Apologies to all for my absence - I am overwhelmed by work-related duties related to the US election.
Here's a fresh link, so you no longer need to wade through 1000+ comments.
Back later in the week, I hope!
- Nutty
Not much appears to be going on. Living Legends came and went without fanfare ... what's the next event? Super Bowl - Sunday February 11th? Oscar's - March 10th? In the mean time, some things are still rolling along in various starts and stops like Samantha's law suit. Or tax season is about to begin in the US. The IRS just never goes away. Nor do bills (utility, cable, mortgage, food, cars, security, landscape people, cleaning people, koi person and so on). There's always another one. Elsewhere others just continue to glide forward without a real hint of being disrupted by some news out of California. That would be the new King and Queen or the Prince/Princess of Wales. Yes there are health risks which seemed to come out of nowhere. But. The difference is that these people are calmly living their lives with minimal drama.
Comments
The coat is, I believe. the very dark green, almost black, favoured by the RGJ! The frogging references some of their Napoleonic-era uniforms, with their bugle-badge brooch to finish it off. Perfect.
There were reports of `financial irregularities' in the accounts of that Royal Foundation of the Cambridges - allegedly money started to disappear once MM was let into it. There was a suspicion that she'd used it for her PR. They were packed off `to Windsor', out of KP, pdq.
All rumours, of course...
All the public events seem to have been cancelled to prevent crowds assembling.
So, for a baby born of a surrogate, the birth certificate would reflect the date of adoption?
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Not sure how it works in the UK, but we adopted our daughter and here in Canada her new BC simply lists her DOB and us as her parents - no reference to the adoption or previous parents, etc., at all.
This was after the pregnancy announcement and the very public "I'm pregnant" tour. I have never seen anyone, celeb or otherwise, draw such attention to their pregnancy so early on. It was vulgar and disrespectful to be so self-centered when she was touring in an official, Royal capacity representing HMTQ.
I am sure all of that rubbed PW the wrong way, and he was not going to be part of another photo op, which I'm sure she wanted. I think on the way into church she had draped her arm over Kate which was captured in a photo. I hope Kate told Will MM could F right off and so he wasn't about to be photographed chatting nicely with her. That the press picked up on the "scarfing" and ran with it probably humiliated MM, which as a narc she can't tolerate.
Giles, if that is his name, supposedly has some distant link with William and the Norfolk set but is not part of that upper crust set. He may have an axe to grind that has nothing to do with Meghan.
I think your inclusion of Giles is important and can also see him as the agent of delivery for the scurrilous rumor.
I just mean that via the timeline, it is possible and likely he may not have done so on his own. Perhaps didn’t think of such a thing until his new Soho friend M rang up with a naughty funny little suggestion while angrily brushing scarf dust out of her hair.
What is interesting about Rose's husband is his friendship with "Francois-Marie Banier, a handsome, talented, brazen, witty, gay novelist and photographer, an aesthete known to have a way with older women." (The book, The Bettencourt Affair, details how Francois sweet-talked Liliane Bettencourt, owner of L'Oreal prior to her death, out of hundreds of millions of euros.)
When the alleged scandal came out about Rose and William, David Cholmondeley took off to France to a home he co-owns with long time friend, Francois Banier. When I read this, I thought how chivalrous! It got me thinking about what type of arrangement Rose has with Cholmondeley, who is 25 years older and whose family had almost given up hope for heirs from this confirmed bachelor.
Forgot all about those financial rumors of missing foundation funds. Very good point. Adding that to the lists and timeline...
@Hikari,
Absolutely agree with you about Harry and Catherine. I can certainly imagine him mooning over her, whether from a real crush or due to his everlasting envy of William. But I can only see her trying to be kind and helpfully supportive as a big sister to William’s troubled, sloppy kid brother. Even at Harry’s twinkly impish PR best, he was never in her league. And Catherine certainly doesn’t strike me as anyone’s fool.
@Sandie said
I saw a clip of them all on the balcony when Meghan was actually looking good in a dark blue dress. William was very friendly and chatty, not only with Harry, but also Meghan. What happened? Did William find out that Meghan was behind the Rose rumour?
Do you mean the RAF flypast?
I'll bet it was the Rose rumor. Everything else could have been explained away as a newbie's honest mistakes. (Yes, I know that blaming so many faux pas in a row on naiveté, ignorance or confusion is really pushing it, but I'm setting up a contrast here.) On the other hand, getting your flying monkeys in the media to print a made-up story about your brother-in-law having an affair is deliberate malice however way you look at it. No possible reason in the world could justify it. The Cambridges must have felt so stabbed in the back after putting on such a friendly, united front in public for her sake. I think Prince William could have forgiven (or at least overlooked) anything that happened in private, but Meghan getting the press and the public involved crossed a very definite line.
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@Enbrethiliel, Sandie, Nutties
I too recently watched the clip of Megalo on the balcony for the July 2018 RAF centenary flypast and noticed something new that I've been meaning to post about! (I've pasted a link below.)
I don’t think William is chatting with Meghan at all!
It looks to me like Meghan is doing her usual pretending for the cameras and is interacting with NO ONE!
Where it appears as if William is talking and laughing with her, he is actually engaged in a conversation/joking around with Andrew! He is literally talking over her and in Andrew's direction - you can see Andrew respond/laugh!
Meghan laughs along, does her little "bend over forward" routine as if she is part of the conversation but IMO she is exaggerating, and was not a direct part of the interaction with William at all.
If you watch it a couple of times and focus on William, MM and Andrew separately I think you can see what I’m talking about – unless I’m crazy of course!
Also, does anyone else see Camilla make a face after some sort of interaction with the Megatron as they are coming out onto the balcony?
I can't remember when the Rose rumor started but I think William had her number from the start and tried to avoid interacting with her as much as possible.
At least here in 2018, he was willing to stand near her. Fast forward to Trooping the Color 2019 and he and Catherine went to the opposite end of the balcony to avoid the Harkles at all costs!
What does everyone else think? Can we add this to our list of the times we've noticed 'camera-aware' Markle pretending to interact with the royal family?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03nx_Plwoj0
Forgot to add: I wonder (especially if M and Rose happened to meet as you theorized) if Rose was another Catherine-like red flag to bull-like Meghan’s snorting narc jealousy? Rose is tall, slim, and the real deal as a woman connected, accepted, well-settled at a fabled estate with lovely young family, and her husband is another key figure in the Royal ceremonial world. He is even known in the arts world.
Through her many sketchy euro club/Soho pals, perhaps M made some enquiries and learned Rose was married with a husband often away In Paris on business quite a lot. Perfect fodder for her uses.
It would make it easy for M to target three loathed birds with one stone: Catherine, the future Queen consort; Rose-Catherine 2, the natural (tall stylish with actual mile long legs); and William, who dared not to succumb in the slightest to her wiggy, shoving and hustling, hyena-laughing, short-and-square, cult-eyed charms. Just speculation.
I haven't been exercising like I used to, no lifting weights at the gym, no long walks/runs on the (crowded) tracks. No walks on the tourist-covered beaches. I need to drop the weight that I put on when I was eating lots of carbs because of lack of availability of keto friendly ingredients. I envy you your walks in the woods; where I am, the woods are impenetrable jungles full of snakes, dangling briars with long thorns, and huge spiders. It would definitely be a workout because I would have to use a machete to chop my way through the undergrowth and the summer was just too hot and humid for that.
Taking care of my 4-year-old grandson (because of the lack of availability of daycare) isn't helping, because he eats approximately 87 times per day.
I wonder if this will make her a lot more politically active. Deeper wedge between the royals and her plus possibly an eventual need to drop her titles.
Or she is so insignificant in the big order of things that dems will just ignore her? What do you guys thinks the likely scenario is?
I had a look at the video a couple of times and see what you mean.
I think one of her 'tells' is rapid blinking of the eyes, and she does that. When everyone else straightens up and stands still for the national anthem, I just get the feeling that she is totally not interested, but she is not British so maybe it is understandable ... she showed as much respect as she could.
She was dressed appropriately and looked good on this particular occasion and actually got a spot standing next to the Queen.
She did have a bumpy start when she grabbed at the opportunity of being a full-time working royal with all the bells and whistles, making lots of mistakes, but so did many others.
Unfortunately, if she cannot look at herself to try to understand why she unravelled and then ran, she is never going to fix what is wrong and is going to be the awkward one on stage being ignored but pretending to fit in again and again.
I've watched the video and William seems to be talking to Andrew - he's looking at him, not MM but MM has to laugh as if she was included in the conversation. Like Sandie, I also noticed the near constant blinking - this is usually a sign of stress. I very much doubt the RAF flypast was her cup of tea, and it seems her smile is rather forced. I also noticed that a one stage the Queen turns her head slightly to her left for a couple of seconds and Megs straight away inclines her head towards her ready to listen or talk to her but the Queen then looks ahead (2'28"). MM wanted to show us she was part of the BRF but that was only for show.
In it I refer first to a video linked by @abbyh: https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/royal-family-watch-raf-flypast-from-buckingham-palace-news-footage/999303852
And then to a more complete video linked by WBBM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03nx_Plwoj0
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I watched the video @abbyh linked first. And I have to confess Meghan is still innocuous in it. She looks slightly awkward and out of place in it, but that makes sense for a relatively new married-in. If you didn't know about her behavior during the engagement, about Tiaragate, about her ghosting of her father . . . she might even seem adorable. (Yes, I know those are a lot of IFs!)
And I think she was supposed to stand close to the Queen. This was the tail-end of the time the BRF were bending over backwards to show they weren't racist. Meghan walked quite naturally to her spot between Prince Harry and the Queen, and everyone else's body language was quite relaxed. She must have been riding so high! It's a huge contrast to the next year's Trooping, when she tried to claim the same place and everyone else boxed the Queen in so fast they seemed to be wearing rollerblades!
The only part that made my narc-senses tingle was the very end, when she put her hand on Harry's back. It was a display of dominance in front of millions of people. A petty version of getting the last word in. Everything had gone her way, but she still had to do something to upstage the Queen in some way and to put her husband down at the same time.
Then I watched the video @WBBM linked. At @1.47, there seems to be a moment among the "Fab Four." William says something to Harry. Meghan reacts as if he had been talking to her. Then Catherine says something to Harry. Meghan leans in as if she were being addressed, too. It's kind of painful to watch. I must have exactly the same body language in middle school as the weird kid trying to fit in!
There's more of the same @2:18. She keeps sending thirsty looks in the Cambridges' direction. She could have just talked to Harry, who was after all her husband, and who was right beside her. But she was still social climbing and signaling, in a way. She wanted to be seen as part of the Cambridges' circle. Can she really be upset they were ignoring her, though, when she was ignoring Harry?
I'm not sure what to make of the lip-biting moment. She didn't seem to be talking that much. But maybe she was doing that when the planes were on the screen, and the little we saw was already too much. I agree with @Mel that the Queen probably had the same moral force in her look that your mom does at church when you're misbehaving!
Both Harry and Meghan look peeved off by @3:23. I have no sympathy. Couldn't they have just counted their blessings and enjoyed the day for what it was?
I don’t think you’re crazy. Watched the link you posted, and looked at another video too. Here’s what I noticed:
They emerge onto the balcony. William turns and tersely advises Harry to keep his burdensome toothy bride and her iPhone camera the hell back or else. He then turns to Catherine smoothly guides her safely toward Anne (safe spot, as Anne always has a karate chop waiting for M now) and then He mutters something to his wife about betting her and Anne a pub lunch that there is sprog alert soon from Shifty and Toot. Catherine turns to Anne and agrees to put a fiver on it.
Harry mumbles to M who is trying to act the role of a giggly teen newlywed for the crowds while really honing in on William with her penetrating side eye gaze, while also calculating that she can position herself dead center on the balcony for the cameras if she can only shove the small old lady in the hat out of the way. She loves that William moved Catherine far to the side; he must really be hot for M! wow!
In the second companion video I studied, Meghan at this point tries to say something to Andrew for the cameras like “you only paid me half, Andrewski, and I never forget a salad”; he shoots away from her so fast I see a blur. He spends much of the rest of the time huddling behind Charles, basically spooning his arch enemy in non-sweating terror, so finally M has resort to her natural habit of talking to herself. She is somewhat mollified by her central balcony position, which is really opening up!
After some fab fly by images, William turns to make a joke to Andrew who laughs almost too uproariously, since William will be paymaster one day. Even though the eyeline of both men is twelve inches above her wig top, and though William’s comment seems to be something like, “don’t feel bad, Uncle Dumbo, this barking old dodger’ll cost my brother more than fifty before this flaming jumble sale is over” she attempts to laugh gleefully as if she is the recipient of William’s joke instead of the object. Both men turn happily away and she is alone again, flailing, talking to air, and wondering when to slip William her number. Ooh, he’s a dish!
Anne shoots her a secret look, ascertaining how much lift it will require to hoist this cheeky abhorrent thrice-married tiara-snatching working girl off the balcony. She glances over at Andrew, who earlier agreed to suddenly cough and stumble to shove Meghan hard into Anne’s range. But he has resumed hiding behind Charles and his mum. Anne frowns. Camilla is thinking of drinkie poos to come and plotting to elbow her daughter-in-law for all the recent late night calls to Charles about sheep and hedges.
Meanwhile William looks stalwartly forward at the hurtling planes. His shoe nudges Catherine’s two quick times, as the signal to step back for Anne’s move, as soon as she feels William’s shoe tap hers the third time.
Meghan, who was eavesdropping through their window the evening before, knows what it is next and suddenly puts herself behind Harry. Some good soul with the voice of Angela Kelley is hissing at Harry through the curtain, “we can save you, mate, move left!” But M has hooked her hidden hand down into Harry’s uniform trousers. She has a Soho bottle opener in that hand, so Harry does not dare move.
More planes, the Queen’s wave.
Yes, I noticed the "little bend over forward routine"! She normally pairs the waist bend with that fake no-eye-contact laugh of hers, but at least we were spared seeing the full show on the balcony that day.
And I agree that she was desperately trying to look like "one of the gang." It would have been more convincing, had she moved closer. (Had she moved closer, Prince William might have even addressed his comment to both his brother and her!) But perhaps William was already scarfing up an invisible magnetic field that was keeping her at bay. And she was not yet the shameless smiling maniac that she was during the last two Commonwealth Days. (Perhaps she had a bit of chemical help those two other times?)
Oh, my word! That's hilarious! I can't decide what my favorite part is!
@Enbrethiliel,
“...already scarfing up an invisible magnetic field...”
!!!!!!!! I am *dead* - that is it exactly. That is it.
Thank you for the enlightening intel on Rose’s husband, the 7th Marquess Cholmondoley, aka Earl Rocksavage, otherwise known as Lord High Chamberlain. What a mouth full of titles this man has. I was rather confused about his family surname since the papers insist on calling his wife Rose Hanbury...her maiden name. I should be used to it, since Catherine still gets called Middleton all the time. I’ve just had a read through David’s wiki page. I infer that the Marquess’s attachment ti his dear friend the gay French novelist with whom he co-owns a home he visits without his family is quite intimate and not strictly heterosexual. “Confirmed bachelor” is the convincer.
Seeing as he secured his heirs, perhaps he is not as devastated at the prospect of his beautiful young wife having an affair with the future King of England as other men might be? I see that David got his wife pregnant with twin boys, necessitating a one day engagement and swift nuptials in the bride’s 5th month. They are also the parents of a 4 year old girl. So the Marquess has done his duty for his family lineage whatever his enthusiasm or lack thereof for the task actually was. It was a bit of good luck falling pregnant with twins the first time; the air in the spare in one go.
If Rose has inadvertently or intentionally married a gay man, one can understand her pursuing extracurriculars with more sympathy. William is completely butch. But I don’t think anything happened. Didn’t Rose walk with Kate to church on her birthday last year? Hopefully they are still friends, particularly if this rumor is scurrilous.
Thanks to the inspector Lynley mysteries, I know David’s name is pronounced “Chumley”. It looks a lot grander than it sounds!
I remember Scorpiotwentythree being disappointed by how the walk to church was handled. Yes, the Cholmondeleys were numbered among the Cambridges' friends, but because the former were walking some distance behind the latter, it didn't just look like the damage control it was, but also like clumsy damage control. If you're going to send a statement, then make sure it's unmistakable: Let Catherine and Rose walk side by side, with relaxed smiles on their faces!
Which reminds me . . . Does anyone remember the other story about Rose that came out a little before the affair rumors did? That she and Catherine used to be part of the same social circle, but that they had drifted apart? It certainly seemed to support the narrative!
Meghan and Harry 'not selling' as cover images halt magazine sales amid popularity plummet
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1356637/meghan-markle-news-prince-harry-latest-majesty-magazine-ingrid-seward-royal-family-vn
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's "plummeting" popularity in the UK has been analysed by stunned commentators. Ingrid Seward, the Editor in Chief of Majesty Magazine, spoke to the Royally Obsessed podcast about the changing perception of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She gave insight into how this affected her own publication's coverage of the former working royals.
Ms Seward told listeners: "We stopped having Harry and Meghan on the cover a while ago.
"It just wasn't selling, the magazine wasn't selling when they were on cover.
"HELLO! magazine actually told me the same thing.... "
When you cannot get a cover on a magazine that is all about royals only...the only thing worse would be if Princess Michael was on the cover and it sold well off the news stands. ☺😂
Glad you all reassured me I'm not crazy and MM did indeed treat us to another one of her "talking to the air" performances! I'm ashamed to admit I truly enjoy these for some strange reason!😜 My all-time favorite is TTC 2019 when for a brief moment Hazza reclaimed his balls.
@Sandie and Enbre
I agree MM looked very nice at this event and seemed to be well behaved (other than faking interaction). Good point that this was the tail end of the time period when the RF bent over backwards for her. It's interesting to note that they weren't charmed enough by madam Megalo to be particularly warm nor to seek her out for a wee chat. MM always looks as if she is actively working on posing for the cameras...changing positions and assuming multiple mini poses trying to show her best side. The faux interactions seem to fall into this category.
LOL Maneki - I bet the Queen wasn't even talking to Meghan but of course Megalo had to leave photographic 'evidence' that she was indeed in the company of the Her Maj and that HM favored her with a convo.
I'm sure many fell for this. If you watch the video without knowing what MM is really like you wouldn't notice all these nuances. It does appear that William is talking to her - until you look again and notice Andrew!
AnT I LOVE your interpretations of the royal family's conversations and interactions on the balcony! I laughed out loud as I watched one of the videos Enbre supplied with your version in mind! ROTFLOL!!
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Politics - just try to keep it on the two of them and what they are doing/trying to do, in your opinion about it or where it might go ... and we, being like HM, remain neutral about our opinion of any one politician (as that tends to bring arguments and takes the focus away from the duo). thanks
Looks like Biden is winning.
I wonder if this will make her a lot more politically active. Deeper wedge between the royals and her plus possibly an eventual need to drop her titles.
Or she is so insignificant in the big order of things that dems will just ignore her? What do you guys thinks the likely scenario is?
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I don't know what will happen with any acceptance of MM here in politics but I have the feeling that MM will be loud no matter the outcome of the election.
I think her inappropriate behavior is escalating - possibly becoming desperate and her anger with the RF is growing.
I can see her making more and more political speeches and getting involved in controversial affairs that will only keep embarrassing the RF.
Our election is not over and is a mess thanks to the pandemic. We won't know the actual winner for a while yet. Arizona may be taken back and given to Trump - and lawsuits are being filed over problems with the different methods used in collecting and tallying votes due to covid. It's been very stressful here.
I can picture Markle becoming more aggressive if 'her' candidate wins but I can also visualize her making a lot of noise if the man she claims to dislike wins another term.
There have been two articles just recently in the UK papers that seemed to be MM's PR pushing her political agenda but also doubled as attempts to embarrass the RF...one was the story about her being the first "royal" to vote and the other was an article on her involvement with a controversial BLM artist.
It can't be said enough that the RF needs to strip their titles and remove Harry and Fauxchie from the line of succession!
This is my favorite part of AnT's version of "On the Balcony with a Megalo":
"In the second companion video I studied, Meghan at this point tries to say something to Andrew for the cameras like “you only paid me half, Andrewski, and I never forget a salad”; he shoots away from her so fast I see a blur. He spends much of the rest of the time huddling behind Charles, basically spooning his arch enemy in non-sweating terror, so finally M has resort to her natural habit of talking to herself. She is somewhat mollified by her central balcony position, which is really opening up!"
You have to be a well-versed long-term Markle/RF watcher to catch the meaning of all the very clever parts of this!
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Thank you for the huge giggle. You guys need to team up and make a video.
If I remember correctly, wasnt Giles'last name Coren?
I have no idea why his name got trapped in my memory banks.
There is an article about him starting the rumours. He is a British reporter, if he is still employed
https://www.entertaintimes.com/articles/1561/20200616/prince-william-cheating-kate-middleton-rumors-started-comment-made.htm
My queasiness with MM started when I saw she was looking straight at the camera. Every. Damn. Time. Everyone else could be looking at say, the show, and she would be staring at the camera. It really creeped me out. And she was in the middle of every picture. She would move away from where she was "placed" to be in the middle.
I didnt know much about Narcissism then.
The engagement interview and cost of the dress sounded alarms.
After she tried to ruin Eugenies wedding by announcing she was pregnant, I was done.
Whoops I just made a post about politics - but I didn't reveal my choice in the presidential race and I connected it to Markle. I hope it's ok.
Heh. I just said that it means war.
Yes, extremely creepy. She pays no attention to *anything* besides camera placement and using it to her best advantage. Oddly enough, when normal people are photographed, they're usually paying attention to the people that they are with.
Hoist her over the railing.... hahahaha.
I love the tapping for the 3rd time warning. Plan activated. Haha.
I really looked and yes, that creepy smiling stare into every camera. I have known narcissists.Every bell was going off.
Downhill from there and I slid from fan who was happy for Harry, and who actually bought the charity cookbook, to being disgusted and rather appalled. The more I looked, the more I saw the big narc swindle. And here we are today, still trying to make sense of it all.
She really does, doesn't she...it's as if she decided she would always act as if she were always the center of attention, engaging with the lucky people around her...and some day it will be true. Now, she cannot stop doing it.
@KCM1212, yes re Giles, it was Coren, a food critic for The Times. I definitely remember reading other things about him at the time of the Rose story that made him seem to be a sort of ranting, mean mess, with some sort hateful Twitter episode. The info made him sound like a pretty unpleasant sort of man.
Yes, exactly, and from what people have said on this blog about narcissists, finding similar behaviors in MM--she simply cannot do the introspection to figure it out. We've already seen her awkwardness in the USO video and her bbalcony appearances in just two years. It will be her trademark.
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That's when I started to question things, too. Not a lot, but some.
Questions kept arising.
I crossed over to intense dislike when she announced her pregnancy at E's wedding.
They really sold us on she was a polished professional and then we come to the engagement interview and she's acting like a silly 12 year old. And taking him down there with her!
No wonder William was suggesting caution.
@Sally1975: "MM always looks as if she is actively working on posing for the cameras...changing positions and assuming multiple mini poses trying to show her best side. The faux interactions seem to fall into this category."
She really does, doesn't she...it's as if she decided she would always act as if she were always the center of attention, engaging with the lucky people around her...and some day it will be true. Now, she cannot stop doing it.
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@KC
Yes! she sure is a seriously vain person! I blame her father in part for the camera fixation! She actually thanked her dad in one of her old SM accounts for helping her find 'her light'. He taught MM how to pose for the camera and admitted to taking hundreds of photos of her since she was born.
I remember an especially funny photo of Megalo - it's a shot of her taken long-distance looking directly up into a camera during the carriage ride after the wedding. It's hysterical that she would find a camera so far off to stare into! I don't know what type of camera it was (remote location/security?) but it was very high up and yet she found it! I tried to find the photo to post a link here and couldn't locate it...
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I did however, find another interesting article about the birth fiasco. This one is from the point of view of the royal reporters and is quite interesting:
https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a28917351/royal-correspondents/
I so agree with you — that smug strutting in the big maternity coat to snatch spotlight from Eugenie on her already delayed wedding day was the last straw. When she then turned up quite flat-bellied in Australia, I knew she was a certifiable narcissist of the worst kind. The world should have flung her into the dustbin of famous worthless feckless idiots right then.
That is when I found other dismayed people on royal blogs, and knew I wasn’t alone. Prior to all this had only a minor passing interest in the royals. Liked the Queen, as did my mother, and grandmother; noticed the Swedes a bit, that sort of thing. A university friend’s mother had a kitchen filled with Royal commemorative teacups and was a fountain of Diana and Margaret trivia. I have a gossipy connected client good for a tidbit now and then. A few work-related events.
So, touch points, but no real interest. But this whole thing has become so intriguing, involving history and traditions to mystery babies, to sociopathic psychology, bad fashion and tin hat theories and those hilarious plastic friends off the Canadian back lot.....I love that we can share the MM slopes here. One day perhaps we will be able to chortle “we KNEW it!” Thanks to all our beautifully mined nuggets.
"...that smug strutting in the big maternity coat to snatch spotlight from Eugenie on her already delayed wedding day was the last straw. When she then turned up quite flat-bellied in Australia, I knew she was a certifiable narcissist of the worst kind."
Plus, she was quite flat-bellied in a leather pencil skirt and tucked-in blouse in Sussex only 9 days before Eugenie's wedding. (See FF cover photo.) Awful woman.
And hopefully, no discussion on whether HarryMarkle is male/female straight or gay.
I know more lockdowns over there but are international flights allowed? He could come in, hide out at Frogmore isolating for 2 weeks and then leave again. Using the lock down as an excuse not to see anyone.
Does anyone know how long he has to stay in the UK due to Visa issues before returning?
"Hasn't M and Katherine Mcphee been saying they both attended the same high school just different classes?"
Supposedly they both went to Immaculate Heart. It starts in 6th grade and goes through high school. Katherine was only there a year or two and attended high school elsewhere.
You are quite welcome. I always find the social inter-relationships quite intriguing, people do not live in a vacuum, as we are finding out with the spread of Covid. Lady Colin Campbell is very interesting to listen to as she knows so many people and is a great conversationalist. She has a new video out wherein she talks about 'society'.
I read that Rose's father is much older than her mother, so I am sure that her marriage to a much older man would not be so very out of the ordinary for her. I never really thought that she and William had a 'relationship' and read that William took Rose out to dinner while Katherine was pregnant, which prompted speculation. There was a threat of a lawsuit by William regarding this rumor and I am sure that the couples put a bit of distance between them until things could get sorted.
Going back through my magazine stack I found Hairy on the cover of Town and Country Feb 2017. The title is 'Bachelors of the Year'. A featured article 'Miracle in Malawi' mentioned Hairy helping with conservation. I am sure MegsyBaby had a copy of this issue for inspiration and intel. Then June 2019 Tattler had a feature 'Out for the country' which had a large photo of the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley. The August 2019 Tattler had a feature of "The Social Power Index-The Top Ten." Number one is The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley rounds out number 10. On the next page is the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, not ranked. September 2019 Town and Country had an article on the Turnip Toffs and the falling out between Rose and her neighbor and friend Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Rose always looks lovely and gracious. I would imagine that Meg is quite envious of the way that certain types appear to cruise through life effortlessly and her creation/promotion of this rumor would give much satisfaction. Though Megs being an arriviste, and hopefully on her way down, will never win against people with real wealth, social stature, and title. Rounding out the year for Tatler December 2019 is Meg on the cover 'The Meghan issue Does she conquer or divide?' By that time she had flown the coop, she could not exist in the world she created within the Royal Family.
The funny thing about the name 'Cholmondeley', our kids used to watch 'Pawn Stars' and one of the simpler personalities was Chumley. It gave me a giggle when I realized the pronunciation was the same. (Also loved Elizabeth George's earlier novels.)
@AnT
Shifty and Toot, hahaha!
“Harry’s burdensome toothy bride” arghhhhh!!
@Enbreth
“Scarfing up an invisible magnetic field” perfect!!
Thanks, made my day.
Giles Coren - elder brother of Victoria Coren Mitchell, broadcaster & professional poker player ; son of the late, much-mourned, Alan Coren, humourist and writer; first-cousin-once-removed of Michael Coren, Canadian journalist/clergyman.
I found Giles somewhat creepy even before this to-do.
Enematic Megs
Riddle-Me-Ree
Our Narc, old Megsie
Is strange, a befuddled enigma
She’ll come down with a fall
Whence revealed to us all
That her bump was delivered by enema
@WildBoar
Reminds me of the Cockburn’s ad for sherry/port?
Never say Cock, say Co..
Markle, pronounced Manky?
Thanks!
@Everyone
Speaking of names that are said so differently from the way they are spelled that we may be justified in wondering whether the aristocracy are trolling us . . .
Apparently "Featherstonehaugh" is pronounced "Fanshaw"!
Not forgetting my personal favorite… FEATHERSTONEHAUGH.. ‘Fanshaw’!!!
A lively young damsel called Menzies
Asked “Do you know what this Thenzies?”
Said her aunt with a gasp, “That is a wasp
And you’re holding the end where the stenzies!”
Oh, my gracious, thank you so much! I kept saying to myself "Chumley...now why does that sound so familiar!" and couldn't place it! Our kids, too, watched "Pawn Stars" and followed the adventures of Chumlee as well as the rest of the crew. That's a trip down memory lane I hope I don't have to make again!
Megs Pegs
Megs deranged manic smirk
Thanks to much dental work
Added pressure to her rictus jawbone
She may soon come unstuck
With her constant smug look
‘Cos her teeth have a life of their own
I've read that it was the only such event that Harry has ever attended.
These things are important diplomatic occasions - members of the RF have to be very careful what they say and have to report back on what they have heard. I wonder if Harry was indiscreet? Did alcohol loosen his tongue? Did Rose mention something he said to her husband? H would have been on probation, presumably placed somewhere he couldn't do much damage, but he demonstrated that he wasn't ever to be trusted in that situation? Perhaps it wasn't just that the Harkles didn't attend the Trump banquet - perhaps it had been decided that he'd blown all hope of attending any banquet in the future?
In short, could there have been a revenge motive for that rumour?
https://metro.co.uk/2016/08/04/19-british-place-names-youve-been-mispronouncing-your-entire-life-6046790/
and more surnames
http://psychopixi.com/uncategorized/80-surnames-with-surprising-pronunciation/
Hours of fun!
Harry attended the state banquet for the Spanish royals in the summer of 2017. Neither he nor Meghan attended the banquet with Trump in the summer of 2019. (Harry did attend another event involving Trump and mostly appeared to be sulking.)
@Hikari
Hahaha, very clever!
Megsies the Ming-ezz
Set out to stenzies
Hoping to Dalziel
But was met with no Dee-El!
Speaking of the sugars, how are they doing lately? I haven't heard a peep from them in a while, but surely they haven't all been dissolved by all the new hot tea!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_state_visits_received_by_Elizabeth_II
Whereas there were 2 a year previously, the number dropped to one by July 2017 when H was there for King Felipe and Queen Letizia. The 2018 one was for the Dutch Royals which conveniently happened when the Harkles were on tour in S Pacific.
I'd love to know what the Harkles really thought about not going to the June 2019 banquet for Pres. Trump - would she have had internal conflict between not wanting to go and fury at being left out?
So there's insufficient evidence as to whether H would have been trusted or not, based on what may have happened at the 2017 banquet, but it's a fair bet that even if they had stayed here, neither would ever have been trusted not to say the wrong thing, to the wrong person.
This pure speculation, of course.
Have we got her Irish abortion gaffe on the list of things she's got wrong?
@Enbreth
Sugar Lumps
Sugars, so saccharine, so sweet
Bowing down to Megsies big feet
At the end of the day
As Megs goes her own way
They will lump it
And scarper, Tout Suite
We all wish that skank
Into obscurity sank
Alas, she clings on
Still here, the moron
Maybe next year will bring
Some hope in the spring
When we say 'Adieu'
After the review.
For the list, Megs half hearted discurtsy
to the Queen of Tonga.
I didn’t like the look of Megs from the very
first photos/videos of her and Harry at Invictus.
Something was “off” about her, fake from the start.
What clinched it for me, was the the sly,
smirking, side look straight to camera as she got
out of the car wearing that maternity coat at Eugenies wedding.
Trump had previously insulted Harry's mother, saying he could easily have `had' her.
I wasn't aware of that, so I looked it up. Here's an article that quotes everything Trump has ever said about Diana, Meghan, and even Catherine: https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1339526/donald-trump-princess-diana-meghan-markle-royal-family-news-us-election-spt
Prince William would seem to have more of a bone to pick with Trump, but both he and Catherine managed to behave graciously during the State Banquet.
I'd love to know what the Harkles really thought about not going to the June 2019 banquet for Pres. Trump - would she have had internal conflict between not wanting to go and fury at being left out?
My bet (also pure speculation, of course): She really wanted to go, for the prestige, for another shot at a tiara, for another chance to upstage the Queen, and for the opportunity to leak to the press that she had been forced to do it.
Does anyone know if the State Banquet and the Harkles' feelings about it were mentioned in Finding Freedom?
@Maneki
Love it, let’s pray she’s due her Adieu!!
I didn’t like the look of Megs from the very
first photos/videos of her and Harry at Invictus.
----------------
Exactly the same here. She was smirking and had a very self-satisfied look on her face. Then there were the pap shots of her going to yoga (called by her) and the Vanity Fair article. I still remember how one of Charles's girlfriends was given the elbow after talking to the press. MM seemed very manipulative and I disliked her from the start. I was fervently hoping the Queen wouldn't give Harry permission to marry...
Beggars Belief
By the flick of her coat
Megs was out to denote
The fact she was miraculously preggers
Each change of her lump
From a clump to a bump
Suspended beliefs, and just beggars?
I remember we were all shaking our heads at the vegan chicken-roasting Duchess merching her lambskin skirts and tonal tucked-in shirts, a nod to Glamour magazine Sizzle in Skins: Receptionist Chic 2002.
@Maneki
I cottoned on to her smug, self satisfied smirk
behind sunglasses from the start.
But, didn’t realise how bad she was!!
Just thought she was wrong for Harry,
and the RF.
The Queen, and Charles, would have known.
They catered to Harry, foolish.
It was random, but she is also the person who I think was photographed with allergy medicine at one of those swag tent events.
It cheapened the brand. Nothing royal about it. Congratulating a contestant because his name is Archie? It was his moment and they contributed nothing to it. They should have been told "No, thanks."
It looked like a chance to show how glam/Hollywood she is. I thought it seemed like an audition to be a judge or featured on the show. It was out of place. They have been battering us with PR and so seeing them is not special. I wonder if she was paid for it. If Harry refused to be part of that, then I'm almost proud of him?
Did you add to the list that at the Rwmembrance Ceremony after she placed her cross she Turned Her Back on the memorial instead of backing up to return to her original place? A big no-no.
@CookieShark
No-one, in their right mind, would give up
a world platform like the BRF.
Megs jumped before she was shoved.
Tacky shows are the way to go!!
Unbelievable.
and asked:
"Can she really be upset they were ignoring her, though, when she was ignoring Harry?"
I think so. She was deep into her own want-to-belong-ness. She was ignoring Harry for the cooler kids who took no notice of her. The kind of introspection that would cause her to realize it was the same treatment would not come til later, if it did come.
"I'm not sure what to make of the lip-biting moment."
I think she was having a moment of . "This Royal Marriage thing is not what I thought it would be. I am not getting all the attention. I am still just me, even up here on this balcony. Nobody fawning over me or trying to get close to me." Not thinking about Harry---she's already got him, she wants more.
I actually started having second thoughts about with the big splashyJust Wild About Harry article in the magazine even before they were engaged and wondering how she got away with being so indiscreet. That kind of thing generally would result in a girlfriend being dumped rather quickly
---------------
Yes, that happened to Sarah Spencer, Diana's sister. She had a date with PC and right after it ended in the afternoon she encountered a reporter and they went to a pub and she gave an interview (headline: I couldn't marry Prince Charles if I didn't love him). She called him and told him aboit it. He became very cold, told her you have done a very stupid thing, and hung up on her. And that was that.
I've noticed that US tabloids never put them on the cover any more, either, and while newspapers will occasionally run an article on them, it's always a fluff piece in the entertainment section. They have become just another couple of vacuous, uninteresting celebrities.
Did you add to the list that at the Rwmembrance Ceremony after she placed her cross she Turned Her Back on the memorial instead of backing up to return to her original place? A big no-no.
This was when she wore the fuzzy bathrobe, wasn't it? What I most remember from that day is someone telling her where to stand right as Prince Harry was getting into position for his salute. She deliberately, defiantly stood much closer to Harry. I can't have been the only viewer who understood that she was asked to keep her distance so that Harry could salute smartly without clipping her . . . and who wished for several hot seconds that he would end up doing just that!
Sharp-eyed watchers said that there was also a military officer (?) following her around. He didn't seem to be an ordinary RPO. If he was her baby-sitter for the day, with orders to keep her from getting into trouble, she must have been furious!
In general, narcissists love to create ruin special occasions and to bring chaos out of order. She could have stayed home and avoided the drama, but she preferred to act out disrespectfully in public. Just to show that she would not be pushed around.
(As with everything, I wonder what the Finding Freedom version of events is. Was poor little Meghan "shellshocked" again to see what the press and the public had to say about her carefully-chosen outfit, her closeness to her husband, her totally innocent faux pas after laying the cross, and the minder that she so compassionately wished to provide handwarmers for?)
Yes, i had seen that referred to in i think Tiaras and Houseplants, or Skippy last night, here is the link they posted:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1356637/meghan-markle-news-prince-harry-latest-majesty-magazine-ingrid-seward-royal-family-vn
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's "plummeting" popularity in the UK has been analysed by stunned commentators. Ingrid Seward, the Editor in Chief of Majesty Magazine...
And Ingrid is very polite and diplomatic so if she is saying it...
"They have become just another couple of vacuous, uninteresting celebrities." Exactamundo!
I think she was having a moment of . "This Royal Marriage thing is not what I thought it would be. I am not getting all the attention. I am still just me, even up here on this balcony. Nobody fawning over me or trying to get close to me."
Isn't there an old saying that money and fame don't make you better or more popular -- they just make you more of what you already are. After the wedding and that "honeymoon" tour, every encounter with the royals must have made Meghan painfully aware that she had just traded one small supporting role with modest merching opportunities for another small supporting role where the merch money was much better but everything else was much uglier.
If she had really loved Prince Harry and truly wanted a child with him (titles and line of succession be darned), she at least could have been happy.
"Stunned commentators"
Now I'm stunned. Can they really not see what has been in front of everyone's faces for years? It's either the usual sensational clickbait language or a genuine example of media professionals being completely out of touch with the public.
Your perfect description of her cross-placing tomfoolery has given me an idea.
Perhaps the “12 month review” should be handled BGT style as an ITV Christmas special during these hard lockdown times when we search for fresh programming?
H and M can be seated comfortably in oversized thrones in front of an enormous tv audience and a panel of judges including William, Catherine, Dan Wootton, the Queen, and Lady C.
And for kicks, there’s the Masked Judger: Samantha? Trevor? Sophie? Piers Morgan? Yankee Wally?
We will be shown the footage of her shoving, lying, emptying Wimbledon seats, forcing mothers to sit on floors. Images of her whining about “ask if I’m okay” belted up against stats and images of poverty, murder, child illness, rape. Testimonials from: women hit by teapots, the elephant fund still possibly waiting for their Disney donation, and a smattering of irate bodyguards and Canadians. The Queen of Tonga. The school kids whose Mosquito song she mocked. The Parkland Hospital’s night nurses and retired bookkeeper. Angela Kelley. The guy who rented a Nazi costume to Hazza, the guy who chased Meghan away from the car boot at the polo. The two guys who tied the doll’s hand to her neck for the Canadian stroll. The Darren Doll shipping department clerk. The Magic Bumps shipping department clerk. Russian oligarchs. Husband #1. The woman who hired her for a Pre-Suits golf outing and talked about her child. Everyone who lives near Frogmore, in a jolly revealing Zoom. Etc.
All this interspersed with small segments called “Are You Okay?” Showing the lives of people who have lost their jobs or loved ones or who are struggling through lockdown. Families missing grandparents. Singles forced to spend winter weeks alone.
It will be a 3-day viewing festival on ITV as we are presented with video, receipts, testimony. They must go through it for their last chance — nay, ANY chance, to retain titles and an allowance.
Lastly, on night two, before the verdict is revealed on night three, they must bring a live Archie to the judges’ table for his DNA swab. Who comes out to carry five children in? Five women dressed in brown dresses. Will the Sussexes be able to pick their child from the line up for the critical make-it or break-it DNA test?
We get answers, the UK chooses so the Queen & Chuck don’t have to, and ghastly 2020 ends on a high fun note.
I think ratings for “And You Thought YOUR Christmas Sussexed!” would go through the roof.
Please, ITV?
She never has loved Hairy. It’s perfectly obvious, and has always been thus. He is a means to an end.
Along with this intent, she thought she would have adoration.
She is vile, narcissistic, and without soul.
LOL! my only critique is that the string on "dead frog Archie" isn't something tied around MeGain's neck. The "baby" is wearing mittens with a string attached to both (so if one falls off you don't lose it). Very common among children's mittens.
Fair enough!
So shall we say instead: “the burly fellows who looped the giant thick black Canadian infants mitten string around Meghan’s sultry neck for the walk, so that the blood would rush downward from “the baby’s” fixed skyward right hand, while he dangled from his neck in her loving close embrace?” ;- ). (Said in Lady C’s voice, perhaps.)
Narcissists are never happy
I should have remembered that they can't really love, either.
Whilst you are correct that it's a thing with children's mittens, that's not the case here.
First , his mittens are light blue, the string is black
Second, the string wraps around his wrist (not the top edge of the mitten)
Third, the string goes up and around *her* neck.
The strings you speak of attach to the top edge of the kid's mittens, thread thru the sleeves of the kid's jacket and out the other sleeve and attaches to the kid's other mittens top edge.
At no time does the string go up around the *mother's* neck.
See this link for up close photos.
https://www.classlifestyle.com/news/40820/meghan-markle-shetitje-me-djalin-ne-pyll-komentuesit-gjejne-serish-dicka-per-ta-kritikuar/eng/
A holly jolly Suxxit Christmas Special Will rival of the Queen’s Coronation for viewing numbers. It will be the media sensation of the decade!
Lucky audience members for the live TV, chose invite lottery from all over the UK, will receive a festive wool scarf from the Duke of Cambridge personally as a souvenir. That would be Meg doing her bit for the British wool industry despite herself.
Please make sure we can view this in the U.S.!!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8921821/Meghan-Markle-says-shes-saddened-Social-Media-Kindness-Day-deemed-necessary.html
Caroline Flack was an ex of Harrys.
Wondered what she was going to latch onto next.
so are yo talking black or white string?
I was looking at the black string, which comes down from her right neck, wraps around the baby's right wrist, and goes back up into the left side of her coat.
I never noticed the white string on the baby's left hand. That easily could be the kind of string you're talking about. Although usually those thread thru the baby's jacket, and wouldn't have been visible. This one seems to go across her body and end....somewhere. It looks like it ends somewhere behind or in the leashes. Weird.
She surely doesn't seem to know how any of this works, does she.
Funny how things that should just be simple end up causing all kinds of questions with them.
Meghan Markle says she's 'saddened that Social Media Kindness Day is necessary in today's society' as she lends her support to the initiative marking Caroline Flack's 41st birthday
She has to pipe up, she cannot stay quiet for long. Although let's not forget she was "the most trolled person in the entire world in 2019" (rolls eyes) . She needs to preach by example and so far, she hasn't shown much kindness to friends and family.
Do we think she reached out or was asked?
Sounds very word-salady talking about how social media is "at the end of our finger tips"
Of course she wouldn't wait until the actual day of but a few days before to get press about her involvement.
Audience lottery and a commemorative wool scarf!!!! You just took this over the line and made this concept television gold. Can’t enjoy your darts, citizens in lockdown? Just jump on our lottery for the fun you miss! Click the virtual banana darts and if you land center, you are in the drawing!
With delightful video of William, Catherine, George, Charlotte and Louis doing a synchronized scarf pat! Enter for a chance to get your handsome scarf now! Offered for public sale (proceeds to mental health charity) after the audience drawing is complete.
Black fringe on one end, ginger fringe on the other, repeat festive design of the phrases “I’m okay” and “not today, Harkles!” ?
In the best Markle tradition, I hereby declare this idea dated & copyrighted, lol. They have to come to us now, Hikari. William on line two!
If you're talking abt 'media kindness', she "leant her support", i.e. she had to stick her oar in. Yes, we're grateful this wasn't a zoom video.
She didn't know Caroline Flack, I'm not sure she cared but obviously she thinks we care abt her opinion.
"At the end of our fingertips"
Aren't our fingertips already the ends, which makes the idea of the ends of the ends redundant? Why not just say, social media is "at our fingertips," like normal English users do? But here I go again, asking futile questions . . .
I see the black thick string around her neck as the item the “baby” hand in mitten is attached to or hanging from. I do not know how the hand was affixed. I agree the black line running along the baby jacket cuff could be trim; but when enlarged it looks like it runs past the end point of the cuff into her jacket and hair, also there is a gap under the black line that seems to show a glimpse of the light colored baby mitten, which led me to think of this as the black cord or string used to loop and secure the limp unmoving “baby” body to her own body, however awkwardly and unnaturally. Yes, mitten strings run through the arms of the coat, up one sleeve, across the back, down the other sleeve. So I didn’t really think of mitten strings.
Others have noted already that that child that large would not be a lightweight baby to carry in that way, particularly with the strap of the baby harness sliding off.
( I cannot imagine marching along grinning like a loon with my big child dangling like a lump dragging down the harness, so I have to neck lock him to my chest while hanging onto dogs. I would stop and have my two dopey bodyguards help me hold the dogs and adjust the harness and baby for its wellness and comfort, wouldn’t you?)
Uh....Um.....,well, I will leave this here:
17 February 2020, Daily Mail online:
“I was Prince Harry’s bit of rough”: tragic tv presenter Caroline Flack told how she spent the evening “chatting and laughing” with the Duke when they first met before striking up relationship”
— with photos from one of their dates in 2009/10.
And: says the pair was set up by her pal Caroline Pinkham who had previously dared the royal herself.
All found in Flack’s 2014 memoir, Storm in a C Cup.
I guess SS missed that.
"I cannot imagine marching along grinning like a loon with my big child dangling like a lump dragging down the harness, so I have to neck lock him to my chest while hanging onto dogs. I would stop and have my two dopey bodyguards help me hold the dogs and adjust the harness and baby for its wellness and comfort, wouldn’t you?"
I can't imagine doing that either. But technically her bodyguards aren't supposed to be personal assistants. (And when that pic was taken, she was still receiving royal protective services and services from the Canadian Mounties.) I remember when Kate was papped loading groceries in her car while her male bodyguards stood by. Some people were incensed they didn't help her. But others pointed out guards have to be "on guard" at all times. Of course, one of M's bodyguards was chatting on his cell phone and that's probably not usual either!
I wouldn't have left the parking area though until I had secured the baby properly. If I was enough of an idiot to think I should walk two dogs with a baby strapped to my front, I'd have left the dogs in the car until the baby was properly secured. (I certainly hope the "baby" wasn't already strapped onto her front riding in the car. But then again, a doll wouldn't die in a car wreck.)
And remember how she apparently had them take off their hats in unison as they strolled?
Cell phones. Hat styling for the pap photos. Time to secure a baby in line to the throne before it strangled? Part of protecting it, too? Who knows. I agree, who would leave the parking with a baby dangling that way? Probably only those who know it is a doll.
Like others have noted here, the baby is too big for the carrier. I have a baby the same age as Archificial. I had the baby in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's. No word or sign of Megs there, either. I've been keeping an eye on the situation from that vantage point.
It would NOT fit in a carrier at that age of the forest walk. And, if it's as big as they claim, how is she also being led around by two dogs without falling over? Doesn't add up. Add on the maniacal grin (why aren't you paying attention to your baby????) And it's a done deal. Complete showboating BS. How do the paps find you in a canadian forest anyway? Lol!
Thanks for the tip on the Flack memoir. I'm looking forward to reading her relationship thoughts on 'rough' Harry.
Yes, I forgot about Harry's 'bit of rough'!
Your ideas are indeed comedy gold. Truly inspiring!
My WTF moment at the Remembrance Day ceremony was that bizarre head flip she did once she placed the cross.
She looked just like my dog when she tosses me her ball to throw for her.
I have never seen anything like it. Anything for attention, of course. She obviously was giving the cheap seats a performance worth remembering.
Had I attempted that maneuver, I would have landed flat on my back looking at the clouds.
Had she flipped, it might have been a great bookend to Harrys "salute" across the chops. Sigh. If only.
Are we taking bets on her asking for a full Secret Service detail so she doesn't have to pay for her own yet? What are the odds of Joe giving a thumbs up for that kind of spending on those wastrels? Secret Service agents are not cheap. Nor are the ex royals relevant in ......anything?!?!
`How do the paps find you in a canadian forest anyway?'
This was answered not long after the event by an online shot of phone screen, allegedly of a message from MM, on a phone belonging to said paps. Can't remember whose site it was on - Yankee Wally?
It proclaimed something like `I'll be at the gate to the Bear Trail at 3pm.' or wtte.
Exactly. It was all so absurd. I keep wondering (hoping) if that little Motherhood in the Canadian Forest scene will somehow be brought up in the court case and exposed. Privacy, fear, and woe and that obviously gleeful woodland pap parade do not mix.
Did she sue for that photo, or just use it as bait to whine about safety for more security cash? I am pretty confident she would risk disastrous exposure (doll, not baby) if a competent court took it on, or used it as a way to frame her duplicity.
HA HA HA!!!!
I LOVE your show idea!
And it MUST be broadcast in the US too.
After all, we have had to suffer a mega-sized Markle made more obnoxious by her royal platform!
Popping my popcorn and chillin' my diet coke.
PS Although your show is perfect as is, Markle disgusts me so much that I have to ask:
May I add this to your show...
-a large collection of photos flashed on the screen in rapid succession all focusing on Markle's phony persona including the fake 'hand over heart' and 'giggling behind hand' poses, as well as shots of the hysterical 'pretending to talk to others while being ignored' situations.
-footage blended together of the ever-changing appearance of the Markle starting in childhood when she once appeared to be of African American heritage, through to the changes that made her "white" and on to the current plastic surgery nightmares that morphed her into a combination of OctoMom, 1970's Cher and Bob Hope.
🤣🤣🤣
OK, I'm not funny like you, but IMO the RF SHOULD take a good look at a collection of images/footage revealing just how artificial, affected and inappropriate Markle is. Sure they probably know this already but I can dream that a large group of photos may finally drive that fact home and the titles and place in succession will get promptly yanked!
We can expect her becoming a lot more active. This presents a real problem because people in direct line to succession in UK must not get involved in politics. This covers their families too.
Harry is getting involved in politics on unprecedented for the royal family level. If they let him do this then other members of the RF can do the same and the whole system will fail.
I don't really care what Harry does, he cut his ties with UK, but his behaviour has wider implications for the monarchy. His antics and tantrums already resulted in diminished respect for Charles, who just about climbed out of Diana catastrophe.
Biden wins, right? Get ready for Mega pushing to get into politics even harder.
................
NOPE! Apparently, the fat lady didn't sing yet.
And it's driving me crazy.
I can't believe CNN still has the electoral college numbers at 253 / 213 and Fox has them at 264 / 214 where both counts have been for days.
At this point, I'm thinking there is going to be trouble with WHOEVER wins as the actual vote count numbers are so close.
This is very stressful for us here.
I don't want to think about Markle's involvement right now.
But I'm sure she will start out by making some sort of DIVISIVE statement no matter who wins.
We can count on that!
And I really doubt she will get money for security from any US leader.
Ha! Love the photo additions. I am laughing out loud at the visual idea of your “combination of OctoMom, 1970s Cher, and Bob Hope”!!!! So true. A little tiptoe through facial history.
For the good souls watching at home, send us video of your Phony Persona bend-over laughter, and hand over heart, and claw grab?
I personally love the talking and life photo pose thing you mention, the move when no one pays attention to her. Maybe we can get famous stars to show us how it is done? Helen Mirren, show us how to appear lively when surrounded only by lamps and empty chairs!
How about a large on-stage hologram of Prayer Hands Meg? They get to see it every time they manage to find one person to say something good about her. Similar for Harry, but with an immense hologram of a pint. Maybe Kanye can help us.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-151800911.html
Johnny Depp’s libel suit loss just got significantly more expensive for him: he has been fired from the Fantastic Beast 3 movie currently in production, and his role as Grindelwald will be recast. Depp exited the production quietly, but defiantly proclaims his intent to go through with the appeal.
As for Mugsy getting more deeply involved in politics… A Biden win may actually turn out to be detrimental to that plan. We have seen some of the most high profile liberals in Hollywood distance themselves from Me Gain. The silence from the Clooney’s is deafening. Serena Williams husband may have done a zoom video but Serena is the one with real name recognition, and all I hear is crickets chirping. The Walt Disney Company, as extremely liberal and rainbow friendly as it is has publicly denounced her as to controversial to be associated with. Ellen DeGeneres Is having her own problems and is no longer useful as a contact for Meg. Ellen may lose her show fairly soon. Where is queen Oprah and all of her minions? There hasn’t been any talk of the mental health feature with Harry for months now.
Most damning for Meg’s ambition to replace Kamala Harris and gun for the AOC contingent is the fact that the Obamas appear to have repudiated her as well. If Meg we’re going to be as fantastic for the Democratic cause as she thinks, why, Michelle Obama would have her on speed dial. Even though Biden looks to be taking the White House, the Democrats do not have a plurality in Congress. They are not going to jeopardize a very slender public mandate by openly embracing And promoting an unemployed and washed up former starlet who has openly feuded with an Ally as the UK, caused international diplomatic incidents while representing the Royal family, is still exploring those associations does she may lose them momentarily, and is embroiled in a messy court case that she will almost certainly lose. Megs and bitches for politics have nothing to do with promoting Joe Biden or either Democratic candidates… It’s just a publicity grab for herself, The exact same thing that made her a crappy Royal. In the run up to the election, Megalo brazened her way into a few virtual summits. So what? She and Harry are not polished, articulate or informed. The naked self-promotion should put off even those she claims to align with politically. If the Democratic Party gives Meg any sort of platform from now on...they deserve her. This is Meg’s last ditch desperate effort to be a celebrity VIP in Hollywood. If Donald Trump offered to buy Mudslide Towers and dump Melania for her how fast would Mugsy flip? Quicker than it would take for her eyelash glue to dry. Really, what does it say about her liberal wokey American cred that she was willing to marry into a foreign, decidedly undemocratic monarchy and blew through millions of taxpayer monies on herself in just one year? This kind of stuff would be scrutinized, already has been. I think the Democrats are done with her. They’ve got the White House, so they certainly don’t need her endorsement anymore, and all she represents is a liability.
Our news pretty much awarded the win to Biden already. What a torture to be suspended for so long! I feel for you in the States. Whoever wins will inherit a divided society.
You don't need another divisive figure of Megs there, neither do you need a dim former royal Harry.
Those phony poses and expressions with the affected looks of love etc were what first tipped me on to the fact that something was not quite right with Hazza's girl!
Speaking of the dreaded claw, check out this funny story from March 2020 in the DM:
Who's got the upper hand? Meghan Markle is always reaching out to touch Prince Harry, but is it affection or an unspoken sign of who's in charge, asks BETH HALE
-Harry and Meghan have got communicating non-verbally down to a fine art
-Last week, Meghan expertly manoeuvred her husband out of the way at event
-And pictures show its not the first time Harry has let his wife take the lead
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8097469/Meghans-got-upper-hand-Duchess-Sussex-reaching-touch-Harry.html
The article has the greatest group of photos of Markle grabbing and directing Harry with her claws!
And I love the first comment:
"Me Me Should get a Dog Collar and Lead for Harry to Take Him Walkies."
That link really shows how much shorter than him she is even with heels on. I never saw the blue dress shoulder grab clip before. That was probably the most humiliating one I have seen yet. Right after the investiture gate crash incident that is. Ugh!!!
@ Sally1975
Our news pretty much awarded the win to Biden already. What a torture to be suspended for so long! I feel for you in the States. Whoever wins will inherit a divided society.
You don't need another divisive figure of Megs there, neither do you need a dim former royal Harry.
..................
Yes, I've noticed how the UK has been covering our elections via the London Times last night and I was actually surprised at some of the stories. After spending hours following the election here on several news stations I found what had actually happened to be reported differently in the London Times.
I thought this to be somewhat unsettling as we don't need anymore stirring of the pot here and I really dislike all the media in both our countries for pushing opinions rather than straight news on something so important.
Although Biden does appear to be winning they have not yet called it for whatever reason.
I suppose I better go check the details now as I have only looked at the EC numbers so far today. I need to pay attention and find out why they still have not called a winner.
Thanks for the response. Once things settle down here we'll have to focus on what can be done to block the Harkles political interferences.
Yea, she's a shorty!
Glad you liked the photos.
I don't remember seeing that article before. I found it when I went looking for photos for AnT. It has a great claw collection!
I know we haven't seen the Harkles much here in the US but it's funny how she no longer grabs him. I would guess that the clawing was for the UK's benefit - to show UK citizens that Harry was now hers. She can't be bothered touching him anymore now that she's in the states.
🤮
🤣
If she was signalling:
"Harry is mine (back off b**ches)"
now,she is signalling
"Open for business (pull up a stool, boys)"
Unfortunately for him, she is making her exit plans. I imagine those will come as soon as she rescinds her court case (let’s be honest- she will bite the bullet to cover her PR mess/friends/ finding freedom/ grifting) she’s trying to find a reason to end the case early as it is. Then they will owe $5-6,7MM for costs then we will get to see them on ‘Can’t pay, we’ll take it away’. So Meghan will leave.
I think the RF will engage in legal suits against Harry and/or Meghan over Netflix. Or straight to Netflix preventing them from publishing material relating to the RF. I don’t see that documentary ever getting off the ground.
I know we haven't seen the Harkles much here in the US but it's funny how she no longer grabs him.
--------------
True but in the UK I think that was a power grab in order to push Harry, the royal one, out of the way so that she could manoeuvre herself in front of him when at official functions etc. She just had to be centre stage, Harry was just in the way. Now they are not meeting anyone important/attending official events or functions etc, there's no need for her to be first to meet people. Now they're in the US, you can't see the claw. It's behind Harry's back pulling the puppet strings.
Anybody have an intell or insights into whether FC really is being aired out and prepped for a visit? Or any rumours about a November visit?
Its my understanding (be it right or be it wrong) that visa requires him to stay in UK longer than a two week quarantine. Yeah, two weeks in lock down would be a drag but everyone is headed that way so he might as well hunker down in FC and then spend time with the family he had.
Or will she be spitting tacks because she hasn't been given the acknowledgment she thinks is her due?
How hard do you think she will batter at the door of Kamala's office if it becomes vacant?
LOL! I agree with both your suggestions!
Mugsy is now advertising herself on this side of the pond. I'm willing to bet she'd drop Harry for someone richer and more important! But as has been discussed here I doubt anyone would be as naive as Harry was.
And yes, her claw action was a power play in a number of ways. She's still directing him - we can see the evidence when he parrots her woke word salad.
@Jessica
That article is a gem, isn't it?
I've bookmarked it as a great reference for her controlling behavior! There are a lot of interesting clips included as well as all the claw-action photos.
The author discusses how they both use physical contact to signal each other yet this quote below demonstrates how Meghan is truly in change no matter who does the signaling!
"At London's Mansion House last week, where the couple attended the annual Endeavour Fund Awards, Meghan expertly manoeuvred her husband out of the way so she could speak to another woman. First she put her hand on his shoulder and then gently pulled him back so she could move forward. Cue Harry putting his hand to his wife's back to usher her past."
Seeing all these photos and clips reminds me of why I don't believe that blind about Harry being violent. I think she has the upper hand in every way. I can't imagine her emasculating him the way she does on the world stage if she's fearful of facing a temper-induced beating when they get home.
Does anyone else feel this way after seeing all these photos at once?
Here's the link again:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8097469/Meghans-got-upper-hand-Duchess-Sussex-reaching-touch-Harry.html
Based on my experience with immigration, I can almost guarantee, that Harry applied for a green card at the beginning of 2020 from Tyler Perry’s residence. This is why they have not travelled to the U.K. He can’t. They also slowed processing times due to the government shutdown and limited processing (passports are at a 3 month wait as it is right now).
Otherwise, he has a special skill visa (prince of the Uk) or investor visa (invested 100k plus into a business in the US). these are limited supply though, but he could obviously qualify for this.
So there are a few routes and options he has/had but due to their lack of travel and her need to grift off of him I’m positive green card application went in as soon as they landed in the US (on whatever other visa) and it’s been delayed. Only because we would have seen them travel by now, every other celeb is doing it and they do have patronages to support in the UK.
“I can't imagine her emasculating him the way she does on the world stage if she's fearful of facing a temper-induced beating when they get home.”
The way you phrased that reality with a controlling spouse (MM) then being the ultimate victim of severe abuse. Omg! Lol. Domestic violence isn’t funny, of course, but you may be right that there’s no way Harry is some abusive freak behind closed doors. I think he’s more covert, anyway.
Assuming her preferred candidate is successful, how much credit do you think she will claim for her `part' in the campaign?
Or will she be spitting tacks because she hasn't been given the acknowledgment she thinks is her due?
How hard do you think she will batter at the door of Kamala's office if it becomes vacant?
.............
@Wild Boar
I'm sure she will do SOMETHING to annoy us - LOL - no matter how it turns out! I can see her trying to align herself with Kamala Harris.
But the election seems neverending. So many mail-in votes to count yet thanks to the pandemic, states that are so close might have to have recounts, and lawsuits being filed over some apparent strangeness.
At this point, I think I no longer care who wins as long as it is peaceful. Biden is going to speak tonight and I really hope he doesn't claim a victory as it is not the time yet and will cause problems. He supposedly had fireworks set up...
Just in - the supreme court is getting involved in the Pennsylvania situation.
You're ok - the hypocrisy is indeed humorous!
Perhaps she is the one that does the beating!
Maybe the claw morphs into a fist when they return home!
I'm picturing him frantically running like a little boy with her close behind wielding a giant wooden spoon.
Unfortunately for him, she is making her exit plans. I imagine those will come as soon as she rescinds her court case (let’s be honest- she will bite the bullet to cover her PR mess/friends/ finding freedom/ grifting) she’s trying to find a reason to end the case early as it is.
_________________
It's been said that she CAN'T drop it - MOS has to agree, and they are looking very much forward to their day in court. Hence, the request for a summary judgment.
Sleep with one eye open, Harry!
Once Harry and she owe all that money, she’s gone!
1946's THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS?
I saw it as a kid and have looked askance at grabby mitts ever since. When that thing came over the back of the driver's seat.........
OH. MY. GOD. The Beast With Five Fingers! I —— I ——- *flashback*
Not only is it so creepy, but here is something truly terrifying:
When I was about 8 or 9, I asked my parents how they chose my first name. It was for a little schoolgirl essay.
Their answer: the night before I was born, my mother could not sleep and was sitting up late watching The Beast With Five Fingers on television. On a sudden whim, instead of naming me after my lovely French great grandmother as long planned, my mother decided to name me after a character in that film! She went into labor seconds later. I was born within a few hours and, blammmm. No further thinking time so I was named after a horror movie character.
My mother the artist thought it was an original and amusing idea. How clever, haha. I lived in dread of my parents telling this super fun awful secret to my new boyfriends.
(In my essay, I wrote it was my grandmother’s name. Mothers-to-be, please Do Not Do This to your children!)
——Oddly, I just read this on a night when I cannot sleep! My late mother is having a laugh, I think.
"Johnny Depp’s libel suit loss just got significantly more expensive for him: he has been fired from the Fantastic Beast 3 movie currently in production, and his role as Grindelwald will be recast. Depp exited the production quietly, but defiantly proclaims his intent to go through with the appeal...."
Two infamous women for 2020:
1. Amber Heard for sinking 3 movie franchise - Pirates Of The Carribean, Fantastic Beasts and Aquaman.
Most hated woman in Hollywood.
2. Meghan Markle for sinking the British monarchy.
Most hated woman in UK.
Great story, Ant!!
You have so many good stories! The apple fell very close to that creative family tree!
Thank you for the laugh. Again.
I find I need more laughs lately.
I agree. The Harkles will give up those titles when they are pried from their cold, dead CLAWS! (aaagh!)
And then they will make bank off Archie's if they can.
Harry is a British prince. He will never become a US citizen.
He is utterly nothing without his titles and British identity.
Without all his "privilege". Ironic.
I agree as well that they are stubbornly clinging to that half-half-out plan. They want to keep the private planes, the security entourage, the money from Charles and their titles. In return they will show up for occasions Meghan gets a new gown for and gets to wear a tiara.
I think the news about Depp is very sad. Its amazing how much damage marriage to the wrong person can do. If that person is a narcissist, that damage increases 100-fold.
Agreed but, apparently, he hasn't been back to the UK since March? So 7 months? Even with covid he could go back, isolate, etc. He has it so much better than anyone else trying to straddle two countries.
I don't think any one but The Harkles want the half in half out. Certainly BRF does not. And it doesn't appear UK want them back, at all. As to back for affairs with a new gown and tiara, not sure at all that they would be welcomed at an y state dinners. I don't think they'll be on the balcony either. Too great a potential for booing or the like.
My best guess is they will be allowed to attend private family functions (Christmas?) but will be declared "retired" like Andrew. Balcony appearances will be limited to direct line to solve the Andrew and now Harry problem.
Charles has to play this correctly or he will be seen as a weak and somewhat useless monarch. Bitter feelings towards The Harkles will mar his reign.
As for the Harkles, oh my God the review. Did the Queen announce the review? Or did Meghan in her haste announce it on her blog? I remember her writing was a bit miffed that they needed a review period not even realizing it was for her and Harry's good. Such an idiot.
Anyway, I think they are going to remove HRH (how do you do this, sorry I forgot the process), remove the British patronages, remove the last hard connections and say 'Have fun Harry, good luck!' He has been so disrespectful towards the BRF, it's embarrassing. I'm embarrassed for them and I'm not even an aristocrat. They have to remove most Royal connection from Harry which is why they gave him the year to crawl back. It's going to be permanent for the sake of the Monarchy.
I think Harry and Meghan are going to be stunned. They are still funded by Charles, Netflix, and HRH status. This will end. There is no other way.
At that point, William is going to advise Harry that he either gets his *hit together for his own sake, or it's finished. Harry isn't going to sleep well, after they advise him of the coming meeting where he understands the consequences of the decision. I doubt he will call Meghan to discuss. He may, but I think at that point Harry on his own...back in his homeland...we may see an about face of Harry. He may just move forward in the Monarchy, and will call Meghan and say enough is enough (especially with the lawsuit lingering later in the year) and tell her to join him. She will not do so, and all the kindness in the world will not save her.
I think William and the BRF know that is their last chance to Save Harry and will put it all on the line.
They can't afford for this to continue.
Honestly, the LSA video posted where she is shaking and wringing HIS hand due to HER anxiety, while he sits there calmly gave me all the red flags of someone that beats their spouse. If she’s willing to be that aggressive with an audience, there is no telling how she behaves when she is upset or he doesn’t do as she says behind closed doors. Scary when you really consider her issues altogether.
Sleep with one eye open, Harry!
@jessica: People like Meghan, who checks off so many of the behavioral boxes for narcissistic personality disorder, are frequently emotionally and physically abusive to their partner or spouse in a relationship.
It is called the devaluation stage, and with Harry, it likely started soon after the wedding and she legally had her hooks into Harry and the royal family. A bit of it was on display as Harry and Meghan sat in the church pew and she snipped at him at Eugenie's wedding, where Meghan famously upstaged the bride and groom by wearing that overly loose-fitting coat to tell the world she was already knocked up.
Narcs are not only emotionally abusive bullies, they can be physically abusive too, and I wouldn’t put it past Meghan to physically abuse Harry.
Female narcs often assault their partner or spouse and then if their partner/spouse defends themself, they accuse the partner/spouse of beating them. Amber Heard and Johnny Depp come to mind.
I have three reports about Meghan’s mean streak from three women who crossed paths with her when she was in high school and college. I’ll see if I can locate them and post them to this thread.
"Who in their late 30s chooses to marry someone so quickly, particularly someone from another culture who you only ever vacationed with?"
Initially I was happy for Harry. And while the fairly brief, holiday-filled courtship might have been a little worrying, I figured people in their 30s often have a pretty good idea of what they want in a partner. M had been married before and Harry had had a 6-year relationship with Chelsey and a 2-year relationship with Cressida. I'm not going to lie and say I was super concerned -- a courtship of less than two years before the engagement did not alarm me the way it would have had they been in late adolescence or their early 20s. And these days "long distance" relationships are hardly the way they were decades ago. No waiting around for handwritten letters to arrive or for the very occasional (expensive) long-distance call, that's for sure.
Plus, Harry was already fairly far down in the line of succession and was only going to drop farther down as time passed. While it's true royal life can be like living in a goldfish bowl, it's also true that the younger royals have been averaging about two events a week for years with private time between. And pre-COVID, some of those events were behind-the-scenes "meetings" or "roundtables." Throwing in even one multi-day tour a year packed with 3-4 events per day means other weeks of the year will involve no public events. As someone who considers many "real jobs" to be around 40 hours a week often with work taken home, I figured pretty much anyone could handle "working" in public ~5 hours a week.
And while I knew there were cultural differences, M had visited the UK a number of times so I figured she couldn't be totally unaware there would be adjustments to make. And I figured too there had been some adjustments required going from LA to Toronto.
But the eyepoppingly expensive designer ballgown worn for the engagement photos made me start to rethink things. Then the cringe-worthy engagement interview. The apparent "confusion" between the two of them over when they met. Then the fact Harry had not met Thomas. Then the evasion about the dog left behind (including having KP issue nonsensical statements.) And the wedding veil -- ugh. No only was it weird to me for M to wear such a long veil for a host of reasons, I found the Commonwealth embroidery a horrible idea. Not only was it stolen from HM's coronation dress, M was not going to the altar as a bride of the Commonwealth so the embroidery made no sense.
And it's been downhill ever since.
I do agree with the way you see H&M after the review. It could work but the only stumbling block is Archie. Would Harry leave him behind?
Yes, Harry married quickly but I think deep down he might have low self-esteem, was dazzled by MM and thought she was the best he could have.
Like old earthenware, she is cracked and crazed.
As for the `half in, half out' semi-royal hokey-cokey (!) scheme, that was half-baked from the start.
Along similar lines, there is also a phrase `Norfolk and Good'.
Might we have a couple of new names for the Desperate Duo here?
When we used to do pub quizes, one lady shouting out the questions was very posh. At those quizes we called our team Norfolk and Good or sometimes Shy Talk.
The trip to Morocco really stands out to me, as she made not just one but several huge blunders. Anyone can make a faux pas, but it takes real chutzpah to blatantly ignore diplomatic protocol not just once but several times. When she and JH were introduced to the King of Morocco, she pushed JH aside to go first (even though he had higher standing) - and then she reached out to shake the king's hand. Morocco is a Muslim country and men and women NEVER shake hands. She and JH were photographed several times holding hands - again, PDAs are either frowned upon or outright forbidden in Muslim countries. Apparently, the king was so offended that the BRF had to send one of their members (reportedly PA) to apologize to him in person.
James - P.S.
I hear you, I hear you, whispering such gorgeous stories
I see you, I see you, trying to break free
You liar, you liar, you can't live the dreams you're spinning
[...]
You're falling, you're falling, falling from your god-like distance
You're fashion, just fashion, fashion doesn't keep
[...]
My son says, dear father, what did you do when the world turned over
Keep spinning, keep spinning, send us off to sleep
You liar, you liar, all your words are just dust in moonshine
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/james/ps.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ahSCUXfOuA
I believe it was also in Morocco where she was rubbing her stomach in front of two teenage or young women who were mortified and literally couldn't look at her. She was standing quite close to them. It would have put me ill at ease at well.
This is where her "thoroughly modern Royals" schtick goes off the rails. In the glowing articles about her, the breaches of protocol are excused for being too stuffy and she's just so modern, how dare they. But these are cultural and society norms in other countries and it is not that she is being modern, she is being downright disrespectful. And she shows her disdain for other cultures when she refuses to respect them, even as a guest in their country.
However, this is why I think she didn't make it past Suits and why the offers dried up after Disney. Those working close to her realize her character, no matter what the PR tries to shill. I noticed she didn't use her title in the social media kindness post, why not?
The trip to Morocco really stands out to me, as she made not just one but several huge blunders. Anyone can make a faux pas, but it takes real chutzpah to blatantly ignore diplomatic protocol not just once but several times.
I believe it was also in Morocco where she was rubbing her stomach in front of two teenage or young women who were mortified and literally couldn't look at her. She was standing quite close to them. It would have put me ill at ease at well.
This is where her "thoroughly modern Royals" schtick goes off the rails. In the glowing articles about her, the breaches of protocol are excused for being too stuffy and she's just so modern, how dare they. But these are cultural and society norms in other countries and it is not that she is being modern, she is being downright disrespectful. And she shows her disdain for other cultures when she refuses to respect them, even as a guest in their country.
Throughout the first summer of the marriage, I chalked up the awkward public appearances and sometimes quizzical wardrobe choices to being new/uncertain of protocols, nervous and eager to make a good impression. She'd marketed herself as the 'accomplished assertive professional woman' and I knew it was going to be an uncomfortable adjustment for her to defer to her place in the rankings and wait to speak until being spoken to. What none of us really knew then was that she never had any intention whatsoever of adjusting to any sort of subordinate role. She was determined to milk this platform for stardom no matter what protocol said.
Meg's behavior goes beyond thoughtless or pushy, though. She is profoundly pathological with the attention-seeking. Anyone who'd elbow in front of a nonagenarian lady who is also the sovereign of Great Britain *multiple times* has got several screws loose. She really acted like she believed all those people in Chester turned out to see *her*, Harry's unkempt bit of stuff from America, and she was saddled with an old bat nobody was interested in.
The behavior in Morocco was beyond the pale. If she had not been a visiting foreign dignitary, she'd have been arrested for such disrespect to Allah, as they would have viewed it. Meg acknowledges NO superiors in this world--no matter what country they are the Royalty of. "Thoroughly modern" is simply a paper-thin excuse for her congenital rudeness and IDGAF attitude toward all other persons, regardless of their rank.
Yet, even after that egregious behavior, Her Majesty still let the Harkles go to South Africa for an extended opportunity to create chaos and offense wherever they went. Surely that was a very poor decision on ER's part. If it was deemed necessary to tour South Africa at that time, such a sensitive assignment should have been given to the Cambridges. They proved by their deportment in Pakistan thereafter that they can handle it brilliantly.
"If it was deemed necessary to tour South Africa at that time, such a sensitive assignment should have been given to the Cambridges."
Maybe. But I'm not sure how anxious the Cambridges would have been to do two multi-day overseas tours in less than a month. Nor am I sure their staff could have handled the prep work for two tours in quick succession (as I assume the brunt of preparing falls to staff.)
With COVID, obviously things have changed. But if tours resume in the future, the "streamlined" monarchy's bench is not deep enough to do many IMO.
“Profoundly pathological” — that is really it, isn’t it. I remember my disillusionment began when I saw engagement interview clips around the time of the wedding and something seemed very off. Now we know so much more. Didn’t PA have to go soothe ruffled feathers in Australia as well as for that abhorrent lack of protocol in Morocco? I remember seeing the mess she made of that Aus-NZ tour, her fixed smile through the rudeness in the market, her mocking of the schoolboys, soaking up kudos for pregnancy to overshadow her royal husband who was already a handbag by then.. bringing idiotic JM along? Tags hanging from dress? and oh my goodness, the rudeness to the Queen of Tonga (have a friend from Tonga and so this particularly enraged me).
That is when the penny dropped. How was she a “professional” woman? International humanitarian? When all we saw showed a rude, self-absorbed, juvenile, sneaky Z-list with poor manners? I began to research and came up with sand and lies, as did we all.
@Lurking With Spoon,
Music! Of course we need music, I didn’t think of that! Yes, a good theme for our ITV And You Thought Your Christmas Sussexed game show/title stripping special, brilliant idea. I love your pick. Do we also need special music to announce our video segments?
@Not Meghan Markle,
I am embarrassed for them as well. The titles and financial support must be ended. Every so often, I wonder if Harry has alreasdy received a communication to this effect. I think he needs to have a few months of sleepless nights about the final cut-off, because that extended duress might break through his brain fog more than a sudden severing in a Windsor study. Let him think about it not on a flight over plied with nice cocktails, but for a drawn-out slow five months. (Honestly though,nothing may work.) I agree, the monarchy absolutely cannot afford for this to continue. I think a first of January sudden cut-off would be best. A holiday message from the Queen’s study, their photo burning merrily on the fire, the Queen announces a change has been made.
@lizzie,
I’d given a pass on the expensive engagement photo ballgown only because I know some photographers bring stylists and selection of loaned clothing or gowns and the PR value of photos like these is considered a trade for use.) Quickly learned that she was a greedy, materialistic woman with grabbing claws, of course. Her cold emotionless narc smile down the aisle and through the ceremony....chills.
Do you think Eugenie and Jack should be brought on board as active royals to fill the gaps? I do. She seems to have a gift for such public contact and is well spoken, and has pursued her own charity work admirably. He seems pleasant and has his Own sort of marketing skills honed by his tequila company work.pm which could be useful for small company visits. I think they are charming together. I know the baby is on the way but I can see them stepping into the rhythm for two years then maybe going further with the other royals eventually.
Charles may have his slim-down desires and anti-Andy feelings, but why blame Eugenie who hasn’t harmed the brand and has shown steady willingness to do her bit. I am less sure of Bea, but who knows.
Perhpas another of the videos will clarify.
Being vegan, however, didn't stop her tucking in to pigeon pie later in the visit. Perhaps birds don't count as animals in her mind?
I'd love to see Eugenie asked to do royal appearances. As you say though, Charles seems pretty unlikely to ask. And maybe she wouldn't even want to do that at this point. Not only the baby, but both York princesses have spent years being the brunt of jokes (their clothes taste, their bodies, their parents, etc) so maybe she'd not want that now anyway. But I think she'd do a great job (as long as she's not criticized for not having Kate's build.) I think Bea could do a good job too but I think she's more naturally reserved.
Shy Talk, wonderful! Did the posh lady get it?
Years ago, they was a poster for a gig featuring both Hawkwind and Chicken Shack. A colleague insisted on calling them `Hawks*t and Chickencr*p'.
Which of the Harkles would be which?
I never understood what was the justification for it. The British ambassador certainly pushed for it and made some tone deaf comments about curtseys and hats.
Most South Africans were not interested in them or the tour. The enthusiasm you saw was warm hospitality.
The tour was not tied to any event or anniversary or programme ... no special event or state occasion. In fact, the Harkles did go to the President's residence to greet and exchange gifts, and they were late, keeping the President and his wife waiting, and Meghan was under dressed for the occasion. (They are not important enough for any of thst to have mattered.) It was very expensive PR for the Harkles, who then blew it with the news of the lawsuits and the pity me documentary. No wonder Harry looked drunk/ severely hungover at an engagement on the last day of the tour ... if he was staggering and wincing because he had put his back out, some kind of announcement would have been made as the Harkles do not suffer in silence.
Oh, that Morocco trip was beyond disastrous. Her pushing ahead of Harry to greet the King (or the royal prince) in violation of the etiquette, protocol, royal custom and Muslim sensitivities.
I will never believe she had not been briefed. She deliberately chose to ignore the brief.
The cherry on the cake was inappropriately expensive "bedsheet" dress she wore there. It was very thin, showing her belly button (in a Muslim country at the royal reception banquet, no less!) and that was a total no no for us, used to the impeccable royal conduct of the Queen and other royals during official tours.
As a UK citizen I was so profoundly embarrassed and grateful that Moroccans chose not to make her behaviour an issue.
I have missed her wearing jeans meeting girls in Morocco. What an insensitive disrespectful gesture. The school would have been informed about the honour of the royal visit, the kids would have been given lecture on behaviour and would have been in awe of the royals.
The very least she could have done would be to look like a proper "princess" they expected, tastefully dressed, with appropriate jewellery, not a woke woman in jeans. Are we supposed to be grateful and relieved she chose not chew a bubble-gum on that occasion?
But I'm not sure how anxious the Cambridges would have been to do two multi-day overseas tours in less than a month. Nor am I sure their staff could have handled the prep work for two tours in quick succession (as I assume the brunt of preparing falls to staff.)
To have two high-profile Royal tours like that in such quick succession just weeks apart is quite unusual, I'd say. Obviously the Pakistan tour had already been meticulously planned, so it's not like the Cambridges were swiftly dispatched there to repair the PR damage occasioned by the Sussex cock-up. Given the tense situation in South Africa with the murders and the genocidal violence playing out exactly in the tour area, sending the clueless duo, of all people, there, who were bound to create unflattering drama and press (and who certainly didn't disappoint) seems like a quizzical move on the Queen's part. It was also a very long (10 days?) tour, necessitating separate travel/security arrangements for Harry and Meg for half that time . . just a logistical nightmare for such slender returns. The press tried to put a positive spin on it, but the insults dished out to the host country by this pair will be documented for all time. Her get-up & demeanor at the mosque--blatantly, flagrantly disrespect in a house of worship. Insulting her hosts who took the Suxxits into their home for a meal. Staging a fashion walk photo op at the memorial for a murdered girl. Forcing HIV positive women to sit on the floor--women who had worn their very best clothing to meet her, on a potentially unsanitary floor.
Flaunting 'her baby' in that awkward meet-n-greet with Bishop Tutu, when she had refused to show him in Britain. William and Kate took infant George to Australia at a similar age, but I'd have expected more concern over his safety than was displayed by anyone affiliated with the Palace. It seemed like a poorly-organized, not strictly-necessary tour of this Commonwealth region at that particular time . . with the most unreliable 'talent' in the stable, and them being parents of a new baby and all. I'm sure Her Maj is wishing in hindsight that she had made Harry go solo or cancelled the whole thing altogether.
Hawks*** for Harry, per the “H”and the tale that he allegedly shot a protected bird?
Then again, M is always “hawking” merch, which is said to be s***. And god knows she has deadly talons.
???
Chickenc*** for M, due to her mile-long hen-like legs, irresistible roasted dish, and incessant squawking about Every. Damned. Thing.
Then again, H is a frightened little limp biscuit [aka “such a chicken”, “chicken-livered”] under M’s bent thumb, and has turned out to be c*** at minding royal duties.
???
Good question!
Oh my god. I just looked again at the Morocco images and saw the (real or fake) belly button. What a —- I cannot believe she was not briefed, and if she was and ignored it yet again, it underscores her complete lack of professionalism, vile rudeness, total lack of diplomatic and cultural sensitivity. What an insult to the country she visited, its people, and the land she represented.
@Puds, jeans at event in Morocco? *closes eyes, takes deep disgusted breath*. No words. Get rid of them both, BRF.
I seem to remember that the Harkles were sent to Morocco rather suddenly - with 2 weeks' notice, I think - and the focus of the trip was the usual “women’s empowerment, girls’ education, inclusivity and the encouragement of social entrepreneurship.” I remember reading they were sent to Morocco so that MM wouldn't gatecrash the Oscars IIRC but am happy to stand corrected.
Re Morocco and the belly button: don't forget the rather square bump.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8508529/meghan-markle-crown-prince-morrocco-moulay-hassan/
Incidentally, the cost of her wardrobe for the 3 day tour was £111,000 (the bulk of it being that Dior horror). Here is the breakdown (I only glanced at it for a second).
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2019/02/266909/meghan-markles-morocco-wardrobe/
The Oscars would have been a private jaunt, Mugsy off on `a frolic of her own' and C would have had to pay for the damn' bit of schmutter. The Morocco jaunt meant it could be charged as `expenses' for an official trip and also it got her away from the Oscars, perhaps in hope of creating a situation where there might be a measure of control of the woman.
Some hope.
This somewhat sugary article looks at an aspect that we didn't hear much about - the tour timetable:
https://www.macleans.ca/royalty/harry-and-meghans-askew-off-kilter-weird-trip-to-morocco/
All very odd.
Great hilarity all round.
I read the same article half an hour ago!
It's more than 'somewhat sugary', it's vomit inducing: "Harry and Meghan are the biggest stars in the royal firmament", "the two are famous for their warm, spontaneous interactions with crowds of onlookers". No and no, they're not.
@Puds
What's interesting in the photo of MM in the blue dress is how the bump magically disappear when she's sitting down. It's not 'the girl with the magical boobs' but 'the girl (woman) with the magical bump' ;)
Re the cost of her Morroco wardrobe, I've never understood why the red Valentino cape dress was estimated as costing £600/$789. When I look at the Valentino site, dresses pretty much start at $2300. And even on upper-end dept store sites, I don't see anything by Valentino as cheap as £600/$789.
That was British understatement, not to be taken literally!
Understatement but you're too polite! I prefer to spell it out where MM is concerned :)
Person Running The McDonald’s Twitter Account Shares How Nobody Ever Asks How He’s Doing, Receives Support From Various Famous Brand Accounts
https://www.boredpanda.com/mcdonalds-twitter-account-microsoft-response/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
There must have been a heck of a lot going on behind the scene in S.A. after her gaffe.
A very privileged recent royal who already spent hundreds of thousands of pounds and lives in the most exclusive and protected environment in the world complains how tough her life is. Right after witnessing the real tough life.
Royal diplomats must have swept the floor with their tails. "The Duchess is under extreme stress, she means no offense, she didn't mean to undermine the tour, she has enormous respect for your nation, please understand...."
How humiliating and embarrassing for the royals after they planned everything so carefully and invested so much money into the tour. It was meant to become a bridge and became an anecdote instead.
Didn't this make blindingly obvious how important duty and hard team work are in the royal world?
Some good comments but we are straying.
Let's back away from the USA politics and what we think of it and go back to the topic at hand please.
It's not always easy to know where to draw the line of still ok or that was too far. So, if in doubt, write it on a political blog where they can really appreciate your witty political comments and save the witty JH&M observations for us.
thank you
I like your way of thinking. Kate the Great can be a bit of a...distant star? Because she appears so perfect? Three kids and yet immaculate coiffure, tasteful makeup, superb clothes, body of a model, impeccable behaviour. I am a slob with no makeup, country attire and ponytail, surrounded by dogs. How can I relate to someone like her? I can admire but not relate.
Bea and Eugenie are less perfect and therefore more relatable. They can be an asset, no?
Please stop now.