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How will Meghan distract from Prince Philip's funeral tomorrow?

 Saturday afternoon April 17 is the funeral for Prince Philip, a little more than a week after his death.

It's been a remarkable time for the media, which has published numerous stories about how humane and kind this seemingly crotchety old man really was on a one-to-one basis.

My personal favorite came from White House butler Lywood Westray, who served various Presidents for 32 years. When Elizabeth and Philip visited in 1979, the Prince had apparently had enough of the stuffed shirts - and, perhaps, of the Carter family - and hid away from the party for a drink with the staff. 

"The prince was in there by himself, which was odd, because everybody else had gone down to the other end of the building," Westray says. "I said, 'Your Majesty, would you care for a cordial?' He says, 'I'll take one if you let me serve it.' What do you do? I didn't do all that because I had the stuff in my hand. And he says, 'If you let me pour it, I'll have one with you.'

"... So he poured it, the one he wanted, and we took the same thing that he had. And we had our drink there together and had a little talk while we were there. He told us if we were ever over there in London to stop at Buckingham Palace and see him. Can you imagine the prince serving you? I enjoyed it. You know, we're not supposed to drink and carry on at that time. We're not guests. It was just the three of us in the room, so nobody knew what happened. And I drank my little cordial, we all drank, and had a little conversation. But that was one thing I'll never forget, having been served by royalty."

The memories of Philip are just the kind of thing to bring people together, which Meghan must hate, because she prefers to tear people apart. 

As the world prepares for Philip's funeral, it seems inevitable that Meg will do something to bring attention to herself.

What will it be?

Early birth scare

The most obvious approach would be a rush to the hospital to give birth to the daughter she is (supposedly) carrying, perhaps to be named Filippa or some version of Philip's name. (Or "Drew" - Philip's middle name was Andrew, and Meg could get a Drew Barrymore reference as well. Diana Drew Mountbatten-Windsor?)

A "just contractions" false alarm scare would do the trick as well, as would having one of Meg's very good friends, who always seem to be so talkative, release rumors of a Philip-related name.

Other options for attention

The British Consulate in Los Angeles is currently working remotely, so there's no opportunity to go sign the condolence book, as the Duke and Duchess did for the victims of the New Zealand massacre. 

Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited a California cemetery on the most recent Remembrance Day, it seems unlikely Meg will repeat that performance, which got universally poor reviews. 

What do you think Meghan will do to steal the spotlight during Prince Philip's funeral?






Comments

jessica said…
This must be really bizarre for Harry. To go from Montecito right back into RF procedure.
jessica said…
How does Harry even show his face? They are all trapped, according to him. I don’t even get why he is there.
AnT said…
@jessica,

H looks psychologically messed up today. He is an extra in his own life, by his own hand.

William looks every inch the strong, respectful future king.
AnT said…
@jessica,

Agreed. But he is there by guilt and order of his monster master. This will unhinge him.
Teasmade said…
The one from Montecito seems awfully close to William. I had envisioned more separation.
AnT said…
Catherine. Beautifully respectful and it feels, reflective.
Humor Me said…
Just tuned in: and I notice on the Wallk, that William and Harry are parallel, and Peter Phillips is one half-step behind the two, while in the middle. The optics - let the guessing begin.
AnT said…
God bless Her Majesty.
Elsbeth1847 said…
Gayle is talking about how funerals can bring family together and this is a chance to set their differences aside. And then asked that of another commentator. The guy tactfully said yes and linked to something the AOC made.

Gayle: Is it an embarrassment to not have them wear their military uniforms?

Girl with a Hat said…
seeing this little 94 soon to be 95 year old lady bury her husband of 73 years makes me want to cry
Humor Me said…
and Peter is closer in distance to William than Harry.
The Queen waits for her family as the ARchbishop tries to lead her into the Chapel.
I need to get my tissues...
jessica said…
Every single shot of Harry is scowling. I agree, AnT. Looks like Meghan had him convinced that Philip being ill was all about delaying or cancelling their interview. Incredibly shameful. He’s now standing there, having to eat his words, embarrassed on a world stage. Serves him right, really.
xxxxx said…
So classy and cool that The Prince is in an open air hearse. Range Rover I presume. Look's like a pickup truck
jessica said…
Looks like Omid (ABC) and Gayle (CBS) have gotten nice paychecks out of exploiting Meghan and the RF.
Ian's Girl said…
So glad Peter walks now with William, rather than the WPOS.
Humor Me said…
At least Harry placed himself in the ordered line up for going in.
Animal Lover said…
My guess is that Meghan will wait a few days and then do a Zoom event on Grief and Loss, a new topic to add to her repertoire of mental health issues she and her husband are supposedly addressing. .
Ian's Girl said…
God what must the WPOS be thinking, here where he wed the familial viper.
AnT said…
@jessica,

Noticing the same thing. He is scowling with angry shame he cannot process. How will he cope without having M in his ear for a few hours? He is vile, rotting from the inside. The shame if what he did to his grandparents at the end. There is no redemption.

William, I sense, is poised with icy warning.

How beautiful and sad this setting.
Ian's Girl said…
This music, my God. So perfect. The Duke was brilliant, right to the end.
AnT said…
@Animal Lover. Yes, probably so. The worst we can imagine is always on her chart of plans.
AnT said…
@Ian’s Girl,
❤️ Stunning.
xxxxx said, So classy and cool that The Prince is in an open air hearse. Range Rover I presume. Look's like a pickup truck...

It’s a purpose built Land Rover that Prince Philip help design for his own funeral. ;o)
Kate Kosior said…
From CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/prince-philip-duke-edinburgh-funeral-gbr-intl/

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex is watching the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh from home in California after she was advised by her physician not to travel to England, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said.

“She is watching from home as she was hopeful to be able to attend, but was not cleared for travel by her physician at this stage in her pregnancy," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also gave details of the military honors the Duke of Sussex is wearing: his KCVO Neck Order and Star, Afghanistan Campaign medal, Gold Jubilee medal, and Diamond Jubilee medal.

More details: The Duke and Duchess have provided a wreath featuring a variety of locally sourced flowers. The card accompanying the wreath was handwritten by Meghan.


Does anyone care where the flowers were sourced, what medals Harry is wearing, or who wrote the damned card!?
Humor Me said…
Where is the Queen sitting? The Cameras are on everyone but the Queen and JCMH.
xxxxx said…
Now we get subjected to the phony baloney of Canterbury.
xxxxx said…
This choir is getting their gig of a lifetime...Saying respectfully.
Petunia said…
So far I have not een one shot of Harry sitting in the chapel. I wonder if that is deliberate. I hope he is alone. All alone.
SirStinxAlot said…
@Jessica...I noticed that too. Every shot of Dim is scowling. During the walk up the steps he was behind Willaam and looked furious. I noticed Andrew and Dim are sitting on the same side of the aisle with Anne and her husband in between. Most everyone else is on the opposite side of the church.
The Cat's Meow said…
I noticed also that entering the Chapel he-who-must-not-be-named was directly behind PW. This is different than every chart we have seen in advance of the service.

I wonder if he did the quick shuffle as learned by his master during their final event (green grasshopper getup)?
xxxxx said…
See "Pillars of the Earth" on DVD if you want to see how England's cathedrals and massive churches were built in the 13th-14th century. It would take 100 years to finish the construction with wars and hard times (no funds) interrupting construction

Amazon US with 2400 ratings---80% are five star
https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-DVD/dp/B0095DRXF8
DeerAngels said…
Thank you ladies for U Tube. First time using. Missed the royal walk. Glimpse of Who? and he appears to have the usual botoxed pissy face.

@lucy @hapy days
I also lost my adopted Dad pass when he was 52. I also remember picking up the phone to call to share. I was so very blessed to meet in person my biological Mom.
Both my adopted Dad and biological Mom on Feb 2. I lost my adopted Mom on the 20 of Sept. Both Mom's passed in same year. 2-2-20. My three boy's were born on 9-9-19. (Whew on 3rd boy ).

I can see the book written by Nuttie's. The fiction with the poems in timeline order mixed with the best avatar's. It would make a best seller's lists.
Humor Me said…
I loved the Pillars of the Earth! Excellent book.
The Navy Hymm (Eternal Father, Strong to Save) gets me every time.

yes, there is Harry, alone. Fitting.
AnT said…
@Petunia, there was one image as he sat near an aisle entrance with someone else to his far right.
@The Cat’s Meow, there was odd footwork by Harry as they reordered to enter in twos. By design, accident or by rebellion?
The Cat's Meow said…
@AnT -- I do not know for sure if there was odd footwork. Would have to look back at tape. All I am saying is that this procession order was incongruent with any of the charts offered in advance.
The Cat's Meow said…
The music is staggering -- not only in choice of pieces but as a representation of the British choral tradition.
Humor Me said…
Finally - camera work to see where the family members are stiing.
Found HMTQ - and six feet away is Andrew. I thought HMTQ was going to be sitting in one of the upper enclosures as done in the past. She is with her family - alone, sadly, and socially distanced. But with the family.
xxxxx said…
@Humor Me
----- Must see ending of the Pillars of the Earth DVD set. The final 3 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUrxG5hskTo
Maneki Neko said…
@Raspberry Ruffle and AnT

My apologies, I appear to have made a mistake re. Gayle King in Windsor. I am certain I saw it on the DM on the app but as you can't copy & paste from the app, I went to the online version where the headline was a bit different (that's often the case). I still don't know why Scobie had to be here in the UK.
------------------------

Now the witch has sent a left a handwritten note for Prince Philip on a wreathe laid in St George’s Chapel. Meghan will be watching the funeral from her home in the US after she was advised not to travel to due to being heavily pregnant.

She and Harry personally chose the locally-sourced flowers for their tribute – including Acanthus mollis (Bear’s breeches), the national flower of Greece, to represent Philip’s heritage, and Eryngium (sea holly), to represent the Royal Marines. The wreath also features campanula for gratitude and everlasting love, rosemary to signify remembrance, lavender for devotion, and roses in honour of June being Philip’s birth month. It is not clear what the handwritten note said.


The handwritten note should have been an apology sent after the interview. It's a bit late now.

The choice of flowers is a good one but I question the 'gratitude' and 'everlasting love'. Those two showed none.

If she's watching the funeral, it's probably only to see how the family is interacting with Harry.

https://metro.co.uk/2021/04/17/meghan-markles-handwritten-message-for-prince-philip-as-she-misses-funeral-14426829/?ito=cbshare

Girl with a Hat said…
@The Cat's Meow,

no, the order of the procession was to change when they went from 3 abreast to 2 abreast.

Then, Harry was to walk behind William.
Girl with a Hat said…
they should have had JH dress as a Beefeater if he wanted an uniform.
Humor Me said…
@xxxxx - I have watched the miniseries - oh yes, the ending!

The military aspects are so well done - excellent send off for Philip!
Maneki Neko said…
@Girl with a Hat said

seeing this little 94 soon to be 95 year old lady bury her husband of 73 years makes me want to cry
-------------

Same here, to see the frail Queen all dressed in black going to her husband's funeral is heartbreaking.
SirStinxAlot said…
I rewound the video. I can confirm Dim stepped all the way across to be behind William. The guy who was behind William looked confused and the moved into the spot Dim was supposed to be in.
The Cat's Meow said…
@Girl with a Hat --

Yes, I knew that the procession would change upon entry of the Chapel. However I thought I had seen a graph that they would STILL be separated.

But if this was the planned order then there is no more to say about it! Thanks for clarifying.
I'm about 20 minutes behind as I had to drive to work. I have it on but hope to re-watch it tonight as I'm in and out right now doing lab stuff. Blown away by it all, tissue is wet. Charles looked like he was barely keeping it together, and I saw Anne gulping pretty hard. The music he chose is so good, and major props to the choir. #6 had a face like thunder, like he was chewing nails. Have high hopes for William. I have a feeling he's a good 'un...

@Cat's Meow, I think it's way past too late.
The Cat's Meow said…
Ooo @SirStinxAlot --- if you are right then the discussion is STILL ON.

If the Warlock (attached to the witch) actually messed with HMtQ's order at this official funeral...

Game On. Find the modern equivalent of The Tower....
AnT said…
Young lord Severn and Lady Louise give H a curiosity look as he exits.....Sophie glances at him and instantly flicks her eyes away. Anne in front of him w her husband turns but blanks him.

H ambles out of pew to the exist looking angry, pats stomach, slapping the program against his thigh. Get lost, you absurd twerp.
HappyDays said…
Beautiful and touching service. The choir of four was magnificent in its simplicity. A fine farewell to an extraordinary man.
AnT said…
Shot of Harry talking rapidly outside the church to Catherine — she look very disengaged, William beside him staring at Catherine, as if with concern, he says a few words to Harry.
Humor Me said…
I guess the camera crew was under orders Not to show the moving of the casket to the crypt.
and the brothers are walking together with Kate. amicable.
Girl with a Hat said…
so William is as gracious as his grandmother
Maneki Neko said…
William, Harry & Kate walking together and talking coming out of church (just a few seconds)
AnT said…
Brothers walk out side by side by W is doing summer scarfing! H is ill at ease, waggles his figures in stupid greeting at someone, but —no one seems to be by the wall he looks at.
Ralph L said…
They had a bagpiper at my dad's best friend's service in Fort Myer Chapel next to Arlington. I found it very painfully loud.
jessica said…
Ooooo William and Harry chatting along with Kate.

Fox News commentary, “here they are, we used to see the three of them together often before Harry got married.”
HappyDays said…
Wow!! Harry getting incredibly bald! He has a huge bald spot visible on the top of his head which was visible for a quick second in an interior shot as he was filing out of the chapel with the others.

There was another quick outside shot of the family walking away from the service and Harry’s island of baldness was obvious. I’m surprised Meghan hasn’t made him get hair transplants. I’m sure Elton could give him the name of the doc who did his.
Hikari said…
The BBC coverage has been impeccable. Their commentators know when to shut up.

A glorious, sunny day in Windsor, with the daffodils in bloom--old life passes away, but new life will always begin anew. When I die, I hope it is in spring. My father died in the spring, and though it was unexpected and too soon, his service was joyful under the sadness, like this one. When a life is as long and as well-lived as Philip's was, there is a sense of completion, a faithful servant going to his eternal reward. After his troubled childhood and early tragedies, God looked upon Philip with favor and gave him a bountiful and energetic, adventurous life.

Even though this service was far lower-key than had been originally planned, I think Philip would have been pleased with how the stripped-down day still incorporated all of his favorite elements.

God bless Philip and Her Majesty. They will be together again, and until then, Elizabeth will carry on with her indefatigable spirit as she has always done.
AnT said…
@jessica,
Catherine was definitely not into the church chat.

She and Sophie are done with him.
HappyDays said…
Gayle didn’t seem to have a “special guest,” but I see Meghan made sure she got a mention in the media for writing a personal note, no doubt in her ornate, contrived handwriting that masquerades as calligraphy on a floral tribute to Philip.
Hikari said…
P.S. The four-voice ensemble was superlative. Inside the chapel it sounded like a full choir.

The buglers, piper and military band--outstanding. And special kudos to the stoic and incredibly strong pallbearers.

The Land Rover was so Philip. Everything had his stamp on it.

Godspeed, sir. Eternal fair winds now.
Peppa said…
Beautiful service. Sad to see HM sitting alone, head down. Oh my goodness, W & H walking and talking together. I'm very surprised. Will the funeral help them reconnect? Stay strong, William!
Humor Me said…
I wish I had watched the BBC - Martha is chatting too much on FNC. At least it is not mentioning JCMH, and keeping the focus on Philip, and HMTQ.
another of the Greatest Generation laid to rest. God help us. God bless the USA, and God Save the Queen.
Petunia said…
Apparently the card on the coffin was from "Lilibet". That, more than anything else, got to me. Also The Last Post.
HappyDays said…
The commentator chatting with Gayle on CBS said everyone is having refreshments after the service. Oh to be a fly on the wall at that gathering!
SirStinxAlot said…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LL55C3pgiEo

You can see the 4/3/2 standing pattern turn into two lines at approximately 1 hour 04 minute mark. It looks awkward.
yes the Lilibet and the last post and i was done. It was amazing and all the better that the thing was not there.
Unknown said…
Was it just me or did JH force himself on the Cambridges?

First, outside the Church and he was engaging Catherine in conversation and she looked uncomfortable.

Second, when JH was speed walking so he could walk alongside William.

JMO, I think the BRF has shut the pair out and JH is using the funeral to force more talks. He's on a mission to get back in the royal fold. Maybe that's why Gayle keeps talking about family reconcilition. The Montecito pair have never been subtle and always broadcast their plans. Why would this be any different?
Snarkyatherbest said…
I watched on bbc on line yes american press cant shut up and are way to chatty. if i want chatty i want to hear british accents in low tones. like a golf game. bbc mostly stayed silent even before. now very chatty. mostly havent focused on william and harry until now.
lizzie said…
@HappyDays wrote:

"...I see Meghan made sure she got a mention in the media for writing a personal note, no doubt in her ornate, contrived handwriting that masquerades as calligraphy on a floral tribute to Philip."

Yeah. I'm sure M kept a copy and we'll see it eventually. Maybe even tomorrow, who knows.
AnT said…
Harry left his letter to Mummy with flowers on Diana’s casket.

Her Majesty has placed her last letter to Philip with flowers.

And now the monster of Montecito announces in the Sun she sent a handwritten note to Philip to be placed w flowers. A palace aide says only, yes, M requested that. I would like to imagine the letter in a trash bin. M will squirm in rage a few hours and finally a “source” will “reveal privately” the contents of the letter, then suggest Catherine revealed it, and meanwhile sue every media that prints it.

Snarkyatherbest said…
I wonder if harry was wearing a wire and shes in his ear "move to catherine, now, move now, now start yabbering to william ask him about the weather. just keep moving your mouth"
'
Unknown said…
I do not believe for one second the Cambridges will cave to JH. William knows the cameras are on him and he needs to look spotless. JH really did look like he was taking allowances and knowing the family wouldn't fight him off.
AnT said…
@lizzie, @HappyDay,
We are all thinking the same thing. Apologies didn’t see your comments prior to publishing my comment.

What a beautiful, perfect service.
SirStinxAlot said…
@Kate Kosier


From CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/prince-philip-duke-edinburgh-funeral-gbr-intl/

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex is watching the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh from home in California after she was advised by her physician not to travel to England, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said.

“She is watching from home as she was hopeful to be able to attend, but was not cleared for travel by her physician at this stage in her pregnancy," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also gave details of the military honors the Duke of Sussex is wearing: his KCVO Neck Order and Star, Afghanistan Campaign medal, Gold Jubilee medal, and Diamond Jubilee medal.

More details: The Duke and Duchess have provided a wreath featuring a variety of locally sourced flowers. The card accompanying the wreath was handwritten by Meghan.

Does anyone care where the flowers were sourced, what medals Harry is wearing, or who wrote the damned card!?

April 17, 2021 at 5:18 PM

Where the flowers were sourced matters actually. You cannot send flowers, seeds, sand etc from Californian to UK without them going through agricultural quarantine first. Its to keep invasive species from disrupting the natural environment. States in the USA do it too for certain species, they must be claimed at the borders, especially Florida. I believe quarantine is around 30 days. Its pretty normal. They probably ordered some online at flowers.com and Dim attached a "personal letter" from Grim to try and stay in HMTQ good graces. They want that inheritance.
Ralph L said…
she sent a handwritten note to Philip to be placed w flowers.

There 8 or 10 small wreaths on the floor at the base of the pews on each side.
The Cat's Meow said…
@Charade -- yes I believe your perspective is correct in regards to JH
Unknown said…
It was a beautiful service. May Prince Philip rest in peace. May HMTQ and all his loved ones find peace and healing.
Ava C said…
@Ian's Girl - I remember being highly suspicious of the AoC with the pointy eyebrows... Rowan something? Just got a very strange feeling from him.

I worked with Rowan Williams quite a few times and was from the beginning tremendously impressed by him. When I first met him - and he answered his own front door in a very self-effacing way - I realised for the first time what 'a man of God' truly means. He really is a man of God but has no discernible ego. He's deeply civilised, humane and he captures complex matters with instant simplicity and clarity. He's even funny! I always saw him as a kind of benign Welsh wizard and felt privileged every time I was in his presence. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I feel such animus towards the current AoC. Couldn't be more different.

That was a beautiful service. Particularly the music. Very much in keeping with what Prince Philip represented for me. The landrover was just perfect. Everyone involved did us credit and I really hope people across the world see at least some of it.
Snarkyatherbest said…
Catherine looked amazing - and with statement jewelry - wigs are flying in montecito today
Snarkyatherbest said…
hmmm wonder if the sussex wreath was opposite harry with a little camera for netflix
Charade said, Was it just me or did JH force himself on the Cambridges?

It could be, but Harry and William were seen to be talking briefly whilst walking back to the Castle. I don’t think for one minute things are fine between them nor with the rest of the family. It was more than likely cordial chit chat for the sake of the saddest of occasions; for appearances overall.
SirStinxAlot said…
Headline story on Yahoo. " Meghan Markle pays tribute to Prince Phillip ". On the day of the mans funeral, really. Ghastly PR stunt.
Maneki Neko said…
@lizzie

Yeah. I'm sure M kept a copy [of her handwritten note] and we'll see it eventually. Maybe even tomorrow, who knows.
---------

Only if she deigns to show the copy, otherwise she'll sue for breach of copyright.
Kate Kosior said…
@Charade:

Not just you. And Catherine left him the dust to go walk with Sophie. Who can blame her? She really took the brunt of Me-Me-Megan's fury.
AnT said…
@charade,

H trotted quickly to join WIlliam. Probably told to do so by M for brand imagery. William was dutifully civil though a bit of scarfing too.
Elsbeth1847 said…
Happy Days I think the special guest was Tina Brown (Diana Chronicles).

What did kind of shock me was that CBS did not cut for any commercials during the lead up and the service. I think of them as all about the sources of money coming in.

Snarkyatherbest - was he wearing a wire? I had not thought of that but I did see him wince once. I jokingly thought along the lines of a long distance shocker on him at the time.
AnT said…
Someone on twitter made s comment over footage of H rushing to force himself on W&C..... the tweet is imagining Catherine saying to H, “so, thanks for the 1,000,000 death threats from your sugars” before stepping back to walk with Sophie.
Ian's Girl said…
@AvaC, my apologies for offensively about someone you hold in esteem! I think you hit on my misgivings with your description of a Welsh wizard; I didn't get a strong Christian vibe off of him, whereas the prior AoCs seemed to ooze it. Something just felt off to me.

Much worse feelings about the current AoC.


Ian's Girl said…
speaking offensively!
Portcitylass said…
PW and DC would never disrespect HM on the day of PP funeral by being anything other than cordial for the cameras. That would overshadow the service.

It was a beautiful service honoring a beautiful man. It is truly the end of an
era for Great Britain and the world. May Prince Phillip rest in peace and God save the Queen. Long may she reign.

Very sad day for all of us who love HM and respect the Monarchy.
Museumstop said…
@ SirStinxAlot

Thanks for the link.

H crossing over to stand behind William is starts at about 2.34.50.

Given how they usually make changes look seamless, it's possible H did a CW service repeat, a shuffle he learnt from his master, and crossed the line instead of just moving along.

-------------------

I was switching between Sky and BBC but then stayed with Sky, which did it wonderfully.
AnT said…
Yesterday, the Sun and Express ran little two stories saying that even as of yesterday, H was still “hoping to be able to” speak to the Queen and William. Today he is probably feeling the icebergs thump his shoulders as he shambles about announcing to his family, at the post-service gathering, that M wants them to know she forgives them.

Hope his return flight is tonight.
Natalier said…
I watched on BBC. It was very respectfully done. The service esp the singing were beautiful. I also loved the bagpiper walking off with the music fading as the coffin was lowered.

And yes, Harry forced himself between Kate and William. He actually rushed up to them. Evil me thinks it is for the cameras.

Kate looked beautiful. Love the dress and those jewelries - she should wear those pearls more often.
E said…
We watched Sky News. No Megs, no virtue signaling. Just respect and the most amazing pomp and circumstance
AnT said…


A young male British reporter, Benjamin Hall, is at Windsor speaking to Fox —- he just ripped into M for announcing her flowers and letter, shaking his head, it’s just not done, so opposite the private proper behavior of the royals. Take that, M.
@GWAH

Charles does read serious books; Anne is nobody's fool and certainly is not lazy - she just comes from a generation where it was still unusual to give girls a really good education (if they were U-class, it was enough if they learned how to get out of a sports car without showing their knickers; Edward does his job well enough, without fanfares; that just leaves Andrew, who inherited the rag-bag of genes that by-passed his siblings.

In the next generation, most are fine; the ginger pr*ck may have inherited deleterious genes from his mother - don't forget, there's rebellion, also laziness to be taken into account.

I noticed that after the service, said pr&ck tried to insert himself between W & C - W didn't look interested although C may have had a few words with/at him.

------------------

We went on the Red Button to the BBC broadcast without the commentary - no offence to Huw but it was a good move.

-----------

I watched John Sentamu (the African previous Archbishop of York) give his tribute to PP, must have missed AoC. I couldn't decide during the service if Welby was a)depressed, b) penitent or c) embarrassed. He had a face, as my husband would say, `like a well-skelped arse'.

I was intrigued that black vestments were worn by the clergy. It's more usual, I believe, to use purple these days, black seen as too OTT. I wonder if PP specified black?

-----------

Overall, I found it very moving and just right - many times I reached for a hankie/had to swallow hard. Under the circumstances, it could hardly have been better.

The Kontakion worked extremely well (although I do wonder why they used the 4-syllable, Western, alleluia and not the 5 syllables of the Orthodox church)? A-lle-lu-i-a? It didn't spoil it though. It's a wonderful piece with harmonies that I find spine-tingling.

How my heart bled for HM.
KCM1212 said…
One of the British commenters on Fox (Didnt catch the name)
went on a bit about WoWPOS making a fuss about her wreath and calligraphy. He said no member of RF would make it about her.

Ivwish Martha McCallum would have worn black, or at least grey.

Catherine looked absolutely beautiful.

It was a lovely service.

And WPOS looked nervous and angry.
Unknown said…
@Raspberry Ruffle
I may have misconstrued what I saw but to me it looked like Harry speed walking so he could walk between William and Catherine when they were enroute to the Castle. William turned back and noticed Harry and he had a quizzical expression. William was cordial but it's hard to tell if it was because of the solemnity of the occasion or because he is being publicly scrutinized by the entire world over video. He looked prepared for interactions with JH.

@AnT @Kate Kosior @The Cat'sMeow
I could be wrong but I think JH wanted to get photos of him with the Cambridges for positive PR. They probably have registered how much more popular the Cambridges are even in the U.S. compared to them.

I know many blame Prince Andrew for why the family didn't wear their uniforms but I think JH is the primary reason. I believe the BRF feared JH using public domain pics and videos of the funeral for financial benefit. Footage with the Cambridges and HMTQ would be used for their fluff pieces and footage alone in his uniform would be used for Archewell, Netflix, and other business ventures. By not wearing uniforms, the BRF comes out looking like they have been gentle with JH and mindful of the feelings of the British public. JH comes out looking like a petulant brat through and through.
Reading some of the comments here, I’m so glad I watched Sky News, I don’t recall any mention of Maggot, just desserts served perfectly!
E said…
I'd bet a month's salary Prince Philip expressly wished for no Megs or Fergie. I can't imagine Megs passing up a world-wide exposure opportunity like this
E said…
Speaking of coverage, there were the bare minimum number of shots of Andrew. Harry must have been grateful he was there so as not to assume the mantle of the most disappointing disgrace in attendance
The Cat's Meow said…
Lol @Elsbeth1847 and @Snarkyatherbest

Yes, a wire and long-distance shock collar ;)

No positive-enforcement clicker-training here!!!
Natalier said…
Did the WofWPOS, the viper mention about the message on the card? Was it an APOLOGY?
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ròn said…
The Queen looked small. Alone. Stoic. She did better than me who lost it at Nimrod and then again at the lone Piper.

Catherine looked stunning and regal. Anne, bereft. WPOS, uncomfortable.

Whole thing was elegant in it’s (comparative) simplicity .
Anonymous said…
Benjamin Hall has made the very poignant observation that Prince Philip was the last living person who called the Queen by her first name.
He also made a subtle but pointed dig at WPOSess for publicizing the fact that she and Harry had a wreath placed outside the chapel with her handwritten message to the dearly departed. I fully expected something like this from her, but it confirms for me the belief that she is morally bankrupt.

The service was stunning and so powerful in its simplicity. The music and the choir were truly divine. I teared up the most when the lone bagpiper played at the end of the service; afterward I learned (along with everyone else) that during that interlude the Queen spent a few final
moments with her husband’s casket before it was lowered into the vault. Heartbreaking.
Ava C said…
@Ian's Girl - no worries! Rowan Williams is actually Merlin for me. :-) I know Merlin is meant to be Christian but really the tales of King Arthur feel as if they go back to the dawn of time.

About H after the ceremony, M has had lots of time to teach him that thing she does of just talking and being seen in the right spot, just to be on film near the right people. Then afterwards all the armchair detetectorists like us pick up on the people around her, a bewildered ring of satellites, all going "WTF was that?!?" She's actually got the grandson of the Queen doing it now, with his own family.

"Toxic" suddenly seems inadequate to describe her. "Twisted" is simple but good. Twisted always sounds so twisty. She distorts, misleads and diverts. I also like that description I've read actors use when playing Richard III. "A bottled spider". I think Shakespeare on Richard III could supply many of our vocabulary requirements for she who must not be named. A female Voldemort but don't tell her that.
BTW:

The Land Rover - a proper Defender (TDi Series 5), not like its latest incarnation.

I assume it was in 1st gear and therefore only needed steering and braking. Otherwise there's no need to have feet on pedals. The original idea was that it should be able to run in a straight line at walking speed (without a driver!) to allow a farmer to work on his own, picking up hay/straw bales and chucking them aboard but be able to keep up with it to turn it in time, before it went through a hedge. It aimed to be the British equivalent of the Renault 4, (used for ploughing and on Sundays to take Breton farmers and their wives to Mass, without the wife's headdress getting squashed) as well as meet military use like the Willis Jeep.

The commentators always got it wrong in the early days - they used to refer to HM `in a jeep', thinking that wasn't a trade name (Heaven forfend that they should be thought to advertise!)
AnT said…
@charade,
I totally agree with you.
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/meghan-markle-handwritten-card-harry-wreath-prince-philip-133149646.html

Sickening that she did it, even worse that she advertised it.
KCM1212 said…
lol

Twitter crashed today. Twice. First time it was down for hours, worldwide.

https://news.yahoo.com/twitter-down-millions-users-second-130120199.html

I think it was Philip.
Maneki Neko said…
@Puds

H's trousers were striped ones like William's etc. If you look at the photo on the DM, it's clear: scroll down, it's the photo with Peter Phillips, William & H. The caption below says 'Earlier: Prince William (centre) and Prince Harry (right) walked either side of their cousin Peter Phillips (left) at Windsor today'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9481651/Prince-Philips-funeral-Prince-Harry-Prince-William-Windsor-Castle.html
@Charade,

Yes, William would have been prepared for Mole H, no one does good publicly like the royal family, putting on a united front is what they do best, that’s why I said it’s all for appearances. Wish I was a fly on the wall for the behind the scenes.....and the aftermath. How soon can we see Mole leaving Blighty....post haste I hope.
Maneki Neko said…
The Queen will be 95 in 4 days. She looked frail and it was hard to see her sitting alone. I hope she can remain strong.
Blithe Spirit said…
The whole ceremony was conducted flawlessly with quiet elegance and restrained pomp. No fuss as he wanted. Poignant glimpses of PP's hat and gloves on the carriage and the queen wiping away a tear made me weepy.
Catherine looked regal and somber and the sight of the trio walking together afterwards was truly nostalgic. But The ginger's exoression throughout the ceremony didn't bode of familial warmth.

@WBBM, she is disgusting. She couldn't stop for one day. "...the corpse at every funeral..." Zero shame. None. And it shows she is capable of anything.

@charade, I agree with you about Kate and William having to be diplomatic and civil today no matter what. I think that's what happened. Those two are mature, polished, and have their heads on straight. Initially it sure looked like Kate wanted nothing to do with #6 and it was awkward. And William tied him instead of scarfed. Can't exactly have an episode at a live-televised funeral of your grandfather, so what can be done? You have to be nice, bite your tongue and take it. #6 and his harpy need to go away and never show their faces again. After seeing the family's reactions to him today, I can start to imagine what has been said amongst them behind closed doors, even Viscount Severn and Lady Louise. #6 and his harpy are pariahs. There's no coming back for either of them. It's over.

Seeing The Queen sitting there alone with no one close by was heartbreaking.

I was impressed by the BBC's presentation today. No talking, just shutting up and letting us watch the service.

There's a photo of Kate in the DM, snapped as she's looking out the car window. Her green eyes stand out so much-it's a great shot. She is stunning. So beautiful.
Portcitylass said…
Well. MM is nothing if not predictable. JH, too. Now they will both just wait for HM to follow so they can push PC around. Just my opinion. I pray HM will live to 101 in good health with the full support of Anne and her other children.
Oh and I did see #6 tapping his program against his leg on the way out as if he was eager to get it over with, get out of there, and on to funner and more important things. So disrespectful. I wonder if he felt anything at all. No class. He can't even act appropriately at a funeral.
Maneki Neko said…
Scobie claimed the witch's mind 'is very much on the situation here' and that she is grieving because 'she has also lost a family member' as he led coverage on ABC on Prince Philip's funeral (quoted in the Cat with the Emerald Tiara). "she has also lost a family member"! Really? She never cared about him and hardly knew him. Sorry, I forgot she said they had 'a bond'. She's obviously forgotten she has a family member very much alive (at the moment) not so far from the border.
Is her mind very much on him, I wonder?

https://the-cat-with-the-emerald-tiara.tumblr.com/ (scroll down a bit)
SirStinxAlot said…
I too believe we will see the contents of the personal letter from Grim in the media. It won't be leaked by the palace or courtiers, but from 5 useful idiots.
If the RF doesn’t start caving into her demands, I can absolutely see her settting things up to look like the palace did release her intimate thoughts in the letter. Just so she could attempt to sue them. Her MOS 'victory' has empowered her insanity. She has obviously done this before. Practice makes perfect.
Museumstop said…
They need to keep #6 away from Charles, he looked distraught.

There's a picture of attendees greeting the dean of Windsor as they exit and #6 seems to be looking at Anne. I would love to know what she's thinking or imagining.

Picture is in this article.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9481651/Prince-Philips-funeral-Prince-Harry-Prince-William-Windsor-Castle.html
Ian's Girl said…
And HM wore the Richmond brooch. Had worn it to the WPOS wedding, iirc.


I wonder what the significance might be, if any. I believe it to be her largest brooch.
Ava C said…
@ConstantGardener33 - those photos of Catherine in the car are certainly breathtaking. I love pearls so much. The glow they give. I have some pearl earrings I've had for many years and they have so many associations and are of such sentimental value I hardly dare take them out of their box these days, but I put them on to watch the funeral. I had forgotten that pearls figure in mourning jewellery.

Catherine never puts a foot wrong. It's such a relief to have someone like that on these historic occasions. You can just look forward to seeing her without worrying about any possible mishaps, although she must have been having a tough time at home for a long time now, supporting her husband and being traduced herself without the right to reply.

Do you all remember how perfect William and Catherine's wedding day was and that, at the end of the day, that young vicar, or whoever he was, was inadvertently filmed doing a cartwheel on the red carpet at the Abbey, when everyone had gone, to celebrate it all going without a hitch? I loved that so much. Expressed everything about the day. Everyone had played their parts perfectly, it was a beautiful sunny day, we were given a holiday to celebrate and the world was watching while our country was doing what it does best. Ten years later, Catherine is still doing us proud.
Ralph L said…
One thing I don't understand is the Queen and the ladies entered the building from the south but went into the pews from the north. Afterwards, they all went northward but came out on the south side of the building. Do they walk around behind the altar?
Petunia said…
Ava C, you are so right about Catherine. She has done a remarkable job for over a decade now. I remember on their wedding day, staying up all night here in the U.S. to watch. l was so impressed when they were being driven back to the Palace, when she bowed her head every time they passed a war memorial, while William saluted. IMHO marrying her will be the best thing William ever does, and I think they will do an excellent job as King and Queen.
Mel said…
ConstantGardener33 said…

Oh and I did see #6 tapping his program against his leg on the way out
---------

I think he was extremely focused on the Cambridges and what they were doing. He kept looking towards them. He was anxious because he wanted to try to catch up to them and the bowing thing was holding him up.

Notice when the Cambridges were talking to the minister on the way out how he tried to insert himself into that conversation. They weren't having it, and walked away.

He practically had to run to catch up to them. Catherine stayed only a minute and then dropped back to walk with the Wessexes.

PW continued walking, never actually looking at H, and not having much to say. I think he wanted to speed walk away, but didn't quite dare do it.

He wanted to scarf H so bad; it doesn't work as well with a tie. But that was his body language, a lot of fussing with his tie and shirt collar.
Humor Me said…
@Rebecca - thank you for posting of HMTQ's final moments with Philip. I wondered why the camera focus was on the musicians and piper. A wife's final momnets with her husband are not for public display, as it was done.

Twitter down world wide? Well played, Phillip! Well played....

and not lost on me: at the close and exit of the Royal family - the members who bowed to the Altar and those who did not, keeping in mind the Sovereign is the Head of the CofE.
Ian's Girl said…
Did anyone else think it funny that the naughty boys ( Andrew and WPOS) were alone except for Anne and Sir Timothy, and that perhaps Anne chose specifically to sit by the WPOS, to make him feel awkward?
@Mel, you are spot on. Excellent interpretation. I saw William fussing with his tie and thought "Scarfing time!" and knew what it meant. Reckon #6's mission today(given to him by his boss) was entirely focused on making contact with William. The funeral was secondary.
Snarkyatherbest said…
Ok what’s this heavily pregnant crap. We all know she wasn’t invited. I flew coach across the pond actually around this time while pregnant with number 2 and with a 15 month old toddler. Number 2 was due in late June. Other than having to pee a dozen times my dr said go have fun.

Yep thought of you all during the scarfing. Wonder if Harry was wearing a wire to pick up audio. William probably said. “Are you recoding this” “when’s your flight” “saw the will you get nothing”. “doesn’t Catherine look lovely and she didn’t make anyone cry”. “How’s archie. Haven’t seen a single pic of him” “ I’m doing the magnanimous thing I ordered you an Uber, my treat, it’s leaving now”.

Someone will be spitting nails. Catherine looked fab ans she wore queens personal jewelry
Oh Floof said…
I watched the service on the BBC YouTube channel. Thank you to ConstantGardener for that information. The BBC had lovely, respectful coverage. I wasn’t about to watch any American coverage. I appreciated the tributes they aired before the funeral. Very touching. The carriage with the hat and gloves made me tear up. Reflections of absence are very powerful, like the horse without a rider or an empty chair.

The service was lovely. I agree that Charles and Anne looked deep in grief. I’m glad to learn the Queen had a few private moments with Philip before he was laid to rest. I was concerned that there wouldn’t be enough military presence, but that was for nought. The service was steeped in military tributes. As always, the British do pageantry like no other nation. Every shoe was polished, every horse clean and brushed, every movement in synchronization. A very fitting end for an impressive man who lived life to the fullest.

To Prince Phillip, may he Rest In Peace.
Jdubya said…
Blind Items Revealed #2
April 10, 2021

Other than the obvious ones, this celebrity is probably the biggest to make it from the briefcase show. She is also being interviewed for the tell all book about the alliterate one and has lots of great sugardaddy stories to share.

Claudia Jordan
@Humor Me, I did notice that some stopped and reverently bowed when passing the alter and some did not. Found that interesting.
xxxxx said…
The 30 churchgoers went off for some refreshments. Hopefully some of The Queens top shelf gin was broken out. Harry and Wills tongues getting loosened enough so that they can hash things out, settle their differences before Harry is on the next plane out to LA. Mike Tindall at the ready to separate the two brothers if matters discussed turn physical.
@Snarky, love it! That was probably about the long and short of it! Kept thinking back to AnT's vignette from yesterday with Tindall, Edo, Jack, and #4.

@Oh Floof, glad to have helped. I always worry when I suggest something that it'll end up being disappointing, but they came through. Figured anything had to be better than any American coverage, right? Seeing the carriage with his hat, gloves, and blanket made me cry. His absence really hit home there. I hope Lady Louise is given those.
D1 said…
I’ve stayed away from the blog for a bit... needed a bit of a break.

I was remembering my dads funeral.. My mum told me not to cry in case I set her off.
Was probably the one of the most emotional times in my life.
Everyone was sobbing and I’m trying to comfort them.
It wasn’t until I arrived back in DK (2 weeks later) that I finally had private time to grieve.


The mention of those “who shall not be named” put me off reading the newspapers. I just don’t understand why they have to be mentioned constantly.

I watched the funeral without sound.
I felt so sorry for the Queen sat alone, although Andrew was not far from her. I am sure if needed he would have been at her side in a jiffy.

Don’t know if anyone noticed but Peter seemed to be very upset as they were all walking away from the Chapel. Looked like he was with David (Lord Snowdon).
lizzie said…
@ConstantGardener33 wrote:

"@Humor Me, I did notice that some stopped and reverently bowed when passing the alter and some did not. Found that interesting."

Yes. Although it looked to me as though Bea started to walk towards the center but then hesitated and turned around. (She was coming from the "wrong side" and high up.) So I'm not sure if she would have bowed if seated differently.

----
While I'd already decided HMTQ made the right decision in a bad situation re: wearing of uniforms, I was still surprised how well it turned out (to me anyway.) No one in the family in uniform made those many active military members in uniform stand out even more IMO. I thought that was good, given there had to be some scaling back. And seeing the family all in black was powerful too.
JennS said…
The funeral turned out beautifully and I'm so glad MM and Harry were unable to ruin it in any major way. The announcement of the wreath was certainly tacky but either of them could have done something far worse to spoil the day.

I love the pageantry, ceremony, and tradition of the monarchy, and it was so wonderfully executed today despite the restrictions of covid. As other Nutties have stated all was just perfect from the funeral procession with the custom range rover and the formal respect of those walking in it to the lone bagpiper, the fabulous singers, the pillows of regalia and all the other military touches.

The entire series of events were planned to perfection. Even the weather cooperated.
Congratulations to the Queen and her faithful staff for such a wonderful job on paying last respects to a very unique and loyal individual.
RIP Prince Philip.🌹🌹🌹
JennS said…
@Lizzie said...
No one in the family in uniform made those many active military members in uniform stand out even more IMO. I thought that was good, given there had to be some scaling back. And seeing the family all in black was powerful too.
...................

@Lizzie
Although I was disappointed they were not going to be wearing uniforms, I too felt the family all in black made a powerful statement as well as being esthetically pleasing.
Black is a unifying color and can offer balance in a work of art. If you view the entire procession as an artistic work, the black works much better than the different colored uniforms would.
Requiring everyone to wear suits also brought a sense of unity and balance to the entire 'picture'. There would not have been harmony among dress for those in the procession with some in uniform and some not. Besides Harry, the suit wearers would have been Peter, Edward and perhaps the Earl of Snowden.
JennS said…
This DM article shows where everyone sat:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9482413/The-seating-plan-Prince-Philips-socially-distanced-funeral.html

The seating arrangement is odd and doesn't follow seniority. I guess the decision was made about who sat where depending on how many people were in each bubble.

The poor Queen had Admiral Temper-Tantrum Andrew sitting the closest to her.

LOL...

"Quick-change Prince Andrew ditches his funeral suit and leaves Windsor after Queen refused his demand to appear in full admiral's outfit"
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9481763/Prince-Andrew-arrives-Windsor-Philips-funeral-suit.html
NeutralObserver said…
We all seem to be agreed that the funeral was exquisite. The only sad note was the tiny & frail looking queen.

Catherine managed to look stunning in mask & all black, & the gorgeous diamond & pearl jewelry with associations to Diana! Yes, crockery must be flying in Mudslide Mansion. All the royal ladies looked somberly lovely, & all the men, except the ginger, looked appropriately dignified. At some points it looked as though scowling Ginger didn't want to stay in his line, & he seemed to be trying to pull ahead of William & Peter. I can't see how the military tolerated this guy for as long as it did. The military is all about working as a unit. Sheesh.

I was a bit busy this am, & watched the NBC broadcast on VCR after it was over. Savannah & Hoda had enough savvy & tact not to insert themselves into the broadcast. Interestingly, they only mentioned what's her name in passing, when they very briefly alluded to the Winfrey interview. They may actually have only said 'Harry & his wife,' but I'm not sure. NBC didn't have all the service details that Sky News did, but their experts, Wilfrid Frost, Ailsa Anderson & others were respectful & mercifully brief.

@Girl with a Hat, I've noticed that the children of exceptional fathers often seem overwhelmed by the idea of living up to his standards, especially the sons.
Hikari said…
A few more observations:

After the race-baiting suggestion that it was 'a problem' that the Duke's funeral was going to be 'too white', I noticed immediately that the head Queen's Guard leading the pall-bearers was black. Front and center, stuff that into your whiny gob-holes, race-baiters.
---

Some others here have discussed WPOS's lack of bow at altar.

As the family was recessing, I noted the respectful pause and bow which Tim Lawrence made when crossing the chancel. In my Lutheran tradition, everyone faces the front and bows toward the altar when making a similar crossing, out of respect to God. Not sure what a bow outward to the chapel itself signifies, especially since the Queen and the Duke's casket had already departed, but it was a reverent pause. Who comes barreling up behind but WPOS with no such pause. Of course not, as he was completely focused on catching up with William. The way WPOS slid in beside his brother, as if nothing untoward had changed to alter his place was brazenness incarnate . .but then, WPOS has been schooled by the best in that department.

Especially after today, I will never refer to either of them by their names again. If I feel like mixing it up from WPOSx2, Thing 1 and Thing 2 will suffice.

*********

The presence of WPOS and the (to me) even more odious AOC (more odious because he's supposed to be a man of God) marred the day a little bit but otherwise it was the best send-off the Duke could have received.

Psalm 62:1-2 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 5:12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favour as with a shield.

*********

None of us can see truly into another's heart and know their inner thoughts, so only God can judge T1 & T2 as to their final destination when this life is over. But the Bible says, "By their fruits shall ye know them. T1 & T2 are entirely consumed in self, greed and usury. Even on a day like today, all they are concerned about is themselves. Barring some sort of miraculous 'Road to Damascus' moment for WPOS, I do not expect he will ever see his grandfather again, because he's going to that other place, where he can be T1's whipping boy for all eternity. May God be more merciful to him than any of us would if he is to avoid that fate.

I don't expect that tea with the family was too comfortable for WPOS. Maybe he skipped out on it if the Queen and Charles refused to see him. On today of all days, I'm sure the last thing they feel like doing is entertaining more peevish demands for money. One wonders if the burly pallbearers were being kept on standby to escort WPOS bodily back to the airport if he got belligerent. 8pm in Windsor now, so I expect whatever was going to happen within the family behind closed doors has already happened. The froideur was evident, even behind the masks. WPOS's family is done with him, regardless of how T1&T2 spin it in coming days.
SwampWoman said…
ConstantGardener33 said: @Oh Floof, glad to have helped. I always worry when I suggest something that it'll end up being disappointing, but they came through. Figured anything had to be better than any American coverage, right? Seeing the carriage with his hat, gloves, and blanket made me cry. His absence really hit home there. I hope Lady Louise is given those.


Oh, my word, I was watching while DH was out in the truck racing in the engine in an attempt to hurry me out (grin, didn't work). I, too, started crying upon seeing the carriage with his hat, gloves, and blanket.
I watched them as they passed the altar -

Wm & Catherine bowed.

WPOS sort of hesitated and half bowed & half slithered out - BBC camera Didn't give a clear shot (accidental or not?)

@GWH & Neutral Observer : re Sons of high achieving fathers - yes, I can think of several well known, highly regarded, artists who were disappointed in their sons' endeavours in the same field. Some keep going, despite knowing they'll never be good enough to please Dad, others rebel.
Hikari said…
P.S. As the mourners were starting their walk back to the castle, the BBC commentator mentioned Thing 1 in passing, saying that she was not present 'on medical grounds'.

HM is said to detest the word 'pregnant' and certainly would not want it associated with the Duke's service, so no doubt the BBC was on notice to avoid that word. But it also serves to elegantly sidestep propagating Its' tale of gestation, which remains unconfirmed by a single reliable authority. One might imagine, if WPOSess was in good favor and believed to be in the state she claims to be in, the Queen might have permitted 'expecting a baby.'

'On medical grounds' could just as easily be psychiatric ones. Queenie ain't playing with the delusional on her husband's burial day. If this directive did not emanate from the Queen, then the BBC is covering itself against false reportage, considering what happened the last time. If it turns out that T1 was never actually with child, well, nobody at the BBC said that today.
SwampWoman said…
I had to leave this morning as the casket was being carried up the stairs after watching the male family members plus the Princess Royal following respectfully behind the casket. Perhaps I missed it, but I did not see PW look at the viper/adder one time during the walk.

It broke my heart to see The Queen looking tiny and frail.

I hope to hear the music later.
Snarkyatherbest said…
Hikari. Good catch. Psychotic reasons or pregnant. ?!!! BBC did a wonderful job. Could stand all the yabbering on the US stations. Did notice marths maccallum who did fox coverage take a swipe at MM on Twitter about the pr with the wreath having to insert herself. Between this and some comments she made on another fox show(where you could tell she just wanted to keep discussing the Oprah interview) I’m getting the feeling she’s one of us 😉
NeutralObserver said…
I agree with others here that there's something creepy about Justin Welby. I may have become prejudiced because I read (& comment on) this blog, but his beady, darting little eyes just don't seem that ecclesiastical to me. I've read that being the Archbishop of Canterbury is mostly about maintaining & managing the C of E's extensive real estate holdings these days. I hope he's at least competent at that aspect of his job. There were several complaints about his presence at the service in the Telegraph today. Maybe he just likes to reenforce his self importance by inserting himself into events which attract wide press coverage, like others we discuss here.
Pantsface said…
I thought the funeral was dignified and was well done in light of covid restrictions. I watched on BBC as can't bear Bradby and the sycophant Chris Ship so gave it a swerve. For me my watery eyes started right at the beginning with the band outside the castle playing I Vow to Thee My Country, one of my favourite hymnns - not that I have many favourites as I am not particularly religious, but this one gets me everytime and so appropriate for today.

OT - thanks Acquataine for sharing your knowledge re Sarah and how she bought her daughters up, respecting their grand parents even though she was persona non grata. I wasn't aware of that.
The Cat's Meow said…
@London Gent

Hear hear. Glad you are here in community with us. All best to you and yours.
Ralph L said…
It was a little odd after all the pomp and ceremony to see them walk up the hill disorganized and unattended. I suppose some were originally expected to use the cars.
I'm getting to a point that whenever I hear the words `Royal Expert;' I want to reach for my `non-existent gun'.

Take this for eg , from Yahoo home page

Ted Hennessey, PA
Sat, 17 April 2021, 8:06 pm·2-min read

The Queen could take a “step back” from her duties following the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, a royal historian has said.


Sarah Richardson, professor of modern British history at the University of Warwick, said that Philip’s passing could be a “turning point” in the future of the monarchy.

Ms Richardson also said the “poignant” service in Windsor on Saturday would have been an “ordeal” for the Queen.


Speaking about the Queen sitting on her own at her husband’s funeral, she told the PA news agency: “She has a really strong sense of service and duty and protocol and she’s attended many funerals in the past and she strongly follows the rituals and so on.

“In some ways it would have been comforting for her that the Duke of Edinburgh played such a strong role in planning and organising the service but it must have been an ordeal at the very least.”

Ms Richardson went on to say: “The other thing I think it represented to me was that this is a turning point in the future of the monarchy.

“To some extent this is the end of a period, the Queen will carry on and she will carry on doing her duty, she’s already gone back to work to some extent.

“I think she will step back more and more, she’s in her mid-90s, and seeing her there solely on her own, when she’s been accompanied by Philip for 70-odd years, I think it represents a turning point.”


Whereas I'd say the Queen has choices and there's no hurry to make a decision. She could be reluctant to hand over much to Charles. Who is to know what she'll decide to do? I've heard it's a good idea to wait a year before making drastic changes, like selling up and moving, for ordinary widows. Have time to reflect - the initial impulse might not be the best course after all. How does this `expert' know?


The royal expert also said that the conversation at the end of the service between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would have been a “conscious decision” by the trio.

She added: “The whole family apart from the Queen walked back to the castle from the chapel and the fact that Harry walked with William and Kate I think was perhaps a symbol that there is at least a willingness to talk and perhaps have some rapprochement between the two princes.”

Ms Richardson said the Queen would want a “reuniting” but that William and Harry will need to have “discussions” going forward.



As for the notion that it had been arranged that the Cambridges and the WPOS would engage in deep and meaningful discussions - in your dreams, woman! To me it looked as if WPOS was determined to inflict himself on them - he's even blocking his brother in the photo of them bidding goodbye to the clergy. Must have learnt that from the wife.
NeutralObserver said…
@lizzie, I agree that no uniforms was a good choice by the queen. Seeing the family all in black, civilian clothes seemed more respectful of the military men & women who are actually currently serving in her majesty's armed forces.
Mom Mobile said…
@Rebecca "I teared up the most when the lone bagpiper played at the end of the service; afterward I learned (along with everyone else) that during that interlude the Queen spent a few final
moments with her husband’s casket before it was lowered into the vault. Heartbreaking."

It reminds me of Ronald Reagan's funeral when Nancy Reagan went up to his coffin at the end and put her hand on it. She didn't want to leave. Her daughter said, "Mom. It's time to go." Then the reality of the permanence set in and Mrs. Reagan wept. So heartbreaking.

I'm so glad HMTQ had a final moment with the casket. Oh my heart!

The cap and whip on the carriage seat. HMTQ turning to wait for her family when entering the church, the choir singing God Save the Queen (Because, please God, we need her for much longer!), and never a dry eye at a funeral when a bagpipe is played.
SwampWoman said…
Wild Boar Battle-maid said...
I'm getting to a point that whenever I hear the words `Royal Expert;' I want to reach for my `non-existent gun'.


I feel your pain. The portion I watched were partially on the BBC, partially on Sky news (two different televisions on in different rooms). Whenever there was unhelpful or distracting commentary, I muted it.

I'm sorry about the nonexistent firearm but, on the bright side, perhaps you could use a trebuchet to fling a few "experts" into the next county.
Mischief Girl said…
@Rebecca,

Lady Pamela (Mountbatten) Hicks calls Her Majesty Lilibet. I'm not sure if Penny Knatchbull, who was at the funeral today, does as well. But Lady Pamela absolutely does.

See here "My Years with the Queen" (S1E1) Lady Pamela is nicely coached along in her reminiscences by her daughter India. In this video, Lady P continually calls Her Majesty Lilibet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHdOI3vUwVk
@Ralph L

Only the bride etc has a carriage or car, otherwise more often than not they all walk there and back from St. George’s Chapel. Only the Queen (with Philip) had a car there and back for obvious reasons.
Hikari said…
@Neutral

I agree with others here that there's something creepy about Justin Welby. I may have become prejudiced because I read (& comment on) this blog, but his beady, darting little eyes just don't seem that ecclesiastical to me.

Along with the unimpressive rodent-like appearance, it's the voice that makes my skin crawl. High, peevish, querulous and smug. More like an old woman than an old man. He also seems vaguely oily/sweaty as well, and sallow. Does not exude vitality, perhaps because his soul is manifestly rotten? He appears to me a counterfeit minister. What better way for Satan to destroy the church than from within, using its own ministers to do it?

The Dean of the Chapel was much more pleasing in form and voice to listen to. When Welby was on the screen, I minimized him and came to check Nutty Blog. I renounce him and anyone who has anything to do with the Things and their cronies. That has to include the entire television networks on either side of the Pond.

***********

Pantsface,

For me my watery eyes started right at the beginning with the band outside the castle playing I Vow to Thee My Country, one of my favourite hymnns.

That's where I came in, too, 9:30am my time. Today is a workday for me and I could stream from here but I couldn't be in time for the pre-service coverage. I do think that this was the start of the remembrance proper. I was eating a bagel, but I had to put it down through fear of choking. Instant waterworks when the band started up. Cried all the way 'round the quadrangle with the Land Rover, then I saw the carriage horses and lost it again. When they showed PP's riding gloves and hat . . I did better once inside the chapel, until the close-up of his regalia. After that hour, I felt as wrung-out as one of the family, as if I had been there in person.

I hope that God will comfort the Queen and send her strength for the coming days. He gave her the blessing of a long and gentle goodbye with her Prince, which was the silver lining in this cloud of Covid. Over the past several years I have reflected that Philip could very easily slip away whilst his wife was busy Queening, and she'd bitterly regret it. At least they had this last year together . . possibly the most uninterrupted time they've spent together since the Commonwealth Tour of 1953. The days are long but the years are short, as the saying goes. In the end, it felt like 99 years with the Duke wasn't even enough, but I feel privileged to have shared the Earth with him and that I was able to see even some of his love story with his Queen.

abbyh said…
Trebuchet? I like how you think in regards to book educated experts in the theory but have no practical real world experience with the reality of royalty.

Museumstop said…
I watched again the part where they file out.

H was last in his row, he didn't wait to be facing the altar in the centre, and instead did a quick bow along with Anne although it would have been his chance to do so after after Tim Lawrence, who was ahead of him in the line. He was in a rush to ambush the Cambridges, for optics naturally and on command of his master. He began tapping the schedule against his leg as he waited for Tim to get over with it. He doesn't share a good rapport with the Wessexes, I think, because he seemed to avoid their gaze. So much so he didn't wait for Lady Louise who was at the start of her row and about to exit, and instead H speed walked ahead.

I noticed Beatrice acknowledged William, but I didn't see any such exchange between H and supposed confidante Eugenie.

H is a complete hanger-on right now. Can't mix with anyone but needs to steal some of the Cambridge glow.

What we see and what's being narrated are both far from the truth.
SwampWoman said…
Pantsface said: OT - thanks Acquitaine for sharing your knowledge re Sarah and how she bought her daughters up, respecting their grandparents even though she was persona non grata. I wasn't aware of that.

Indeed. It appears that the Duchess of York and Queen Elizabeth are (surprisingly) close, however. I wonder if Prince Philip's implacable anger was because he was fond of her, too, and felt she betrayed the entire family. (That front page photo of her topless getting her toes sucked by a "financial advisor" is a pretty big mountain to overcome with one's in-laws.)
Humor Me said…
@Ralph - the "walk" back to the Castle reminded me of the walkabouts after the Church services. Yes, it looked disorganized after all the cooridination of the Funeral, but this was the Family. It looked fitting.

@WBBM -
I have read two articles one past, one immediately past, about the Crown once HMTQ turns 95:
First, the older article stated that the Queen would not step down/ abdicate, but woudl enact a Regency so Charles can get "mmore time in". She knows he is no Spring Chicken) and will have a short reign.
The second article from a day or two ago, said that the Queen will not step down or enact a Regency, but set up a "soft" Regency - handing over much to Charles at BP while she stays at Windsor.
Given the Family comment that the Queen will never be alone at an event again, I suspect it will be the latter.
London Gent said…
‘In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
⁠With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
⁠As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
⁠ While God is marching on.'

Thanks, Philip :-)
Hikari said…
@Swampie,

I was pretty shocked to come across a photo of WPOS and his granddad in May 2019 at Lady Gabriella Windsor's wedding. Philip is grinning big and lo and behold--directly over his shoulder it's the Duchess of York, standing back a bit closer to the building but just feet away. For years the scuttlebutt has been that PP refused to even enter a room she was in. Perhaps this means they buried the hatchet in the last couple of years?

I had always assumed that the toe-sucking incident was the reason that the Yorks got divorced, and could understand PP's anger at her behavior in that case. But actually, Fergie went on that infamous holiday with her financial advisor 6 months after the Yorks had officially separated. The scandalous pictures put an end to hopes for a marital reconciliation, and though they were technically still wed, they had been living apart. We now know what Andrew was getting up to in those days . . .attending Jeffrey Epstein's sex parties with high school aged prostitutes. So perhaps PP came round to the idea that Fergie having an affair whilst nearly divorced, with another consenting adult wasn't so bad. She probably would have been forgiven a lot sooner if she hadn't had the bad luck to get photographed in that compromising position.
SwampWoman said…
If the looks that Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence was directing at the back of Viper's head during the walk behind the Land Rover were indicative of the feelings of the rest of the family, I'm surprised Viper didn't burst into flames.
KCM1212 said…
Aww
I didnt realize that red container on the carriage seat was where Philip kept sugar for the ponies.

*sob
SwampWoman said…
Hikari said: So perhaps PP came round to the idea that Fergie having an affair whilst nearly divorced, with another consenting adult wasn't so bad. She probably would have been forgiven a lot sooner if she hadn't had the bad luck to get photographed in that compromising position.

Indeed. There was also the money situation, always, with her as well. But, compared to Thing/Viper 2, I can almost see the angel wings sprout out of her upper back.
JennS said…
The media is suggesting that Catherine served as peacemaker between the brothers. I'm not sure how they reached this conclusion as I agree with Charade that Harry appeared to push himself upon the Cambridges. I suspect that Hazza needs to have photos of himself with W&C.

In the Times Roya Nikkah wrote an article about the brothers' supposed reconnection and included this quote about Harry's possible length of stay:

"It is thought Harry is keen to spend some time with the Queen, the Prince of Wales, William and his wider family in the coming days, and may remain in the UK for the monarch’s 95th birthday on Wednesday, which will be marked privately, before returning to California."
Hikari said…
If the looks that Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence was directing at the back of Viper's head during the walk behind the Land Rover were indicative of the feelings of the rest of the family, I'm surprised Viper didn't burst into flames.

I like Sir Tim very much because he reminds me very much of my favorite uncle. They could be brothers. Imagine the earful about WPOS's antics that he's gotten from his wife. Anne is a strong and fiery character and I imagine that maybe the marital dynamic between the Lawrences is very like that of the Queen and PP, the yin and the yang of opposing temperaments. Anne is her father's daughter, blunt and passionate, non-sufferer of fools. I could imagine her going on a rant at home about WPOS. And I imagine her husband soothing the beast with a calming influence, yet fantasizing about some humiliating naval punishment for the renegade POS nephew. Kissing the gunner's daughter, maybe. WPOS could use a good spanking. He didn't get nearly enough of those when he was young enough to have it do some good.

Reading up on Sir Tim, I found out that he is 5 years younger than Anne. So she's a bit of a cougar, who like her Aunt Margaret, fell in love with her mother's equerry. Only, this match was a happy one.
London Gent said…
Blogger The Cat's Meow said...
@London Gent

Hear hear. Glad you are here in community with us. All best to you and yours.

Thanks :-)
Blonde Gator said…
Hmmm. The DM has posted an article about the flowers and handwritten note, with pics.

I'm not very good at identifying the flowers in the wreaths, but it seems to me that the one that is identified as being placed by 6 & Claw is not in any of the photos during and/or after the service (the first photo identifying the wreath in question seems to be reversed, I think the wreathes were on the left side facing the altar).

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9481991/Meghan-leaves-handwritten-card-wreath-Prince-Philip.html

So, I perhaps, when 6 was exiting, and cutting off those "in line" in front of him in his rush to get to the Cambs, he took a look (where others had stopped to pay respects where PP had lain) and saw "his" flowers were absent. Thus the rush and rudely tapping the program on his leg? Any thoughts? I cannot quite decipher the flowers.

I saw a few looks on 6's face today. Thunder, and wonder at what might have been (and what he'd done?). He was in the middle of a deep freeze on this lovely spring day. Nobody would give him the time of day, deservedly so. I think that fact may have begun to dawn on him. It's going to be a very long flight back to Cali.

The Queen, sitting by herself, brought me to tears.
SwampWoman said…
Blogger JennS said...
The media is suggesting that Catherine served as peacemaker between the brothers. I'm not sure how they reached this conclusion as I agree with Charade that Harry appeared to push himself upon the Cambridges. I suspect that Hazza needs to have photos of himself with W&C.

In the Times Roya Nikkah wrote an article about the brothers' supposed reconnection and included this quote about Harry's possible length of stay:

"It is thought Harry is keen to spend some time with the Queen, the Prince of Wales, William and his wider family in the coming days, and may remain in the UK for the monarch’s 95th birthday on Wednesday, which will be marked privately, before returning to California."


Hunh. Sounds to me as though Thing/Viper 1 has been ordered to bring home money PDQ and he has been as yet unsuccessful.
JennS said…
From The Telegraph and Camilla Tominey:

Princes Harry and William shared private chat, with Duchess of Cambridge acting as peacemaker
Brothers seen together for first time since Sussexes' Oprah Winfrey interview as they sought each other out after Prince Philip's funeral


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/04/17/duchess-cambridge-acts-peacemaker-princes-harry-william-share/

Camilla Tominey ASSOCIATE EDITOR
17 April 2021 • 8:35pm

Part 1

Brought together under the saddest of circumstances, the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex put on a show of unity at their beloved grandfather's funeral.

Reconciled for the first time in more than a year – and seen together in public for the first time since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave a bombshell interview to Oprah Winfrey – the brothers chatted following the 3pm ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Although they did not walk shoulder to shoulder in the procession behind the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin, they made a point of seeking each other out after the 50-minute service and walked back to Windsor Castle side by side.

Prince Harry was initially seen speaking to the Duchess of Cambridge as they left the chapel and began walking, but she then appeared to hang back so he could talk to Prince William for a few moments without her. The family had been due to return to the castle's State Entrance in state vehicles but took the last-minute decision to walk instead.

It is thought the brothers also wanted to quell suggestions that they are barely on speaking terms after the Duchess of Sussex told Ms Winfrey that an unnamed member of the Royal family queried Archie's skin tone and the Duke claimed his father and brother were "trapped" in the monarchy.

They did not appear to make eye contact at any point during the eight-minute procession as they flanked their older cousin Peter Phillips, 43.

The Duke of Cambridge, 38, entered the 15th Century church one place ahead of his brother, 36, and they were seated opposite one another during the ceremony, with Prince William next to his wife.

While the Duchess of Cambridge appeared to look over at her brother-in-law, the brothers appeared to look towards the altar or down at their orders of service throughout.

It had been hoped that the loss of their "dearest Grandpa", whom both loved deeply, would start the process of reconciliation – and the signs on Saturday looked promising.
JennS said…
Camilla Tominey - Catherine Peacemaker
Part 2

Before the event, sources on both sides said the Princes were keen to put their differences aside in support of their grandmother and had spoken on the telephone since Prince Harry arrived in London on Sunday.

They have not been able to spend any time together since Prince Philip died on April 9, aged 99, because Prince Harry has been quarantining at Frogmore Cottage, his former Windsor home, since he arrived at Heathrow Airport on a scheduled BA flight from Los Angeles.

The Cambridges, meanwhile, had been spending the Easter holidays at Amner Hall, their home on the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with their children Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two.

Wearing black face masks, the couple were seen leaving Kensington Palace, their west London home, late on Saturday morning before being driven the 20 miles to Windsor for the funeral.

Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on whether any of the Royal family would be attending a wake, with numbers limited to 15 inside or groups of up to six outdoors under the Government's Covid guidelines.

The Telegraph understands that Prince Harry remained in Windsor on Saturday night.

Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Cambridges did not leave the castle until around 6pm, suggesting they had managed to spend some quality time with Prince Harry and the Queen after the funeral.


The last time the Cambridges and the Sussexes were seen in public together was when they attended a Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020.

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex was advised against flying over for the funeral by doctors, but is understood to have watched the televised ceremony from their home in Montecito, California.

On Saturday night, a palace insider said the brothers were conscious of the "optics" of not walking together in the funeral procession and "understood the importance" of putting on a united front.

It came after a royal source revealed that they had spoken by telephone since Prince Harry arrived in Britain, grateful for the opportunity to converse while both in the same time zone. It is not known how long he will remain in the UK.
JennS said…
Camilla Tominey - Catherine Peacemaker
Part 3

The brothers' strained relationship has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic preventing any face-to-face contact since the Sussexes left for the US 13 months ago.

Both had issued separate and very different tributes to their grandfather. While the sentiments were the same the styles were contrasting, with Prince William vowing to "get on with the job" and Prince Harry paying homage to Prince Philip as the "master of the barbecue, legend of banter and cheeky right 'til the end".

The next time the brothers are expected to be reunited in public is for the unveiling of a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, on July 1, which would have been her 60th birthday.

Although the Sussexes' second child, a daughter, is due in early June, sources have said it is "unthinkable" that the Duke would miss the long-awaited reveal in Kensington Palace Gardens. It is not yet known whether Princes William and Harry will be joined by their families for the event.
SwampWoman said…
Blonde Gator said...
Hmmm. The DM has posted an article about the flowers and handwritten note, with pics.

I'm not very good at identifying the flowers in the wreaths, but it seems to me that the one that is identified as being placed by 6 & Claw is not in any of the photos during and/or after the service (the first photo identifying the wreath in question seems to be reversed, I think the wreathes were on the left side facing the altar).

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9481991/Meghan-leaves-handwritten-card-wreath-Prince-Philip.html

So, I perhaps, when 6 was exiting, and cutting off those "in line" in front of him in his rush to get to the Cambs, he took a look (where others had stopped to pay respects where PP had lain) and saw "his" flowers were absent. Thus the rush and rudely tapping the program on his leg? Any thoughts? I cannot quite decipher the flowers.


Perhaps said writing and floral tribute spontaneously combusted upon entering a chapel. If they were omitted, good for them, Viper 2 was already trying to profit from them.
JennS said…
SwampWoman said...
JennS said...
"It is thought Harry is keen to spend some time with the Queen, the Prince of Wales, William and his wider family in the coming days, and may remain in the UK for the monarch’s 95th birthday on Wednesday, which will be marked privately, before returning to California."
-----
Hunh. Sounds to me as though Thing/Viper 1 has been ordered to bring home money PDQ and he has been as yet unsuccessful.
.......................

@SwampWoman
LOL! He's after something that's for sure! Money, and/or maybe permission to use some royal footage in his Netflix docs? Or re-establishment of a connection to his family because otherwise, he is of no interest to any of the people he may make money from?

The Tominey article states he is apparently spending the night there - so he hasn't flown out yet as MM demanded.
And he has had some time to spend with his family after the funeral. I wonder how that went? I hope they looked for a hidden camera in the medallion he had around his neck.
Museumstop said…
The more I dwell on it, the more I am disgusted by H's demeanour.

Here is his father clearly emotional and deeply affected. And there he is totally zoned into his objective of inserting himself between William and Catherine.

I did not sense any guilt or shame for what he has done. For all his resentment for being the spare, I felt he feels superior for being the heir's son - hence his bad behaviour with rest of the family.

Argh, too much for a day. I enjoyed the beautiful service, the imagery, the powerful choir, the picture perfect moments - the bagpiper beyond the exit! I'd rather leave with that.
London Gent said…
Cambridge 1.

Sussex 0.
SwampWoman said…
I'm not buying what the media is trying to sell re Catherine the Peacemaker. Why would she want Viper 1 and his *itch to come back to spread hateful rumors, pursue her husband, and torment her children? I'm incredibly impressed that The Duchess of Cambridge was able to keep her composure and not hit VB over the head with an oar (quite accidentally) after having Viper *itch look at her husband with cow eyes while drooling at the thought of Catherine dying suddenly and taking her place.

Museumstop, I feel your pain. Nameless was probably following orders (not that that excuses him at all).
jessica said…
Let’s be honest: how many more occasions is Harry going to be able to be seen amongst the BRF in a public capacity? Not many at all.

I agree he had an order/goal from Meghan to walk outside with the Cambridge’s, to say or do whatever to get a photo together to be ‘papped’ as in Meghans world. Here we saw it live on Television. It was inappropriate. It was clear William had to speak back to him out of niceties.

Who knows if the RF cares at all about the Montecito Duo. They may assume Harry will come back one day, but I doubt they sweat over it much,
lizzie said…
@SwampWoman wrote:

"I'm not buying what the media is trying to sell re Catherine the Peacemaker."

Me neither. But they've been trying to sell that story for days so any hint, no matter how weak, was going to be used to support that idea. Anything other than Kate clobbering Harry, tripping him, or pushing him down the hill when he got near them was going to be interpreted as Kate being being a peacemaker.
Ava C said…
I was very amused by one DM reader's comment today. Among all the praise for Catherine looking so "stunning" - the most frequently used word - was a lady from Zambia, if I remember rightly, who was pleased Meghan wasn't there as she'd have been running amok "clutching her egg basket". Priceless!
Humor Me said…
I agree with SwampWoman that the media is tryng to sell/ force a reconciliation between the brothers. Two things regarding JCMH during the walk and the service about him (and if I am being redundant, apologies)
1) The fact that even though the brothers were separated by Peter Philips. Eight by design Peter was a half step behind W&H - which placed the brothers on equal footing.
2) Harry sitting alone - again, definitely by design.
JennS said…
@Lizzie and SwampWoman

I wonder why they have been so adamant about assigning Kate the role of peacemaker? I guess the press wants to make a story out of the brothers reconciling.

But I'm particularly surprised at Camilla T going for this narrative.

And I can't help but hope they permanently keep Harry at arm's length unless he divorces MM and begs for forgiveness!

................

I had thought the Queen would wear her round sapphire and diamond brooch from her honeymoon to the funeral today, but instead, it appears she wore the same one she had on for the Harkles' wedding!
Yuck! Is that supposed to be some kind of message? MM will probably think so...
xxxxx said…
Harry will be staying a few days? Then tell the Royale de-programmer to cancel everything and to be on standby alert.
Can the senior Royals gang together to stage a closed, locking the doors intervention? Along with the de-programmer? They should try to rescue the Montecito Manchurian Candidate.
Nelo said…
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9482851/How-Kate-got-William-Harry-talking-Prince-Philips-funeral-writes-CAROLINE-GRAHAM.html

Every RF was frosty to Harry except Andrew
Ava C said…
@Hikari on the AoC - Along with the unimpressive rodent-like appearance, it's the voice that makes my skin crawl. High, peevish, querulous and smug. More like an old woman than an old man.

When he made the sign of the cross, that was the weakest, weediest, most feeble sign of the cross I've ever seen.

My mother and I were watching the funeral together (she reads Nutty too) and we were deeply unimpressed with that part of the service. We kept saying thank goodness for the Dean.

Most of all he reminded us of those awful, cowardly, sanctimonious, hypocritical, scheming churchmen who stand in darling Uhtred's way on 'The Last Kingdom'. Mind you, they don't stand in his way for long. He has a nifty way with churchmen.
Acquitaine said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
KCM1212 said…
Has Tominey gone over to the dark side?
(I hear the cookies are good)

I think Thing 1s goal was to find out when the reading of the will is.

The Prime Directive

It says something about his level of obtuseness that he feels safest asking Will and Kate that question.

If he goes home with no cash, he will be living at the Days Inn Oxnard for the forseeable future.
Acquitaine said…
No evidence for my theory, but perhaps Kate and William weren't as frosty as expected because Meghan wasn't present.

Even if they know Harry will report back the conversation, they can relax (slightly) because no one is whispering in his ear on the other side of him telling him the minimal effort is evidence of their jealousy etc.

Of course once he reports back via telephone, she'll reinterprete the conversation for him to put the most malicious spin on it, but for a moment, he'll have spoken to William and Kate without second guessing the conversation.

Unless they were discussing the afternoon programme eg is there a reception after this? What are the covid rules for receptions?
Acquitaine said…
@Hikari said…

"I had always assumed that the toe-sucking incident was the reason that the Yorks got divorced, and could understand PP's anger at her behavior in that case. But actually, Fergie went on that infamous holiday with her financial advisor 6 months after the Yorks had officially separated. The scandalous pictures put an end to hopes for a marital reconciliation, and though they were technically still wed, they had been living apart. We now know what Andrew was getting up to in those days . . .attending Jeffrey Epstein's sex parties with high school aged prostitutes. So perhaps PP came round to the idea that Fergie having an affair whilst nearly divorced, with another consenting adult wasn't so bad. She probably would have been forgiven a lot sooner if she hadn't had the bad luck to get photographed in that compromising position."

The pictures were the final straw after a series of public scandals involving Fergie. The rule is to be as indiscreet as you like privately, just never get caught publicly.

These particular pictures were concerning because her daughters are right there as her toes are sucked.

And this set of pictures came close on the heels of another set of pictures of her on holiday with another lover, Steve Wyatt, and again with her daughters in tow. Everyone fully clothed in those pictures.

Everyone (politicians, media, peers) had an opinion about the daughters being present. Queen had no choice except to order an immediate divorce.

Andrew was not yet involved with Epstein at this point. He was away at sea with the Navy. Infact he didn't get involved with Epstein until his Navy carreer finished in 2000/2001.

He spent almost entire marriage away at sea. Fergie once revealed that in one year she saw him for only 42 days!!

When the scandal broke and divorce ordered, Andrew returned to UK to try to thwart the order and to save the marriage. He changed his Naval postings so he would never go out to sea again. And took full responsibility for Fergie's unhappiness and publicly admitted that he never realised how tough she'd found the royal life. He also blamed himself for the affairs rather than her.

It's the only time i felt positively towards Andrew.

It was also the first time The Queen was known to have refused him something he desperately wanted.

He thwarted her wishes by standing up for Fergie and not throwing her out of their home despite provisions being made for her and also never publicly shamed her for her affairs. Not even via leaks from friends, sources or media friendly journalists.

Sadly, his career change didn't repair their romantic relationship and they both began to see other people which given their divorce wasn't a bad thing though publicly they maintained a united front.

And in late 1999, Andrew fatally met Ghislaine Maxwell who had first befriended Fergie.

The following year, Ghislaine introduced him to Epstein.

After 20yrs in the Navy and divorced, he was free to play around. Plus he probably had a mid-life crisis.

And due to his foolishness accepted hospitality and friendships from every shady character that crossed his path and actually believed they were friends.

Harry is already on a similar path with his accepting Russian hospitality in Canada and that Montecito monstrosity.
JennS said…
@Acquitaine said...
Everyone (politicians, media, peers) had an opinion about the daughters being present. Queen had no choice except to order an immediate divorce.

Yarry is already on a similar path with his accepting Russian hospitality in Canada and that Montecito monstrosity.
.................

It's too bad the Queen couldn't order Harry to divorce. MM has certainly committed enough offenses to deserve that demand from Her Maj. Does the Queen no longer have this type of power? And if so is it due to the difference in time periods?

What is your take on the Montecito mansion? Do you think they live there full time and how do you think they financed it?
Acquitaine said…
@KCM1212 said…
"Has Tominey gone over to the dark side?
(I hear the cookies are good)"

The media is desperate for a new chapter to the feuding brothers story.

Her article is all speculation covering speculation previously advanced after it was known Harry was coming for the funeral, was in UK, would be in the procession, and then is seen speaking to the Cambridges.

There is a smorgosbord of articles to ran for weeks right there.

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The Opening Act of New Adventures in Retail

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