.A. and spending several months in Buenos Aires, she probably can manage some greetings in Spanish, but I think I may speak more French than she does and I learned mine from "Learn French in the Car!" I have mastered 'Je ne comprends pas!'

Perhaps Meg will arrange a nonsensical photo op to the Argentinian embassy in order to say a few words of her rusty Espanol.

The other time Harry impressed me with his wit was when he broke into song at "Hamilton" and made the crowd laugh. That he can still crack jokes at this wife's expense is a good sign . . somebody has to. Meg has zero sense of humor, either about herself or life in general. It's a symptom of her disability.

>>>Megs obviously was very nervous, the incoherent word salad, the waving hands, (not to mention the sweat stains, which were there before the little speech).<<<

So the salient question, for a woman who was dressed to the nines (in her own mind) in Jimmy Choos that cost more than the rent on my apartment to greet her adoring minions after a triumphant return from her luxury retreat in lovely Victoria is . . why so nervous, Meg? This seems to be uncharacteristic of her--nerves, I mean, since everything she does, no matter how brazen, is good and right in her own eyes. This gives a bit of credence to Toronto Paper's claim that he/she was there in an official capacity and Meg knew it. Fear that she'd be outed for all her lies? Specifically about having been in BC for the last 7 weeks? Yesterday's jaunt may have been a touch too brazen even for her . . though this is the woman who paraded a series of fake bellies around and pretended to be pregnant for 10 months. I didn't think she had any 'Too Brazen Recognition Meter'.

Lies upon Lies upon Lies. Meg's life is a veritable papier mache crown of lies.
KCM1212 said…
The reports this morning have Meghan at National Theatre. Again, coat is hung over the shoulders and too many buttons undone. Hair is back in the messy bun. She was up late reading negative comments.

She may have vowed to get all of her royal patronages over with this week, then she will have the rest of the year off to generate madness and money
CookieShark said…
She didn't look happy in the photos from the Theatre today. No crowds, no speeches so far. I wonder if this visit was meant to offset yesterday's circus.
Anonymous said…
Narcs adore chaos. As usual, there are a zillion contradictory stories about the future of this couple, and I suspect that it’s another PR ploy to keep them front and center in the media. For narcs it doesn’t matter if such exposure is complimentary or pejorative. Attention is fuel regardless. We’ve been on this merry-go-round for the past two years. Story after story of Ms. Markle doing this, but no!, she’s doing that. But no! She is! Well, maybe. And then it turns out that NONE of this is true. Chaos. She loves chaos. I honestly think that the papers should stop printing this bullshit because not only does it make them look stupid and like they are pullling this information out of a hat, it fuels her delusions of grander. All of these news stories have HER front and center. Harry is only mentioned as her sidekick. This is what makes me believe that she is feeding them these contradictory stories. To keep her front and center all the time.
abbyh said…

Good morning (need more tea or break down and go for coffee)

Ok now. Thank you Nutty.

I've never understood the charm of the idea of insulting your hostess/host as a good way to win them over to your view point. It's up there with the FBI trying to convince the Branch Davidians that the FBI was the good guy and leave the compound while keeping them up all night with lights, playing music and horrible animal sounds. If someone has a good explanation, I'll listen.

The holy water - needed that laugh.

the cherry bomb - wow. that was ... oh my, my isn't that interesting

... Meg, on some level, must think she's winning. She's long wanted to take her title out of the UK and live someplace else, and Africa didn't fill the bill for her.


I don't think Hollywood would suit her either. She has to know that she would be a tiny, tiny insignificant tadpole there in a pond filled with far bigger, even more self-important froggies that would not be kind to her.


I don't think she's realized that yet. Not with the jewelry issue and who knows what other things lie in the far past. I'm thinking she hasn't been there lately so she's still thinking they want her (out of touch). Maybe people are taking her calls but probably they are shorter as the people are busy (cutting off the prior long chats) and she is bored/at loose ends with hours wanting to talk.

My guess is that since she/they are continuing work with SS, she's being told things are still great, yeah the campaign to use celebs to support you didn't work but we have other ideas. I don't think they would be willing to be the ones to tell her that she's burned so many bridges that even they are having difficulty seeing a path.
Hikari said…
Razz and Nutty, re. jet lag:

"@Nutty, ‘Flying eastward, as the Sussexes just did, is in my opinion more difficult than flying westward, which is what they would have done at the beginning of their trip.’

Agree with this, but it does depend on the person. Coming home they should have felt awful. However, if they flew private or business/first class and had a bed, they could have slept a lot of the jet lag off. Some people recover much quicker than others, and I know some people who don’t suffer from jet lag at all, especially if they’re used to being awake or working at odd hours."

In my twenties, I lived in Japan where I taught English for six years. During that time, I made four round trip flights to and from Pittsburgh, PA to Tokyo. The first time was by far the worst; I must have somewhat gotten used it the other times. On my first journey, the cross-country leg (to Seattle) ended with a three-week layover in Portland, OR as we received orientation and training. Seattle to Tokyo is an 8 or 9 hour flight, depending on whether one is flying west or east--it's shorter on the return leg due to flying with the wind instead of against it. Getting to the Far East entails going so far west that it becomes east!

It wasn't the flight length so much as crossing the International Date Line that screws you up on that trip. Depending on Daylight Savings time, Japan is either 12 or 13 hours ahead of EST. I used to freak out my sisters by intoning "I'm calling from the futurrrrreeeee!" where it was, for them, tomorrow. For most of my first two weeks in Japan, I felt like one of the walking dead, because despite our exhaustion, we were thrown into the deep end of an overwhelming new world where I could barely feed myself or understand more than three words. Doing this all with jet lag was like walking underwater with lead shoes on. I probably would have bounced back in a few days if our schedule hadn't been so demanding. Nothing like standing in line dealing with Officialdom at the visa counter when you're so tired you can't even remember your own name in English.

It is for this reason that I recommend that anybody travelling to Asia from the Western Hemisphere have at least 3-4 weeks to stay. Any shorter and they will just be getting over their jet lag before they have to go back in the opposite direction and mess themselves up all over again.
Louise said…
CookieShark: I agree that she does not look happy, but perhaps this is because we are used to seeing her sporting a maniacal grin and today she just looks like a normal person, which is actually abnormal for her, if you see what I mean.

It is interesting that she didn't organize another pap walk today as she did yesterday. She doesn't call the paps for an event for which she is a patron, but does call the paps to thank Canada House for her vacation, when even Harry admitted yesterday that Canada House ha nothing to do with the vacation.

One could read this as Smirkle being more invested in her future in Canada.
KayeC said…
I checked the court circular this morning and no mention of the Sussex visit yesterday, but they did have PW's meeting Sir Timothy Clarke and CoW's visit to a training session at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. I still find it interesting that the visit to Canada House is being called "official." The only events on the Royal Diary today are for EoW and the Princess Royal.So why was she at the theatre this morning if these are not official visits?

Coat thrown over shoulders looked like a merching, IMO. And I agree with those who said she is not wearing her ring. To be fair, I liked her outfit today, she looks better in slacks/pants and the high waist on the pair today was flattering to her figure.
Louise said…
Noted that the coat today is Massimo Duti, as were the skirt and sweater from yesterday (and another coat in December). Massimo Duti is part of the Zara group, skewed to an older, professional demographic.

The clothes are often worn by Queen Letiza of Spain, as the company is Spanish. I don't see Letiza wearing British made clothes as she prefers to showcase Spanish brands, as she should.

@Fairy Crocodile: I really do struggle to understand how she manages to get it so wrong. I've already admitted I'm not really clued up on fashion but even my untrained eye can tell if something works well together or not once I've got it on and I'm looking at myself in a mirror. I'd assume someone with Meghan's status would have access to all kinds of people who can give advice etc - even if she really has been "cut off" as has been speculated, I'd like to think HMTQ would still wish to provide some kind of staff to oversee wardrobe choices etc considering they're representing the RF. I know, this has already been said before, much more eloquently than I can manage, but the only logical conclusion I can come to is that she either refuses to allow these people to do their jobs or refuses to listen to advice when they do.

@lizzie: As embarrassing as it is to admit, this is the first I've heard of anti-static sprays, are they a relatively recent thing? I learned by trial and error in my teens which combinations/fabrics to avoid and haven't really looked into it further since, it's been one of those things that I resigned myself to living with for the last 30 odd years if that makes sense. I shall do some research on this, thank you.

@SwampWoman: As kids, we always knew we'd *really* messed up and taken things too far when the wooden spoon made an appearance :OP Most people from other sites I've used this name on assume I'm ready for a lightning fast response when puddings and other tasty goodies make an appearance, which I can't deny either lol
none said…
Looked at the pictures of MM leaving the National Theatre. Are the two look alike men Royal bodyguards?
HappyDays said…
With the absence of Andrew from life as a working royal and all the patronages he has, reported to be in the range of 200, I just can’t fathom HM or Charles being OK with allowing the Sussexes to spend part of the year in Canada.

It seems the sensible thing would be to tell the Harkles they are needed in the UK to help by taking on some of Andrew’s patronages. The Firm is headquartered in London and doesn’t have branch offices on other continents unless the current monarch deems it to be helpful to the Firm.

If the Sussexes are allowed to leave the UK, there is a greater chance the Harkles will at least cause more embarrassment to the RF and at most cause another scandal, likely with the finances of the Sussex Royal foundation. At this point in history, another huge scandal could mean the end of the British monarchy.

The royal family needs to remember the old saying, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” If she’s in Canada, Meghan is not only isolating Harry further and making it more difficult for him to break free of her narcissistic grip, but she will be able to run wild because she will be less easier to monitor than if she was in London.
Hikari said…
The Daily Fail is hittin' it hard today . .

FYI: Meghan's go-to 'Drape my coat, no matter how heavy, over my shoulders awkwardly so I can merch it and whatever's underneath it is "SHROBING".

A stupid name for a stupid look. One 'shrobes' when dashing out to the car for a minute, or when sitting in the stands at a sporting event . . not strutting around on walkabout like the coat was intended to be worn this way.

Meg is a petite person and she shrobes these heavy boxy woolen coats that absolutely swamp her.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7865043/Meghan-Markle-shrobes-navy-coat-leaves-National-Theatre.html

So, Meg's entire reason for 'visiting NT today was to shrobe and merch her clothes. At least she put her hair up, and the downcast look on her mug was due to lack of a phalanx of cameras to document the shrobing.

Q: This visit--her idea? Or was she forced to pay a call to a legitimate patronage she has sadly neglected now that she's 'back at work'.

They'll be due for another break at the end of the month. January is long, and they don't observe Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday in the UK.
Gosh, I get on with something else for a couple of hours and find I've lost track completely of where we we were when I last looked! Must remember to jot down the time according to Nutty, though I haven't a clue which time zone that is.

Did we ever come to a conclusion about why the lack of stockings/tights/hosiery/legwear/ whatever-you-call-em is frowned upon by HM? Apologies if it has been resolved but it was also the rule in UK until Diana broke it.

Much hinges on what meaning one ascribes to the term `lady' as it has both social class and moral meanings.

Ladies always kept their flesh covered when wearing shoes; bare skin was only acceptable with sandals in summer, (girls in school uniform and Clark's-type sandals, with enclosed toe-box, usually had to wear socks). Any adolescent or adult female who went barelegged with shoes was regarded as any of these:tart/streetwalker/prostitute/ slut/scrubber slattern/ common/no better than she ought to be, or else dirt poor. The same applied if she had hosiery with ladders or holes.

Note the distinction that applied then between `lady' and `woman': a `lady' had high social standing and high moral standards, a woman neither. Ladies wore good quality items as in `One can always tell a lady by her shoes and her gloves'.
hunter said…
I'm glad we have tatty and her comments even if we don't all agree.

I am positive tatty is not Meghan because tatty's spelling, grammar and thought process are all superior to what MM has shown herself capable of.

Glow W said…
@miller langhorne, I also first thought that about her rings but on pics 2 and 3, I can make out the outline of a band. I think she isn’t wearing the trio or the engagement ring, but one of the thin bands.

@fairy crocodile, thank you for understanding.

@himmy I have always thought Harry was super handsome. I have recently felt Charles handsome as well. He really grew into his face. As my dental tech said once when I was a kid: I wouldn’t mind having his shoes under my bed.

@princess Mrs B I agree with your assessment about her touching him to sit down. I think all Tom Brady said basically is they are looking for their place in the monarchy and that includes all scenarios. So nothing new there IMO.

Odds and ends:
Jet leg, when we went to Hawaii (west), I had it bad for 3 days when we got there, but DH had it bad for a week when we got back (easy). This was before ambien and other hypnotics.


Does anyone have a Times subscription and is yesterday’s visit on their court diary/circular. I noticed on royal.uk it has been updated to show the Cambridges and the Wessexes engagements yesterday but not H and M. Hummmmm.... curious. Gert’s Royals and Richard Palmer both insisted it was an official visit.

Of the body: yeah, could be of both bodies. People months ago mentioned the woman on strictly dancing and how her second son w1s surrogate born and there was a court case and they were denied, but I never found anything online about it and the second son is listed in peerage, so IDK about all of that.



Sandie said…
From OMid Scobie:

https://twitter.com/scobie/status/1214924423469371393?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

First, she is not Duchess Meghan, she is Meghan Duchess of Sussex or simply the Duchess of Sussex. How can someone who wants to be an expert RR get it wrong?

Second, a patron is not in charge and does not in any way need to be consulted or included in the running of an organisation. A patron lends credibility to and supports an organisation (helping in fund raising and/or getting the organisation in touch with important people). As a patron for the National Theatre, what Meghan is required to do is turn up for opening nights and have private fund-raising dinners and lend her presence to any public fund-raising event.

I admit that William does take a more active interest in his patronages, but Meghan is not a future monarch, nor does she have any theatre credentials, so I assume that Omid Scobie is making up some hyperbole otherwise Meghan is probably just being a nuisance.

On another topic, does anyone have any info on the rings? There are rumours circulating that she was not wearing her eternity ring (push present) for the CH photo op and that she was not wearing any of her rings for the visit to the National Theatre.
hunter said…
Omg Hikari - "SHROBING"

thank you for bringing us this update. Dear god let's hope this isn't the word of 2020
hunter said…
If I had anything representing a royal wardrobe budget, I would have an ENDLESS SUPPLY of impeccably tailored sheath dresses and a coat collection aspiring to the greatness of Catherine's.

Good lord I love Catherine's coatdresses and coat game in general. I swoon.

Endless sheath dresses would be my dream. Simple, elegant, chic - always appropriate, easily repeatable. The bright yellow sleeveless dress Meghan wore for an event - that was a knockout look.

I would pick one or two flattering silhouettes and wear them over and over, etc. None of this mismatched frumpy crap. She is too boxy to wear skirts and tops that tuck.
Fairy Crocodile said…
I have found my answers to the wig question. Not My Duchess blog has a picture of her in the car with her head bent down and I could clearly see where the false hair was attached to the back of her head. Looks like a half-wig arrangement, more shiny and with different texture to her own. I think it is designed to give more volume at the back and at the sides, it starts about half way to the back of her head.

Puzzle solved.
Glow W said…
@hunter thank you. I tend to be pithy, but if I ever wrong a lot on a topic, you would see that I do not use word salad. Lol

Odds and ends:

Stockings. I don’t wear because of eczema. Of course, if this was her reason she could state that and become an eczema champion.

Wearing/not wearing rings: for all my love and business of jewelry, I have metal allergies plus the eczema. I do not always wear my wedding rings. For instance, the reason I was up so early this morning after having gone to bed so late was that my hands were itching and burning so bad they woke me up and I had to take 2 allergy pills and a Pepcid (the combo is an old trick). I probably won’t be wearing my rings today.

But, again in pics 2 and 3 on DM I can make out a thin band.
Glow W said…
Odds and ends, regarding Narcs (there are PLENTY in the medical community)... most narcs I have encountered are super put together. Slick clothes, impeccable. Strong tall posture, perfect in every way. Not a hair out of place. It’s like their image is their armor.

Now, people I know with other personality disorders can be sloppy.

I have trouble calling her a malignant narcissist because it doesn’t jive with what I have seen and experienced. That doesn’t mean she can’t be one, and it certainly doesn’t mean I’m right.

I’m explaining why I am reluctant to call her a high holy narc. I don’t know what she is, if she is anything.
Tatty - My sympathy for your eczema, it's quite understandable why you don't wear tights etc.

For MM to admit such a thing, and do something constructive and helpful with it, would be to admit that, shock! horror! she's not Perfect.
Glow W said…
@hunter, I also love coats, especially white ones. I think every woman should have many coats and I get frustrated in the US that we don’t have a coat dress store. I LOVE all of kate’s coats.
Glow W said…
@wild boar right, if she had fertility issues, she could champion the cause. I have always said that. However, I know many people who would never tell a soul, including their families. So, touchy subject I guess.

Eczema, or thinning hair or menopause, yes, make a joke, endear yourself and get on with it. it’s part of the human experience.
Fairy Crocodile said…
@Tatty
You are absolutely right about championing fertility or other issues. Millions of women suffer from all sorts of problems, Megs could have encouraged them, talked to them, comforted them, told them it is Ok and they can deal with it - there would have been a huge positive response. She would have catapulted into a true position of global influence.

I find this is the saddest bit of the saga. So many opportunities for doing good is wasted and things instead descend into ridiculous.
Hikari said…
@tatty,

Meg may be too disorganized internally to meet the clinical definition of a Malignant Narc. Though she has proven she's capable of scheming the downfalls of others--eg. Rose Hanbury rumor. I know there are different kinds of Narc. 'Fragile' may be how Meg wanted to come across in the Bradby whinefest in SA, but I don't think that fits.

Maybe in her the Narcissism, while definitely there is laid over top of some other mental conditions. Bipolar? Schizophrenia, even, perhaps? The latter at least describes her wardrobe. She is capable of looking nice. The veering between extremes is what I can't fathom, for somebody who is supposed to be representing these brands she's merching.

Meg's reaction to life seems to be constant Knee-Jerk. It's like if a thought crosses her mind, she has to act upon it right then, regardless of consequences, without thinking things through to see if the idea actually is in her best interest long-term. She lacks long-term strategic thinking, now that she's bagged her Royal. This is separate from narcissism .. ADHD? I don't know. If somebody takes Adderol for weight management, will it actually *give* them the symptoms of ADHD? The focus that she seemed to have while on her climb . . and as a little girl, winning penmanship awards, seems to be gone now.

All of this might be explained by a heavy-duty daily cocaine habit, too. Who knows what's going on, but she's very scattered. She's not fully in control of herself and I'd call that a quality which a Narc would exemplify at all times.
HappyDays said…

@Fairy Crocodile, I think you were probably looking at a hair weave on Mayhem’s head in the photo you mentioned. In addition wigs, she’s known for wearing weaves and hair extensions too.

She’s been chemically straightening her hair since early high school. After about 25 years of Dark and Lovely (a hair relaxer for black women that’s been around forever) and whatever the latest straightening treatments available, her biological hair has been subjected to a lot of abuse. There’s probably not much left of it, which necessitates the weaves, extensions, and wigs.

She wouldn’t be caught dead wearing her natural hair.

Q: Can you imagine if Mayhem had showed up at her alleged blind first date with Harry proudly wearing a huge afro of her natural curls?

A: This blog wouldn’t exist to discuss her and Harry. There wouldn’t have been a second date.
Hi again Tatty,

Well, neither of the 2 people with the most intense narcissistic-like behaviour that gave me what-for would have fitted your description. They were utterly perfect in their own minds: in their reasoning; in their view of what the law should be even if it wasn't; both threw hissy fits if challenged; and utterly vindictive. Neither, however, could be described as a snappy dresser; one didn't much care about his appearance or personal hygiene, the other was an odd little body in over-large tweeds and weird hand-knits. With an over-size home-made hat, she looked like a mushroom. Something of an academic, her mind was set on Higher Things.

I do suspect, however, that they would score higher than average for Asperger's syndrome. Perhaps they had a co-morbidity. Before you say `Autism' though, their rages were those of narcissists, with a specific external focus(ie me) in response to perceived criticism.
Shaggy said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Madge said…
She's back only two days is (unfortunately) again hitting the ground running. Second appearance in 24 hours. The comments are scathing.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7865065/Meghan-Markle-spotted-leaving-Londons-National-Theatre.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7865043/Meghan-Markle-shrobes-navy-coat-leaves-National-Theatre.html
Glow W said…
@hikari you bring up good points. Yes, conditions often overlap. As I mentioned, I am on adderall for add (inattentive type). I do not abuse it because without it, I lack executive functioning. When I take it, it is literally like a light bulb swithched on. Yes, if someone abuses it for weight loss it would make them manic and kinda like they are taking cocaine.

@fairy crocodile
I agree she is lacking in long term planning and is likely overlooking issues she currently has that she could champion in favor of disregarding all advice and going for world champion. I have said this before, I think. I am continually disappointed by them. Sophie is a good person to throw in here. When Louise was born preterm, Sophie eventually championed pre term birth and NICU causes.

Start slow and local and go from there.

Odds and ends

@happy days today women do a Brazilian blow out. My daughter has somewhat ethic hair that is long and thick. It’s crazy thick and down to her waist. It gets frizzy and can look like a bird’s nest on top, so I paid $500 to get her a straightening treatment that lasted a year but caused a LOT of breakage and dried her hair out so bad she said she never wants another one.

It’s possibe she is using what we used to call wiglets or pieces of hair extensions that clip in to deal with damage or to avoid damage. I do not slight her for this, maybe because I worked in a hair salon during college so I have seen a lot of things over the years. Whatever a woman wants to do with her hair is her business, though I do understand she is representing the queen so she should look perfect basically. I imagine London weather is not great for her hair. It wouldn’t be for mine and my daughter would have a terrible time.

Glow W said…
@wild boar ok thank you for your comments on the topic. I see your point of view.
SwampWoman said…
Q: Can you imagine if Mayhem had showed up at her alleged blind first date with Harry proudly wearing a huge afro of her natural curls?

A: This blog wouldn’t exist to discuss her and Harry. There wouldn’t have been a second date.


Not sure if you are accusing PH of racism, being shallow, or a fan of straight hair. Do you think that men so white that they make Casper look like a GOC (ghost of color) are all repulsed by the naturally curly hair of WOC? The cafe au lait skin tone and exuberantly curly hair of my youngest grandchild would seem to indicate nope.
Glow W said…
@swamp woman hear hear!! I also didn’t care for her aside about dark and lovely.
abbyh said…

Sandie - nice catch. It really used to bother me that the DM had a tab for M while Kate, in line to be queen, didn't get that. There was a plain one just Royal Family. And then Andrew rated his own. And it still bothered me until I thought: maybe they are making a point here about who they think we need to keep an eye on.

Someone said something about the historical Henry VIII stuff. I personally think the stuff about the queens was much more interesting as they were dancing around trying to appease the unappeasable. David Starkey (historian) has a book out (which I have) on this topic which was turned into a multi might series. Lucy Worsley (chief curator of the Historical Palaces) also did a series on them but different tone. Love them both. Together, DS & WL, did a show on one night in Hampton Court at this time period (youtube). LW also did a show with others on Henry's body (youtube again). And she's done lots of others. He probably has too.

Lurking with a spoon - static cling. In a pinch, I have dampened my hands and moved them over the staticy parts which helps.

Fairy Crocodile said…
@Miggy

Your video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIC5znWxZt4 frightened me.

It made me think Harry is done and finished. She sucked him dry, she mocks him and she wiped the floor with him.

After watching this video I am now convinced Skippy is right calling her a pure evil.
Bravura said…
[i]Piroska said...
@Bravura I have red hair and very dark auburn eyebrows and lashes. My brother had very dark almost black hair and a ginger beard. We are of English Irish and Scottish ancestry[/i]

Hi Piroska - that's very common actually. Red hairs and reddish beards are very common but that doesn't mean a person is a true "redhead." The gene responsible for a true red head is the MC1R gene and it shuts off the ability for a person to produce any black or brown based hairs (ie eumelanin is converted into pheomelanin). However, the shade of red can vary between dark auburn to a very light red, almost white color. A good example of this same gene in action is a Labrador Retriever. Yellow labs are basically black labs except that they have that MC1R gene which has shut off their ability to produce any black or chocolate in their coat. However, not all Yellow labs are the same shade of yellow and can vary between a deep red (Fox Red) to a pale white or cream color. Sometimes you can get a spontaneous black hair here and there, but in all, you should not be able to produce black hairs at all because of the genetics involved. :)

Folks can have reddish or coppery strands in their hair and beards, and that's very common and absolutely normal, but that's different genetics at play. :) So based upon the photos and images we've seen of Archie, I'm not entirely convinced he's a redhead at all. Then again, pretty much everything we've seen of Archie has been highly contrived and rife for speculation, so there's that ;)

Back to Megs this morning - I see she has decided to break out the wide-legged pants again. I love the wide-legged pants look, truly I do, but I am not really sure it pairs well with the Navy jacket and the light blue shirt that is, again, opened to bear some decolletage and possible cleavage. I want to say she pulled a similar ensemble with the wide-leg Ralph Lauren pants and stripped blue shirt (and the damn fedora). Her body type isn't suited for that look. It only further accentuates her square shape, which is unfortunate as she's working with a common figure most women have. Unfortunately, she just doesn't seem to dress for her body shape and it comes across as unkempt, boxy, or frumpy.

I do like that her hair is back in a bun today, though.
Bravura said…
@Hunter - Agreed. Even as a former actress who had someone dress her on Suits, you'd have thought she would have picked up a few lessons and tips on how to dress for her body type? If she just got a few choice, essential pieces tailored for her, she would look striking. She has great legs and appropriate enough ratios (breast to waist to hip) to pull off some great ensembles if she was steered in the right direction.

I do like some of her choices as a whole, but I think they miss the mark as being appropriate for her status, for the function of the event, and/or for her body type. Other times, I feel that she could have pulled something off but the hair, the shoe type, or an accessory choice (or her make up) just failed to meet the mark and execute. These are things a professional stylist could have helped with but we all know she has shrugged that. :(
Tea Cup said…
Holy guacamole, breaking news coming out the Sussexes are stepping back as "senior royals." Details forthcoming...
KCM1212 said…
They are leavibg! Sussex royal has the info!

https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/
KCM1212 said…
Oops, sorry for the copycat post Tea Cup!
Fairy Crocodile said…
Yes! They are stepping down as senior royals and will work "for financial independence". Details to follow

She was stepping down as patron!
abbyh said…

Holy guacamole is right!

I think time for a new post.

BUT my initial read is that this is them trying to force the hands of others.

why? because it says they will consult with PC and HM, not we have consulted
JLC said…
"...we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution..."

Well, no guesses as to who wrote that sentence!!
KCM1212 said…
They say they will work to become financially independent and split their time between North America and the UK

Nutty called it!
Here they go! https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7866007/Harry-Meghan-step-senior-royals-financially-independent.html

Harry and Meghan QUIT as senior royals and reveal they will live between UK and North America and 'work to become financially independent'

KayeC said…
@Tatty, as I posted above, their visit was not on the court circular, just PW and Sophie for Jan 7, and only PE and Princess Royal in Royal Diary today.
Quitting or kicked out?
CookieShark said…
Another family, ripped apart.
KayeC said…
Noticed their IG post says "to carve out a progressive new role within this institution"...

Sounds like they still want the best of both worlds....
JLC said…
I love how they announce this off the back of their lavish holiday where we picked up the security tab at the very least...I don't know why but it smacks of chucking a sickie and leaving at the end of it!
KayeC said…
I am not a UK citizen, but I'd be super pissed about Frogmore renovations. Have they ever even lived there??
KCM1212 said…
No wonder she was sweating!
They are going to focus on their new charitable endeavor.

Uh huh....why do I have a vision of scrooge mcduck opening moneybags in his huge vault?

She has convinced him this will work.
Ring the bells throughout the nation!

The Palace has just announced they're `stepping back' as senior members of the RF according to Yahoo breaking News Flash
KnitWit said…
Have you seen this?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7866007/Harry-Meghan-step-senior-royals-financially-independent.html
KnitWit said…
Got the same news flash. News flashes. Not flashes....such is life today
Dallas Alice said…
HAHAHAHA!!! I can’t wait to see how this pans out.
Sandie said…
Megsy is never going to be content in any organisation where she is not top dog, so she is completely unsuitable for a royal role, unless she is Queen.

That she lasted so long in Suits was because she was only required on set when she was in a scene and she could do her own thing when she was not on set (merching, lifestyle blog, travelling, networking).

I am interested to see how this will work. Are they going to make money from their foundation to support their expensive lifestyles? Are they trying to get a high-paying, not do really much, job through nepotism? Are they going to pay for two homes? Are senior royals going to allow them to work as royals half time or long distance? Can they keep the sussexroyal if they are not working members of the royal family? Is the public going to be content with continuing to fund them, and not be angry about how much money she has hoovered up since she set up residence in Nottingham Cottage?

By the sounds of the announcement, they are trying to get a sweet deal where they can continue to be funded, keep the titles and prestige, but do their own thing.

I feel sadness for Harry's family. They genuinely do love him and if he goes with her, they have lost him.
Glow W said…
Wow!!! Isn’t this interesting?

I seriously think it is Harry as much as Meghan. Hasn’t it been long rumored he didn’t want to be a royal? He wants to live in Africa.

I think the financial independence part is because there is no way the UK public or Canadian public would stand to support them outside of the U.K. I think that had to be a part of it.
Louise said…
Thanks, KC. This is turning out to be very interesting, although I wish that they were not coming here to Canada.
Bravura said…
I am very curious how this will pan out. Will they still get to keep their titles and, more importantly, their VERY IMPORTANT AMAZING COPYRIGHTED TITLES? *rolls eyes* Because I can see how that would play into everything with her renewing the Tig and such and all the new copyrights for the Sussex Royal bit.

I guess she is gearing up for a bunch of merching, tell-alls, movie roles, etc. She thinks she will be welcomed as a celebrity. I will be very curious to see how this plays out and how much the Royal Family will allow them to piggyback off their former status. I do not think Harry will do well away from his family in the US with Megan. I can see this going very badly and honestly pray they are able to find a good solution for all of this.
Sandie said…
Or is this their PR of getting ahead of things, i.e. they have been asked to step aside as senior royals in a most polite way?
Liver Bird said…
Harry you poor dumb fool.

You have just made the biggest mistake in your life.
Dallas Alice said…
That was my first thought, too Sandie.
Sandie said…
By the way, no HRH in their post. Interesting!

How many of you think they have been given the boot (as I said above, in a roundabout, polite, diplomatic way ... slimming down the family, slowly reducing funded royals to a small core ...)?
FrenchieLiv said…
I just saw the breaking news!!!!
Some questions :
- have they been kicked out after several failure and misbehavior?
- what does "step back as senior members" mean : will they keep their tittle?
- what does mean "financially independent" mean : will the British taxpayers pay for their RPO and staff in North America? Can she merches as she has always wanted?
I think something happened as the Sussex rushed to publish their breaking news on their IG.
I would expect such an information would have been announced by BP. Besides, this morning, The Palace denied that they were moving to Canada.
Louise said…
Who takes care of them until they do achieve financial independence?

I read this as they will continue use the money of others until they don't need them any more.

How do they define "financially independent"? Enough to support a modest lifestyle or enough to keep her in mansions and Gucci? It would not take long to achieve the former but she may never achieve the latter, which means that she will remain as a parasite feeding off the RF and UK and Canadian taxpayers. (I am assuming that Canada will pay for their security even if they are junior Royals).
KayeC said…
@Sandie, hand up here. I think the wording of "new progressive role within the institution," is the exact opposite of the BRF, which is "traditional."
ReallyDonna said…
@Sandie I think it's the Boot.

"No one ever asks if I'm okay"

Didn't visit 95 year old grandfather at Christmas FFS

If you're not at the dinner, you're on the menu.

No wonder PH looked as if he was going to spin his wedding ring right off his hand yesterday at Canada House.

This video shows tweets of someone who has investigated the Sussex Foundation. I'ts NOT a charity, it's a private company, and profits can be distributed. Of course!

Start at 4:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukb60Weth_U&t=0s
abbyh said…

Do you think that they will be allowed to keep the royal titles?

My money says: no

Not after everything (from the tv special, TOC, merching with Tutu, deciding that you want to be part of us only for the money but not the other obligations which come from it and the list goes on)

And, because it will cut the BRF off from the harebrained plans of riches and glory.


Pushed - I think themselves pushed out not the BRF. I think, if anything, the BRF read the coded messages of what they said they would like, noted the comments of wanting to keep the titles, thought hmm, makes threats to the Crown, really? tell me more, leaned back and said nothing but waited.
hardyboys said…
I noticed that she commented on Duke of Cambridge and didn't mention the Duchess of Cambridge. This is some flaky stupid way of turning their back on the BRF. That's why every picture she shows is always of her back to the world. Its her way of saying FU. Harry will come running and crying back like a little girl that he is. I found it so humiliating to them that they are talking about obtaining financial independance. In other words, Mommy still supports us and we are going to try real hard to sever the umbilical cord. Meghan thinks she is all that and a bag of chips. With Beyonce, Hilary, Michelle, Oprah, Elton, George Clooney and all these other big wigs they are going to make it in the real world. First of all they are self made. Harry doesn't even know how to spell independence. This is a bad bad move and a way of leaving before they are officially banished and exiled.
KnitWit said…
Hot flashes, sorry for the typo. I am "glowing" like Markle in a brown turtleneck while wearing a black cotton tank top.

My favorite quote from the mail...
"Harry and Meghan have quit as senior royals and revealed they will live between the UK and North America while working to become financially independent

What? I would be financially euphoric with Harry's trust fund! I would have gleefully accepted the country "house", done as I was told and joined Charles's environmental and architectural interests. Harry married the wrong American! Ha!
Liver Bird said…
"Who takes care of them until they do achieve financial independence?"

Well, according to the Meghanistas she's worth 5 million and while Harry's personal wealth is speculative, it's certainly over 10 million. So by most people's standards they'd be not only 'financially independent' but very wealthy. But will it be enough for Meghan?

Obviously they are going to cream off their 'foundation', that's if they get anyone to contribute to it now that they are no longer senior royals. This was her plan all along. She'll do fine. But Harry will not. Other than his few years in the army, he has known nothing but royal life. Los Angeles or Toronto might be fun for a few weeks, but for the rest of his life?
none said…
@Twinsmama "a way of leaving before they are officially banished and exiled." Agree.
Lady Luvgood said…
We can look at Wallis for guidance here, no HRH for Meggy, Harry keeps his title as he was born to it.
I called it way back when they were banished from KP
Glow W said…
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen, it is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, The Comminwealfh, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.

We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
jathomps said…
I wonder if she even really saw Doria for Christmas. I suspect not!
Humor Me said…
New bomb drop on the Mirror. Harkles stepping back.......
Fairy Crocodile said…
Royal family is paying them off. Lets see how much and what perks they would keep. HRH will stay, she will fight to death to keep it. Shame.

But I am nearly 100% sure they will never represent UK officially anywhere.
Liver Bird said…
"Do you think that they will be allowed to keep the royal titles?"

Almost certainly, yes. Andrew, despite his recent disgrace and demotion, still holds the title of HRH the Duke of York. Edward remained HRH the Duke of Windsor after the abdication. Their titles are their 'birthright'. Only something major would mean they could be removed. Unless of course Meghan WANTS them to be removed in order to facilitate merching?
Glow W said…
Now Canada House visit is shown on Royal Family IG

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EACG7HZ75/?igshid=1sbb2zac6pwdo
ReallyDonna said…
So, let me get this straight:

The Sussi take a 6 week all expenses paid international trip to a mega mansion through the holidays.

And then they come back to their job, and QUIT!

Oh, okay, I fantasize this every time I come back from my Hawaiian vacations. But, you know, I have responsibilities, which already include my financial independence.

What are these two smoking?
abbyh said…

I don't know that they will let him keep the title when they take hers EarthBoundMisfit. Keeping it would allow the Royal in Royal Sussex to remain. Yanking it too lops them off at the knees.

JLC said…
@Liver Bird

Your point about merching is interesting. Perhaps the palace will put something in writing that should she wish to do this she has to relinquish her title?!
Shaggy said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
KCM1212 said…
@reallydonna

"If you're not at the dinner, you're on the menu."

LOL!
NeutralObserver said…
@hikari:

"A wily statistician (think the Marquise de Mertuil in Dangerous Liasions--also a malignant narcissist) would be impeccable in her grooming and public manners; she'd speak well and would ingratiate herself 'in friendship' to all the power players in her current family. She'd play a long game that lasted for years without letting slip her intentions."

A very perceptive comment Hikari. I think we can all agree that in terms of ability to be a nasty person effectively, Ghislaine Maxwell beats Meghan hands down.

@Miggy, The video you linked to is scary. This lady is sitting on some serious rage. She should have a label that says 'don't try this at home.'
Glow W said…
I do think it is possible they will keep HRH. Their statement mentions the queen and monarchy several times and..... Andrew.

I can’t wait to read all the analysis from the royal reporters. Going to look. Please add links to stories and commentaries from media, thank you
MustySyphone said…
These two have nothing of value and no talent. The Palace should make it perfectly clear that these two will no longer be rubbing elbows or have an "in' with BRF et al. With no connections they have no value and their foundation will tank. Sure they'll make the talk show rounds (how unroyal of them) and give some $$ print interviews but the excitement will die down pretty quickly and they have no value without the BRF and no talent to sustain them. UK will be up in arms if taxpayers are asked to continue any funding of any kind to these two. Security should now become private not public funded (wheew! millions saved to the municipal police fund).

Hey Megsy: when the gods want to punish you, they grant your wishes!
Artemisia19 said…
Anybody catch the news? They are stepping back.
Glow W said…
@sandie I agree with your assessment
Lady Luvgood said…
Don’t forget the Garden Party when Meggy flounced in and was quickly bounced, hilarious when her simper turned to shock.
I knew HMTQ and Chaz would not let her tumble their thrones, as for the Russian cousins George could have saved them, he adamantly did not, as he was afraid giving refuge to his cousin and his family would put the Windsor’s in the same position as the Romanovs and their throne would be lost just as all the other thrones toppled in Europe before WWI.
If they could be so ruthless to their cousin and his family of young children, why would Meggy think she had a prayer?
Dallas Alice said…
Jesus...Meghan is like human napalm. She found a wealthy moron to put one over on and is going scorched earth on him. I’m literally wringing my hands with anticipation.
Well I’m chuffed about the news, but I think their statement is a tad ambiguous.

‘'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 

'We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
'We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.’

They intend to still honour their duty to the Queen and their patronage’s, surely if this is their intention, they are still half in royals? It says nothing of their titles, surely they should lose those along with the style HRH? Who’s paying for what until they are financially independent? Who gets to decide when they are financially independent, because they have millions now. I’ll await more information before I get my party pants on.
Louise said…
" "STARTING" to carve out a progressive new role within this institution"? Besides throwing shade at the Queen and heirs, this tells me that they are not leaving very soon and that they will continue to milk their Royal status for all it is worth.

How do they intend to become financially independent through a "charitable" organization? I suppose they think that if they slowly step away that the media and others won't be watching them as closely.
KCM1212 said…
I see Harry in a few years time: comb over, tatty old dinner jacket, hanging on by attending dinner parties as "the prince" somewhere in Saskatchewan.

Madame has become the Eurotrash's discarded plaything, living in a drab apartment in Marseilles.

Archie speaks to neither.

Bravura said…
I'm pretty sure the Queen will revoke HRM title as she did with Fergie and Diana. Harry will be a prince as he's a blood prince. The question now begs if he will continue to be the Duke of Sussex and Earl of Dumbarton, or will those be revoked as well.
Liver Bird said…
"Your point about merching is interesting. Perhaps the palace will put something in writing that should she wish to do this she has to relinquish her title?!"

I don't know if she can. Her title is hers by virtue of marriage to Harry. So long as he remains Duke of Sussex, she will remain Duchess of Sussex.

But who knows? This is kind of unprecedented. Other royals have stepped down before of course, but not so that they could monetise their titles. I think this was Meghan's plan all along. Get herself established as a royal to build up fame and then rid herself of all the restrictions as soon as she thinks she's able. Like I say, I think she'll do fine but Harry will not.
hardyboys said…
Do their royal titles even mean anything anymore given that the branding of the BRF has just plummeted so low. Someone here said that the success of the BRF depends on the goodwill of the British Public so in other words the public has to accept them otherwise they will or could meet the same fate as the Imperial Family in Russia. I feel like their titles mean nothing to me anymore. I wouldn't curtsey, I couldn't care if they are dripping in diamonds and white gloves with a silly black purse...they have really devalued their stock
Louise said…
Raspberry Ruffle: Agree. I asked the same questions higher up in the thread. "Financially independent" is pretty nebulous.
JLC said…
@Raspberry Ruffle

Their statement definitely seems to have been written by Megs. Surely something this important would warrant input from the queen, so that the "correct" information is presented from the outset??
Bravura said…
HRH* not HRM title for Markle. Excuse my error.
Glow W said…
So they are going to split their time presumably between Frogmore Cottage and Canada? Is anyone else getting this?

How will that work when Archie gets in school?


We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, The Comminwealfh, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.
Animal Lover said…
First time poster, long time lurker. This move by the Sussexes is truly surprising even though there's been speculation it could happen. Two questions, will they keep their Sussex titles and were they pushed or did they jump?

Also, I enjoy Tatty's comments. She explained she was a supporter of Harry but not so much his wife due to her behavior and attitude. You don't have to hate Meghan with a red hot passion to hold an unfavorable opinion of her and be puzzled by her actions.
Liver Bird said…
"I'm pretty sure the Queen will revoke HRM title as she did with Fergie and Diana."

Completely different. They were divorced and no longer part of the royal family. Meghan is, at least until the divorce which is almost inevitable.
octobergirl said…
Sounds like they want their cake and to eat it , too. They're nothing without their royal status especially in North America.
Louise said…
I wonder why the Palace was still denying this a few hours ago. I guess that they are as surprised as everyone else.
Glow W said…
@animal lover thank you for your support

@october girl yes, I feel like instead of Charles setting them up on a farm in Wales, he is going to set them up in Canada and they will be— what do you call it— bi continental??
Liver Bird said…
@Raspberry ruffle

"They intend to still honour their duty to the Queen and their patronage’s, surely if this is their intention, they are still half in royals? It says nothing of their titles, surely they should lose those along with the style HRH? Who’s paying for what until they are financially independent?"

I take it they will be like the York girls - full members of the royal family with HRH and other titles, but not 'working' royals and therefore responsible for their own expenses.
KayeC said…
@octobergirl, I agree with your statement.

Looking at DM comments, Frogmore renovation is being mentioned a lot.
Liver Bird said…
@tatty

"So they are going to split their time presumably between Frogmore Cottage and Canada? Is anyone else getting this?"

My guess is that they'll be based in Canada but will make the occasional visit to GB for major family events.

"How will that work when Archie gets in school?"

They'll pobably be divorced by then so it would depend on who has custody.
Princess Mrs. B said…
I doubt that will be stripped of their HRH. Harry was born with it, unlike Fergie and Diana who acquired it upon marriage, and a wife takes the title and style of her husband.
MustySyphone said…
Split time between UK and North America. she still is pushing for LA/NYC! I'll believe their crap when Harry and Archie abdicate their positions in the line of succession .
@Liver Bird, ‘"Do you think that they will be allowed to keep the royal titles?"

Almost certainly, yes. Andrew, despite his recent disgrace and demotion, still holds the title of HRH the Duke of York. Edward remained HRH the Duke of Windsor after the abdication. Their titles are their 'birthright'. Only something major would mean they could be removed. Unless of course Meghan WANTS them to be removed in order to facilitate merching?

I concur, I can’t see them losing the titles either, but honestly, the style HRH should go, but I don’t think it will unless Meghan goes to town with her merching and it gets revoked that way later on. I can’t honestly see Meghan liking it long term being a non senior royal, she’ll lose her cache. She’ll be okay for a while, then she’ll tire and grow bored with that, divorce beckons methinks.
Louise said…
The Royal Family is no longer a big thing in Canada. We enjoy the occasional Royal visit, but otherwise they will be pretty much "left alone",i.e., ignored.

She thinks that this is what she wants, until it actually happens. She might be "world famous" in Toronto, where they like that sort of thing, but otherwise she will be an ordinary person.
Glow W said…
@liver Bird, yes, until we know more, I think they set themselves on the level of the York sisters. It gives them the HRH and the titles, but allows them freedom.

Charles is sitting on a shit ton of money, so I agree with whoever said they are likely going to get some kind of possibly structured payout to do this.

It makes sense if you think about it. Charles has always been on about streamlining and reducing the monarchy. That other European king (name escapes me) just did this with his other heirs and said he was giving them freedom. IIRC

The focus is indeed William, Catherine, George, Charlotte and Louis. They come first.

none said…
Splitting their time between Canada and the UK....to raise Archie with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born.

Translation Harry and Archie will be in the UK and MM in Canada. I really think this is the exit strategy for her from the BRF. Eventually they will divorce.
Fairy Crocodile said…
Can you see how she is dominating him? He always resented the royal duty despite smart palace manipulators built his image as one of the most popular royals. Now she feeds his insecurities and his desire to play his own violin. He knows nothing, can do nothing, not well educated, not trained. He will have to rely on her.

She is behind the statement, you can read the poor language and words salad. She is trying to preempt the Palace announcement.

Harry will find it extremely difficult to be cut from the royal boob. He is 35 and still immature.

Button said…
Looks like The Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William had a chinwag. I think they have been forced out. I think this was in play before The Harkles went on their walkabout who knows where. Finally. Game, set and match. Interestingly I wonder how long it will be before Harry returns, if he even accompanies Megatron at all on the way out the back door.
brown-eyed said…
I think it’s the boot and they are trying to pressure BP with the press release. Amazing.
Glow W said…
@holly why wouldn’t they just announce a separation then?
Artemisia19 said…
I'm actually a bit stunned.
Hikari said…
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent" . . .from SussexRoyal

*********

Unlike her other postings, I'm sure this statement was crafted at the direction of BP staff.

Let us run this through the 'Chas-olator' to Plain English translator, shall we?

"We have been a right royal pain in the arse to Her Majesty the Queen for the last two years, and during that time, we have been subjected to many 'internal' discussions (reamings) about our behavior. Granny and Pa are absolutely Fed Up and aren't Having It any more. We were informed late last night at an emergency 'discussion' that our services as senior royals are no longer required. The money's been cut off as well, so we will be listing our stuff on eBay to allow us to fly a discount airline with the plebes back to Toronto, where we will throw ourselves on the mercy of Markus. Haz will learn bar work and the former Duchess will merch the finest in chambermaids' uniforms. In exchange, Markus is allowing us to stay in a disused storage room which will also double as our Sussex Foundation offices. We hope you will think of us when deciding what to do with your spare change."
PaisleyGirl said…
I think the Harkles were fired by the Queen and are now hurriedly presenting this decision on their IG as if it were their own decision. The fact that they don't use HRH in their message says to me that the title has either already been taken away or they are unsure whether they can still use it. Very interesting developments...
Bravura said…
Sorry if my comment was confusing. I meant to say that I wonder if Markle will be stripped of HRH title. Harry will not as he's a prince of the blood. I also doubt he will be stripped of his Duke and Earl titles but who knows. It happened back in 1915 when two were stripped of their Prince of the UK, Baron, Earl, and Duke titles but I suspect the whole German thing had a good part in that decision.

I am not sure if divorce will come into play with the titles. If the rumors are correct that they were fired but, optics wise, they are going with "stepping down" bit, then it will be interesting to see if Megan gets her title.

I know for damn sure that you cannot be a US citizen with a title. You have to relinquish all titles to become citizens. My mum had to when she came over here (she's technically a "Lady," but that had to be denounced when she became a formal citizen). So if they want to play their cards correctly in the States, they need to figure out what they really want to do. Just my thoughts and observation though.
Dallas Alice said…
Spat out my seltzer, Hikari. Love it!!!! I needed a good laugh.
CookieShark said…
Harry is isolated.
And this isn't a good move. Now they don't have the Royal connection they once did. I predict more merching and living in Southern California.

She has destroyed them as predicted.
Liver Bird said…
The fans are spinning this with the usual "evil Britihs press" forced them out line. Well, do they think the British press are going to stop being interested in them now? In fact, surely if they no longer have the prestige and protection of being senior royals, it will only get worse? And as I've said many times before, in fact the British press is much deferential to the royals than the foreign press is.
Glow W said…
DM is breaking down their money and they have plenty of money if this is true. It says they will lose 2 million of many millions a year.
CatEyes said…
I knew it was going to happen no matter what trolls here said Meghan was supporting the Queen.

Glow W said…
I don’t think US is an option. I think it’s Canada. But, yes, I assume this does mean she won’t be getting English citizenship.
SwampWoman said…
Well, Nutty, you were right. My take, FWIW, is that this is in no way voluntary (see their absence over the holidays). They were kicked to the curb and invited to not let the door hit them in the a** on the way out.

And Skippy was right, too.
JLC said…
Out of curiosity I checked Toronto Paper's Twitter - they said this as the news broke:

"Darling, remember the garden party? Couldn't fool the future king! This time it's bigger. It's over!"
Liver Bird said…
"Sorry if my comment was confusing. I meant to say that I wonder if Markle will be stripped of HRH title. Harry will not as he's a prince of the blood. I also doubt he will be stripped of his Duke and Earl titles but who knows."

Once again: So long as Meghan remains the wife of an HRH, she will also be HRH. You can't just 'strip' titles like that. Harry also will not be 'stripped' of his royal titles. That requires an act of parliament and some major transgression. Not going to happen.

"I know for damn sure that you cannot be a US citizen with a title"

That's obviously not true though, since Meghan is an American citizen with royal titles, as was Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. Grace Kelly was Princess of Monaco and retained her American citizenship.
Sandie said…
This is their deal (from their website I think):

1. They will still have 24/7 protection, paid for by the British taxpayer, no matter where they are (overseas, this is going to be expensive, but I suspect senior royals may insist as Diane had rejected RPOs and a lot of people said that the accident would not have happened if she kept them, but granny and papa are rich, very rich, so they should pay, not the British public ... just saying!).
2. They are giving up funding from the Sovereign Grant, but that only covers 5% of their costs (the other 95% comes from the Duchy of Cornwall, through Charles ... I guess moving to financial independence means that they know they will lose this allowance when William becomes Prince of Wales).
3. They are going to keep Frogmore, as long as the Queen allows them to (what comes across is there is no lease agreement, as Andrew and Edward have for their residences on the Windsor Estate, so a freebie that they are going to keep).

Anyone who picked up something I missed?
Hikari said…
@Button,

>>>Looks like The Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William had a chinwag. I think they have been forced out. I think this was in play before The Harkles went on their walkabout who knows where. Finally. Game, set and match. Interestingly I wonder how long it will be before Harry returns, if he even accompanies Megatron at all on the way out the back door.<<<

I suppose a separation of this magnitude has been months in the making. While the Sussexes were 'away', it was finalized with the PTB. They were banished from Christmas and told to go elsewhere and lay low. Whether 'elsewhere' was actually in North America is open to conjecture.

So what was yesterday for? The Sussexes going out with a great big flaming 'FU, Granny . . see how much people love us and want to take our pictures?"

Now I understand why Haz looked so stressed out and awful . . .he knew Damocles' sword was hanging over his head. She was as manic as usual. Whatever she was on wore off for today because she was very subdued at the NT. Still defiantly merching to the very last, though.

I predict very rocky times ahead for Harry. Meghan can always return to her former lucrative earner, provided she can find some yachting sugar daddies with a taste for geriatric yacht girls.

I honestly don't think that Archie is part of the picture and they've never had custody of him. Over on Skippy, if you scroll down a ways, there is a post debunking the authenticity of the Canada photo by showing exactly what Photoshopping tricks have been employed. Pretty convincing. That photo and the egocentric display yesterday might have been the very last straw.
Fedde said…
@Liverbird
I think they meant the other way around? As in, Harry becoming an American citizen and therefore has to relinquish his titles.
SirStinxAlot said…
They Quit the royals??
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7866007/Harry-Meghan-step-senior-royals-financially-independent.html?ito=social-facebook&fbclid=IwAR0hYj8LM20An_wp9aEcgo1HxAoB1L7YtPklllNzfMcEZL9rRSv6dLGPj18&fbclid=IwAR1osFR7MeECMpaDPxOkq1jXtE3McwuFKi3MvXwxZod6SITwKckkLXkBAOk
Liver Bird said…
So maybe those stories of her spending her 'family time' schmoozing with possible 'sponsors' in Los Angles are true? Maybe she found someone prepared to offer her a merching or some other deal and decided she was now ready to cut the royals loose? And idiot Harry went along with it?

He's going to come to regret this for the rest of his life.
Longview said…
I think they have secretly separated, and the cover story about splitting their time between two countries, is to explain why she will be spotted in the USA/Canada, and why he will be spotted in the UK from time to time.

If HM and Prince Charles have any sense whatsoever, they will remove the HRH and Sussex titles, until such time as the inevitable divorce goes through. After that, Harry can quietly resume being known as HRH.

Harry looked sick and pissed off yesterday at Canada House, and she looked very nervous and was sweating and over acting. Now we know why.

And her parting shot? Announcing at at 7pm here in the UK, so it blows Catherine off the front pages for her birthday here tomorrow morning. Once a b**ch, always a b**ch.
KayeC said…
Does anyone think the press will start printing stories about her supposed history of yachting?
NeutralObserver said…
Megs will most likely be fine, unless she's so psycho that she blows up behind the scenes on whatever talk show, merching gig, etc. she gets post royalty, & nobody will work with her. America's big economy supports lots of famous people with limited talents quite nicely. Kathie Lee Gifford's name pops up to mind. She had a pretty lucrative & successful career as a modestly talented nothing burger (Apologies to Kathie Lee fans, JMO.) I've heard that she's actually a fairly normal person in private life. This from a friend whose child was in a swim club with Kathie Lee's kid. She was nice, wore no make up & didn't undermine other parent's children, so probably likable. Hobbling other children is a done thing here among us US strivers. A child who wins swimming medals might get into Yale. You see all kinds of nasty parental behavior related to children's sports efforts. If Megs wants Archie to have an American upbringing, she'll be a perfect Mommy Dearest. Laurie Laughlin & Felicity Huffman will have finished their prison sentences long before Archie applies to college, but maybe Megs can reach out to them on what they did wrong in their bribery schemes. Megs will probably have to use nastiness to hang on to fame & fortune, Harvey Weinstein style, 'If you don't let me have or do x, I'll tell the press z about you.'

Harry will be like a zoo raised animal released into the wilds here in the US. If the RF love him at all, they will try to pry him loose from Megs. It's usually best to let people make their own decisions, but Harry on his own in the US with Megs doesn't sound healthy for him.
SirStinxAlot said…
And they refer to him as " Prince Archie" . Did I miss the announcement??
none said…
@tatty...it's all about the optics. Agreements have been made and it's being slow rolled out for public consumption. It's done.
Liver Bird said…
"I think they meant the other way around? As in, Harry becoming an American citizen and therefore has to relinquish his titles."

Why would he become an American citizen if they're living in Canada? Or even in Los Angeles?
CatEyes said…
I think 'H' and 'MM' are going to knock on @tatty's door if they have a penny for a bus ride to the next freight ship out of the UK. She might have to try yachting on the freighter, that is if any sailor wants an aging ugly woman with 'over-used female body parts'. Couldn't stop laughing at the news!!!! Guess Sunshine Sachs got the sack which is why the new company couldn't get any good new PR out (since there isn't any, just the horrible truth).

Wowsier...guess Hollywood won't be calling anytime soon, at least not with any plum roles for Megster and Ophra will walk away from that Harry documentary as fast as a California wildfire.
JLC said…
@KayeC

I was thinking this! No longer under the protection of BP etc. I think there is a chance.
Glow W said…
Here are royal reporter comments on twitter:

Dickie Arbiter: I’m sorry and disappointed by their decision.

Chris Ship: how do they become financially independent? What happens to the Sussex foundation? Does Meghan go back to acting? Does Harry give up his place in the line of succession? Basically, too many questions.

Richard Palmer: was trying to figure out why yesterday’s visit wasn’t in court circular and then said the palace press offices aren’t answering journalists calls today (before announcement). Then just gave the news that they are stepping back and will split time between U.K. and North America

Gert’s Royals: nothing yet

Richard Eden: what a scoop this turned out to be (reference dan Wooton). What is it about American divorces and The BRF? In the space of a few months, the queen had sacked her second son and her grandson quit, who is next?

Dan Wooton: prince Harry and Meghan planning a move to Canada for a significant portion of the year. I’ll have many mire world exclusive details of this royal bombshell tomorrow in the sun

Nutty Flavor said…
The DM is referring to “Prince Archie”. Strange. He’s not a prince - or is he?
Liver Bird said…
"1. They will still have 24/7 protection, paid for by the British taxpayer, no matter where they are (overseas, this is going to be expensive, but I suspect senior royals may insist as Diane had rejected RPOs and a lot of people said that the accident would not have happened if she kept them, but granny and papa are rich, very rich, so they should pay, not the British public ... just saying!)."

If that's true it really annoys me. Round the clock security is easily the biggest expense the royals incur and it's paid 100% by the British taxpayer. If they're no longer making a contribution (not that they ever really were but never mind) to British public life, why should this expense be covered by taxpayers? The York sisters don't get taxpayr funded security anymore so why shoudl they?
Miggy said…
Piers is fuming!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7866123/Piers-Morgan-accuses-Meghan-Markle-spitting-Prince-Harry-Royal-Family.html
Piroska said…
@Bravura Since my grandmother and several of my aunts on my faters side of the family were also redheads I believe that I can claim to be a true redhead - red hair is not at all unusual in my part of the UK however I am with you on the subject of the child Archie he is no redhead.
Fairy Crocodile said…
It is very un Christian and I am embarrassed about it BUT I now want Harry to feel what it means to make decisions and take full responsibility for them. He will not be able to face it regardless of his millions just like his mother couldn't when the royal machine was no longer operating for her.

They will divorce and she will suck him empty. He already looks lost.
JLC said…
He isn't a Prince, and doesn't have a title. He could only use a title when Charles becomes King as far as I know...
FrenchieLiv said…
1/ @Louise : I'm with you ! I think the Palace was made aware few hours ago after it denies about their move to Canada while harry's friend was explaining how they feel sidelined.

2/ Do you remember this blind gossip : https://blindgossip.com/bring-me-my-numbers/
I have checked the stats concerning @KensingtonPalace IG & @sussexroyal IG since a while (before that blind gossip).
Since the announcement they are to step back, @sussexroyal IG won 100 000 followers.
MM knew that she would in the position to pass @KensingtonPalace IG by February because of their stunning announcement and their upcoming news.

3/ Pity party II starts now : in the next few hours and days, we'll see a number of A+ list who will explain us :
- they're brave to step back,
- MM has been bullied from day one,
- British people & tabloids are racists...
Glow W said…
Omid tweeted that prince Harry will host the rugby league at Buckingham Palace on January 16.
luxem said…
How funny that two eco-warriors would be OK with the carbon footprint required to live on two continents. An Australian actress in the States is giving up her US citizenship for that very reason and will reside permanently in Australia. Not only that, but wouldn't they rather live in Africa - a continent Haz claims he loves, a place where they said they wanted to focus on "conservation issues" and a place where Archie could connect with his mother's heritage, which is so very important to her? These two are incredibly good at bad optics!
Glow W said…
@sandiwe, yes, as of right now it seems they will be royals in Canada and will only have to give up 2 million dollars a year,
Hikari said…
@tatty,

>>>DM is breaking down their money and they have plenty of money if this is true. It says they will lose 2 million of many millions a year.<<<

2 million pounds from the Sovereign Grant might be a relative drop in the bucket, but what if Charles cuts them off from the Duchy funding as well? That fund is for the Prince of Wales to support his family members--*at his discretion*--I don't think it's constitutionally required for Charles to support his non-working waster of a son and his spendthrift non-British wife out of those funds.

Maybe Charles has finally grown a steel pair and said 'No mas'. Harry's behavior, along with Meghan, tarnishes the whole family, but Charles is getting the brunt for being the one supposed to bring his kid and his kid's wife to heel. Money is the only way to do this, since appealing to decorum, decency, duty and affection have failed.

Harry will still have his trust fund from Diana, a sizeable sum. But how long do you suppose it will take for them to blow through his money ..40 million pounds, is it? . .the way she spends? If he invests in even one piece of property and some flash cars, that's going to put a serious dent in it. Then, there's her expensive taste in designer clothing and jewelry. I bet she could drop 2 million pounds in a week if she put her mind to it. I doubt they will be living large on Duchy funds until William is King--that might be 20 years in the future. I think the penalties are going to be much more immediate.
Longview said…


Have just checked SussexRoyal on Instagram. There is a reference at the bottom of the post saying "For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio)".

Checked and it is a parked site, when you click on it says bad gateway.

I hope Mucky is prevented from running a website around the name Sussex Royal, and using it to merch and exploit the RF and the title (if they RF is silly enough to allow her to keep the title).
Glow W said…
@sirstinx and @nutty yes why did DM make a point to call him Prince Archie?
Piroska said…
Has anyone else noted the comment elsewhere I think maybe Charlaton Duchess that in photographs of the visit to the National Theatre she seemed not to be wearing her wedding and engagement rings?
none said…
Prince Archie...Interesting. Is this signaling that the BRF has claimed him?
Button said…
The Palaces` hand is in the wording re: spend time half in the UK and half abroad. Translation=Hazzard will stay in the UK and Megatron will be elsewhere. Megatron probably was forced to sign an NDA, which though not worth the paper they are written on, would still be enough to make her shut her gob. They were at CH yesterday to put feelers out if Canada was willing to take them on. Or maybe Megatron had to renew her visa. Not sure what will happen to the wee baby Archie. Have a feeling that a separate announcement regarding him will be put forth.
Glow W said…
@hikari yes she seems to enjoy spending money.
Rut said…
This is a win situation for Meghan. She can return to all her friends in Canada with the title "the Duchess", she still has Frogmore and she will get a new home in Canada. She can choose attend only the fun and BIG important "things" in the royal family, like dressing up for standing on a balcony on Trooping the colours, weddings and sadly also funerals. She can have the cake and eat it. Its like her job in Suit ended so she had to get away for a while to "find some founding" so she could keep being in that "Mulroney/Trudeau"-circle of friends. Its not cheap dining out, travelling and dressing nice. So she went away for a year and married Harry and very quickly had his child and now she is back in Canada again. Richer and with a title and a prince. Well played. What Meghan wants Meghan grts
Glow W said…
@rut, yes that seems on point.
JLC said…
The main picture the DM has used of Meg, Harry and Archie is the one where she is giving the bird - something Harry has been doing to the press for a bit now.
Fairy Crocodile said…
Rut
Title or no title she is nobody without the full access to the royal family. She has diminished value to the hypocrites of Hollywood or the whole world. She was not successful as an embassy employee, she was a z-list actress, she failed as humanitarian and now she failed as a royal. She is toxic and she will only get those who need her money from now on.
Glow W said…
Now she gets two houses.

Her social climbing in record time is something to behold. Mad skills.
JLC said…
@Fairy Crocodile

I agree. It's like the Wicked Witch of the West, soon all that will be left is a pair of scuffed, oversized stilettos. I hope anyway.
KitKatKisses said…
Too many great comments to quote everyone.

My first impression: They want to have their cake and eat it too. They aren't going to be "senior royals", so they no longer have to endure being told what to do, and can do their own thing. This is a big FU to the people of Great Britain and the RF and they know it. So to make up for that, they aren't going to take *as much* taxpayer money...they are setting up a "charitable foundation" which in reality will be The Clinton Foundation 2.0., in other words "pay for play" and skimming 95% of the donations for "expenses."

IMO, this has *always* been Meghan's endgame.

So many comments about how could she get her wardrobe and manners so wrong?

Easy, she did it on purpose, but always subtly..."look Harry, how mean everyone is to
Me."

Second impression: The insta announcement was to pre-empt the truth. Maybe she even negotiated that they could break the news.
Spin and more spin.

Other thoughts:
Archie has never been referred to Prince Archie before,
I think the BRF has proof Archie is not hers or that she faked the pregnancy.
People will be rightfully angry about the expense of Frogmore.
She was saying goodbye to Grenfall Kitchen and the National Theater. I don't think we will see her back in the U.K. once she leaves again.

I think their titles must absolutely be stripped, in order to cut off their ability to monetize them.
xxxxx said…
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7866007/Harry-Meghan-step-senior-royals-financially-independent.html
Main treatment in the UK Mail has lots of the financial breakdown. Harry seems to get 2 million per year. They can live on this while trying to get their Sussex Foundation off the ground. This foundation will not be a success.

They can live in Canada most of the year and come to the UK sporadically to perform some Royal duties while living at Froggies Moor. In Canada, Meghan will be thousands of miles away from Royal scrutiny and discipline so maybe she can really get her merching and foundation efforts off the ground. Vancouver area is ideal because it is close to Hollywood and Los Angeles. While 4,715 miles from London, England. Vancouver is 1,078 miles from Los Angeles.

Charles and Queen will continue to pay the Harry allowance/2 million per year. Of course H&M will keep their Royal titles. They need them for merching and their foundation. To a certain extent their arrangement will continue same as before...But they will live in Canada for most of the year. And how can Charles deny them this, when it is for their mental health? And of course the race card will be pulled out every few months, as why they could not continue living in the UK.

Also expect one or two Commonwealth tours per year. This will be the main Royal duties they perform. In Canada Meghan will be keeping busy with her money making efforts.... But what the heck will Harry to with all that time on his hands?
Glow W said…
It will be interesting to read what Dan Wooton has for tomorrow
Hikari said…
@Longview,

>>>And her parting shot? Announcing at at 7pm here in the UK, so it blows Catherine off the front pages for her birthday here tomorrow morning. Once a b**ch, always a b**ch.<<<

Yes, but imagine the partying that is going to ensue chez Anmer Hall at this news! Kate will be too busy luxuriating in a fountain of Sugar Babies to care that her picture isn't in the papers for her birthday. This is the best news of her life barring her wedding and the birth of her children.
dunnoreally said…
Hallo

"I was having a squint at the photos and in one particular photo Hazzard seems to be very concerned with whomever he is looking at, and Megatron is looking in the same direction and there is fear there. Not sure why, but very odd".

Just a note from TwitterChat, Toronto Papers' tweets threatened attendance at Canada House yesterday.
As TP's taunting tweets are said to be directed specifically at MM, their having personal knowledge of each other, perhaps, just perhaps TP is real and not the wind up merchant some of us believe.

Maybe MM and PH saw that familiar, unexpected and unwelcome face in the small crowd of onlookers outside Canada House? That might explain their disquiet and his long face afterwards!
Glow W said…
The palace has issues a new statement,

Just says discussions are at an early stage. we understand their desire to take a different approach but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through
Animal Lover said…
What do they gain by "leaving" the Royal Family, not having to go to "boring" events that features the general public?
Do they have enough power and cachet to do fundraising on the level of other celebrities?
Meghan does bring the drama! If I recall Harry appeared to have a good working relationship with the Cambridge's and he was very popular with the British public. I wonder what Meghan's end game is? She appears to have a " my way or the highway attitude."
Hikari said…
" . . .Working toward financial independence" sounds to me as though the money from Dad might continue for a while but not indefinitely. I think they have been given a deadline to be financially independent.

Yes, good luck with Sussex Royal now. Nobody important is going to be taking their calls now.

Maybe the divorce is already in the pipeline, and the monies will cease for *Her* in that event. Harry may be allowed to return to London and resume his HRH and perks, but only after a cooling off period to allow his family to be less angry.
Shaggy said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
punkinseed said…
Meg's is too Narc to "champion" anything at all, let alone exposing something about herself that's not perfect. She'd have to fake empathy too much and her masks would fall off.
Her perfectionism NPD is so high that's probably a big reason why the shots of the baby are so sparse and convoluted. She doesn't want anyone to notice his eye. My friend had that and had to wear glasses to correct it starting when she was a baby.
NeutralObserver said…
I wouldn't get too excited about the terms of the Harkle departure described in the press. Could be true, could be hogwash. Whatever's out there probably comes from Megs. The royals like to keep schtum.

Credit to Nutty for gently putting out the head's up on the Harkle departure a bit early.
CookieShark said…
Forgive me, I don't remember who made the great comment about MM as a cockroach, scurrying away in the light, but this is the biggest scurry ever.
Ozmanda said…
And the news hit our media

https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/stepping-back-harry-and-meghans-bombshell-announcement/news-story/f6d3895967d8f6f42e719251765640bb

I think this is clearly them being turfed and this is a PR move to save face. I agree with previous comments that the "splitting time between UK and USA" is a excuse for the numerous times we see them live separately. There is definitely much more to this and we will see that come out more as time goes on.

Now just wait for a Goop style site by sparkles in her attempt to be a "brand"
@Catty said:

Her social climbing in record time is something to behold. Mad skills.

Ugh...actually Meghan doesn't have "Mad skills" She is just effing MAD, like in mad cow (which I thought started in the UK). Come to think of it it she is Mad and a Cow. bwaaa bwaaa haa haaa!
Liver Bird said…
"The palace has issues a new statement,

Just says discussions are at an early stage. we understand their desire to take a different approach but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through"

So basically they blindsided the palace.

Meghan - yes it was her not dumb Harry - issued her statement without consulting the people who have given her everything. So typical.
Button said…
Megatron may think she has it made but I think the reality will smack her right upside her face when she realises exactly what she has lost. Who wants to be around her? A toxic woman who caused a rift in the Royal Family? She will be another Duchess of Windsor, who, by the way was never made HRH. But then Megatron has no conscience. She will just be in it for the dosh, which I don't think will be all that much. Especially if she does not have the wee baby.
FrenchieLiv said…
@Rut : this is what she sees now BUT she also wants to be a celebrity, a philanthropist. She will be paid for each speech she'll give, for each clothing/jewelry Archie or her will wear, she will merch ruthless until people get tired of her because that won't last. It will vanish as it came.
Glow W said…
Article with analysis from Jonny Dymone royal correspondent

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51040751

Analysis in part

“Close up, it was painfully clear that there were great chunks of the job they simply could not stand.
Both of them appeared to come alive with the crowds. But Harry hated the cameras and was visibly bored by the ceremonial.
And though Meghan was often the consummate professional, at times her impatience with the everyday slog of the role sometimes broke through.
She said she didn't want to become a voiceless figurehead; but when she raised her voice, she found criticism waiting for her.
They both made their feelings known in the 2019 interview with ITV's Tom Bradby.
But beyond the detail, what was so shocking was how unhappy they both seemed. The sun-drenched wedding of the year before seemed like a dream; here were two people visibly struggling with their lives and positions.
There are far more questions than answers; what will their new role be? Where will they live, and who will pay for it? What relationship will they have with the rest of the Royal Family?
And there's the institutional question. What does this mean for the Royal Family?
It comes just a few months after Prince Andrew stepped back from his duties. Some might see this as the slimmed-down monarchy that the 21st century needs.
But Harry and Meghan reached people that other royals didn't.
They were part of the reinvention and refreshing of the institution. This was not the way anyone would have planned its future.
Presentational grey line
Former Buckingham Palace press officer Dickie Arbiter suggested the decision showed Prince Harry's "heart ruling his head".
He told the BBC the "massive press onslaught" when their son Archie was born may have played a part in the decision.
And he compared the move to Edward VIII's abdication in 1936 in order to marry twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson.
"That is the only other precedent, but there's been nothing like this in modern times," Mr Arbiter said.
Liver Bird said…
@Unknown

Yeah, I don't see she has 'mad skills'. Look at the idiot man-child she bagged. Hardly a savvy tech billionaire. She's just a grifter who got lucky.
Well, they certainly have some answers at the ready... https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-address-every-question-about-bombshell-announcement-see-them-all/. After reading this, I don't see how PH climbs down from this. Maybe this is her plan, to keep the poor soul trapped.

But... this announcement just doesn't "feel" right. Smells like MM jumped the gun with releasing the Big News, surprising everyone over at BP, CH and KP, HMTQ and even PH. I wonder if there were some phone calls made when they got home from Canada House last night, and neither MM nor PH liked what was said. So, Miss-Duchess got bent out of shape and decided to handle things her way and released the announcement, without giving respect to HMTQ and allowing her/BP to make the announcement. Sheesh. What a piece of work MM is. Good luck, Harry, you're going to NNNEEEEEDDD it!
Glow W said…
Snipped and continued
“BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said the couple have "considerable savings" including Harry's inheritance from Princess Diana's estate and the money Meghan earned as an actress.
But, asked over whether they might get jobs, he added: "There is a problem for members of the Royal Family - relatively senior ones, even if they say they're no longer senior - getting jobs, because they are seen to monetise their brand and you run into a whole host of questions about conflict of interest".
He added that we are now in "wait and see mode" as to whether this new model of being a royal can work - "or if this is really a staging post for them to leave the Royal Family".

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