As I said after the Invictus Games, we need to settle in for the next month or longer, because we probably won’t have any real news about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She’s stuck in Toronto, finishing up her work on Suits. Harry is already back in London, and he’s due to make a big appearance with William and Kate on Tuesday at Buckingham Palace. So, for the next month, we’ll be getting increasingly “no duh” stories about how Harry and Meg are “as good as engaged” and “probably already engaged.” What would have been exciting speculation in June has now become established, factual gossip in October: Harry and Meg are going to get married. It’s as good as done.
So, this new story from The Sun is pretty obvious, and we already heard some of this stuff months ago – Meghan wants to leave Suits because DERP she’s going to marry a prince. The Sun reports that Suits producers have been trying to entice her with better deals or contracts to continue on the show, but yeah, she’s probably already asked to be written off the show. Because she’s moving to London as soon as her season is done. I told you: obvious story is obvious. The Sun frames this like Meghan is making a heartbreaking decision to give up her career – while it’s true that she wouldn’t be able to continue as an actress, she’ll have another career: humanitarian, activist, advocate and duchess. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail’s Girl About Town column had this interesting piece about Meghan signing up for some weird royal Audi/VW contract:
Forget trying to spot a diamond ring – seeing Meghan Markle in a racy Volkswagen Golf is the biggest clue yet that she is well on the road to an engagement with Prince Harry. This year the stunning US actress has been spotted several times in London being driven around by burly male chauffeur in the souped-up black VW. The last time an attractive young woman linked to a Prince was seen being driven through the streets in a flash car was when a certain Kate Middleton was pictured in an Audi A3 before her engagement to William in 2010.
It turned out Kate had the car as part of a deal that Audi’s parent company VW has with the Royal Family – it offers members a 60 per cent lease discount. Now Royal watchers believe Meghan is benefiting from the same arrangement and is already considered part of The Firm.
Meghan – who made her first public appearance with Harry at the Invictus Games in Canada last weekend – is spending increasing amounts of time at Kensington Palace with the Prince. They frequent nearby members’ club Albert’s in the evenings, and during the day Meghan can often be found at 76 Dean Street – a branch of Soho House – with friends. She also pops to Mayfair salon Nails & Brows, which is also a favourite of Princess Beatrice. The 36-year-old actress is expected to relocate to London once filming of her legal drama series Suits finishes in Toronto in November. Speculation is rife that an engagement announcement will be made soon afterwards.
My source says the VW Golf was likely to have been chosen over a larger car – such as a Land Rover – for its agility when zipping through clogged streets. Meghan has been spotted on several occasions in the Golf, which does not have blacked-out windows. She sits next to the driver rather than in the back. Kensington Palace would not say who pays for the car, but it is likely Harry is bankrolling the arrangement privately. If an engagement is announced, Meghan will get taxpayer-funded security officers and drivers.
In Toronto, NBC Universal provides chauffeur-driven cars for her inbetween filming scenes for Suits. She has also starred in an America television advert driving a luxury Lexus RX. A Kensington Palace spokesman declined to comment and Meghan’s publicist said there is no car on ‘standby’.
It was my understanding that when Kate finagled her way into that Audi lease/purchase, it was not part of some royal-approved and established scheme. It was my understanding that Kate basically talked her way into a massive discount by parlaying her then girlfriend-status and that the royals didn’t exactly have a “deal” with Audi at the time. The royals do have some kind of weird sponsorship deal with Land Rover, not Audi. So… whatever, I don’t know. I don’t doubt that Meghan has a car and driver in London, and if it’s a VW, so be it.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Pacific Coast News.
“…humanitarian, activist, advocate and duchess…”
Lollllll.
Also why wouldn’t she be able to keep acting, you know, if she loves it so?
Being the future wife of someone not very important in the line of succession presumably wouldn’t preclude her from finding a little part in something the shoots in the UK, would it?
I hear lots on here about how easy royal duties are so wouldn’t one be able to do some silly procedural on this side of the pond?
For the same reason Sophie eventually had to give up her career. Too many people would try to use her for access to the royals.
Also you’re showing how little you know about the British film and tv industry.
I dunno I asked a similar question a few weeks ago and someone lectured me about the crushing etiquette and rules and now she’d have to change her whole life. Maybe I don’t get it as an American but does the BRF really have the power (in today’s day and age) at least to force someone to change every detail of their life? I’d imagine after what they’ve been through scandal wise if she and Harry are happy the trade off is appear polished and don’t cause scandals and then other than that do what you want. I mean MM is an adult who’s lived her own life. Maybe she gives up acting and starts a foundation or something and actively runs it (unlike the will/Kate show up to cut ribbons approach). I dunno I think she could still manage putting on a flowered hat and waving from a balcony once in awhile. Or looking glamorous at a state dinner. And being professional and polite. And my understanding with Sophie was more to do with her husband. Wasn’t HE the one that attempted to make documentaries about his own family? And she was in connected PR? I get why that looks a little opportunistic. If I’m remembering the story correctly. I dunno I just have a really hard time believing in 2017 an old rich family can call those kinds of shots about someone’s life. I dunno is my approach too American? Maybe I really don’t know the rules?
Much to be done HM GB CW and the people esoecialky with the 3d in Line and eaitu so very entitled and lazy and,
Too many conflicts of intetest. Meghan need to upher work game with potential King Henry – POW Line, with serious charities service activities- the needy – similar to Qn Leticia participation – Q Maxima, CP Mary – PR Anne, Sophie Wessex iothers – as her UN work – forget Waity the hidout HG and whiny . Just start serious duties that is more than Suits.
HM essentially bribed Edward and Sophie to give up their careers because they were trading too heavily on their royal connections.
Some royals have had careers outside of being royal. David Linley comes to mind. He’s a successful cabinetmaker. And Freddie Windsor’s wife Sophie Winkelman acted in 2-1/2 Men until it was cancelled; I do not know if she’s as career driven since she’s had their little girl.
So, yes, some of them do work; however, I think the further out of the spotlight you are, the easier it is.
But David Linley is not technically a royal and doesn’t do royal duties. Prince Michael of Kent does or did have a career but he has only done minimal royal duties because he is not a royal duke.
For the same reason that Trump’s kids are getting into big trouble – when a commoner marries into the Royal Family they can use their access to said Royal Family to make money, which is called quid pro quo and is at the very least sleazy and at the worst illegal.
Point taken; however, I was thinking of royal family not titles.
+10000
Re DF – ‘Courtiers in conflict for Meg Sparkle future role’ …suvgest Prince/ess Henry in waiting will be working royal duties charities speeches etc – which will have her outshining lazy keen snowflake middleton.
Its also wonderful Prince Henry Couple will have a home cose to his father and the RF cousins.
If that story is to be believed. What was written months ago was that Harry personally got her s driver and car for use when she is in town. As far back as when she was there for pippa wedding
There was a rumour back then that he was buying her a mini.
I’m also curious about this:
“. If an engagement is announced, Meghan will get taxpayer-funded security officers and drivers”
The wording is a bit odd to me. Surely if they’re really engaged on the DL, this would happen? Announcement to the public isn’t where the line in the sand is, is it?
If she’s getting RPOs pre announcement, I’m assuming that may (semi-) leak the news before they’re ready. RPOs are for members of the RF (and soon to be members in this case). Also, for appearance sake, it always looks good to be as careful with taxpayer funds as possible.
Well I think she will eventually have to take to the wheel herself, as all members of the RF must know how to drive. She needs to learn how to drive on London roads and know how to drive defensively in case of any danger.
Wow. Everything from wearing a “husband shirt, ” he talks to her mother, the couple are staying in a big suite together, visiting each other, and now a contract with VW, are looking like hints of engagement the fans want to believe
Watie Keen is out in grannie pink bedspread – awful posture and grins – this person just cant…
Good to see The Firm revert to proper appearance by both Princes ( heck potential King Henry could be the next King George – overiding whiny Willnot) – both appearing walk together instead of lazy fake middleton in between.
These are the same things people complained about with Kate. I wonder if the tone will change now that Meghan is doing the exact same thing. I can’t wait until she’s married and she starts wearing similar high end clothing; that attempted 180 will be interesting.
Harry in still important as the son of a future King. If anything happens to Charles and William earlier than expected he would have to act as Regent until George is ready to be a full-time Royal. He’s still important until George is at least 30.
I was thinking about this too. The back bending will be interesting.
A lot of the Kate haters/Meghan stans like to point out Kate earned the nickname “The Mattress” which is horrifyingly misogynistic but also shows the hypocrisy well. If Megan has or had been called that would we have heard allllllllll about how racist it was or hateful or etc, even though there relationship started the same way and wasn’t exclusive.
I don’t know how exclusive, but your post remind me of how disappointed I was that Kate’s first baby was a boy.
What’s this “Mattress” business? I’ve been here for yeeeaaaarrrs and I have never read this here…
FWIW, it sounds like a very, very nasty moniker.
I have seen it said here, and I don’t know where it comes from.
Apparently William’s bodyguards started referring to her as “the Mattress” because she was readily available for “booty calls” when and where William desired.
Apparently the “mattress” moniker came from Bill the Ordinary’s RPOs during the Waiting Years. Keen Katie was allegedly performing certain “horizontal duties” – appearing on call and leaving shortly afterwards at the early morning hours. Seemingly she was on duty non-stop and forever available.
It’s an awful nickname and doesn’t say much for William’s RPO’s. Of all the things to criticize Kate for, sleeping with her boyfriend isn’t one of them.
And it’s justified by saying how could Kate stay with William after being treated like that -but I think the problem and the responsibility always stays with the perpetrator. It wasn’t Kate’s responsibility to make the RPO’s behave respectfully. She didn’t have anything to prove to them.
Jessica
Exactly!
Natalie
I agree with your comment but think you are giving the shamers too much credit. The mattress stuff is mentioned with too much pearl-clutching and virtue signalling. Besides, it doesn’t work as an example of Kate being treated poorly by William because that presumes she was aware of what the RPOs were calling her – almost 100% unlikely. William did other things to disrespect Kate during the dating years. Those disgusting RPO comments have been used to support the claim that Kate used her body to get what she wants, not unlike a sex worker. Not that she enjoyed intimacy with a long-time boyfriend but that she’s a slut.
It wasn’t because she was sleeping with him that she was called that but that William didn’t think enough of her to be serious in the relationship and really only used her when he felt like it. Part of it also was that she would then have to take off in the morning because he didn’t want her there for more than the booty call. The RPO name was bad, but it really showed that William didn’t respect her very much and used her for his physical needs on the down low when he felt like it, not when she did.
Nick
No. Those comments say everything about the RPOs than it does about William and Kate’s relationship. I know that over time conjecture and gossip begin to feel like the truth but why not include facts that contradict the slut shaming? Why not mention the affectionate voicemails William left on her cell or him doing things to impress her throughout the courtship or his grovelling to get her back after Isabella turned him down? What about the time he spent relaxing with and growing close to her family? What about the times she attended high profile, official events at his invitation? Those things are just as true as the disrespectful things he did. I think Kate was a weak, idle woman with her eye on the prize but I also think she loved William and is happy about her choice. I think William was a selfish, arrogant jerk but eventually came to the conclusion that no one was better suited to his temperament and personality. I think he saw Kate as a girlfriend with discretion, staying power and devotion, not a booty call. Why reduce women? Why no slut shaming when Chelsy was smuggled into KP in the back of a car with a blanket over her or all the times she took Harry back after he was caught making out with various party girls? Why no slut shaming for Cressida when she was papped leaving KP in the early mornings or going to Tesco on foot for coffee runs? If we consider what tbe RPOs did as wrong then it is wrong to blame the target. Period. Why is feminism so selective around here sometimes?
Meghan has been working and earning her own way, building a career, interning in an embassy, proved herself to be a skilled and researched speaker, ran a great website/blog, purchased her own wardrobe, traveled in the interest of charity.
Kate spent her pre- marriage years dating, waiting, crush-stalking and barely showing up for her 6-month arranged job while living off mommy. In her 30s, she is barely stepping up to work, has to be bribed with coats and jewels from her father-in-law like.a pouty teen, and skips out early on scheduled appearances to hit the high street while supposedly figuring out what work is and what her interests may even be.
The differences kind of start there, for some of us, IMO.
The differences start there for me as well Liberty. Although I will admit that I’m gearing myself up to be disappointed in Harry and Meghan too, at some point down the road. I mean all the royals, except Anne and Charles, hardly “work” full time, they show up, look around, smile, nod, shake hands and leave 45 minutes to an hour later and they do that once, twice, maybe three times a week. I am hoping that Meghan’s attitude of wanting to be “a woman who works” will mean that she’ll actually be out there doing something that will benefit others rather than shopping, I guess only time will tell.
Again.. Kate met Wills when she was 18. Stop comparing them. Kate’s life was all about William since she was a teen.
And its not like Markle is a saint and some Streep level actress.
Different women, but they both gave their lives to RF.
Meghan will do whatever Harry wants. I suspect that Harry is going to want to retreat from public life while his children are young, just as William did. I won’t be surprised if Harry and Meghan renovate whatever country pile is gifted to them and make that their base.
So basically Kate lived like a lot of people with rich families.
Harla, I agree, especially in the preparing to be disappointed part. I was very excited when Kate married William. Didn’t take long for the bloom to fall off that rose.
Meghan seems like a lovely person. She’s had a completely different upbringing than Kate, though, and will be older than Kate when (presumably) she marries. It’s pointless to compare the two. I think Meghan will work hard to fit into the RH family.
Kate’s job is to produce heirs.
She has.
She’s done less weeping photoshoots in front of the Taj Mahal than her most immediate forebearer but she doesn’t owe them to anyone.
Soz, guys. She’s done what’s required. If she hasn’t done more than that then you’re free to attempt to Marie Antoinette her.
I’m really bloody tired of Americans telling me that my choices are to either tolerate Kate’s laziness or get rid of her. The latter is politically infeasible at the present time, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy to do the former. It would be like me saying, sorry guys, it’s politically impossible for you to get rid of your second amendment so you don’t get to complain about all of the people getting killed because of it.
Hi Tina! I live in the UK.
But love the comparison between “BRF member you don’t like” and “The 2nd ammendment.”
Timely!
Hi, Handwoven! If you live here, then perhaps refrain from stating that “you” should feel free to try to “Marie Antoinette” her. We don’t like violence on this side of the pond.
Tina
Even if it weren’t a false equivalency your comparison would be inappropriate, insensitive and tone-deaf.
@Enough Already, well, I’m sorry for being “inappropriate, insensitive and tone-deaf.” Actually I’m not. Both the 2nd amendment and the BRF are useless anachronisms. One has more dire consequences than the other, admittedly. My point is simply that I don’t tell you what to do with your polity, so don’t tell me I can’t complain about mine.
Tina
I guess you mean ‘you’ as in all Americans?
*shrug*
I’m not as border-specific as you are when it comes to open conversation but this is a gossip site – it would be rude and unfair for anyone to tell a UK taxpayer that they shouldn’t complain about something they didn’t like. I’m sorry if that happened.
@Enough Already, look, I am honestly sorry for making the comparison. It was too soon, and it was facile, and I had no intention of minimising the pain of last week. Handwoven’s comment annoyed me (especially the blithe suggestion that we “Marie Antoinette” Kate), and there have been a lot of similar comments from people (whether American, Canadian, Australian or whatever) who don’t have to pay for the BRF. But I am truly sorry for offending you.
I am NOT geared up for disappointment at all. My expectations are actually very low. I want a pretty wedding dress, and a consistent work schedule – 20 hours a week will do it.
I am not waiting for the great humanitarian activist who juggles a problem-free lifelong relationship with her husband with several high profile patronages that she practically lives at – and, as a bonus, just blows all other royal family members out of the water with every appearance. I think those who think this will happen will be disappointed.
I just want her to be consistent with her work schedule and represent well. That I believe is well within her reach.
Tina
Lol I think tone is difficult to convey in a comment sometimes. I meant to support your right to complain about anything you dislike, especially in a forum designed just for that. I apologize if that came across in a clumsy manner. The fact that we live in a world where public terrorism can so easily happen further underscores the idea that people with as much power and privilege as the rf should use every tool at their disposal to make the world a better place. When they don’t it is entirely appropriate for taxpayers, especially, to call them out.
Hugs from across the pond!
+1000
No respect for herself…just to get a ring snd uses it fir nithing more than her climbing family entitlements from the GB Duchy taxpayers and contunue to give nothing back.
Now Whiny bill thevmiddletons PR claiming Willnit waity dont hold hands like potential King Henry Meg Sparkle do of their loving relationship – because it’s unprofessional! Shows willnot waity the middletons knows NOTHING about career/professionalism. And the to compare themselves to HM is dusrespectful of HM – a monarch of a a completely different generation but who is shiw to be very warm, sincere loving to her children and family.
Well people are always saying that minor royals are irrelevant and that Harry and Meghan’s family will be soon too, but what about the fact that the Duchess of Wessex has just completed an OVERSEAS royal visit. There will be PLENTY for Harry and Meghan and their kids to do in the future.
Don’t worry, grannie waity is out at BP in lace – yuk!
Only this 30 something wear lace so poorly. Seem they kept Meg Sparkle out to not overshadow the return of the other half of Throne Idle’ – waity. She and whiny bill look bored at BP, must prefer not to be there.
Amazing, waity middleton has been off royal duties for over a month as if pregnancy is an illness. Meanwhile other pregnant women – sick or not – head off to work and take care of family at the same time. The SR Princesses as well, continue duties up to a few days to delivery.
I don’t think Meghan is doing the “exact same thing”. I also think George will be capable before he’s 30. Unless you’re trying to tell us that people in their 20’s are still basically children.
Physiologically, the frontal cortex isn’t fully developed until the age of 25.
NOTSOCIALBUTTERFLY, even were this ridiculous chain of events to happen, it’s hardly like Georgie Porgie would need to lead troops into battle. As long as his prefrontal cortex is developed enough to make ribbon cutting possible I’m sure he’d be fine.
Then you shouldn’t be able to vote, drink, be responsible for raising children or serve in the military until you’re 25 and can make fully formed decisions. However, all of those things happen every day. George will be able to function just fine.
I now see what you mean Jessica. Still don’t agree as it appeared you said George would need a regent until he’s 30. Also just because his father put it off until he was 35 doesn’t mean George will or have the same choices William has had. Things could change quite a bit in the next ten years.
Jessica
If Meghan does her duty as Duchess for the taxpayers I would say she has rightfully earned the beautiful wardrobe.
Liberty
Very well said, although if I’m not mistaken I believe Handwoven was limiting her comparison to the slut-shaming, which is quite unfortunate and should have no place in the conversation.
I thought Kate was the one designated regent.
Except if there iis no King William there wont be a george.
I have to somewhat defend Kate about the Audi from the girlfriend years. It was part of a multi-car lease deal Charles struck under the table with Audi, a company that has long enjoyed a cozy relationship with the Prince of Wales He avoids some scrutiny by leasing instead of buying but the discount must be enormous so still unethical. He selected one for himself, two for estate use at Highgrove, one for Camilla, William, Harry and Kate. Charles also introduced William and Harry to Jon Zammett, head of PR for Audi and a personal friend. Surprise, surprise – the princes began playing polo matches sponsored by Audi and Audi began sponsoring charity polo matches sponsored by the princes. Charles was allowed to generate his own guest list for Will and Kate’s wedding and who was on his guest list? Jon Zammett. What did Will get for a wedding gift from Charles? An Audi. What did a proud Charles get for Harry after the success of the first Invictus games? A sleek Audi RS5. I guess kickbacks are only crass if you’re a Middleton.
Right. I don’t think Kate or anyone has to do any finagling with Audi/VW. Of course a car company would like to have royals (being seen) driving their cars, and of course they would want the royals in the latest models. Leases on a few cars is a lot of marketing for a drop in the bucket cost-wise compared to tv ads and such.
@Enough Already + I don’t know how many zeroes, there aren’t enough for this post!
What I find ironic is that when I suggest that all this privilege is fundamental to MM’s interest in PH, people jump on me like a duck on a June bug, but the truth is, I’m about the only person who doesn’t blame her for it. I get why this looks so fantastic to people who’ve never been inside it and who had to fight for everything they have. Everyone else seems to insist that she’s doing it because Harry is just the best guy ever rather than a spoilt overgrown rich boy who can offer her something no other man she’s ever met or dated can, and/or she’s just dying to get her hands on all that humanitarian work . . . not the all this privilege.
In fairness, Meghan was already driving an Audi long before she started dating Harry. So it’s a “privilege” she was already enjoying.
The Audi sounds more glamorous than the VW.
@seesittellsit….do you really understand what it is like to be a member of the senior RF? To live in a goldfish bowl and have every minute detail of your life dissected and be abused daily by trolls on social media. Well it would require much more than a few cars, fancy clothes , servants and jewels to entice me into a life like that. Meghan could definitely have a happy comfortable life without Harry’s wealth, so I believe it must be love and she deserves any of the rich trappings that come with it.
Princess K, I don’t know that Meghan, an American, has any idea what a day to day life as a member of the RF will be like. Wasn’t Princess Anne kidnapped, or almost kidnapped once?? Lack of privacy, fear of kidnapping/terrorism, none of that can be fun for the RF.
I think she is smart, sees her limited viability as an actress and made good use of friends to introduce her to Harry. If we are say she is so smart, then she knows at least that she will never have to work again, will have access to the most gorgeous clothes, jewels, castles, country homes, etc. for the rest of her life. I can’t believe that this didn’t turn her head. Come on!! Harry is not well educated, lazy as sin and spoiled like his brother. I don’t think life with either of them would be a walk in the park. Add to it that Meghan does always look like she is the cat that got the canary when pictured with Harry, and I think that to say that she likes the whole package, without having really experienced it yet, is not unfair.
@PrincessK: ITA! Meghan would have had a perfectly comfortable life without Harry. She would have kept her website/blog (whatever it was!) going, she had endorsement deals, celebrity friends, and she will receive royalties from Suits for the rest of her life. She wouldn’t have been a millionaire, but she would have been fine. And probably remarried someone else anyway.
I think she definitely enjoys the attention and perks that come with Harry, but I also think she must genuinely love him as well to open herself up to the kind of scrutiny she’s faced over the past year.
@seesittellit….Meghan is not daft of course by now she has a very good idea of what royal life will be like. She has lived at KP, met the senior royals and visited most of their houses and palaces and knows what its like to be followed around by bodyguards 24/7. It really is not fun. I don’t know why many of you are so excited by the access to clothes and jewels she will have, sounds really boring to me having to dress up all the time. But Meghan has made a career out of clothes and modelling so maybe she won’t mind.
Seesit
Yes. I think we don’t do ourselves any favors if we pretend Meghan is unaware of the immensely rarified life she would be entering – there really is no way to adequately compare what she will be giving up for what she will be gaining. I think there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you give back and dedicate your life to public service. From what I can see I think Meghan is going to do a fabulous job. Would she be with Harry Wales if he drove the bin truck? Absolutely not, but I do think Meghan sees the compassionate, playful, caring side of him and considers herself lucky to be in a great relationship. If tbey truly want to these two can be a global power couple as they simultaneously modernize the rf. My hopes for William and Kate have so far fallen far short of the mark but fingers eternally crossed.
@ Enough Already:
To address your question: “Would she be with Harry Wales if he drove the bin truck?”
I am 1,000,000% confident that nobody here (including SeesItTellsIt) is married to, or has ever even dated a bin man. Or a field hand. Or a Plumber. Or a Postman. Etc. Does that make us all gold diggers?
You say that like there’s something wrong with dating a bin man or someone else who is working class.
I married a man who worked in a lumber mill. He was not what I thought I wanted, but he was everything I absolutely needed. I’ve been the main breadwinner our married life and he’s let me be me. If Harry and Meghan have that then they’re very lucky.
@ Bluhare:
If you have found happiness, then that in itself is an achievement. You didn’t say what he did at the lumber mill specifically though……
No, there is nothing wrong with dating a bin man.
Having said that, I would struggle to date/marry any of the sorts of people I listed (not working class in general) because I tend to be drawn to intellectually ambitious men. I would also want my partner to be able to contribute his fair share so we can afford to live to a basic standard: afford our bills, kids go to reasonable schools, save a reasonable amount, etc.
At the same time, I have NEVER dated a guy just for what he could offer me (the opportunities have been there). I would have to be drawn to him physically and intellectually first, no matter how wealthy or generous he is. I am merely assuming most women on this site are in that same sort of bracket, but of course, I am happy to be corrected as well! 🙂
Bella – isn’t the point that people who are drawn to “intellectually curious men” (the standard defense to not wanting to date a bin man) would have absolutely no interest in Harry the man, stripped of his royalty? The man may be charming but he’s dumb as a box of frogs.
Bella d.
Gold digger? I really dislike that phrase but no, I was pointing out that Meghan happened to win the lottery – love and friendship with someone who can give her untold access to privilege and resources. If Harry were charming but dirt poor I doubt times a million she would ever be with him. She’s too aspirational/sophisticated for that. However, if Harry were a prince and a complete asshole she wouldn’t be with him either. She’s too self-possessed for that and certainly has other healthy relationship opportunities, imo.
Indeed.
Harry’s lack of intellect is well known. I mean, having to cheat your way through an art course isn’t usually the sign of the sort of high intellect that puts one up in some rarified air compared to the bin man.
Bluhare
Dating the bin man was a tongue-in-cheek, although admittedly obscure reference to Lady Jane Spencer’s response when reporters asked her if she would ever have considered marrying Prince Charles.
He worked with his hands and is more intellectually curious than 90% of ther people I know. I’m a bit surprised at the classism in some of these remarks.
I’ve heard of the reference too. And fwiw where I live bin men can make six figures if that matters to you.
@Amandapanda:
How many bin men have you dated? 😀
The point I was making is that we’re all drawn to different things, (I’ve got a friend who only seems to date men date/marry men who are very well endowed (she vehemently denies it of course)).
Excluding the bin man does not make Meghan a gold digger. Harry, despite his lack of intellectual achievements, has many other gifts, enough (outside being a prince) to still be an attractive proposition for Meghan or any woman. I just don’t understand why we must always assume Meghan is only interested in his privileged position. There is simply no hard proof of this. Only conjecture.
@Enough Already:
Agreed 100%. To be honest, I used a quote from you, but my bin man answer was actually meant for SeesItTellsIt, not you. 😀
Having said that, you articulated my point brilliantly.
My husband is intellectually curious, and I am a bit uncomfortable with the assumption he isn’t. He worked with his hands. That doesn’t mean his brain is/was idle. This sort of assumption is why he is very uncomfortable with upwardly mobile types like me. They make the same assumptions . . . until he opens his mouth.
I know the reference too. And, for what it’s worth bin men where I live can make 6 figures.
@bluhare! I know! Some of these comments astound me. My brother in law the plumber makes more money than my husband the overeducated lawyer. And he is equally intellectually curious.
I think Harry has many fine qualities that make up for his lack of interest in book learnin, you know? He seems to be like his mother in that regard, who described herself as “thick as a plank” but was highly emotionally intelligent, and very savvy about PR.
Sorry everyone! I didn’t think my first comment posted. Didn’t mean to say the same thing twice!
Bluhare
Since you’re familiar with the reference then I feel comfortable asking you to accept my comment in the spirit in which it was intended. It was a vintage allusion that makes me giggle, not a line in the sand between the classes. regardless of what the garbage guys may earn in your area I think we can agree that some here are using that career as an allegory to make their broader points. I think you may be conflating my comments with theirs as I never made a character aspersion of working class blokes. My comments were specific to Markle’s unique and interesting situation.
Ironically, my ex-husband was a veneer worker at an on-it’s-last-legs furniture factory and fully expected to eventually retire to the good life because I was a university “brain”. My personal beliefs do not always reflect myobservations of social phenomena. Love can be found anywhere and with anyone but I don’t know if Meghan Markle would see it that way. At the same time it doesn’t bother me because when you move in certain circles those are the same types you date or marry. That’s why I dislike the angle that Pippa was aleays trying to land a titled husband.
Just had to have a laugh at all this discussion going on about dating the bin man,plumber,etc.😂My plumber makes 90 dollars an hour.Not too shabby if you ask me.
Bellagio d.
To add a bit of gravitas to your comment…Harry in a polo uniform. That is all.
But seriously, taste is subjective and while some may see a squinty, not so intellectual, balding prince I see a squinty, not so intellectual, balding prince with a passion for people, a sense of humor, a sky-high EQ, a gentle demeanor and a deal-breaking smile. In polo gear. I’d hit it like loose shutters in a hurricane.
*sticks out pinky, sips tea*
Thanks, Suze. I know . . . we have a roofing client who has spent most of his life nailing roofing shingles down. But damn, that man has at least two homes, and parlayed roofing into a very nice business. Not every tradesman is an ignorant bumpkin!
I’m actually proud Mr. bluhare and I shook up the gender roles a bit.
Agree with that, enough already. I was not really responding to your comment, though but appreciate the clarification.
@Bluhare:
I think I have to accept now that I’m not going to articulate my point in any way that won’t cause further offense, which is NOT my aim! Having said that, let me just say that any classist undertones in my comments (however unintended) were mine alone and not Enough Already’s. She was making the same point I was trying to make, far better than I was, which I why I jumped on it.
@ Enough Already:
Re Harry in Polo gear…..lmao…..spot on! He’ll be lucky to be able to use any of that gear ever again in a match after I’m done.
(I hope I’m not too close to being banned from this site for vulgarity!)
Bluhare
I apologize for being unclear. In a last set at coinkydinks, my b-i-l is a plumber/contractor and his wife (my hubby’s sis) is a department chair at UNH. He only makes slightly less than she does, works way fewer hours, can pick and choose projects and is a lot less stressed out. He’s also well-traveled, an amateur chef, a talented guitarist/singer and a wine connoisseur.
You guys have posted here before with different names haven’t you? You both are really pinging with me. Can’t remember your old names though.
*high fives Bella*
Many posters here have admired Harry’s physical charms. Lol some of the ginger happy trail comments from last year still make me blush.
Bella Dupont–is there something here with marrying a working class blue collar man? How disgustingly judgemental of you. They work just as hard as white collar men and work hard to support their families. What would do without the man who drives the bin truck? Take the garbage to the dump yourself. “Classist undertones” is an understatement.
@ Conbats xyz:
If you read my earlier comments a bit more thoroughly, I’m pretty sure I spelled out the fact that there is nothing wrong with dating a bin man and that it was MY OWN PREFERENCE not to. I also stated that that did not apply for all working class jobs/roles.
Last I checked, I was still allowed to have preferences as a human being (feel free to correct me if I’m wrong though).
Yes, Bellagio you clarified after being called on it. Nothing wrong with dating blue collar men. You just won’t do it. How refreshingly snobbish of you.
And although you and enough already haven’t answered my question, I now know who you are, but I’ll keep your little secret.
*waves at Bella*
Lol, have we met?
This all seems to be a big mess. Intellectual, emotional and romantic robustness defy class and as a New Yorker I can tell you that the guy on the train across from you who looks like the bin man is probably a Sachs Goldman heir living in Brooklyn. But ffs, let people have their own opinions about who they find atteactive.
Yes, you’ve met. Never said people can’t have their own opinions. I do find it refreshingly snobbish and interesting that you delineate people by class and admit it, though.
@ Bluhare:
I have tried to remain as respectful as I can to you in particular regarding this as I didn’t/don’t want my comments to offend you but I give up.
I have also said many times now, I AM NOT REFERRING TO ALL BLUE COLLAR JOBS! I don’t know what other language to say that in. In the Industry I’m in there (oil and gas), there are dozens of blue collar workers I would be very happy to date as they satisfy my basic needs in a partner.
No amount of finger pointing and sanctimonious flapping about will make my change my mind – I simply have no interest in dating a man who sits beside trash all day long. Is that clear enough for you?
I would also probably not date a highly skilled/paid scientist who tested faeces all day either. Or a pathologist.
Feel free to call that whatever “ist” satisfies you the most. I think I’ll still sleep fairly soundly at night. 😀
@ Enough Already:
This is what I don’t understand, this notion that other people’s list of desirable dating/mating traits must follow someone else’s sanctimonious tests…….it’s exhausting.
PS: I apologize, I feel like you’ve now been inadvertently dragged under my faux classist umbrella.
@ Bluhare:
Wrt to me posting here in the past ……Not really sure what you mean as I have only ever had one posting name……but still, it does sound fascinating…….I give you permission….enlighten us all……who else am I?
(This should be entertaining…..)
@EnoughAlready: “I’d hit it like loose shutters in a hurricane.”
😂😂😂
I really get pi**sed off with people continually calling Harry dumb and not intellectual. Just because he did not do well at Eton? It is very difficult to gauge the intellectual achievements of members of the RF because they live their lives in a gold fish bowl. Also Harry must have had a very traumatic time at Eton, losing his mother, constant gossip about her love life in the papers that went on for years endlessly. It must have been so awful for an emotional teenager to be fully focused. I know loads of people who failed exams, had to do loads of re sits at university etc and are actually quite brilliant. Just because you have academic papers with first class written over them doesn’t mean that you are brighter than those who fail academic exams. To keep calling Harry thick and dumb all the time is actually an intellectually lazy past time for too many people.
Bella, my husband is a carpenter, my son is an electrician. So you are incorrect.
@Merritt – this is a gossip site. Just about everything we do here is projecting our own conclusions onto people we have never and likely will never meet.
Remember what Diana, who had been born into a life of great wealth and social privilege in this very social circle, said when her mother cautioned her against marrying Charles because she was in love with the Prince of Wales rather than Charles the man?
“What’s the difference”? And Diana was hardly tired of slugging it out in the world, either.
I really think people are in complete denial about the tenacity of the power of Princess mythology.
I actually thought all the deals were with Land Rover, but I guess if you are royal you can’t have too many cars. Kate has been seen driving a LandRover around the Kensington area.
And the odor of privilege already begins to gather around her and then people ask rhetorically how she could even consider giving up her wonderful independent life and fabulous career for the “restrictions” of royal life. . .
Royalty are the charter members of Ye Olde “Them That Has, Gets” Club. As exemplified by the way they were treated by Inland Revenue until 1996 when it was no longer politically possible for the BRF to continue it.
Yes, there’s privilege but it’s at a big cost for outsiders. You couldn’t pay me enough money to marry into any Royal family. The ones born into royalty are treated differently. Outsiders are never really accepted no matter what.
If you ask Philip age 96, if he finally felt fully accepted by the in-laws or HM’s other blood relatives even today, I suspect if he answered truthfully, his answer is no.
Phillip and the Queen Mother didn’t get along?
I think Philip and the late Queen Mother eventually found some common ground, but I believe she never really accepted him with her precious firstborn Elizabeth.
But are insiders treated better? Diana was the ultimate insider, her grandmother was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother. But Diana didn’t feel accepted either.
@ SeesItTellsIt:
Have you ever dated a man only because of the lifestyle he could offer you? Or ignored the fact that you were not attracted to him, but still dated him only because he was wealthy?
If yes, then I can completely understand why you think MM would do the same.
If no, then what makes you think she would? I truly don’t get it……..what in her life or past makes you think she would do what you find so repellent?
I don’t think seesit is saying that MM is dating Harry solely for the lifestyle, but the perks and privileges that come with his position make him more appealing than if he was a regular bloke. Imo, without the princely perks he’s not that great in looks, work ethic, intelligence etc.
@Bella Du Pont – are you kidding? You really think that the only person who would suspect MM of seeing Harry as a prize because of what he could do for her, is someone who would also do that?!
Now, I call that a really low and unfounded cut. You really don’t have to be a golddigger yourself to recognize that someone else may be.
Oddly, no one, including you, asked me that question on the many occasions when I stated those opinions about Carole and Kate Middleton.
So, it’s all right to acknowledge that Carole pushed Kate forward for nearly a decade in hopes of snagging the matrimonial prize of Kate’s generation, but it’s not all right to allow as how MM was also taking into consideration what Harry has to offer a 36 year old divorced American D-list actress who has probably reached the apex of her career? That she has her eye on a bigger role with more security? But she’s so pure she never gave it a thought? And only an experienced golddigger herself would ever suspect MM of such considerations?!
Really?!
@sees it
You certainly project a lot of unfounded issues onto Meghan. If marrying for financial security was her game, she would probably have a more prolific dating history that included more actors and probably some high level athletes.
@seesit,
We are discussing Meghan, not the Middletons who have a trail and years in the public eye. You can’t compare it because you don’t know much about Meghan and there is no proof it is true. You have no idea if Meghan had a different career plan or what her plans were without Harry.
Harry is who is so how would anyone know what she would have felt about him otherwise. No one can even answer that truthfully.
If someone likes Meghan, they like her why does it upset anyone if someone likes her and not Kate. No one is obligated to like Kate.
@magnoliarose – I don’t like either of them, is the point. But it’s really a transparent straw man to say that bringing up Kate isn’t legitimate in endless threads where Harry is also compared to his brother, and MM is compared to Harry’s previous girlfriends – Kate is regularly insulted on these MM threads by people who can barely contain their enthusiasm for how MM is going to “overshadow” her.
They are constantly discussed together here, except when it’s inconvenient to point out that Kate is where she is for tenaciously hanging on to William for dear life, backed by a unified family effort, and that it’s not beyond the reach of imagination that MM, too, is absolutely entranced at the thought of getting into that privileged circle herself.
@ SeesItTellsIt:
Apologies, I didn’t mean to neglect our little feud, I’ve just been a little pre-occupied with another even more ridiculous one above.
I did actually write you a response, but it didn’t get posted. There was probably something inappropriate in it.
You said some of my comments were “low and unfounded cuts”, for wondering if you yourself might be a gold digger….. Perhaps. But be honest with yourself….how is that different from what you’re doing with/to Meghan?
So far, we have no instances of her using anyone for money…….just assumptions and conjecture from people online. If you know of any specific cases, enlighten us please.
As far as we know, she didn’t ask for a dime from her ex husband after their divorce (it would have been in the court papers)……in fact, he seems to still be fantasizing about the possibility of having had kids with he (hardly the demeanor of a man feeling he’s been had
The Chef has made no complaints about being used either……So why do you have this fear?
I actually think you might be letting your preconceived judgements about actresses (and older ones especially) unfairly color your view of Meghan.
PS: I have never posted about Ma Middleton cause I’m not bothered by her, either way.
Seems to me someone also made a comment recently that Harry was using MM to stick it to his family. To hear that person tell it in several different versions, these two people are either conspiring against each other or are in collusion to rip off and ruin the BRF. This shit is getting too personal for some commenters but, really, ICGAF why they’re together. Just get on with the engagement. It’s time for a big, fat royal diversion.
@Bellagio Du Pont – oh, no problem, but I was missing your retorts . . . 🙂 I was feeling a bit neglected . . .
I actually dislike Ma Middleton far more than MM, about whom on a personal level I have far less feeling. But it seems kind of impossible to get the point across that I don’t blame her one bit for wanting what Harry has to offer her, or refusing to believe that a bit of success undoes millennia of reflexive views about that Prince. Ya know – it lives on, no matter how much we like to pretend it doesn’t.
But I have MUCH stronger feelings about Carole Middleton, because she is someone’s mother, and it is my view that she kept a reasonably competent intelligent young woman in a state of permanent adolescence to fulfill Carole’s own dreams, and to me that is one of the most unforgivable things a parent can do: use a child to fulfill herself/himself. Kate is Carole’s creature to the max – and something about this really, really bothers me.
So it’s curious that she doesn’t bother you, because her gold-digging and social climbing is far worse: it involved using her own child, someone over whom she had enormous emotional influence. OK, Kate did well out of it economically and socially. Kate has paid a price for this psychologically – she never grew up. I find this reprehensible.
MM to me is just a garden variety sort, if you know what I mean. I like observing human nature, and I think people (which may include you, dear) are mistaking my irritation at others underestimating the pull of such a marriage on the psyche of almost ANY woman, for some vendetta against MM.
This is a gossip site – we’re all projecting in one way or another as we can never know these people. I still think MM wouldn’t have looked at Harry were it not for that golden aura of royalty around him.
But so what? That doesn’t make her Cruelle de Ville and it doesn’t make me Maleficent.
I grew up reading all Andrew Lang’s Fairy Tales, every last damned color of one. I get it. I just don’t see why people are afraid to admit it’s still potent – why shouldn’t MM feel it too? Why, did she grow up on Mars?!
Carole is another matter, however. At least to me. I really hate that she used her kid as fodder to compensate for her feelings of social inferiority and ferocious ambitions, all of which were based in shallow symbols. She just seems so . . . I dunno – is there anything else at all that she cared about vis-a-vis her kids?!
I’m still giggling at a Volkswagen being described as racy.
Yeah me too. Diana took a lot of heat with German and even British cars (the Jag) but at least the Jag was actually “racy” to the point Diana’s speeding annoyed Ken Wharfe.
Especially as a description for a VW Golf.
I know!
Lol. I agree. I wouldn’t think of a VW Golf, no matter how “souped up” it is, was in any way “racy. ” They look as “racy,” eye catching, sleek and sexy as an actual golf cart
Don’t forget ‘flash car’. 😀
The mental gymnastics some people go through when writing up their dogwhistles are hilarious. And yes, it is a dogwhistle. Case in point, all the saltiness here today aimed at the ‘immense privilege’ of driving a freaking leased Golf.
I am giggling at the idea of someone being chauffeured around in a Golf.
@Danielle: Me too! VW are great cars, but “racy,” lol. Even a VW Cabriolet (I can’t see one without thinking of Cindy Mancini in “Can’t Buy Me Love”) is slightly “racier” than a Golf, FFS. Whoever wrote this article is really reaching here.
I used to work for a high line automotive dealership group and these sweet lease deals are very common. It costs the automotive manufacturers pennies to lease the cars for a year or two. Even if the BRF is only paying 40% of the market rate lease, the automotive manufacturers are still coming out ahead. They can write off the loss as a business expense. The cars are maintained and usually returned in pristine condition. Then they are able to sell them for market rate as a lease return. It’s a smart move on the part of the automotive manufacturer because their cars are seen in paparazzi photos, they get access to wealthy and famous people, and they are able to leverage the relationships in the future.
I have to say though – they are getting married after sporadically seeing each other for a year, or a little more? Really not enough time.
I was in a long distance relationship for 1.5 years before getting married. It’s been almost 6 years, and we’re doing great. I don’t see the big deal.
It might be different for a couple like them, whose entire relationship has had no privacy because they’re always in the public eye while they’re getting to know each other. In the past, I’ve had long distance relationships go good, but we’re not world famous people with fans always being excited about it by assuming they know all the facts of how perfect things are going. If they end up married, I hope they’re happy together forever, but they should take their time with such a serious decision like marriage
I was in a long-distance relationship for a year and moved across the country to be with Mr. Jaded. We are very happy thank you very much!
Royal brides cannot keep outside jobs. At some point they are going to be required to give them up because the new job will be promoting British industry and charities and represent the monarch outside the UK. Edward and Sophie are in Brunei for the sultan’s accession anniversary now and Harry is scheduled to visit Denmark soon. As his wife Meghan would be going with Harry on these trips at the beginning and she can’t do that with a film shooting scheduled. The Firm is not going to rearrange royal appointments to accommodate a TV or movie company.
As for the story that Suits producers offering Meghan more money to stay, not buying it. One it makes it look like that the show is relying on Meghan’s love life to get ratings and the producers are afraid the show will tank if she leaves. Two, Meghan plays a supporting character and she is not the main draw of the show. An significant increase in pay for Meghan can foster resentment from other supporting players who have been on the show as long as she has, plus the leads who are also getting producing and director’s credits would not like her getting equal or more money. It would be bad press for Meghan and it could pull the plug on H&M.
@aquarius64 – ITA with all of this. Makes complete sense. That’s why I wondered if making their lives in Canada with Harry giving up his place in the line of succession was once on his radar – or even being Governor General of Canada, as that would have removed them from the much more restrictive atmosphere of Britain, and left them both probably just as rich and privileged, but freer. But I don’t think that is what either of them want.
And while it’s nice MM is getting to know all those lovely hot spots in London that other rich royals frequent, as I keep saying, what’s more important is that she demonstrate interest in the struggles of people in Wales, Scotland, NI, and England’s “stepchild”, the post-industrial North: Sunderland, Oldham, Middlesborough, Rotherham, Greater Manchester.
She doesn’t at all costs want to come off as someone familiar with Bond Street and London’s retail fleshpots and clubs, but not with the “other” people she is going to have to represent. Care must be taken here . . .
If it’s all about the deals on cars and the expensive engagement ring and the lush wedding and the expensive honeymoon and clothes and homes being redecorated . . . not only won’t do her any favors with the British public, in the long-term it’s not the way to keep the monarchy going.
Seesit- we already have a Governor General, Harry will not be given that position.
If Meghan were to get a patronage, it could be one from the performing arts, namely acting. It’s close to her current career.
We have a GG and she’s incredible
Yup, quite proud of our new GG.
Not going to happen. They (As in the Government of Canada, not the Monarchy) will not make Harry Governor General.
In addition- a big No No – the Royal family is in another Status if their own – and is ABOVE celebrity!
Royalsparkle – MM is a celebrity. She’s the poster child for the BRF’s objection to celebrity brides.
Would she be able to get a job with the UN, say, something behind the scenes, maybe?
Or some other established advocacy group where she can still contribute significantly without being front and center, day in day out (Like Will, Kate and Harry)?
I worry for her that security might not be tight enough to protect her from the nutters out there if she’s expected to meet hundreds of people a day…..It only takes the one.
Behind the scenes at the UN. Yes, that will happen.
Meghan is Meghan, not very talented, gifted or charitable. She is me, you, and everybody but for a few special people. She is not a philanthropist, fgs. She has little money, and could not bail her individual parents from bankruptcy due to reckless spending. I like her, her drive to be better, and please, people – Harry needs somebody to take care of him, and Meghan seems to make him happy. Meghan and Harry, taking away his titles, privileges and Diana’s son, needs Meghan. She will be the making of him, I think. If not, it still will be entertaining. She is not Mother Theresa, or a witch. She is Meghan Markle. Let her be Meghan.
Well said. 😉
@Alioni Meghans mum went bankrupt in 2002 and Meghan was 21.Doubt she had the money to.I agree with everything else
@ Aloni How do you know that her parents bankruptcies were through reckless spending?The amounts were quite piddling compared to the debts the Queen has had to quietly clear away from some members of the RF.
I know, that everyone is all about them being engaged and soon to be married…especially Americans…but when I look at the first picture… Its just weird for me. She looks so ‘old’ and not as a match to Harry. He always looks so young and cheerful and fun and she just looks mature and serious, thoughtful and sometimes fun (but in another way than him). Of course, its they who gotta love each other…but I just cannot imagine them married. Although maybe Harry needs a more serious and grown-up chick to guide him…some guys are like that…but I just have a weird feeling that he would be happier with a younger fun chick, who he can share many experiences, make memories and grow together…than a divorcee, who already experienced life on many levels and probably wants a kid right away and settle and all. Im not saying they won’t have fun…but probably in a different way…as a girl in her age already has different needs and wants then a twenty-something. But hey that’s just me…and its not my relationship or life, so whatever 😀
Harry does not need a younger fun chick. He needs somebody who is clever and intelligent and that is Meghan. Harry, though fun loving, always strikes me as a lonely figure who needs a some loving and a stable family life and I think that it what Meghan will give him. She seems the homely type and not someone who wants to be constantly partying and getting drunk.
@PrincessK: I should just change my posting name to “Exactly What PrincessK Just Said” because ITA with every single one of your comments. 🙂
@Lorelai 😊
Can’t remember but if it’s Kasier, but in one of the posts, the writer said she has a hunch many PR people to ‘celebrities’ are on this site, and it sure looks like MM has one here as well. Please let me ask, what exactly will she be giving up by marrying Harry? IMO absolutely nothing.
This. At 36 years old her one and only notable acting job is Suits. Which is winding down now. During most of the filming breaks for that she either chose not to work or couldn’t get work, except for one Hallmark movie.
In a year or so she would have been unemployed anyway, and given that being on Suits, even at its peak, didn’t seem to do a thing to help her get other roles her acting career was very likely to end naturally soon anyway.
She’ll be giving up privacy and autonomy, but on the career side of things she’s just throwing in the towel a year earlier than she would of had to.
“except for one Hallmark movie”
Two Hallmark movies, actually!
Your right though, her ‘off season’ movies leave a lot to be desired. There have been plenty of TV stars in the past (some with painfully wooden acting) who have manage to nab roles in Blockbuster’s or really cool indie movies when not filming their TV shows. Meghan hasn’t been capable of doing that. I really hope if an engagement is announced the American Media don’t start comparing her career sacrifice to that of the more successful Grace Kelly.
OMG. I like Meghan a lot, but I seriously hope no one ever makes a Grace Kelly comparison. Apples & oranges! Grace was a full-on movie star.
Oh, brother. If they’re engaged just announce it already. Chop chop!
Yes.
I still wonder if the engagement will be before end of October but now I wonder if Harry wants to incorporate additional joy into Christmas holidays as his Christening.
HMs TQ is returning from Balmoral. And POW DOC will be back from Birkill within a wekk.
She’s stunning when she’s in Hollywood mode (great hair, skin, youthful, etc.) but when she’s in Harry mode she has those annoying extensions. I don’t get it.
Apparently it’s only bad when other people do it!
+10000
Meg Sparkle is a professional – hardworking – celeb – self promoting- Endorsements which is how one become successfully wealthy.
These qualities from her professional life will translate into great work for Royal duties except not for her personal gain but rather GB CW the lest amo g us.
I would love her, after Suits, to drop the extensions and let her hair grow naturally. It would put a stop to all the Kate/Pippa lookalike comparisons once and for all.
Disagree.
I dont see Prince Harry retreating, during his Duchess/Princess Henry making babies . I see a much more dedicated potential King genry continue to contribute dedicated to HM The Monarchy- as his father/mom did. Similar to how he is showing Willnot cannot middletons how it is done with charities – IG, seeking a loving relationship/marriage. Prince Henry Couple will continue his duties- have his children involved with the people, as the SRF – Danish and Spainsh royals.
Before anyone yells, I will give some background: I am British and a woman of colour. I think she is just as bad as Kate (variations on a social climbing theme – he’s not attractive or intelligent (his school record shows that) and I highly doubt she’d look twice at him without his ££££). Whilst the Daily Mail’s commentators can sometimes be vicious the majority have the same reservations as I do: I don’t want to pay for the bint to flounce around with a thick, gormless Prince who seems to have no clue about real life despite harping on about how he wants to be “ordinary”. It’s nothing personal against her but it’s time to end the monarchy (it’s been a long time to end the monarchy) – an entirely anachronistic system in the 21st Century. #rantover
So you never want him to get married?
@Saucy – well, I’ve expressed these same opinions several times, including time for the monarchy to go, so you aren’t alone, whichever side of the Pond. Not everyone who thinks MM is transparently climbing here and Harry is an idiot is a DM hater. And yes, I think Kate Middleton was a pawn in her mother’s climber obsession. Hell, Diana as much as admitted to her mother that the Prince of Wales, not Charles, was the attraction and she was already pretty high up on the social pyramid.
I just think a lot of people are in denial about the lure of the tinsel that surrounds all this, even today, and even to women who have “proven” themselves outside that circle.
And again, I don’t see why a WOC’s motives should be held to some higher standard than Kate and Carole Middleton’s.
But I also don’t see why her motivations should be held to a lower one because she’s a WOC.
There’s a good reason Harry decided to stick with the “Firm”. He knows he’s just an average guy with a fair amount of money without that HRH and the considerably more money and access and privilege being part of the Firm gets him.
This is such a lame story. Meghan leasing a VW Golf (a practical normal car) is no where near a luxury car. They are a typical hatchback. Also, Ita not as if Kate had also gotten a luxury high end sedan! An Audi A3, that is the lowest end Audi and Erne equivalent to a a higher end VW Sedan (both brands are made by same company). Big difference between and A3 and an A5, A8 etc. Both ladies needed a car for transport and got normal cars before marrying into the
family. This story is a trying to be a sensational big deal out of nothing with this car BS. If and when they get engaged, great for Meghan and Harry. I hope they are happy and in love, because life is short not to enjoy what you are able to have in it!
Those two are so great together. I hope they do get married.
Humanitarian and advocate with an Audi deal.
But hey, I still appreciate all she brings to the table. You go Meghan. You are more interesting than the blonde upper class girls with posh accents and I am here for the story.
Hi Suze. It’s nice to see you here.
Seeing as we were getting stories a couple of weeks ago about her breaking off her deal with Audi in Canada, if its true its likely part of that.
The royals had a deal with Audi no idea if they still do, the young ones at least seem to prefer Land Rover. Harry used to have an Audi no idea if he still does.
I’ve said this before, I think she enjoys/wants the attention that goes along with being with him, but I don’t think it’s a BAD thing. I truly believe the reason Kate has lost the light in her eyes is that she can’t handle the scrutiny, pressure, etc, not to mention she’s married to a jerk who she chased for ten years and now she wonders why she did that. I think young weak Kate got so caught up in the chase (aka Carol’s dream) that she didn’t realize what she was signing up for.
Meghan, on the other hand, is used to attention, likes it, seeks it, is older than Kate was at this point in the relationship and IMO has a stronger personality, self esteem, etc. If you’re going to live that life, you have to have a pretty strong foundation to survive the scrutiny. I think/hope Meghan can hack it, unlike others.
I am 100 bazillion percent with you. I think Meghan loves the limelight, which some might find annoying but at the same time might be a huge asset to a role in the BRF. I think Kate not being comfortable with the spotlight has actually been a bit of a sticky wicket for the Firm – you are signing up for a life of public scrutiny and speechifying, no two ways about it. You will be doing it, you may as well like it or be committed to developing an affinity for it. No hiding away forever.
I do think Megan and old Hazzo seem affectionate, and ithey appear to have some shared interests, so if they can navigate a mutually supportive relationship with Meghan contributing to the family firm by being good at her job things will be much easier for her.
There will still be adjustments (not a dogwhistle, just an observation!) but I think her story and her life in the BRF could be very interesting to follow. More interesting if her faults turn out to be virtues for the life she chooses to lead.
Suze
+ 1
love this synopsis!
I agree with this 100%
ITA
@ Adele Dazeem and Suze:
Well done in both capturing the grey shades and nuances in this story…….Beautifully put.
A VW Golf is a “posh” car?
Not so much.
This is how desperate tabs are right now to wrap her into a story.
Agree.
I think Harry was pressured into finding someone “suitable” and she is it (probably only in his eyes). They’ll follow the script alright and then do whatever they want to do behind the scenes. Just like all other celebrities….
+100
@ Suze /thread.
I dont think pressured in tbe negative but more to be happy fulfilled with a family- after becoming excluded banned from his brother per se as Kk the muddletons PR outing – whiny Bill was partying gone lea lot leaving waity alone with carol.
What does this mean?? Anyone??? I know it is about hating Will and the Middletons, but beyond that, can anyone help??
And the Muddletons?? Come on, that is a Trump level insult and discourse and no one calls this out? Sheesh.
I’m surprised the RPOs who referred to Kate as “The Matress” still have their jobs. But the question has to be asked why would these these women (Kate, Chelsy, and Cressida) agree to such arrangements to be smuggled in, on call, or papped for a early morning coffee run? If you’re officially dating you shouldn’t allow yourself to be treated as a meaningless jump off. If Meghan came to see Harry under the same circumstances that’s worrying, but the only picture I’ve seen was Meghan going through the front gate of KP in broad daylight.
Hmmm..yes. I also don’t understand Cressida and the early morning coffee run to Tesco’s. Meghan would never be caught out like that, she would be fully stocked up with the best organic coffee already brewing in whatever machine it is they use nowadays. I also recollect Harry and Cressida being papped queuing at a late night fast food joint somewhere near KP. Neither Cressida nor Chelsy look like the types that would know how to ‘keep house’, it would be ‘take outs’ all the way for them.
The overall vibe from these comments is that MM is a gold digger.
Harry without the money and title would still be able to pull miss me with the she’s wouldn’t look his way crap. He’s cute, charming and has a nice body.
He’s more slender than his brother. They have different body types. William has a big body to match his large, balding head. He was a beautiful baby.
I think part of the gold digger theme is the easiest, least un-PC way for some people to express their basic dislike for her, no matter the reason. Lot of projection involved but it’s a gossip forum, no other explanation required. I used to think Harry was not that attractive (I’m the tall, dark and rugged type). But, over the past few years, Harry has matured and his sex appeal has shot up a bit for me (his military service and work with veterans helped). Needless to say, I wouldn’t kick him out of bed if he was broke with no title.
The relationship between H&M is mutually beneficial. It’s sexist to single out Meghan & say she would not date Harry if it weren’t for his position. Likewise you could also argue that Harry would not date Meghan if she was just a normal girl with a normal job. Meghan is a glamorous actress & I’m sure that was part of the attraction for him. Harry clearly has a type & even if Meghan wasn’t in the picture he’d probably be dating another celebrity/socialite.
What has been bothering me about the comments here lately is that people seem to be under the impression that there are two factions when it comes to Meghan: 1) the people who don’t like her, and 2) a group of fans who think she is beautiful and perfect and will not tolerate even the slightest criticism directed her way.
But there is a middle ground. I like Meghan a lot, and I hope they announce an engagement soon, but in no way do I view her as a modern-day “Mother Teresa” as some comments seem to suggest.
It’s weird, the way she’s discussed here.
ETA: LMAO that I’m now getting Volkswagen ads at the bottom of the screen on CB 🙂
I was interested this morning in covering British press to see The Guardian covering the SNP conference (what we call a convention) as the SNP delegates voted (symbolically, practically the vote has no impact in Westminster) to abolish the Sovereign Grant. Fiery speeches about the absurdity of the population paying into keeping the monarchy in style. All right, it’s the SNP, consider the source, but I have to say some of the speeches did resonate. It’s when you hear stuff like this that you realize the danger to the BRF of coming too close to celebrity and straying too far from a carefully modulated seriousness and going for glamor rather than stability and duty.
The conference is still going on and you can read the delegate speeches on The Guardian, but if you think the BRF is unaware of what is being said, guess again. Publicly, they will ignore the speeches, but they won’t be lost on Charles – hence, his efforts to streamline the monarchy and reduce at least the visible cost to the public of keeping a hugely wealthy family in business doing mostly patronage. Those members increasingly on the outer edges of the family will be pruned off. That means the Yorks, the Wessexes, and, eventually Harry and MM and their kids. It’s going to be direct line only. It will be a matter of public survival.
Note that the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark are in Japan right now – heading up a Danish business delegation there to do discuss trade. The Prince and Princess are the public face, while the deals are done behind the scenes. I wouldn’t say Mary looks particularly glamorous – but she looks right.
That’s the trick, folks. This is the point I think MM needs to grasp before she gets in. This isn’t going to be about glamor, hair extensions, who looks sexier, etc. If the system she wants in to is going to last another generation, it has to be about something else.
Did Meghan tell you that she thinks marrying into the RF is all about glamour, hair extensions, and looking sexy? Don’t attribute things to her that you have no proof she said. You must think she is stupid.
Did I say that MM told me any such thing?
I’m talking to all the types rubbing their hands about how MM will “outshine” Kate with her glamor and style.
Please, get a grip: I’m bringing up interesting points about what the BRF is and what it represents and what its OWN pitfalls are.
No comment about the SNP’s speeches demanding that the Queen and her family be cut off from state funding, though?!
Or isn’t that interesting enough when we can make this all about Who Likes Meghan And Who Doesn’t?
Good lord, even Diana fell into the Too Much Glamor trap and didn’t really get what a constitutional monarchy is, and why its needs should supersede personal aggrandizement!
I’m trying to get at something that a great many Americans simply don’t get about being a British Royal. Wallis Simpson never got it, either. It was the dumpy, frilly, unstylish, and oh so traditional Duchess of York who ended up as Queen Consort and saved the monarchy.
I don’t think things have changed that much, frankly. I’m actually posing a question: where is the line between adapting to modernity and losing valued traditionalism – a line all modern monarchies have to tread very, very carefully.
It’s a question of balance and it remains to be seen if MM can pull it off, despite the obvious temptations to go for glam.
Asking the question shouldn’t be such a problem.
Well you are insinuating that Meghan is likely to be seduced by all those things, the implication being that she is shallow minded and she does not have it in her to ‘save the monarchy’. You need to make more references to her interests in humanitarian issues way before she ever met Harry. Stop blaming the RF for coming close too close to celebrity and start blaming social media, the RF cannot avoid being caught up in it when everybody who has a phone can now be a paparazzi. The UK has far more stronger and wider international links than Denmark and since we do not have a Presidency the RF will be in demand for a long time for such duties and I predict Harry and Meghan’s progeny, if they want to, will be kept busy working for a long time after me and you.
“the danger to the BRF of coming too close to celebrity and straying too far from a carefully modulated seriousness and going for glamor rather than stability and duty”.
Who really cares but the subservient of mind, those afraid of change, those in love with pomp and circumstance and don’t mind paying for it, and those who benefit in any number of ways from having a monarchy? Your comments come off as very insistent that people here should pay attention to symbolic gestures in Scotland, to thoughtfully consider how celebrities might destroy the BRF, to believe MM is so clueless that she and Harry, together, can’t set her priorities as a working royal if that should ever happen. I am literally shaking my head over how personally, how emotionally the thought of MM becoming a part of the BRF is affecting people to the point they are grasping to find any fault they can with her.
Very well said Olenna.
If they marry, I give it 5 to 10 Years tops!!!