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Open Post: The Sussex Announcement

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced that they are stepping down as senior Royals.

Supposedly the announcement, which was made on Instagram, went ahead without informing the Queen in advance.

There are already many comments discussing the Sussex announcement on the previous post, but let's continue the discussion here.

Comments

Shaggy said…
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Sarah said…
Fergie was popular in the US when she and Andrew divorced. She was initially able to land some lucrative deals; weight watchers, she wrote a book. None of that lasted very long. Even Edward VIII wrote a memoir to make money.
I don’t see Harry and Meg making much out of commercial activities. The interest isn’t there. One or both of them will write a book and then what? He can probably get paid to make appearances, but honestly, the money isn’t there to fund the lifestyle they want and they just burned bridges with their cash cow.
I won’t be shocked if charles and the Queen cut them off.
Glow W said…
“They have absolutely gone rogue”

https://mobile.twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1215019243399348224
NeutralObserver said…
We all knew those pics of her sweat stains would make her blow her stack! LOL.
Shaggy said…
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CatEyes said…
There needs to be a cartoon with Harry rowing a rowboat with Meg in the seat behind him with her in a skimpy bikini and him saying "I thought you used to yacht,you said you knew where we were going" and litte Archie in a backpack on Harry's back while Meg has a telescope looking toward the shore of Malibu with her saying, "If you were the firstborn we wouldn't be in this mess"!!
Ava C said…
I really can't see how they will get significant money from anywhere or anyone. Harry has very little to offer in terms of actual skills and recently he's been appalling at simple royal tasks such as turning up suitably dressed and managing to walk a straight line independently. No one turns up to work with a spouse clinging to them all the time. She looks so dreadful that only tacky pseudo-jewellers remain interested. If you were a dress designer would you want her to wear your creations? And as for shoes ...
Louise said…
Tatty: Regarding the quote from Dan Wooton, they will have no choice but to work on commercial deals immediately, because no one will be interested in them in a year or two.
Ozmanda said…

@Swampwoman - they played this so wrong. If Me Again and her dishcloth of a husband were smart they would have played the game properly, really get the support and adoration of the public and THEN pull this.; In the "Negotations" they could put pressure on the queen saying they are so popular they have to get what they want or they will withdraw and it will be embarrassing. With everything happening, the public are now just happy to see them go away.
KnitWit said…
We are concerned about Iran and Iraq in the US. News of middle launching Trump's ( ha, autocorrect, typed and meant trumps lower case.)

Speculating....if the queen took back the title " Duke of Sussex", forbid them from using " Sussex Royal" ? That would slow them down.

Where was Harry today? Visiting his grandfather should be a priority.

What on Earth would they produce on Netflix? Their documentary had dismal ratings. Maybe Meg could do a sex tips video. That could be enlightening or nauseating, but I would watch it.
Glow W said…
@louise yes I agree. This will be interesting. Watch that video at the link I posted about them going rogue.
Nutty Flavor said…
@Louise. Not only that, but within 18 months (assuming a regency) William will take over the Duchy of Cornwall and, presumably, the Sussex payouts. Will the Sussexes then come under BP and get Anne or Edward size paychecks?

@Unknown, check the BBC website for the official BP statement.
KayeC said…
Dinner done, first glass of wine down and caught up on the comments....whew....

@Nutty, CHEERS!! You called it, but did we imagine it would be only two weeks into the new year? Their website read like a list of demands when someone is being held hostage. I would've love to hear old PP's reaction to all of this!! He's a real corker!!

I cannot imagine how hurt the family is right now, and I posted this on the last thread, so sorry for repeat, but if her past is even half as shady as had been alluded to (CDAN) then I hope the gloves finally come off. As for PH, what the heck is he thinking!! I could never wrap my head around their relationship, didn't wish it ill will, but they never seemed happy. Hopefully I will be able to get some work done tomorrow, without sitting reading about this all day.....LOL...odds don't look to be in my favor!
KCM1212 said…
@humour me
Great video! The shade was delicious. But even after being told to stand back three times Markle (and Harry) barged ahead anyway!!
I've heard that the Sussexes gatecrashed that party to begin with.
I can see where they have been operating at cross purposes since the beginning
Animal Lover said…
The Mirror quotes an American PR person who states Meghan and Harry will make millions and will get any endorsement they want. My impression is that they are not that popular in the US and are a controversial couple in the UK. Does anyone know whey they are well thought of and celebrated elsewhere in the world?
Shaggy said…
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Royal Fan said…
OMG I’m having nightmares about being forced watch Meghan sell overpriced vitamin water on commercials with visible sweaty pits 😂😂😂
Bardsey said…
Did anyone hear see the daily Mail press review editors comments that there is an undisclosed reason for the rift but legally they cannot report on it? Apparently this was on live TV
Bardsey said…
Seems to me that they want that information. There’s definitely something we haven’t been told.
CatEyes said…
Or watching Harry shill for a conditioner that will grow hair.

Even Archie could plug a video that parents could use to make their 6 month old read by the time they are walking.
IEschew said…
My thoughts on 2 of their website’s funding points:

1. They’ll continue with royal duties “As called upon”:
Gives them a victim excuse and makes RF the bad guys when they completely drop out.

2. Income 95% “...derived from income allocated by the Prince of Wales”:
Puts the onus directly on Prince William for their long-term future. Again, they are setting it up so they can play victims.

I pray the Queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William remove their kid gloves at this provocation. I know the Twitterverse is phony, but I too dislike all the support the nonthinkers in the Twitterverse are throwing the Harkles’ way tonight.

She needs to be exposed for the fraud she really is. Stat.
Este said…
I think Piers Morgan nailed it in his initial tweet. She dropped her father, her family and now has alienated her husband from his family. It's stunning to me how much damage she's done in so little time but I think this will backfire on her. Her naked ambitions are being laid bare with this move. She's turned out to be quite the Lady Macbeth except there's no throne for her to seize, which makes this move quite stupid, at the end of the day. Her victory will be short lived and her celebrity friends will drop her like yesterday's news after she's outlived her usefulness. She no longer represents the access to royalty she once did. She's now become a divisive poison pill.
NeutralObserver said…
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Mischief Girl said…
I haven't made it through all the comments, so apologies if this is a repeat, but I would LOVE for Prince Charles to say to them "Allow me to show you financial independence" and then cut their greedy, ungrateful, unappreciative, disrespectful, rude, insulting, selfish rear ends out of the Duchy's financial plan.

I also think HMTQ needs to charge them rent wherever they stay in England. I've heard the York princesses pay rent, and I know the "lesser" Royals do, so then should the Sussexes.

These two need to pay for their Canadian residence themselves (or find a mutual sugar daddy who'll pay for them). Anyone know if Elton has a Canadian property?

If their announcement was truly posted without them telling Her Majesty, then I will lack words for how loathsome I find these two. Unacceptable behavior!
Shaggy said…
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NeutralObserver said…
@Ozmanda, @Swampwoman - 'they played this so wrong. If Me Again and her dishcloth of a husband were smart they would have played the game properly, really get the support and adoration of the public and THEN pull this.; In the "Negotations" they could put pressure on the queen saying they are so popular they have to get what they want or they will withdraw and it will be embarrassing. With everything happening, the public are now just happy to see them go away.'

That's what Megs thinks she's doing now. She thinks her paid bots actually mean she's a beloved global icon.
SDJ said…
@ rabbit said:
Markle and Harry are not interesting, intelligent, charismatic, nor do they have delightful personalities. They will never get a gigantic Netflix deal, maybe a minor deal.

Exactly!
The only interest in them is that they are ROYALTY. Take that away and all you have is a former royal and a materialistic woman who leverages her looks and is nearing her best-by date. Interest will wane and they will become more of a train-wreck curiosity.

MM would have been happiest being a Carrie Bradshaw marrying Mr. Big. She could indulge her every material whim, attend all the glitzy do's and divorce well. Marrying into royalty came with actual job requirements so it was too hard.
Glow W said…
@mischief I believe uncle Elton’s husband David has a Toronto property that supposedly is very private.
punkinseed said…
Piers Morgan re. the former Sussex statement about banning the UK media et al from access to them: "Even Putin wouldn't try to pull a stunt like this.
I fear they've both gone nuts." Gotta love Piers today. He's on twitter fire.
Duchy $ would be subject to US IRS taxes because she is still a citizen and any income, any income is taxable. That's why she's setting up this money laundering operation foundation. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? LOL.
Harry has betrayed his family. Even if they were not royals, he's full on betrayed his family. Imagine being part of a family owned business and one of the sons and his creepy grabby wife pulled a similar stunt like this? "Oh, we don't want to help or work with the biz anymore or very much, but we are still entitled to our share of the income..."
Does anyone know where all of this income is going to come from? Donations to their Foundation... ok... but who is going to donate enough millions to keep them afloat? It's like they are expecting the money to just happen, fall from the air into their bank account. Investing in air. Harry has really really gone off the rails on the crazy train. He doesn't get that a narcissist is never satisfied with anything and they never have enough money. I hope he manages to get away from her before all of his inheritance is blown.
KCM1212 said…
@mischief girl

I would LOVE for Prince Charles to say to them "Allow me to show you financial independence" and then cut their greedy, ungrateful, unappreciative, disrespectful, rude, insulting, selfish rear ends out of the Duchy's financial plan.

Ha! Please, make it so! I would celebrate for a solid month if this whole mess blows up in their faces, and the RF gets custody of Archie.

This feels like a showdown between good and evil. As Nutty said : it's Shakespearean!
Jen said…
So I learned about this announcement in one of the most bizarre places on FB. Wont mention where, but just know that it was on a Facebook page that I never thought would talk about this. So I started reading the comments, and the vast majority of them are obviously American citizens, and most of them are negative against this couple. There were several comments about "why should we care," some saying " well obviously she didn't know what she was getting into, so good luck to her and Harry and best wishes." 85% of the comments are so negative, I was laughing. So while the media here does not talk about this couple very much, people do know about them and don't like them.
Royal Fan said…
If there’s a reason for the rift that can’t be disclosed, it’s got to be related to Archie and the Queen wanting to protect the wee lad. That would be my guess anyway. She’s already made it clear he is a part of the family even if the dynamic duo go rogue. The Queen’s speech in retrospect makes me wonder if she knew they might go rogue. Did she have well placed spies and let everyone else be surprised?
Ozmanda said…
I have to say this is much needed entertainment, here in Oz we have being going through a really rough time with the fires. Where I live is so thick with smoke it is making my asthma almost unmanageable, added to that hearing about the losses and watching the fire fronts with bags packed ready to go has really put us all in a high state of anxiety.

So this drama is a nice distraction :)
punkinseed said…
SDJ, I disagree about Carrie Bradshaw and Mr Big. She did have a Mr Big in Trevor and later in Correy, but an NPD is never satisfied. They hop so many fences to get to the greener grass they circumnavigate the globe.
Can anyone imagine what it would be like to have Megs as a part of production on any sort of media project? OMG. Pure hell. Nothing is ever good enough for her and without her edits, which are as stupid and childish as her banana writing, and when you were to tell her, "NO. That's stupid!" she'd bash a tea pot over your head,
Sandie said…
Darn that tarot reader is good ... I remember her doing a reading before the South African tour and, well, she put it like this ... there is a press tsunami coming. The Harkles always have drama ... the documentary caused a huge stir (nope, she says, it is going to be much bigger ... you'll know) and so it went. So we are all saying to her now: Is this it? Yep.
Button said…
I had commented earlier in Nuttys` previous post, but I think the chitchat happened last evening after the CH debacle. I think they were already cut loose prior to their 6-8 week walkabout. Perhaps KP is putting out the statement that The Queen had no knowledge so The Crown has deniability and the bloody race card can't be played. Either way if William is in charge tandem with Charles then Megatron may have a bigger problem. I think if William had to choose between Hazzard and The Crown and his family he would drop Hazzard off at Victoria Station in a heartbeat. If The Queen does nothing and allows Megatron to keep her HRH then I fear the shit will really hit the fan with the British public. I also think this whole situation has been building steam for awhile and the wee baby most assuredly has something to do with this.
KitKatKisses said…
From
Unknown:

@danwootton
"Their statement has left the Queen “deeply upset” and Charles and William “incandescent with rage”, as it “was not cleared with anyone”. I’m told the recent portrait featuring the trio and Prince George was the final straw."

I'm quoting myself re the family heirs portrait since I just saw Wootton's tweet pasted above. Markle is desperate to publicly use this photo as an impetus for their decision to leave (especially when I believe they were forced out).
The photo was an historic heirs only composition! It did not include the wives nor PP - nor were the other Cambridge children portrayed in the photo.


You are 100% right. I am actually quite angry about this since they are in essence blaming William and Prince George. Sure, blame a 6 year old child who did not ask to be born into any of this. Nutty was right again; they ARE jealous of a child. SMH.
lizzie said…
@Animal Lover wrote "The Mirror quotes an American PR person who states Meghan and Harry will make millions and will get any endorsement they want. My impression is that they are not that popular in the US and are a controversial couple in the UK. Does anyone know whey they are well thought of and celebrated elsewhere in the world?"

While people do respect the Queen, I don't personally know anyone in my part of the US who cares anything about M&H.  Of course, I don't personally know anyone who cares about what the Kardashians do, say, or sell, nor do I know anyone interested in their usually pretty gross "physical reveals" either. So I'm probably not a good measure of American interest in trashy celebs and I don't know about other countries. I do know I'd avoid buying anything endorsed by H&M so I'm not sure what the American PR person is talking about. I wouldn't buy food, jewelry, cars, exercise equipment, or real estate from them. I certainly wouldn't buy clothes or invest based on their advice. What company would pay millions? Sure the PR person making the claim wasn't SS? :)
abbyh said…

Agreed that they are not all that popular in the states. No one I know follows them. People are too worried about other things than some people who are overseas and don't impact their daily life.

An American PR person thinks the H&M mess can rule the PR world in deals? Spoken like a PR person who has drunk the drink in hopes they get a slice of the profits. Well, I don't buy that.

First off, getting out of the family is not an easy thing as, well as the Palace has said, nothing has been finalized yet. They would have to hold the interest until free but who knows who might step into the fame lights that no one sees at the moment?

If the titles are pulled, then all the air is out of SussexRoyal and what limited interest in them that remains.

Sure a lot of celebs do commercials for product but they don't do them in their own country. They tend to go overseas (like Japan) unless it is something like dull like life insurance or they have dropped a tad in the lists of importance.

What a sh** show. When you start with nuclear, you'd better hope there are no survivors as you try to claim your winnings.

Sandie said…
@Mischief Girl: 'I also think HMTQ needs to charge them rent wherever they stay in England. I've heard the York princesses pay rent, and I know the "lesser" Royals do, so then should the Sussexes.'

Edward and Sophie are full-time working royals, yet they pay rent (in the form of a lease agreement) for their property on the Windsor Estate. So does Andrew, and he was a full-time working royal. How Meghan and Harry pulled off living rent-free on a Crown Estate is beyond me. Maybe the Queen or Charles pays the rent for them? The lease agreements for Edward and Andrew are public because they live on Crown property, not the personal property of the Queen. Amner Hall (the country home of the Cambridges) is at Sandringham, which is personal property of the Queen.
Mischief Girl said…
I'm working my way through the comments.

Does anyone have a link to a picture of MM without her wedding/engagement rings on today?

Thanks!
Jen said…
If they are voted off the island... I wonder if the county of Sussex would then have a bigger argument for prohibiting them from using the name Sussex to make money?
Glow W said…
“Meghan and Harry, you are finally free. Now come to Canada where you belong”: https://www.thestar.com/amp/entertainment/opinion/2020/01/08/harry-and-meghan-youre-finally-free-now-come-to-canada-where-you-belong.html?__twitter_impression=true
SwampWoman said…
Just as an FYI, most people in America have never heard of MM, do not care about PH, and the news in my neck of the woods has not covered her big quitting announcement. Maybe tomorrow.
Scandi Sanskrit said…
Guys I'm sorry if this has been posted already but please check out: Twitter.com/LozzaFox 😂😂😂😂😂

Hilarious.🤣

Personally I think they got cut off & tehyre saving face.
hardyboys said…
Just read the most irresponsible tweet from bette Midler saying they were bullied like diana and I hope she bankrupts them all. How disgusting and childish.
abbyh said…

Thanks Twinsmama

Nutty, start adding names to the list again or start a new one. Bette Midler
Louise said…
Tatty: I can't read the article as I already use up my one free article at the Toronto Star this month.

But the Toronto Star is the "woke" Canadian newspaper which sees racism everywhere and, in the past, has referred to Meghan's critics as cruel. As I wrote earlier, she might be popular in Toronto where being a celebrity is a "thing", but comments that I have read at other Canadian newspaper sites basically say that they don't care, as long as Canadians don't have to pay for anything.
Glow W said…

Chicago Tribune
@chicagotribune
“Northwestern graduate moving closer to home after spending time abroad“

https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-prince-harry-meghan-markle-royal-family-20200108-hhpjgzxoafg6tmgvnj6lgnxpfi-story.html?outputType=amp&__twitter_impression=true
Shaggy said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Glow W said…
@louise I’m just posting interesting things I find. I didn’t realize Toronto Star has a one article rule. Boo
If they go to Canada, I hope a vicious wolverine gets them and we never hear from them again. RIP Harkles, may you get a funeral as big and splashy as your wedding.
Jen said…
We can only hope Karma is quick to bite them in the a$$.
Shaggy said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
hardyboys said…
Just took a look at their childish inept website. She is asking questions and answering them which aren't what we really want to know. She drops her royal highness any chance she gets. She is such a freak. Omg this could have been so good for such plum opportunities wasted. Now she is just a vapid tabloid fodder. Samantha must be laughing all the way to the bank saying I told ya. I bet dorito is backing her saying good girl you did good. They are finished done like dinner
Tea Cup said…
Meghan Markle has treated "the family she never had" exactly like she treated the family she did have. Will Charles have the ovaries to tough love his idiot son? Probably not.
KCM1212 said…
@ozmanda....praying for Australia and her beautiful people. Please stay safe.
DesignDoctor said…
@Nutty Or Meg's shower pal Gayle King at CBS will get the interview.
Royal Fan said…
@unknown

@Bardsey posted somewhere above Re: Daily Mail press release that was apparently live stating there was a “rift that could not be reported”. They were asking for more specific details. I was merely speculating. My assumption was they meant rift between BRF and H&M

Anyone else have any further details?
HappyDays said…
@Nutty: Piers posted this link to the new Sussex Royal media guide of rules for media covering them and how the Sussexes will interact with the media. It’s both laughable and a sad commentary on the Sussexes, actually Meghan, because it’s likely her high-handed grandiosity put to paper. sussexroyal.com/media/

GreenTrees said…
Some tweets from Emily Andrews:

How can they “fully support HMQ” & “honour our duty to the Queen” when they didn’t even deign to tell her they were doing this...? How can they be “financially independent” whilst still accepting huge ��from the Duchy of Cornwall, set up to support heirs to the British throne?

None of the BRF knew about the Q&A section of their website. The whole point that royals can’t receive money is to prevent corruption (cash for access anyone?), prevent trading on royal titles & devaluing the brand. Inconceivable they can keep their royal status.

People quite rightly point out that Eugenie & Beatrice have royal titles & a job. But they are company employees, not earning money from a royal foundation that carries their HRH names. They are not asking for donations to directly fund them & their work.

They want to keep Frogmore Cottage, keep their titles, keep their security, keep their taxpayer-funded travel for tours & perks yet not keep the other side of the bargain-the “traditional” royal duties. They may want a “progressive new role”. But it’s HMQ who decides, not them.

By issuing their statement & website, w/out telling the Queen, they have tried to force her hand into giving them what they want. I have never before been told that she is “deeply disappointed” with her grandson. Or indeed, anyone. It’s a mark of how upset all the family are.
Any chance Harry is going to say, “uh, nah, on second thought I really don’t wanna do this. But you do you.”

Seriously. Could William have a face to face and once and for all hash things out, convince him to get help and stay with the family he’s always had? I know Harry has long been complicit, and probably not thinking straight - coughsubstanceabusecough- but I kind of feel sorry for him. (And no I do not share Skippy’s thinking of Harry). Like I said earlier this won’t end well for Harry.
Louise said…
That web site is so amateur. And with the misuse of commas and the ending of sentences with prepositions, it is clear that Smirkle wrote it herself.

She is insane.

DesignDoctor said…
@Unknown

Can someone please tell me where to find the formal announcement from the RF? Is there a link?
Skippy has the statement from BP alongside the Harkle's statement
https://skippyv20.tumblr.com/
Louise said…
GreenTrees: You have provided a good summary of what they are asking.. keep everything they already have, do nothing for the Monarchy and earn extra money on the side.
CatEyes said…
Yeah the UK public will be made fools of, if their money goes to support these two lazy ingrates. It might make the UK populace want to push for abolishing the monarchy if this shit show continues on the public dime (and maybe even if it doesn't). Good luck Brits!

As an American, I will loudly protest if we are to foot any of their bills. As far as interset in them goes, I can say no one I know cares about them except some ladies on Lipstick Alley (and they are on the bandwagon in full force but that is a minority of people here).
Royal Fan said…
Clearly Hotmess Meghan doesn’t understand the concept of corruption or cash for access as being unethical or illegal. This is exactly what she wants to set up. It’s just beyond the me!! Only a grifter would break up with you and ask you to pay all her bills for life!!
SwampWoman said…
CatEyes, have you been to the Meghan Markel unpopular opinions thread part 2 currently at page 2280 on Lipstick Alley?
Lady Luvgood said…
Neither one of them must be students of History, because trust me Wallis and David both lived to regret his decision to give up crown and country.
All the money in the World, won’t make up to Harry for losing his Dad, Grandparents and Brother, and what has he gained, but a scheming disloyal spouse.
She may not have been disloyal to Harry yet, but calling him H?
That is dehumanizing language, to not refer to a person by their name and an initial is not a nickname, Meggy
CatEyes said…
@SwampWoman

No, I will try to go there now.
IEschew said…
@Miller Langhorne, maybe a chance. I am not completely without hope re: Harry - just mostly. I do wonder about the missing rings on Meg earlier. But I also think she constantly plays games. I want to feel the way Skippy does but have seen enough anger just below his surface that I think she has been able to seize on it and manipulate him. What’s apparent to anyone who looks at him is his current state of misery. He must know how very bad this move is and will be. Wonder how he sleeps.

@Bardsley, I too missed the comment that the press (or is it just the Mail due to litigation?) cannot explain a deeper reason for rift. Can you tell more? Maybe we will learn more tomorrow.

Let them tell, Royal Family! Turn over all the rocks so she has nothing she can use.
Lady Luvgood said…
Edward thought he would be living in England with his of-course-she'll-be-a-royal-highness spouse Wallis, advising his younger brother the king, and in all ways but name be as influential and popular as he was before he abdicated. Instead, he found himself exiled to a living death, flitting around with trashy jet set people.

There can only be one king at a time. If you voluntarily give it up, you're DONE. Harry's not the heir but that only makes it easier for The Firm to jettison him. An irrelevant, inconvenient royal takes himself and his pain-in-the-ass wife out of the picture? What's not to like? The Queen has outlived more embarrassing things than an idiot grandson and his narcissist wife. Charles and William too.

From Lipstick Alley
Lady Luvgood said…
https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/meghan-markle-unpopular-opinions-thread-pt-2.2215591/page-2280

Link to Lipstick Alley @CatEyes
GreenTrees said…

Two pieces worth reading:

This column by Sarah Vine...woof. Actually quite sad.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7866585/SARAH-VINE-happened-enchanting-couple-fell-love-with.html

And Rachael Bletchly does not mince words:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/the-queens-petulant-grandson-turned-21243270
Shaggy said…
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CatEyes said…
@ EarthBoundMisfit

Thanks for the link, it made it easy for me. :o)
CatEyes said…
For all the drinkers on here... I will buy a round of drinks on me, tea, coffee, liquor or champagne...let's toas!!! This is the best news in a very long time!!!
DesignDoctor said…
@GreenTrees Thanks for posting those links. Excellent commentary.
Sandie said…
Did you see Ricky Gervaise roast Hollywood celebrities at the Golden Globes? The tide is turning on woke, opinionated, arrogant celebrities, and Meghan does not even talent to fall back on. Harry has become sullen and unpredictable, being led by the nose by Meghan, so what does he have to offer?

Sorry to harp on the tarot (last time!) but my favourite tarot reader (reading before this news broke, but she did see Meghan wanting to leave the royal family, long ago, but just not all the demands she would make!) saw Harry as embarrassed. She really has eviscerated him! And if anyone wants more ... there is going to be some scandal involving Harry coming up, but from a while ago; yes, Harry is drinking too much, and has been for a while, and is probably using psychedelic drugs for recreation; there is another woman that Harry is drawn to but she does not want to be dragged into the mess and so is saying no thanks (not necessarily romantic but Harry wants a close friendship); there is going to be a falling out between Megsy and Markus Anderson (and they have been working on a secret business deal together) ... enough now and back to the topic!

How much of what Megsy has demanded will she get? Have you managed to read all she posted on their new website (there are funding and media sections)? Gosh, she can't even get the stuff professionally written - American spelling, glaring spelling errors (like the comma splice), word salad (that we all recognise now) and this obsequious deference to The Queen! It's messy and amateur Megsy (there is a huge contextual difference between writing on a blog or comments section of a blog, Tumblr account, etc. and writing on an official royal website, IG account etc.).
Shaggy said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mimi said…
CtaEesy, hiccup......jus wanna let you know I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay aahed of allof you!
Glow W said…
Here come the Markles. Thomas is disappointed https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7867143/Meghans-dad-Thomas-Markle-disappointed-announcement.html
DesignDoctor said…
IMO they blew it by showing their hand too early. I hope the BRF kicks them out without funding because with their deplorable, disrespectful behavior and betrayal they deserve nothing!

I would toast to that @CatEyes!

Pass the popcorn. This is going to be interesting.
DesignDoctor said…
Harry Markle has a new post.

https://harrymarkle.wordpress.com/2020/01/08/the-sweaty-sussex-showdown-begins/
IEschew said…
@Tatty: Thoughts on Thomas’ reappearance? I vacillate - do I feel sorry for him or do I think he’s in cahoots with both of his daughters?
Glow W said…
@ieschew I think he is showing a lot of discretion by only saying he is disappointed. I also can’t figure him out, but I do think he should meet his grandson, even if only once, one day. I only met my FIL 2 times and my children met him once....fil was toxic and estranged.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7866679/Duke-Duchess-facade-crumbled-writes-RICHARD-KAY.html This article is rather illuminating. I’d like to know who the young royal family member is that had the “temerity” to ask where they went on their honeymoon? “We’re not telling anyone”. WTF. What new bride doesn’t want to talk about their honeymoon ad nauseam? Something is seriously wrong with MM. hopefully it wasn’t Louise she said that to

This got me thinking back to the last TOC, when the conspiracy came out about MM engagement ring looking different. Maybe the RF had requested the Di jewels be returned way back then as there was heavy sh*t already going down. And on the balcony when Harry told her to turn around and it appeared Anne and Andrew were blocking MM from getting close to HM. Maybe there was a showdown before they all walked out on the balcony. Is that why MM looked upset?

Of course more tidbits will start coming out. If I was reporter covering the royals and had the dirt, after that offensive media page on the Sussex site, I’d start leaking like a sieve.
Glow W said…
Meghan has taken total control over harry’s Life’s: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10702291/meghan-markle-control-prince-harry-shock-move-abroad-insiders/
SwampWoman said…
Sorry for not including the link, CatsEyes. Dang mobile device was being all difficult, so had to wait until I got to the desktop but I see that I was beaten! Thanks for putting up the link, EarthBoundMisfit!
Mimi said…
I am hoping that HMQ, Charles and William called a meeting with a legal team that will decimate the other side! I pray the end of this cancerous growth that has invaded the RF will be excised painlessly by the cunning stealth with which her most loyal and excellent team will present!
@tatty said:

"Meghan has taken total control over harry’s Life’s"

How can that be when you say Harry is so besotted with her and they are deeply in love? Could you now be seeing a side to Meghan you didn't see before?
Glow W said…
That is the title of the article I linked.
HappyDays said…
Animal Lover said...
Last thought about Harry and Meghan relocating part time to Canada; in the recovery community people are warned about "geographical cures". The point being that wherever you go there you are. If you are the problem, then the problem will follow.

Animal Lover: You are spot on. The problem with Harry and Meghan is that their individual emotional issues (Harry) and narcissistic personality disorder (Meghan) prevent them from seeking help.

Meghan quickly took control of Harry and started isolating him from family and friends while they were still dating. She continued the isolation by the move to Fraudmore instead of an apartment at KP, and by splitting Harry and William up using the narc technique of triangulation.

You sound like a knowledgeable person, so you probably already know that narcissists rarely seek mental health assistance because they think they’re ok and everyone else is wrong.

As you may have noticed with Meghan, like most narcissists, she always portrays herself as a helpless victim and Harry joins in to play victim with her and to literally be the prince who rescues her from the meanies in the press and the public she blames.

She knows one of Harry’s hot buttons is the helplessness he experienced as a boy when Diana died. He couldn’t save Diana, but Meghan is happy to jump in and let Harry “rescue” her and be her protector.

Yes you are calling it correctly. Their train wreck will move to Canada, but their problems will follow. Their lives and relationship is built on a weak shaky foundation of deceit and lies they tell themselves and each other.

And once they set up shop in Canada or anywhere else, things will crumble again as real life follows them and rears its ugly head once more. No matter where they go, they can’t run away from the problems they create for themselves.
CatEyes said…
@Mimi

I hope Lord Geidt will be the lead man on the team and it will amount to an exorcism and Meghan head spins around in circles choking on her trifling two-bit cheap necklace with her zodiac sign on it. Then the Queen inks out her name in the Baptismal record of the COE and satan shows up and takes his minion, Meghan to hades.
Mimi said…
Cat Eyes, not even satan himself will take her.
Animal Lover said…
H&M just had a giant temper tantrum. What are they actually giving up? They don't want to do royal duties but have no problem using royal titles to benefit financially. This is very arrogant behavior.

They're mistaken if they think they can bypass the British press while still keeping a public profile. They just put a giant bulls eye on themselves.
Platypus said…
I hope that the Queen removes the patronages that she had bestowed on them.
SwampWoman said…
Sandie, while I know nothing about tarot and haven't followed any tarot readers, I read your posts with interest. Do you think it is actually in the cards, or are the cards just a tool to access a part of the brain or that may be prescient?
CatEyes said…
Yeah, but wouldn't she sweat profusely down there....now that would be a sight for sore eyes. I bet her Himalayan yak hair wig would catch fire quicker than she could say 'M..F,,kr' and her little stiletto heels would be stomping up and down on the burning coals while her red fake vegan skirt catches fire and the botox melts her face off. I could see Harry just look on in disbelief as she is dragged down to the lowest pit of hell.

Whooooweee, guess I got that out of my system! lol
Glow W said…
@swampwoman Empathy at empathy insights says it’s both. She has several tarot’s readings on prince Harry, Princess Diana and h+M
Glow W said…
Oooh, Empathy just did a new reading on Harry: https://empathysinsights.blogspot.com/2020/01/prince-harry-2020.html

I’m going to read it.
Anonymous said…
I saw the announcement a few hours ago.

Here's an excerpt from the DM https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7866007/Harry-Meghan-step-senior-royals-financially-independent.html

One exasperated aide said: 'People had bent over backwards for them. They were given the wedding they wanted, the house they wanted, the office they wanted, the money they wanted, the staff they wanted, the tours they wanted and had the backing of their family. What more did they want?'

Another royal source said: 'It's deeply unfair to the Queen who doesn't deserve to be treated this way. It is a shoddy way to treat her. The family understands that they want to do something different and is perfectly willing to help them. People are just devastated.'


My thoughts:

1. I've been saying for months now that the BRF was playing the long game, being nice, giving Rach & H enough rope so that later, when the Dumbartons did something this spectacularly heinous, stupid, and obviously for money/money/money, the BRF could say, "but we tried, we tried, we really, really tried! What more could we have done?" I swear, I know my BFF Kate is reading here.

2. The floodgates will open. Rach only thinks it's been unfair. There is no reason to hold back.

3. The devastated family will cut Rach & PH off at the knees, but they'll do it ever-so-politely.

4. The Dumbartons' global fame and market--really? Because without ties to the BRF, Rach & PH are not as appealing, and add to that, any celebrity who comes out to support the Dumbartons is losing contact to Will & Kate & the entire BRF. Whoopsy-daisy.

5. One other thought, more woo-woo than usual, but I remember commenting on the new moon eclipse (12/25) when Philip was taken to the hospital. Now, as we approach the full moon culmination of that eclipse, it is interesting that it does involve royalty, just not the obvious choice at Christmas.

Finally, a special note to my BFFs, William & Kate: you are the future of the BRF, and William, I will watch for your magnificent scarfing of the woman who is already on her way to being one of the most despised and ridiculed women on the planet (who knew it was possible to make Kim K look Klassy?). I'm just sorry that Rach had to tear up your family and take your brother to hell with her (I can't help but think of Pluto (Rach) and Persephone (PH) in this modern scenario of a trip to hell.) Also, I'm free to babysit next time Nanny Maria needs a weekend away. Carole can mix the cocktails.
Louise said…
Thanks to GreenLeaves and Tatty for all the links to newspaper articles.
DesignDoctor said…
An interesting article: Four ways that narcissists use triangulation

http://www.freefromtoxic.com/2015/05/13/the-4-most-common-narc-sadistic-triangulation-tactics/
Vince said…
Someone asked earlier, in what I think was a response to an article saying the Harkles could make millions off endorsements and other ventures in North America, if the Harkles are really that popular and in demand.

The answer is "no, they are not that popular or in demand here" (in North America).

However, the Harkles represent what opinion makers WANT to be popular. And because that is the case, they will be given money and propped up so as to endorse the ideals and beliefs of those who have the money to pay proxies to influence the public to adopt their favored positions.

The Harkles know this and are more than ready to play the role these opinion makers want them to play. This game has been repeated for as long as mass media has existed to influence the minds of the public.

It doesn't matter where you sit on the political spectrum, you can think of someone on the other side of the spectrum who has fulfilled this actor's role. Maybe it is Charlton Heston being a (well compensated) spokesperson for the National Rifle Association. Maybe it's Al Gore being the face of climate change. Whatever the cause may be, if someone wants to push that cause or causes you need spokespeople to fulfill that role. And that's what the Woke Harkles are about to cash in on now.

Modernizing the royal family? Check
Eco warriors supreme? Check
Scolding the dated and unenlightened masses of the UK who dont want progress? Check
Being an empowered and independent young couple? Check


And so on.

It's incredibly sad to see this, particularly for Harry. Meghan was born for this. This is who she is. Harry could be better than this, but he's chosen to sink to Meghan's level and go the lowbrow route.

The Harkles are scammers for hire. They will be paid, they will be trotted out as our betters, they will be some level of celebrities.

Unfortunately for them, what comes around goes around. And as the Harkles have no particular knowledge or other gifts to share, their time on the stage is likely to be limited. When the time comes, and my guess is it won't take too long, they will be replaced with better actors than themselves as the champions of the causes they embrace for cash and fame.
Artemisia19 said…
Meghan's and Harry's deal to the Queen: Heads we win; tails you lose.
Fifi LaRue said…
If anyone is concerned that Markle is going to sue the hell out of her family and anyone else who publishes or speaks about her and/or Harry, need not worry. Markle does not have endless funds. Unless. Unless she gets Harry to open his inheritance to her. Then Markle will drain Harry's financial reserves down to nothing. Harry. How can someone be that witless?
Anonymous said…
I meant to include this from the DM article.

The Queen's fury as Harry and Meghan quit: Royal couple did NOT tell Her Majesty, Prince Charles or William who all learned of their decision to step back from the TELEVISION as aides complain about being 'stabbed in the back'

Royal Family 'deeply disappointed' as senior source says the household is 'shocked' and 'downright furious'

Exasperate aide claims that people 'bent over backwards' to give Harry and Meghan whatever they wanted

Devastated' Windsors are still keen to support the couple, despite being kept in the dark on their departure

Duke and Duchess announced they will 'carve out a progressive new role' in a message on social media

The personal statement surfaced without any discussion between the Sussexes and the rest of the family

Royal insider slammed the announcement as a 'shoddy' and unfair way to treat Her Majesty last night
Sandie said…
A thought: How many organisations that they are patrons for will drop them?
KitKatKisses said…
What do you all make of their statement that they will continue to live at Frogmore so "that they always have a home in the U.K."? I thought it's been pretty well verified that no one lives at Frogmore. ???
CatEyes said…
What will the British public think if the Queen and Charles caves into them and provides funds and means to go their own way?

It seemed the public didn't like that the Queen seemed to support Andrew. But maybe she and Charles are that soft and will be embarrassed if the split gets less than civil. Maybe the Queen will give them everything they want. then what?
Lady Luvgood said…
You’re welcome SW and CE
So, what I don’t get is how absolutely imbecilic these two are.
Diana gave a damaging interview to M.Bashir, the Queen said “Divorce”
During the negotiations , Diana jumped the gun and said what the terms of the divorce would be and said she would be keeping her HRH.
Really upset HMTQ and PC and subsequently Diana was stripped of her HRH, had she not done that she would have probably as the Mother of a future Monarch, kept her HRH unlike Sarah.
What I am getting at is, you don’t play press games with HMTQ and PC, the statement that she is deeply disappointed is HUGE, and previous History will tell you, that HMTQ doesn’t play.
SwampWoman said…
Elle, I can just hear the quiet clinking of glasses at Catherine's party.
HappyDays said…
As soon as the news of the Harkles’ plans broke, I hoped Nutty would create a new post, which she did, so many thanks, Nutty. Your blog is the main course of my consumption the online discussion of the H&M debacle.

For dessert, I’m now looking to see what sort of analysis H.G. Tudor will post in the next installment of A Very Royal Narcissist, which, due to today’s developments, will hopefully appear in the next few days as this fiasco continues to develop. His analysis and insights are so good that sometimes I think he’s really a psychiatrist or psychologist who just writes under this pen name.
CatEyes said…
I wonder if Megs was able to pull in a considerable amount of money if indeed she had gone to the US seeking tens of millions of dollars in donations to their Foundation? Certainly, begs the question if she had some measure of success did that fuel their desire to split?
Mimi said…
Cat Eyes, things that make you go, huuuuuuum.
Sandie said…
@SwampWoman: 'Sandie, while I know nothing about tarot and haven't followed any tarot readers, I read your posts with interest. Do you think it is actually in the cards, or are the cards just a tool to access a part of the brain or that may be prescient?'

This is my understanding of how the tarot works:

If you study quantum physics, you will find that time as we know it is not a universal law (and it is not linear). In the present, we are always rewriting/revising the past and changing the future, so past, present and future are intertwined and always changing. However, there are some energies that are very strong and will lead to a predictable future (predictable, not certain).

If we can 'levitate' ourselves out of the present of 3-d, linear time as we experience it, then we can see the past, present and future more clearly because they are not separate but co-exist. The tarot is a tool that can be used to do this .. the varied meanings of each card and how the cards affect each other help to add complexity to any reading. The more open and objective the reader is, and the more able to do this levitation, the more accurate the reading will be.

A good reader will also tell you that we have free will, but sometimes the path we are on and the energies around us are very strong and our characters are set and so the future almost becomes inevitable.
Anonymous said…
If you follow TP and DD on Twitter today's announcement was expected. Today was the "BOOM". Meghan was no longer wearing her wedding rings simply because the stones in the setting were the property of the BRF and were returned (at their request). We have been told Meghan has been kicked out of the BRF by Prince Charles. The DNA for Archie is back and it's bad news for Meghan. No Harry DNA in Archie which has substantially cut Meghan's settlement amount for the divorce. Take a good look and all of the announcements today came through Meghan's PR. BP responded once that they are only in the initial stage of talks. Thanks but I'm going to wait until official BRF announcements to believe anything about the Sussexes future plans. Personally I believe the Sussex divorce is in progress. Harry's body language yesterday was very explicit that he wanted as little to do with Meghan as he could. He looked awful. He needs a vacation from his vacation.
Lady Luvgood said…
Oh Ann, I hope you’re right because Harry needs his Family.
@miller langhorne I agree with both of your comments-that it won't end well for Harry, and also your hope that there might be might be a small possibility that he jumps off of this shipwreck and sides with the RF. Looking at pictures if him from Canada House, it's not too difficult ( but it is very painful) to imagine how badly this might end for him.
@Sandie I like your quantum physics explanation for how tarot cards work. My favorite deck is the Motherpeace Tarot, given to me by my own mom, and I treasure it.
DesignDoctor said…
@EarthBoundMisfit Agreed! Harry needs his family! And, to escape from the narc.
Anonymous said…
Actually, I don't consider a woman "empowered" at the age of 42 is that empowerment required using man after man for money and position and obliterating entire families. This does not seem like empowerment to me. It seems like manipulative, cruel, evil grasping.

for those who did not see the ringless claw:

ttps://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/meghan-markle-pictured-in-london-hours-before-bombshell-royal-news/news-story/ac39b23a500c2092a74306b98e971d0f

Clearly a signal because she uses the claw with intention.


Also, IMO the Jen Meyer merching announcement was a chess move from the BRF. Rach should know that they will come for her, and they'll force HW to choose between the BRF and the yacht girl & Harry, the ingrate formerly known as Prince
Unknown said…
I don't know how anyone can defend this woman now. So much cognitive dissonance from her insane, and i mean insane, fanatics. Its so obvious what this woman has done. I do believe she is disturbed. I know tatty feels she can defend her, but I honestly don't know how.
Anonymous said…
Blogger SwampWoman said...

Elle, I can just hear the quiet clinking of glasses at Catherine's party.

And how I would love to be there! Then, tomorrow, a scarf fitting with my besties before pre-lunch champagne with HMTQ.
SwampWoman said…
Sandie, I am one of those people whose feet were firmly on the ground and if I so much as saw something like a spirit, I would give it (and myself) a severe talking to (grin), but I have experienced some things that I can't explain and, as you say, physics makes a mockery of reality as we know it.

At this point, I don't believe in an immutable future (because so many things could change it) but I can understand perhaps echoes of what may happen (potential outcomes) traveling to those that can receive it. Since all time occurs simultaneously, I have no clue how this even happens.

Which brings us back to PH and MM. Was it so obvious what MM was up to, or were we receiving the echoes of what may happen?
Jdubya said…
Been scrolling through comments but haven't read them all. But some thoughts:
Meg/Har have been meeting with high power attorneys, going over every thing they can on how M&H can continue to get money from the Crown (ie. Charles) to support themselves while breaking off to do "their thing". They think either PC or The Crown are obligated to provide them with funds. Especially if they represent The Crown in Canada or elsewhere.

What they expect and what will happen are going to be explosively interesting. Looks like M&H are willing to go at it publicly while The Crown will want to keep it all behind the scenes. That is part of M&H weapon.

This is going to be ugly
Anonymous said…
Now that Nutty has called the end of Rach & H with the BRF right on time, we need a divorce date pool going.

I expect there is a suitcase in Rach's future.

I also think she'll be a natural at In-N-Out Burger.
DesignDoctor said…
@Elle

Thanks for the link to the ringless claw.

You have made me laugh aloud again with your wit!

The Harkles keep saying how hard a year they had in 2019.

I am sure 2020 will prove a much tougher year for them!
KCM1212 said…
@happy Days

H.G. Tudor out with a very royal narcissist part 6

https://narcsite.com/2020/01/08/a-very-royal-narcissist-part-6/
DesignDoctor said…
@Elle

On the blog Rach used to have about being an out-of-work actress, she talked of dining a baguette and bottle of wine, so it's not hard to imagine her at In-N-Out.
SwampWoman said…
Jdubya, I believe you are right. MM will make sure that every bit of ugliness is published far and wide without being encumbered with whether or not it is true.
Sandie said…
I found this post hilarious £68486 (an expose of why the Markles and then an interpretation of the statement from BP):

https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/meghan-markle-unpopular-opinions-thread-pt-2.2215591/page-2283#post-53644110
Unknown said…
Markle is classless and trashy. She will make sure all of the trailer park details are out in the open. I know we've all compared her to the Kardashians, but IMO, Markle is actually far, far worse.
Shaggy said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
abbyh said…

I'm thinking one of the on shopping network shows.

Lots of media options, publicity and probably a discount on anything they sell.
KitKatKisses said…
Jdubya wrote: "Meg/Har have been meeting with high power attorneys, going over every thing they can on how M&H can continue to get money from the Crown (ie. Charles) to support themselves while breaking off to do "their thing". They think either PC or The Crown are obligated to provide them with funds. Especially if they represent The Crown in Canada or elsewhere.

Yes, absolutely, they had a legal team write that website. Did you see the part about whether or not they will have RPO's? They claim that they are "international persons of interest" something like that and cite a statute or law about how that means the UK must provide them with protection.

It's absolutely galling.
Anonymous said…
@Unknown didn't you guys see Markus Anderson's IG account? Suddenly he changed it and it now says "architect, father, best friend, traveler". So I'm assuming that Markus is implying that he's Archie's father. I know the BRF finally got their hands on Archie and he's in their custody. I feel better that they now will provide for his care. He is innocent in this whole mess. The BRF took DNA tests which TP and DD reported last week were going to be the impetus used to boot MM out of the family. Today the PR war went to Meghan but tomorrow I'm betting we see the BRF respond.

Did I hear tarot cards? I was learning tarot reading and started watching a couple of tarot card readers on Youtube to practice my skills. I found the Meghan/Harry readings interesting which made learning the card interpretations easier. I've gotten hooked on those two readers and so far they have been pretty accurate. Both have been saying for weeks now that the Sussex divorce is in progress. The stories that come out of the readings are certainly entertaining.
Vince said…
@Elle
Very much agree. Meghan is in no way "empowered," in my view, but that is how she is spinning things now and that is how the people who will pay her money to be their shill will spin thing about her.

Meghan is a con artist, in my opinion. Very basic playbook of moves, very poor delivery and vapid personality.

She will happily play the pawn for cash, and there will be people willing to write her checks. At least at first. But she and Harry don't wear well, and my guess is that money won't be flowing for as long as she wishes.

As someone who lives in the USA, I can tell you that no one in my circle cares about the Harkles at all. That's why I come here, to talk about them with people who actually do care about them. There is no demand for the Harkles, even though they do grace some gossip rags' covers and the USA media is desperate to promote them.
Anonymous said…
The Harkles are in magazines at the grocery store right next to the ones with the stories about aliens kidnapping Trump and Bigfoot sightings in Arkansas. That's the only time I ever see anything about these two frauds in American magazines.
Rut said…
I just hope the Queen takes away Meghans title and Frogmore Cottage and I hope she tells them to pay for their own security. It shouldnt be possible to both have the cake and eat it. I hope the Queen shows that briefcasegirl who really has the power.
HappyDays said…
tatty said…
Dan Wooton an hour ago on twitter:

A source has told me the couple will now also work on commercial products, explaining: “Make no mistake, Harry and Meghan intend to make a lot of money and start taking commercial deals as soon as possible.”

Note To Myself: Never spend a dime with companies that line up to pay Harry and Meghan as they merch being royals while not being royals.
HappyDays said…
Blogger KC Martin said...
@happy Days

H.G. Tudor out with a very royal narcissist part 6

https://narcsite.com/2020/01/08/a-very-royal-narcissist-part-6/

@KC Martin: Thanks for the info. I knew he’d jump on it sooner than later.
Vince said…
@Ann

Exactly right.



I should have said in my post above when I was listing the "qualities" of the Harkles for potential sponsors that I was being sarcastic (they aren't modernizing the royal family; they aren't eco warriors; they aren't empowered; etc). They aren't any of those things, they simply pose as being those things or checking those boxes.

The Harkles offer virtually nothing, in my opinion. They only have 1) royal titles and 2) Meghan's heritage. That's it. I don't see anything else. They pretend to be other things (eco warriors, and so forth), but they aren't actually those things.

The USA media, in the past decade or so, has become extremely attuned to matters of ethnicity and group identity. Meghan understands this and, in my view, she is very much ready to capitalize on this historical moment. She is not alone in that realization and maneuvering, I don't think, but she has a royal title and others do not.
Anonymous said…

Well, @DesignDoctor, don't tell on me, but In-N-Out Burger was double entendre of the trashy kind. I couldn't help myself lol. And I agree, 2019 will be a walk in Windsor Park, relatively speaking and pun intended lol.

2020 will be the British Year of the Dragging.

Rach better tighten up those weaves. William's incandescent rage will morph into a beautiful and controlled daemon, and he has MI6 on speed dial (I knew that was a hint dropped). Rach's "friends" are going to have to choose between the BRF, Will and Kate and the Cambridge children OR The Duke and The Duchess of Nothing More than some In-N-Out Burger. Hard pass on the fries. In investment lingo, Rach & H are the equivalent of a penny stock pump-and-dump. Will & Kate are blue chip. Not a tough choice.

Also, if she keeps it up with the website, I'd recommend she get a copy of the Gregg Reference Manual or the AP Style book.



(Rach, really, I know you read here, so check it out, and quit capitalizing The Duke and The Duchess ffs: "Capitalize king, queen, prince and princess when they are used directly before one or more names; lowercase when they stand alone," AP Stylebook says. "Queen Elizabeth II. The queen or Elizabeth on second reference. Capitalize a longer form of the sovereign's title when its use is appropriate or in a quote: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth."

But it's never 'Duchess Katherine': "The wife of a duke is a duchess: the Duchess of Kent, the duchess, but never Duchess Katherine or Lady Katherine." SO, really, really never "The Duke" and "The Duchess", especially in your case, because you can kiss your duchass goodbye.
Lady Luvgood said…
https://spectator.us/harry-meghan-doomed/
Anonymous said…
@AbbyH: probably a discount on anything they sell. Yeppers, esp on Rach herself.


@Vince, totally agree. I just don't know how much spin she's got left, and I mean that in several ways. Meghan is a con artist, but she's an almost 40 yo, kind of frayed and ridden hard con artist, and it's hard to believe that's going to be a big sell in the SM/influencer/youth market. She's nothing and no one apart from the yacht girl who bounced her way to duchess and back again.

I totally agree re this, too: She will happily play the pawn for cash, and there will be people willing to write her checks. At least at first. But she and Harry don't wear well, and my guess is that money won't be flowing for as long as she wishes.

I live in the US, too, and almost no one cares about her (so yes, that's why I come here, too), and the few I know who do know anything about her basically think she's a shady, grifting ho-bag of the Dollar Store variety. Dolly Parton said that "it takes a lot of money to look this cheap" and apparently, Rach saw that as a hold-my-beer kind of challenge.
Anonymous said…
@Ann: lololol The Harkles are in magazines at the grocery store right next to the ones with the stories about aliens kidnapping Trump and Bigfoot sightings in Arkansas. That's the only time I ever see anything about these two frauds in American magazines.

And the saddest part of that is, the alien kidnappings and Bigfoot sightings are far more credible than anything printed about those two frauds.
Vince said…
@Elle

"I live in the US, too, and almost no one cares about her (so yes, that's why I come here, too), and the few I know who do know anything about her basically think she's a shady, grifting ho-bag of the Dollar Store variety. Dolly Parton said that "it takes a lot of money to look this cheap" and apparently, Rach saw that as a hold-my-beer kind of challenge."

Amazing stuff. This made me seriously laugh out loud. Thanks! :)

I completely agree with all that you said. My own guess is that the Harkles will snag a couple of suckers on the front end of this new con (Harkles go independent), but the money will dry up rapidly as the investors realize they aren't getting a good return on their investment.

There are people who are paid to be relevant and/or who are used by the media (put on frequently) for their own ends, people who should not have been paid or who did not earn air time, but at some point you can't keep pulling out water from a dry well. As you said, I think the Harkles are much closer to being a dry well than they realize.

As said as all this is for the royal family to have to go through, I'm really happy for them. They are finally, finally, finally going to be rid of these anchors. As the writer at Harry Markle said, it's been untenable for some time and soon the royal family won't have to pretend any longer or even deal with the two goofs much of the time. That has to be a relief, even if we are not at the "negotiations finalized" stage yet and there is probably a lot of headaches to come before the royal family can move on.
Scarlet Peaches said…
All she wanted was his name. A relevant name; that is why she married the TV chef before him, a relevant name brings a chance to merch and to sell. She said it herself when she asked her friend to hook her up with a famous Brit. To isolate and to alienate him from his family was always her plan. She never wished to live in the shadow of higher ranked royals. She needed his name to create a brand. She used the negative media who saw through her from the start to make herself the victim in Harry’s eyes. She probably reads him DM comments to sleep every night. See? I’m just like your Mummy. It’s a catch 22. We gave this psychopath the tools to better manipulate Harry. She is laughing all the way to the bank. Checkmate!
xxxxx said…
This departure or semi-departure will be negotiated. The Queen should merch back at the Sussex Duo by threatening to revoke their Duke and Duchess titles, but offering to let them lease them at 6 million dollars per year. For their foundation and merching activities, 6 million sounds fair. I can easily see a line of Royal Sussex baby apparel in the future.
Really, those two titles need to be removed from them.

I believe that since Harry was born as a prince, this cannot be removed though he could abdicate. But Meghan can be left titleless, same as before she hooked Harry.
Anonymous said…

@Vince, If Rach were in any way likable, I would feel some sympathy for her situation. She clawed her way up a lot of greasy poles just to escape her "here, hold my suitcase while I plop in some magic mammaries" past only to trash it all in no time to return to her "here, hold my Givenchy suitcase while I have my people plop in some magic mammaries for me". This trail of destruction, millions wasted, an innocent baby, all because of this vapid tramplette, but on the upside, at least she learned to lawn bowl.
NeutralObserver said…
I want the RF to release the Kraken on Megs & Harry. You just don't treat your family this way. I know there are toxic families & abusive parents, but that isn't this pair's problem. Charles, Diana, Thomas, Doria, they all tried to do the best they could in the circumstances they found themselves in. The only people I see in danger of being toxic parents are Harry & Megs. Let them go to Canada & merch to their heart's content, but don't give them a penny from the Crown. What Dimbo & Bimbo don't realize is, if the British public gets fed up & opts for a republic, all of the assets that the Queen doesn't own outright would be subsumed by the state. All of the income from the Crown Estate would just go directly to the UK Treasury. Not sure about the Duchies of Cornwall & Lancaster, which are governed by laws which go back centuries, but a Corbyn style government might seize them as well. Of course the French & the Russian revolutions went even further than just seizing property. So they really are biting off the hand that feeds them. What I've seen of Megsy's 'demands' are ridiculous & delusional. Doesn't she take anyone's advice? I agree with those who think they were given the heave ho before their break. Wherever she's been, Megs must have spent the whole time writing her little manifesto, plotting her revenge. What a train wreck. But hey, maybe they'll be happier as the king & queen of the Home Shopping Network or QVC.
FrenchieLiv said…
Good morning!

1. I really feel for HMQ who tried her best to welcome MM in the BRF.
I also feel for PC who walked down the aisle with her.

2. Their will to step back : IMO, they could have chosen to quit the BRF and being financially independent (nothing at the expense of the BRF or of the British taxpayers). However, reading their statement, it seems they want have it all (as usual). They are definitively hypocrites.
I do respect their choice to STEP DOWN (not to step back) but I have to admit that I am shocked by their poor manners. How dare they : being so rude and disrespectful? The will to step down can be justified but discourtesy can't be that's why I predict for today and in the next few days an agressive PR campaign (pity party II, friends who will support them...) because they need damage control to launch their Foundation (it's clear they can't be seen as non reliable philanthropists by potential cash contributor).

3. Their plan
MM thinks she is one step ahead and she holds all the cards. She must be thinking she set the rules of the game/of their exit releasing an early statement.
I urge the BRF to do something. I don't mean being rude/brutal but HMQ has to show she is still in charge.

4. Harry : IMO he holds it against his family (Diana's status after her divorce, Diana's death, William being favoured...) and has always wanted a kind of revenge and to break the mould.
MM is a narcissist, she is accused of being the evil (and she is). She may be the brain and the weapon of mass destruction he chose to hurt and to get way from the BRF but Harry is far from being a nice boy.

5. Last thought : many posters have discussed the wedding ring.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10702119/meghan-markle-theatre-ring-prince-harry/
I am really wondering why she didn't wear her wedding ring yesterday.
Maybe they had words before her secret visit yesterday, she threw away her ring telling him that he had 2 hours to decide if he was with her or against her. When she came back, he decided to stay with her and she released the statement.
Anonymous said…
@Vince, re the Dolly Parton bit, I watched a stupid movie on Netflix (Dumpling?) and I then had to read about Dolly, and that quote in particular made me lol, and yes, Rach is a fine example of that absurdity.
Lindy said…
Everyone says they’ll make a fortune and they will. Very disheartening.
DesignDoctor said…
@Elle! I knew In-N-Out burger was a double entendre! LOL!
Anonymous said…
@DesignDoctor: Burgers! It must have been subliminal association. Here I was just dissing Rach with innuendo about her trashy future, and I had forgotten all about her trashy burger past!*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFKleWOhehs (for those who've not yet seen Rach's feminist manifesto)


*For some reason, that video makes me think of the line from 13 Hours, when Rone says to Jack, "Payback's a bitch, and her stripper name is Karma".
Ozmanda said…
This just gets better and better :)

https://sussexroyal.com/media/

Apparently the "new rules" for the media isn't going down all that well..;)
DesignDoctor said…
@Lindy I disagree--I do not think they will make a fortune. After how they have treated the Brits and the BRF who will buy their stuff there? They are NOT popular in the US to my knowledge. I would not pay one penny for anything they sell just on principle. She burned her bridges IMO.
When HRC lost the US election (and her power) the funds to the Clinton Foundation dried up.
DesignDoctor said…
@ Elle-Love it!
"Payback's a bitch, and her stripper name is Karma".
Sandie said…
Tarot: As I said, we do have free will but some energy is so strong and patterns are so ingrained that the possible future becomes inevitable. Yes, there are so many things affecting us and impacting on us and the world around us, but there are general patterns that have been created over thousands of years (because we also all influence each other, past, present and future). Jung called them archetypes (overall basic patterns) but the tarot goes into detail and describes nuances within those patterns.

Meghan, especially, and Harry can at any time change how they behave and what they want and what they say, so the future is not set. But, Meghan is a toxic full-on narcissist and is unlikely to change (some would say unable to), and Harry has his own issues that he probably is not going to address effectively until Meghan leaves him. The tarot is just a tool (but, with a good deck and a good reader, a very effective tool) of tapping into a person's energy and seeing the path before them (or you could look at the past or present).

It is amazing that we can access such detailed information, but everyone has the ability to do so (and those who try use many different tools). It's the interpretation of those universal symbols that can go wrong.

On another topic, I wonder about timing ... the threat of war (albeit low-scale) with Iran, Brexit, an election in the USA ...aren't Megsy and Harry going to get lost in the noise? And they both quickly become annoying - her with her meaningless, smug and arrogant word salad and him with his silly antics interchanged with a morose look! How many people like that? They need many millions to get the wealth she wants - note the charity and environmental platforms are not seem to be featuring much. Of course they aren't ... just a vehicle to access fame and wealth and privilege!
Unknown said…
I find this H&M development extremely loathsome for so many reasons. It’s not just the disrespect and garbage they’ve been shilling to their families, child, and the British taxpayers. Now Canadian and most likely American tax money is going to be wasted on their “surviving.” I also hate the idea of any penny going into the Sussex foundation. Money that should not be going into their vortex of uneducated, unethical, virtue signaling BS. Their little successes feel like the rot of modern society.

If it was up to me, I would have their titles stripped and let H&M fend for themselves. I usually root for underdogs but I want the BRF to go in for the kill. Wills, if you’re reading, I’m at the ready to coordinate to keep Meg out of NY and hopefully the U.S.
Lady Luvgood said…
What if my idea that, as of this summer, Meg and Haz would be iced out passive-aggressive style and unknowingly pushed out in such a way as to make them think it was their choice, didn't go anything like far enough?

You know what I always hear about TQ? That nothing she does or says, that no gesture or facial expression is ever, ever an accident.

Did you all see that tidbit earlier tonight about TQ being upset as far back as the wedding?

What if TQ knew exactly what she was doing with that car? What if she and the senior courtiers 100% had Meghan's number before the wedding even happened? What if this entire shitshow has been the BRF consciously giving the grifters enough rope, and playing the "blindsided" and "hurt" card every step of the way?

I'm not saying some ebil courtier snuck into Meghan's bedroom whilst she slept to whisper brainwashing sentences about Megxit into her ears. I'm just saying what if people saw her for exactly what she was (which wouldn't be surprising - many saw it, and she's not a person who hides it well AT ALL) and worked behind the scenes to poke and poke and poke at the Sussexes' sensitive spots?

For all the 'BRF is a mess, no one is in charge' contingent (which I don't think is entirely wrong), is there anyone who thinks they aren't capable of the iciest, polite-to-your-face Machiavellian machinations? These people have arguably been genetically selected for their scheming abilities, ffs! They're not better than us or higher than us or any of that crap. They're literally just better at scheming and plotting.

I think Mega brought a knife to a gunfight. Hell, I don't think she realized she was even in a gunfight. And now she's lying bloodied on the ground, dazed, not sure what hit her but convinced she's won anyway.

I'll buy a ticket back to the UK, travel to Buckingham Palace and prostrate myself in front of Liz if this was the plan all along.

I understand this might be a little tinfoil hatty and I'm not saying this is definitely what happened or anything but think about it. Of all the people, all the families on earth who could pull something like this (getting rid of a mercenary married-in) off, don't you think it would be the BRF? Lipstick Alley
Love this blog, Nutty! Here are some connections I've discovered that are very interesting. Everybody seems to be connected to H&M, and I'm sure there are more to be found.
Kruger Cowne is a world-wide public relations firm which has both Desmond Tutu and Jane Goodall as clients. Tutu and Goodall were visited by H&M in SA. It also lists former cricketer friend of Harry's, Kevin Pietersen, as a client. Harry and Pietersen both dated Natalie Pinkham at different times, and Natalie was close to Harry right before he met Meghan. She remains a friend today.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mandrake/4413877/Prince-Harry-finds-its-good-to-talk-with-former-flame-Natalie-Pinkham.html.

Pinkerton tweeted his overwhelming support for H&M today, saying:

@KP24
Follow Follow @KP24
More
The daily bashing of Prince Harry & Megan is now becoming tiresome!
They’re a young family & should actually just be left alone!

Let them live THEIR life. No one here on twitter knows what’s it’s like to be THEM!

NO ONE!!!!!!

SO LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!"

11:17 PM - 6 Sep 2019
This is on Pinkham's Twitter today:

Natalie Pinkham

Verified account

@NataliePinkham
Follow Follow @NataliePinkham
MoreNatalie Pinkham Retweeted Sarah-Jane Mee
Absolutely wonderful news to start 2020 with.... so much love for these two (well, three actually) 🥰

Here is Kruger Cowne's website. Many of the names are unfamiliar to me, as I'm from the U.S., so, if anybody can run through these names and look for other connections, I think we'd find some interesting ones. Quite a few of them are CBEs, athletes, and/or royally connected in some way.

https://www.krugercowne.com/talent-category/speaking-appearances/
Also wanted to add that Kruger Cowne reps quite a few chefs, too. Hmmm.
Ava C said…
I wrote this in the Daily Telegraph comments in response to other readers accusations of racism ('it's only because she's black') and it has been removed by a moderator. I see nothing wrong with my contribution which was as follows:

"Racism has nothing to do with it. Meghan was welcomed on arrival and has destroyed that support single-handedly. Remember that when the leader of that group of female MPs who wrote a public letter of support (on HoC stationery) was challenged, several times, to come up with actual evidence of racism, she couldn't.

"The media has treated Meghan with kid gloves. This has in turn inflamed readerships, given their perfectly justifiable anger at her extravagance, dishevelment at many official functions, unprofessional behaviour, failing to follow security instructions, wilfully ignoring protocol, hanging onto her husband at every opportunity and treating people with disdain at what should be key moments of royal history (and, moreover, matters of record).

"I continue to be baffled by the blindness of her supporters to her obvious failings as a member of the royal family. I can only suppose they are equally ignorant of those requirements. I also note that the majority of her celebrity and non-celebrity fans seem to be based outside the UK. None of their taxes go to support this couple unless they are 'blessed' by a royal visit."
Pippa said…
Elle:It's Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge not Katherine. I thought you were BFFs....
xxxxx said…
Harry and Meghan's MEGA millions: Experts reveal the couple could earn a fortune with TV shows, books, brand deals, and more after quitting the royal family - and even stand to outdo the Obamas' huge $65M book advance
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7866371/Experts-reveal-Harry-Meghan-earn-fortune-TV-shows-books-brand-deals.html

A madly optimistic appraisal

MORE at DM:
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry want to set up an eco charity focusing on 'the wellbeing of society and female empowerment' after resigning as senior royals
Royal couple said they would focus on 'shared strength and spirit of community'
Sussexroyal.com website speaks about 'urgent' need to protect environment
Website also notes Meghan is ‘deeply committed to advancing gender equity'
Ava C said…
I think Republic have summed this up best:

****** Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, said Harry and Meghan's statement showed the monarchy was not sustainable in the modern era.

Graham Smith, speaking for the group, called the personal message crass and self-serving after the royal couple said they would work towards being financially independent.

Mr Smith said: "This really is wanting to have your cake and eat it. They have said they will dip in and out of royal duties as it suits them but won't stop taking public money until they find other sources of income.

"To suggest that they're not already financially independent is incredibly crass and belies a sense of self-entitlement and a lack of self-awareness that is common among royals.

"What should be more concerning is that the royal family's star couple have effectively bowed out of their leading role, and that raises questions about the monarchy's future."

He added: "In the meantime taxpayers will rightly ask who will be funding their overseas lifestyle, their extra security and trips back and forth." ****

I hadn't quite appreciated the angle of them working towards financial independence when they supposedly have £34M already. Just shows how much I've unconsciously accepted the BRF's style of life. Exactly the result they aimed for and have always aimed for.
Ava C said…
I absolutely loved one DM reader's comment:

"Have they copyrighted 'Sussex Ex-Royal'?"
Liver Bird said…
I just do not understand how anyone can support them now.

I mean, they pretty much said straight out that they are leaving the royals so as to earn a 'professional income' (though since neither have any professional quals that's hard to do but never mind). It was all there in black and white. They want to keep all the perks of their royal status - incl taxpayer funded security - but none of the constraints. It couldn't be clearer.

I do believe that this statement was indeed rushed out to preempt exposure in The Sun. And that's the funny thing - I'm no fan of the tabloids but so much of what they've said about the Harkles over the past few years has turned out to be true. Which of course is why Meghan wants to censor press coverage like some tin pot dictator. Also, I'm a bit surprised that the silly statement did not make more of the 'evil racist British press driving us out' line, because that has been her strategy all along. Which adds to the argument that it was rushed out to get ahead of some 'evil British press'.
Fuzzynavel said…
Meghan left her rings off & splayed her hands as a signal to Harry. Me or them. He chose her and the statement came out.

Harry as an official engagement Jan 16 with Rugby Football League.

Their website already contains lies. States they haven't earned income as royals. But they have in merching. In speech giving on OZ tour. In ladies luncheon while visiting SA
Marie said…
@Ava C, spot on. That with £34 million in personal wealth, and the millions they received from Charles or Duchy of Cornwall for their personal foundation and no actual foundation projects other than the cupcake bakery and instagramming quotations, they still believe they haven't achieved financial independence. The level of self-entitlement is unbelievable. They want to start off with a global, successful company right off the bat, instead of doing what most people have to do when they leave their dull full-time job to start another job that speaks to their hearts and excites them. Namely, work to grow and build their foundation over years, if not decades. We laugh or rage at the children of politicians, celebrities, and CEOs who are given the keys to the kingdom or handed the reins of a fully funded company to lead. Yet the average people have to undergo considerable risk and put their own personal fortunes at stake when they leave their cushy salaried jobs and go off to start their own ventures.

They will play the race and Diana cards to receive RPO without having to pay a penny themselves.
Teasmade said…
@Swampwoman: Just as an FYI, most people in America have never heard of MM, do not care about PH, and the news in my neck of the woods has not covered her big quitting announcement. Maybe tomorrow.

Swamp, I wish I agreed, but go take a look at the article in The New York Times and the accompanying comments. Sickening! Most of them are supportive, along the lines of "You go, girl!' and many mention the "harassment" and "racism." Ugh.
@Ava C, ‘I think Republic have summed this up best.’

I saw Graham Smith being interviewed this morning on Sky news. I absolutely agreed with him.

I’ve seen and heard little support for the nasty duo and their new game plan. No-one can see how it will or can work.

I honestly can’t see the Sussex’s wants being honoured, nothing they want had been authorised or agreed with by the Palace. I think the royal family as a whole will be effectively signing their own demise if they let the Sussex’s have their cake and eat it. How can they term themselves ‘Sussex Royal’ if they no longer want to be senior working royals?! Massive contradiction, they must be so tone deaf.

We have printed newspapers delivered, lots to read and digest this morning over breakfast!
With thoughts about co-morbidity or Something Else:

That gross, delusional, sense of entitlement, that paranoid yelling about racism- I put on my strictly amateur, unqualified, shrink hat, and arrived at this tentative equation:

Delusion + paranoia = psychosis (? schizophrenia)

Just a thought -

Perhaps also Folie a Deux (sorry, can't do accents here)


I looked up schizophrenia in my ancient medical dictionary (BMA 1999) rather than wade through Internet and read this:

`...apparent that individual is suffering from delusions (false ideas that do not respond to reasoned argument)...' such as being equally or more important than the Cambridges?

`...in paranoid schizophrenia the illness is dominated by delusions of grandeur, persecution and jealousy...'

`...Disordered thinking is reflected in muddled and disjointed speech. Disturbance of association results in the schizophrenic jumping from one subject to another , seemingly unrelated, one. ...In some cases, speech disintegrates, becoming a "word salad" of odd phrases, neologisms (made-up words) and detached syllables...'

`Behaviour becomes more eccentric and self-neglect is common.'

`Word Salad' - My goodness, how often that phrase has been used here!


I could continue but this plenty to think about. I'll leave it to you to go further. Is there any Nutty in a position to risk a more qualified comment?

I could weep for the Royals. How can I show my support?


It's difficult enough to deal with this in an ordinary family but absolutely ghastly for the Royal family. Alas so predictable that the bitch and her cronies would get them over a barrel.

Could the RF resort to the provisions of the Mental Health Act without bringing a further storm down on their heads from their detractors? Presumably the Cambridges have the smarts to use their contacts in the mental health world, after all, Charles was reported as seeking a psychiatrist to help Diana.
-
Cosmic said…
Oooooh. Fancy new website, isn't it??

Just clicked through the "made by" link at the bottom and it was created by a Toronto-based digital agency... The same one that made The Tig's website!

Ah. Meg's certainly a loyal customer.
I always understood that being a `Senior Royal'does not depend on one's position in the Succession, although I can't quite pin down the criteria. For instance D of Edinburgh and Anne are Senior as, I believe, Camilla may be. I'm not sure if William counts yet but he's moving rapidly towards that position if not. George certainly isn't!

Possibly it's family closeness to the Throne combined with age/experience.

There are also `Minor Royals', but nobody refers to `Major' ones.
Madge said…
I think at the root of all this is Markle's belief that she has not been given the royal accolades she feels she is entitled to. I think that, before the wedding, she believed that because William and Harry are brothers that she would get the same limelight as Kate. The reality was very different. The BRF have a hugely complicated and very strict protocol, and it must have rankled that she didn't get the same level of priority as Kate.

She has done everything she can to push Kate out of the limelight, even to announcing this on Kate's birthday! But she can only go so far with this because William and Kate will be Prince and Princess of Wales, and they will hold the Cornwall purse strings. And then they will be King and Queen. I'm betting Markle was looking down those long years of being second fiddle to Kate and having to suck up to William for money, and decided to break apart taking Harry with her. And of course in all this it no longer matters how Archie came into the world.

As for Harry, he is far from bright. This is the person whose schoolteachers had to fake his course work at Eton so he could get into Sandhurst. Markle runs this show, Harry just runs behind.
xxxxx said…
Why the Queen must FIRE Their Royal Hustlers: Deluded Meghan and Harry should be stripped of their titles before this pair of grasping, selfish, scheming Kardashian-wannabes bring down the Monarchy, says PIERS MORGAN

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-7868371/PIERS-MORGAN-Queen-FIRE-Royal-Hustlers.html


Strip them of titles and they cannot monetize the Monarchy, their share of it. H&M know this and already have lawyers ready to make threats. In fact this exit will be negotiated by lawyers......too many millions at stake and the image of the Monarchy. Charles has been waiting years to king and he's going let these bird brains ruin it, make the Monarchy into a joke? Plus once these two start monetizing, the public will want a good look into all royal accounts. Such as The Queen is said to be worth a few billion. Mostly in real estate.
Maggie said…
A couple of observations- they have said they're going to split their time between the UK and North America, they haven't specified Canada.

Also archieharrison.com and archieharrison.co.uk were domain names registered in February 2018. Makes you wonder if the child actually exists, or is just a marketing concept like Betty Crocker?
bootsy said…
@ Vince
Fanatastic comments, thanks for posting!

You're right, people like us who are posting on here find it hard to believe that they will be successful/have an audience.
But much like the woke Hollywood films that most people don't like, there are still hordes of people who DO like that stuff and that is the market they are going for. People like us aren't the target market.
I think they will do well in their chosen target market because let's face it, the Kardashians are popular and they're all a bunch of dunces with plastic surgery.
Whether this will last is another matter, and also it is not clear whether they will be able to use their royal titles if they will be used for commercial purposes.

This last point is key in their whole plan and I think they may have made a mistake. They are assuming that they will keep their royal titles. If that is not the case then they are just Meghan and Harry, and how much is that brand really worth? It's a huge gamble on their part.
Madge said…
There is a new Harry Markle article on his site where he breaks down the announcement. Some good observations there.
Marie said…
@Cosmic, fancy indeed. They are clearly working towards this Instagram feel-good, epic, live your best life inspirational brand. Just waiting for the spiritual yoga retreats in an eco-lodge at 10K a head (with sustainable travel options and carbon offsets provided by their Travalyst partners) and the sustainable business model of buy one consumer Archie- or SussexRoyal-branded article and they'll donate another Archie-cast-off onesie to a child in need.

@wild boar battle maid, To me, their word salad is honestly similar to what I've heard with corporate jargon or language of consultancies or at conferences and panels. It's quite often to make the speaker sound more clever and technical. Sometimes it's also used in a way to sound quotable or inspiring, particularly when it takes place at a conference or panel. An American colleague once described it best as, "they're using ten dollar words to express ten cent ideas."
bootsy said…
I should also add that using the info from here https://sussexroyal.com/funding/ it seems to me that they are using this as a plea/pre-emptive argument regarding why this new set up can occur. They are claiming that there is a precedent for this which very much sounds like they are pleading their case.
Interestingly, if the Palace were not informed of this, then the striking language which states they will continue in they royal duties is actually quite aggressive. Wow. This really is a big one isn't it. If the Palace caves in then it'll be a disgrace.

Either way it will take time for things to progress. We live in a 24 hour news cycle and demands updates/fresh news and actions when the reality is that things move far slower.
bootsy said…
@ xxxxxx
"This departure or semi-departure will be negotiated. The Queen should merch back at the Sussex Duo by threatening to revoke their Duke and Duchess titles, but offering to let them lease them at 6 million dollars per year. For their foundation and merching activities, 6 million sounds fair. I can easily see a line of Royal Sussex baby apparel in the future.
Really, those two titles need to be removed from them."

Now that's a very clever idea! I would suggest that it should be based on a % of income earned but that opens up the ability to cook the books.
Interesting article in the DM....

‘Calls grow for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to give up their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles and other official names after turning back on monarchy’.

However, the final few paragraphs are even more interesting...

‘Until now Harry and Meghan have been 'prohibited from earning any income in any form' – as they pointed out last night in a lengthy statement on their official website.

Nicole Murdoch, a trademark lawyer based in Brisbane, Australia, said the signs that the Sussexes were leaving the Royal Family were emerging last summer.

She said: 'This could be because they may lose their titles as part of leaving the Royal Family.

'So this is a defensive move to allow them to continue using the titles or a name that alludes to the titles.
'Their royal titles are gifted by the Queen – will they lose their royal titles when they step back from Royal duties. 

'When the trademark move was publicised in December there was a lot of uncertainty over why they were doing it. But now it's become very clear. 

'This was a strategic move and it happened in the middle of last year so it's not some decision the pair made during their Christmas holidays.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7868503/Calls-grow-Prince-Harry-Meghan-Markle-royal-titles.html

I personally think the Queen and the Royal Family need to be very careful now with their next moves regarding negotiations with the Sussex’s departure. Piers Morgan has summed it up well in another DM article ....

‘They are the constitutional future of the Monarchy, not Meghan and Harry.
But what genuinely worries me now is that the very future of the Monarchy may be in serious jeopardy if these two renegades have their way and become effectively a pair of rival royals bestriding the globe acting like they're the big dogs, doing what the hell they like and using their royal fame to line their own pockets to the tune of millions like a pair of greedy, grasping hustlers, destroying the royal brand one grubby deal at a time.

It can't be allowed to happen.

Nobody tells the Queen what to do.

She's the most powerful, respected person in Britain.

And right now, she's facing a direct threat to everything she has worked so hard to maintain.

Harry and Meghan's astonishingly brazen and selfish antics have left her no choice but to cut them loose and fire them both from the Royal Family.

Get rid of these whining, ego-crazed, deluded leeches Ma'am - before it's too late.
bootsy said…

Thinking about it, it makes sense for the Queen to strip them of their titles.
There will clearly be a lot of merching going on.
The Royal Family is a very strong global brand. It only endorses top of the line products.
Considering that MM is in to all her new age stuff then what happens if the RF is indirectly endorsing some sort of healing crystal tat, or some hippy books about self improvement? That would massively tarnish and cheapen the brand.

Also, and I don't think anyone else has mentioned this, the Royal Family has to remain apolitical.
MM and PH have already shown that they have strong views and will operate outside this if given the chance to act in the manner in which they want to.

What would happen if they put out a statement that goes against the elected government of the day, either in the US, the UK or elsewhere? Using the Iran issue at the moment, does anyone believe that a self important narcissist like MM would be able to keep her trap shut? This is just one example-imagine the diplomatic disasters that could occur on numerous other sensitive political subjects.

It will not be allowed. They haven't thought this through and it's clear MM is driving this as she still doesn't understand the unspoken (but no less fairly strict) limits on what she is allowed to do IF she is to retain her title.

Jen said…
From LipStick Alley, quite hilarious.

"have got a picture of a still living with parents, slobby late teen, working a part time minimum wage job, who goes down late to breakfast one day and says:

'Me and the girlfriend have decided to get a place of our own and stand on our own two feet. I'm fed up having to do chores and living by your stuffy rules, we want to be free to make our own way in the world'.

'I've already found and agreed a 6 bedroom house with a pool to rent, so we've got a nice lot of space for ourselves and we can really get relax. We'll get it fully decorated and nicely furnished and we'll just live there, away from you because we're fully grown up now'.

'Dad, you and mum will only have to put up the security deposit and six months rent for it. We can tell you what furniture to get and what paint to buy. But we need to be independent and free to do what we want because we feel so mature now.'

'We'll pay all the bills, but as my parents you'll need to pay for the gas, electric, water, services charge and anything else that might crop up. After all we need to be sure we're not cut off, we don't deserve that.'

'We thought it would be easiest all round if when mum does the weekly shop, she gets our groceries that we want and fills our fridge. Because we'll often be out with our friends or giving our famous inspirational talks to other hotshots, on self reliance and forging a path for yourself, maybe when she pops in she could also just check if the washing needs ironing or the dusting needs to be done - because once you and mum have painted the place, we'll need to make sure it's kept nice. After all me and the girlfriend have worked so hard for a place of our own and we deserve it.'

'Besides, we need to have somewhere lovely to live, because we're going to be making a lot of money in someway and we're going to be important people.'

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Sandie said…
Have you seen this from a royal reporter?

'A few thoughts on how the monarchy deal with the press. It is, of course, both deeply personal and deeply manufactured. The monarchy, as an institution, would like us only to write positive things about them, but grudgingly accepts that is not our job. Press releases, social media all try to paint a positive image. But it is also there to inform the general public.

A couple of years ago Prince William was pretty upset with me. I’d called him a hypocrite for launching “saving wildlife initiatives” the same week as going big game shooting. More seriously, I’d called Wills “work-shy” and that he didn’t want to face up/take on his full-time royal role. Stay in Anmer with his wife & kids, doing his Air Amb job. Not step up. It was true, but also pretty hurtful. His press Sec, in effect, tried to get me sacked for writing it.

How did Wills react? He sought me out at a tour drinks reception. I defended my position. He defended his. I know he was hurt but he has always spoken to me since and has been charming. And I hope I have been charming back! I respected him for taking me on. We’re all human.

So I guess my point is that throwing a tantrum never works. Engagement is always better than fighting. Jaw jaw not war war. The r/ship between press and monarchy is never easy. We can be cruel, unfair and yes, get things wrong! But we always strive to get it right. Like the royals.'
@byEmilyAndrews

The wannebe most famous and important celebrities (remember what Ricky Gervaise said at the Golden Globes about why you should shut up?) who are sending messages of support to Meghan mistake rudeness for strength and disrespect for courage. On the contrary, it takes strength and courage to have dignity, grace, respect and endure (i.e. never give up) while living a life of service to others. Queen Elizabeth has her place in history (perhaps Elizabeth the Greatest?) and far more books will be written about her (have already been written about her), and her influence is far wider than Meghan can ever achieve, who will be remembered as the person who trashed all that with the disrespectful and rude way she said, basically, I can't do this, it is too hard, so I give up (but I still want all the perks). Narcissism, wokeness, the culture of know-it-all, grandiose celebrities will not last forever, but Queen Elizabeth's reign and legacy will always be remembered.
Sandie said…
@Jen: That post at LSA is perfect ... basically what those two immature twats are saying.
Unknown said…
Hi Nutty

Only found out about this news today. So much to read. Didn't see this coming , though I suspected there were plans being made during that 6 week break.

My teenager daughters think the Harkles have done a cool thing by breaking away. They only see the breaking away part , and not the financial and other chaotic aspects.
They don't follow any royal news , except from me. I stopped discussing the Harkles debacles at home ages ago. Nobody here wants to hear about them.

What happens, if , after talks , Harry decides to remain in the UK and continue his duties? Markle decides to leave the UK , but not divorcing. Wouldn't that mean they get to continue a transatlantic marriage like the beginning of their relationship and thus she continues to enjoy all the royal perks? Horrible , I would say , but perhaps the Queen may talk him out of it .

Do these talks require the American High Commissioners input, seeing that a potential diplomatic row may erupt if Markle feels threatened ? And what is his take on this situation ? What about the prime minister ? Surely he should step in ? The Harkles looked like thieves who got away with a bank looting in that Canada house picture.

I still can't believe how this woman singlehandedly has infiltrated so many lives with so much deception and lies and flummery. I feel quite revolted for the Queen.

Let's hope that the public stand together , to protect their Queen in whichever way possible. Never before has the term excess baggage been so appropriate.




Miggy said…
Has this been posted yet?

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prince-harry-queen-meghan-markle-defied-plans-senior-royals-a4330341.html
lizzie said…
I just don't get the frequent comparisons to Obama in terms of earning power for appearances in the US. The only things I can think of MM and BO have in common:

1. Both are biracial although BO apparently has always identified as Black whereas MM mostly as White (acting resume, for example)
2. Both are politically liberal

Otherwise the differences are pretty stark.

Obama is a 2-term US president--the first Black president--and *maybe* a potential king-maker for the 2020 election, MM is an aging cable TV actress who gained fame by persuading a dolt of a prince to rush into marriage.

Obama earned a undergraduate degree from Columbia with a political science major and a JD from Harvard (magna cum laude, law review) whereas MM apparently has an undergrad degree from NW in Theater with an add-on quasi-major in International Relations.

Obama is well-spoken (albeit a better speaker when he has a teleprompter and follows his speech-writer's script), MM is infamous for her word-salad utterances and ought to be better known for her documented plagiarism.

Obama's decision-making style was too often characterized by "paralysis by analysis" whereas MM's could charitably be "impulsive" and "emotional."

Obama dresses well whereas MM is frequently a mess. Clothes have sweat stains or look dirty, are too tight, wrinkled, price tags and plastic packing materials left on, out of season, too revealing... don't think we've ever seen Barry's underwear, for example.

Still, I admit it's a bit of a mystery to me Obama makes as much money as he does. I did pick up a used copy of his 1st book at the thrift shop for $1.65 but would never pay more than the price of a cheap concert ticket to see him (or see any other ex-president or non-presidential speaker) In fact, when I did have a chance to see Bill Clinton for free it was just too much trouble. Took a bubble bath instead.

Who are these people who will spend huge sums to see MM spout borrowed platitudes and watch her constantly run her hands through her wig?
xxxxx said…
4. I'm betting they'll merch the h-e-double hockey sticks out of Archie. He's nothing but a living breathing "workstream".

Arch will be a super merching performer as they raise him in most eco-organic and woke ways possible. I see Royal Sussex organic baby foods and organic baby clothing, prams and other baby items. It can become as big as goop in the baby space. Then Megs gives birth to a baby girl to merch out...Look out world.

Charles must be decisive, give them the Prince Andrew treatment, and strip them of their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Obviously this kills all the Duo's ideas to monetize their Royal Sussex brand.....with 100 merching items already copyrighted.
@Miggy, no, but I saw the article in the DM (see below). I’m not surprised by any of it.


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7868843/Prince-Harry-DEFIED-Queen-ignoring-monarchs-instructions-not-announce-plans.html
Miggy said…
Ah, thanks @Raspberry Ruffle. I missed that one as they are updating so swiftly!
PaisleyGirl said…
I'm still working my way through the hundreds of brilliant comments you all have posted while everyone in Europe was asleep - a lot to think about! Thank you all for your interesting insights and thank you Nutty for this blog.

A few musings of my own:
- I am not totally convinced Harry is on board with the statement made last night and the new website. Harry is not the brightest lad and I was wondering whether he has been blindsided by Meghan on both counts, just as he was with the pregnancy announcement and/or the surrogacy. Who's to know whether he was even with her in Canada or whether she was writing this new website on her own, possibly with the Tig website developers mentioned by a poster above? She may have had the website ready to go at any moment without Harry even knowing about it.

- The announcement seems a hurriedly put together affair, which wasn't thought through properly. The focus seems very much on the financial side of things, which is odd as I would have expected MM to focus on their treatment in the press, as LiverBird pointed out earlier. This does show us where MM's priorities lie - just follow the money!

- The lack of a wedding ring is significant, in my opinion. If the BRF was blindsided by the Harkles' announcement, they would not have had time to demand Diana's diamonds back, as some have suggested. If they did demand the diamonds back, then the BRF booted the Harkles out before Christmas. If the BRF did not know about yesterday's statement, then I am wondering whether the Harkles are headed for divorce. Living on two continents is a convenient way to hide the fact that you are no longer living together (if they ever did to begin with.

- I have wondered about the archieharrison domain names as well, Maggie. How can they possibly have been registered in February 2018 when the poor baby wasn't born until May (or March/April) 2019? Even his name seems like an inside joke, for there are more and more questions raised whether he is actually Harry's son.

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