Royal experts try to understand why the Queen is so keen on Duchess Meghan

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Just weeks before Prince Harry and then-Meghan Markle announced their engagement last year, the New York Post did a story about how Meghan could adapt to British royal life. The Post talked to Katie Nicholl and Ingrid Seward, both of whom are considered “royalists” and royal reporters – Nicholl is more of the hagiographer to the younger royals, and Seward represents the more “Establishment” royalist. Seward was the one criticizing Meghan’s table manners and American-ness, telling Meghan in advance that she could chew gum or flash her panties (something Seward might want to tell the Duchess of Cambridge). Well, Seward has even more thoughts about Meghan now that she’s the Duchess of Sussex. Apparently, Seward and other royal experts feel the need to explain why it feels so much like the Queen is taking such a fast and personal interest in Meghan, so much so that they’ll take the Royal Train together and spend a day doing events together so soon after the wedding.

Seward on why the Queen is so keen on Meg: “The Queen knows the potential pitfalls of not giving [new members] a guiding hand,” Ingrid Seward tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “It’s all about the monarchy. She can’t expect Meghan to know everything without being shown. She doesn’t want 70 years of hard work to be for nothing. I’m sure she feels Meghan needs a steadying hand in these early days.”

Another former aide explains: “It is the way of the royal family—all part of the training and getting used to being in public life and under public scrutiny,” says Elizabeth’s former press secretary Charles Anson. “Showing people the ropes is a high priority for the Queen.”

Why the Queen would spend a day with Meghan: “The initiative must have come from the Queen,” says Robert Lacey, historical consultant forThe Crown. “It’s not something Meghan or Harry would have asked for. It’s an exciting move. Perhaps only now do we realize that it has been one of Elizabeth’s skills to modernize the monarchy without appearing overtly to be doing so — and this is the latest sign of it.”

[From People]

What’s funny to me is that every time these royal experts try to make it seem like the Queen is merely helping out a gauche American girl who doesn’t know anything about anything, they’re actually making a case against the Duchess of Cambridge. Kate didn’t get this kind of personal attention from the Queen so soon into her marriage, and she’s the one who married a future king. Not to mention the fact that Kate actually NEEDED this kind of training, given her obvious discomfort with her public role for years. The Queen still hasn’t shown this much interest in teaching Kate anything. Which leads me to believe that it was Kate – and William, to be fair – who was reticent about receiving any kind of “on the job” training from the Queen. Meghan’s not reticent at all. This isn’t solely about the Queen wanting to ease Meghan into her role, it’s also about Meghan being truly… (GULP)… keen.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends a garden party at Buckingham Palace as part of the celebrations of the 70th birthday of the Prince of Wales

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Prince William at Anzac Day Memorial Service

Photos courtesy of Pacific Coast News, Backgrid, WENN.

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285 Responses to “Royal experts try to understand why the Queen is so keen on Duchess Meghan”

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  1. Capepopsie says:

    Well, that’s not difficult, it’s because she is such a nice person and Harry is nuts about her, and she makes him happy! ❤️

    • NoShame says:

      I think these royal watchers are pissed that the Queen really likes the black lady. The black lady is a million times more charming and elegant than Waity Katy. We all see this and the Queen also sees this.

      • choop says:

        Meghan isn’t black, she mixed.

      • morrigan01 says:

        @choop Look up the one-drop rule. That’s what’s going on with Meghan wrt the Royal Reports. Just like it did with Obama.

      • Loren says:

        I am African American and white, I am black or mixed or biracial, Meghan is biracial of black and white. I see nothing wrong with saying she is black or biracial or mixed.
        When people spout immediately she’s not black, as a person of AA and white heritage I find it insulting. It’s as if some want to deny she is part black, thereby denying the beautiful mother Doria standing with her and next to her through her life and on her wedding day and deny part of her heritage. She is black and white.
        IMO what is most important is her character . She seems like a nice woman of substance.

      • milgen says:

        @choop the world sees her and has mistreated her in the lead up to the wedding because she has black in her. Also, Meghan’s wedding celebrated her BLACKNESS, so clearly she connects to it and is not hiding it. As a bi-racial black/white woman myself, I agree with Loren; you can call us whatever you want. Reality is, race is a social construct and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter. Meghan (black, white, mixed) is a beautiful and accomplished woman who will ride in a train with The Queen.

      • magnoliarose says:

        I like that Meghan is so proud of her mother and her heritage. I like that she didn’t try to pretend it isn’t an important part of her.

      • perplexed says:

        I tend to think she’s been more accepted because she’s light-skinned. She has a skin type that fits the more conventional standard, I think she has faced racism, but I also have wondered how the public would have reacted if Harry had married someone who looks like Lupita or Angela Bassett or Viola Davis or even Naomi Campbell or Halle Berry. I have no answers obviously, but it’s a question that has popped into my mind from time to time.

      • choop says:

        @morrigan01 @loren @milgen
        I am african, and I don’t believe in the one drop rule, but I think that mixed races’s people heritage (black and white) can allow them to identify as white, black, or mixed.
        The fact is, Meghan indentifies as biracial, (she wrote articles about it) and I find it disrespectful to erase an entire part of her heritage, just because you “feel” doing it.
        Meghan’s father is white, her mother is white, and she views herself as mixed race.
        @loren, it’s not about you, it’s about Meghan, and she told to the world that she’s biracial, so respect her and her heritage.

      • morrigan01 says:

        @choop, Meghan’s mother is black, not white. Doria isn’t mixed, both Doria’s parents (Meghan’s Grandparents ), were black. (They are both dead, but there are pictures of Doria and Meghan with them both). Maybe that was a typo when you put that she was white, but I’ve seen some trolls on tumblr try and claim that Doria is mixed race, or somehow part white, when she is not in any way.

        Also, someone once tweeted at Meghan that some publication shouldn’t have said that Meghan is black because she’s mixed, and Meghan tweeted back that she AND her mom would disagree with that. So while Meghan does primarily identify as biracial, (because genetically it’s true), it seems she does have a very strong connection to her black side. Hence, some of the things we saw at the wedding which highlighted that side.

        Finally, you may personally not believe in the one-drop rule, but that is NOT true for society at large. Because Meghan has a BLACK mother, some people will ALWAYS view Meghan as just black because of that, no matter whatever you or even Meghan herself might personally think or feel about it. (Or the fact that she has a white father). Hence a lot of the racist stuff that got thrown at her, especially from the UK tabloids, when her relationship with Harry got outed.

    • StartupSpouse says:

      Also, she’s a professional. She wants to work. I read a Vanity Fair article where they offered her a role at the Queen’s Trust (or something like that) and they asked when she wanted to start. She said, “May 20.” (The day after her wedding).

      The Queen knows M is a superstar. It’s pretty obvious.

      • Cate says:

        @startupspouse, yes, she definitely comes across as someone who has a work ethic and enjoys work. Obviously she’s going to be leading a very comfortable life from now on and I doubt it’s going to be nose to the grindstone all the time (I mean, for all that the Queen works a lot…she also takes plenty of time off). But she seems willing to show up with the right attitude and take a genuine interest in whatever work she is expected to do. I think Kate did herself a real disservice by not trying to make some kind of independent job/career for herself pre-William, as she has really missed out on that fulfillment you can get from knowing you did a good job on something. So she likely views work more as a punishment or an obligation to be gotten out of the way, rather than something that can enrich her own life.

      • audfhauio says:

        @Cate totally agree – as I’ve said many times, the fact that Kate spent the whole of her 20s with her only serious role being “Will’s girlfriend” really has done her a disservice.

      • Cerys says:

        @Cate you have summed it up perfectly. Kate has never displayed any sort of work ethic despite all the statements about her “keenness”. She spent a day doing engagements with the queen and Philip not long after the wedding but most of the media reports were about her skirt being too short. Burying themselves in Anglesey for the first few years of their marriage didn’t help either.
        It is all very new and probably exciting for Meghan just now. Time will tell if she continues to be “keen” after a few years of visiting fish factories or agricultural exhibitions on cold, wet November days.

      • Loren says:

        It really seems to bother some in the media. Some of The U.K. Reporters have been a sheer tizzy of bewilderment about Meghan and the Queen.

        This is just my opinion off course , but After reading several articles On Kate and William over the years, I think Kate did her self a disservice not forming very many close bonds within the royal family.
        This is my opinion, but I don’t believe Kate is close to any Royals exceptWilliam and somewhat close to Harry but not much..

        It was reported just after the wedding in 2011 the Queen advised Kate to shadow Sophie , but William sent word back she didn’t need it. Several attempts were said to have been made by Charles to get closer to the Cambriges early on after the wedding up until the birth of Charlotte, but his overtures always got rebuffed.

      • Liberty says:

        @StartupSpouse, I would wager anything that you are right. The Queen is said to be especially close to Sophie, the Duchess Of Wessex, also a hard worker like Meghan. I think the Queen is building her A squad while she can, and that squad includes H&M. Charles has shown his interest in H&M as well, and as for William and Kate, well…….I see them as eventual figureheads only. Harry and Meghan will do the heavy lifting.

      • choop says:

        @morrigan01 @loren @milgen
        I am african, and I don’t believe in the one drop rule, but I think that mixed races’s people heritage (black and white) can allow them to identify as white, black, or mixed.
        The fact is, Meghan indentifies as biracial, (she wrote articles about it) and I find it disrespectful to erase an entire part of her heritage, just because you “feel” doing it.
        Meghan’s father is white, her mother is white, and she views herself as mixed race.
        @loren, it’s not about you, it’s about Meghan, and she told to the world that she’s biracial, so respect her and her heritage.

      • morrigan01 says:

        @choop, I don’t know why you posted this twice, but I’ll reply again here as well:

        Meghan’s mother is black, not white. Doria isn’t mixed, both Doria’s parents (Meghan’s Grandparents ), were black. (They are both dead, but there are pictures of Doria and Meghan with them both). Maybe that was a typo when you put that she was white, but I’ve seen some trolls on tumblr try and claim that Doria is mixed race, or somehow part white, when she is not in any way.

        Also, someone once tweeted at Meghan that some publication shouldn’t have said that Meghan is black because she’s mixed, and Meghan tweeted back that she AND her mom would disagree with that. So while Meghan does primarily identify as biracial, (because genetically it’s true), it seems she does have a very strong connection to her black side. Hence, some of the things we saw at the wedding which highlighted that side.

        Finally, you may personally not believe in the one-drop rule, but that is NOT true for society at large. Because Meghan has a BLACK mother, some people will ALWAYS view Meghan as just black because of that, no matter whatever you or even Meghan herself might personally think or feel about it. (Or the fact that she has a white father). Hence a lot of the racist stuff that got thrown at her, especially from the UK tabloids, when her relationship with Harry got outed.

    • Ravensdaughter says:

      I think being an actress helps. Meghan is already a great public speaker, and she can lean on her acting skills (stiff upper lip!) if a public engagement is otherwise overwhelming.
      What a lovely couple!

      • Elise says:

        Yes, exactly. And because she’s an actress, she knows how to take direction when she’s in a new role.

    • Zondie says:

      The Queen may be thinking “I don’t have a lot of time left; I’m sure not spending it with those dolts (Cambridge’s)!”
      I’d rather be with Meghan too!! Lol

      • El says:

        Exactly, the Queen knows a good thing when she sees it. Meghan is everything William and Kate should aspire to be- hardworking, intelligent, articulate and actually seems to care about more than just her next ski trip.

    • Natalia says:

      Capepopsie:
      And she’s a DOG person, very important! The Queen’s Corgis/ Dorgis Loved Meghan at first sight. That means a lot to someone with very barky dogs! And Guy is a BEAGLE (hunting dog).

  2. LAK says:

    Watching / Reading Ingrid Seward try to walk back her ridiculous comments AND keep her (imaginary) seat at the top table is hilarious.

    Ditto the Kate fans’ pretzel logic as to why Meghan is receiving such personal attention.

    I mean HM wasn’t dogsitting Lupo!!!

    • Dixiebells says:

      Yes Ingrid Seward’s comments always come off as someone who wants to be perceived as being in the know but in reality is not. I remember some quote of hers that went on and on about the order of forks and Meghan being an American and how challenging this would be. And at the time I was like I think Meghan can handle and absorb a quick lesson on a formally set table. It’s not nuclear physics. We also have formal dining in America. It also feels like Seward overplays how formal the Queen is. I 100% believe she is formal and traditional and conservative. I also believe if In a private conversation Meghan said ok the fork thing is tripping me up (or whatever issue) the Queen would be friendly and helpful. Ingrid makes it sound like the world would come to an end. And I don’t think she really has as much insight as she thinks.

      • The Original G says:

        These threads are rife with people like Seward, who love to use their interpretation of royal protocol as a bat on people they don’t like and to make themselves seem “finer” somehow. Protocol is about being gracious not unkind.

        Why shouldn’t the Queen like anyone she wants?

      • Kermit the Gorf says:

        Lesson on how to use a set table?! You start with the outer most utensils course by course and then when dessert comes, you use the set on top. End of lesson. I think she can remember that.

      • Natalie S. says:

        Isn’t it usually that people who are actually to the manor born don’t feel the need to be as snobby and exclusionary as people who are hangers-on and want to guard their status? Ingrid Seward is not coming across well.

      • LAK says:

        Natalie S: Yes. It’s always the hangers on who are the problem.

      • Skylark says:

        Oh she’s just a snotty, self-important, inconsequential old boot. Her and her ilk are good for a laugh but that’s about the sum total of their ‘value’ in 2018.

      • Carrie1 says:

        Yeah. Going by past examples, when someone says “I’m sure” in speaking for someone else, it generally meant they were full of themselves and know too little to be sure of anything.

        Meghan comes from a hard working career and work ethic. Maybe that’s why the Queen is accelerating her acceptance. The Queen also took her role very seriously. Perhaps she recognizes the same in Meghan. It’s good all around. Self starter, likeable, hard working, all much needed.

      • PrincessK says:

        Ingrid Seward is first and foremost one journalist among many trying to write articles which ‘entertain’ and ‘attract’ readers and this is why they are forced to write rubbish because people love reading stupid stuff. If journalists started writing the truth people would see how plain and boring the royals are for most of the time. Plain truth does not sell.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Yes the pretzel logic. “Oh William wasn’t a full-time royal” “Oh they have to ease all new wives in now after learning their lessons from Diana and Fergie” “They won’t let Kate work more”. Every one of those countered time and again, but still there’s still the vain attempt to justify the laziness and unprofessional behavior of W&K for the past 7 years.

      Another new axe they’re grinding? They’re convinced the Queen is spending time with Meghan because she fears she will destroy the monarchy. Honestly? Meghan wants to work, the Queen is all about duty, so they get to work. President of the company takes a shine to the newest hire and they want to work together? Great.

      • Dee Kay says:

        OMG I love your summary: “President of the company takes a shine to the newest hire and they want to work together? Great.” A splendid metaphor :).

      • Liberty says:

        Nota, this is exactly what I believe as well. We keep hearing all the Kate and Willliam excuses and now it seems like the Queen might be bored with the excuses as well, as is moving on smartly with the firm’s more able and willing members. I would love to know if she and Charles consult one another on all this.

    • Loren says:

      Well said LAK and notsugarhere. I don’t remember HOW MANY times I read that Kate is going to HIT the ground running, just as soon as……..fill in….blank……..

    • morrigan01 says:

      I read something on twitter that Ingrid was really “keen” on Cressida being with Harry. I even found a Letter to the Editor where Ingrid kinda made a case for “Cressie” and Harry getting back with her. Apparently Cressida’s mom and Ingrid are good friends.

      I guess Ingrid is still put-out on why Harry chose the mixed race American girl and not the leggy blonde haired blue eyed aristo girl they tried to chose for him. (Ask me later what I think about the whole narrative that was going on – even before he met Meghan – about Harry supposedly liking blonde, blue-eyed girls BTW).

      And oh boy, Katie Nicholl. She STAYS writing fanfiction. Remember her “scoop” that Harry had had a crush on Meghan for two years before he met her? I was LMAO when Harry said in the engagement interview that he’d never heard of Meghan before he met her, because I remembered that “scoop” from Nicholl.

      • Masamf says:

        @Morrigan, IKR? And don’t forget the, “they met at Soho house, the prince was the one that was star struck, stayed mesmerized all eve, then Meghan points at him and says “this one’s cute” to which Harry blushed, asked for her number when leave ng, bombarded her with text messages etc…” I was laughing so hard at the engagement interview when both Meghan and Harry disputed all that hogwash.

  3. Nellyy says:

    I agree. I doubt it’s a case of favorites. The Queen would have shown Kate the same ‘keeness’ but Kate obviously following Williams lead, was not keen. You can force a horse to the stream but you can’t force it to drink water. Meghan knows she would chewed alive if she doesn’t get it right, so she will welcome all the help she is given.

    • ORIGINAL T.C. says:

      My personal assessment as a non-Royal follower is that Kate cared only about an audience of one-William. That might have to do with her young age and inexperience of the greater concerns of the world when they met. Her family is more inward focused and she’s a product of what her own Mother wanted her and her sister to be.

      Meghan seems to have been raised by a socially aware mother to be outwardly focused on her greater society. As an adult with a pinch of fame, she learned the responsibility that such fame should obligate one to do more. Additionally, let’s me honest when you are the one WOC in a group, you unfortunately are held to a higher standard and forced to represent all WOC in the world. You can’t simply be judged on your own merits/failures/ goofiness. It’s like being that one Muslim and having to be the best behaved person. It’s an opportunity and a burden.

      When you part of the dominant culture, there are so many other people that look like you to drown or dilute out your mistakes. For example, white guy goes to shoot up a place, it’s on TV. If you are White, you don’t feel a responsibility to show others you are not like that guy. Hope that makes some sense, LOL.

      • Milla says:

        I agree. And i said it before. Kate adores William and she never really grew up as a person.

        Markle is older wiser, she is more realistic and she knew she was not just marrying harry but a whole royal family. And lets not forget the first thing that scared the brits, divorced American…

      • audfhauio says:

        You are spot on, especially regarding the fact that Meghan is a woman of color in the racist British royal family, no less.

      • Carrie1 says:

        And race aside, as a woman, having a career and being on your own in the world instills unique qualities necessary to survive. She’s gone further, thanks to her Mom I think, in also learning how to thrive without apology to anyone. Meghan is highly skilled with people and emotionally strong. She’s going to be very good for the royal family I think. I’m hoping to see her do work for young women and girls. She’d be a great mentor.

      • ariel says:

        Original TC- Damn well said!

      • ValiantlyVarnished says:

        You hit the nail on the head. As a black Muslim woman I can say YES to all of this.

      • Avery says:

        Original T.C. – so very well said!

      • magnoliarose says:

        Yes, it makes perfect sense.

      • Chaine says:

        Well said.

      • BorderMollie says:

        All this, plus I think Megan genuinely likes this role and she’s very good at it. Kate is an average woman in every way, she could have been anybody off the street, whereas Megan is a compelling and unique presence. Honestly, Kate should be grateful to have a sil willing to shoulder the good publicity burden and do it well.

      • Dee Kay says:

        Meghan is not only a professional, educated woman who has traveled extensively and worked with charities and been a spokesperson extensively, she is also a self-made millionaire who made her bank in an industry that is one of the most competitive in the world. She comes into this marriage with all kinds of confidence and self-knowledge, a certainty of self and an idea of her purpose in life, what she wants and how she might achieve her biggest goals. SOOOO different from Kate. SOOOO different.

        I just hope that the Duchess of Sussex convinces the Palace to let her speak out on political issues. The “ban” on politics is the one thing that concerns me for Meghan, but hopefully she will find a way. She doesn’t have to criticize Parliament or the PM or anything, but I would love it if she could keep being a feminist and human rights advocate publicly, on the record.

      • morrigan01 says:

        “You have to be twice as good to get half as much.” Being African-American, Doria probably taught Meghan this rule at a young age as well, like pretty much almost every black parent in America does with their children.

    • Trashaddict says:

      Maybe Wills and Katie will abdicate and the Queen suspects this, and knows to put her efforts where they’ll pay off later.

  4. Seraphina says:

    Maybe it’s because the doggies took a liking to her from the very start. Just kidding.

    I agree Kaiser. They make it seem like QE has to help her and needs to help her to adjust. Where was Kate’s help. Help she really needed. MM has shown keenness for wanting to, date I say it WORK. And the Queen won’t let that opportunity go by. And I’m sure MM knows how to chat and interact with the Queen. So why wouldn’t the Queen want to help her out. I think it’s a win win situation.

    I wish I could be a fly on the wall at middleton manor 🤫

    • Nic919 says:

      Kate was offered help not only by the Queen but also by Sophie, who was a non aristocrat herself and who had held an actual job before marriage and even during part of the marriage. However, Kate or William, rejected the help and so the skirt fly ups and other nonsense continued. The Queen is offering help to Meghan because she is smart enough to take it. It’s not so much playing favourites but helping out someone who is showing an interest to accept help.

    • Bella DuPont says:

      @ Seraphina:

      You know, that’s an interesting point you made at the end there…..about Meghan knowing how to talk to the Queen…… I wonder…..given Meghan is American, she may not be intimidated by the Queen to quite the same extent as everyone else around her.

      So maybe she’s able to talk to the Queen in the relaxed way you’d speak to your Granny, exchange funny stories, laugh with her, ask for advice/guidance etc without the same level of pomp and formality as she’s used to.

      Could this be the attraction? Or does the Queen enjoy all the usual formality for this to be the case?

    • Keis says:

      Also, the Queen can’t be blind to the fact that there is so much interest right now in the Duchess of Sussex. I would think, in part because of that, that TQ would have a vested interest in making sure that someone who is contributing to her legacy is well prepared to do so, especially if Meghan is also making it clear that she wants that help. TQ is also 92 now, and realistically if she’s going to be spending any significant amount of time with Meghan, shouldn’t it be sooner than later? I would think this might be the case whether the Queen ‘liked’ Meghan or not.

    • Aurelia says:

      Wait for it … waity kate won’t stay in the shadows this maternity leave. Not with Meghan now center stage #don’t forgetaboutme

    • BrickyardUte says:

      I also think it has to do with Meghan being secure that Harry is crazy about her. Kate seems so focused on Will who seems like such a sullen pill most of the time. I remember way back in my dating days when I felt like I had to keep my boyfriend’s attention, I always felt insecure and off balance because I was dating a complete douche who made up for his own damages by making me feel awful too. Of course I was also 16 at the time and still figuring life out. Later when I had my stuff together I met an amazing, handsome man who wasn’t afraid to openly adore me and have me adore him back. Here we are 18 years later leading productive lives because I am not constantly worried about what my partner is doing when we are not together. I cannot decide if I should feel pity for Kate because I realize she is a grown woman but I also feel her mom pushed in this direction.

  5. Rhys says:

    Aside from Meghan being someone who wants to get along with everybody, I The the Queen is just an old lady and when you are at that age, you are just chill.

    • Erinn says:

      I think it’s probably essentially that. The queen is in her 90s. Her priorities might be shifting when it comes to spending more time with family. Meghan hasn’t been in her life long, and of course she wants to get to know her better while she has a chance.

      And I mean of course the Queen likes her. By all (other than the bitter jerks) accounts MM is kind, considerate, and takes an interest in others. She seems to want to make a good impression – not just with the family, but with the world. And I think QE probably really appreciates that.

      I don’t think there’s some sort of secret over the top favoritism. I think it’s a case of her loving her new grand daughter and wanting to get to know her more. It’s not quite apples and apples situation when it comes to comparisons between MM and KM. The age of QE and both spouses have shifted a good deal when it comes to joining the family. And honestly – Kate’s main job has been having children. She should absolutely work more, but at the end of the day there’s still that old school belief of needing the heirs and I think the rest has taken the backseat. As long as she’s providing great grand kids other things can slide.

      Meghan has also lived a very different life before joining the family. So she has completely different experiences and things to bring to the table. Beyond that though – I think there’s a certain amount of tightening the circle around her in a protective sense. I think the issues leading up to the wedding has created a tighter bond within the family. I think there’s a ‘we need to protect ours, and Meghan is one of ours now’ sentiment, and I love that. That’s how families should be.

      I think at the end of the day – the Queen just loves her family. And I think she wants to spend time with those she loves when she has a chance. I wouldn’t be surprised if her husbands health scares have also fostered a bit more of a sense of urgency in that regard. My grandfather spent his life working his butt off. He was a workaholic. He put work in front of a lot of things he would have loved to do because he felt that he needed to provide. He came from very little and was working as a child to help his family. He had a long airforce career as well as town council, and social work. He had his hands in so many things – trying to better the lives of his family but just as much as the lives of people in his community. When I finished college and got a job – I was doing mandatory overtime pretty early on. And he pulled me aside and told me he didn’t want to see me working my life away. He on multiple occasions would ask my dad about my schedule and if I was working too much. As an old man – his priorities shifted so much. He saw how much of his life was spent away from his family, how much of his time could have been organized differently – and he didn’t want that for me. I think this can be a somewhat common thing for people who have had such a sense of duty for so long – they start to look back at the things they’ve accomplished – but also the things they’ve sacrificed.

      • DP says:

        These points make a lot of sense.

      • magnoliarose says:

        Your grandfather sounds like he was a very special man. That is sweet what you wrote about him.

      • Masamf says:

        I honestly don’t understand the notion that “Kate Middleton job was to produce a heir and spare and to sit home and do nothing else but raise the future kings”, and that ‘what she is doing is what the RF wants her to do”, that’s just nonsense. Kate Middleton job was not to produce a heir etc. I mean did they have her uterus tested to know she was fertile? If not, how can people continue making such BS arguments that Kate solo job is to bear kids? What if she was barren, would William have divorced her? And no, TQ and PoW are not happy with Kate’s magnificent laziness, she is not the first woman to bear future kings. All that did so before her not only married but also bore and raised future kings and still worked their arses off. Diana did, QEII did, the queen mother did, and many more other women before those. And they all raised very hard working future monarchs that turned out to be very successful monarchs, why is Kate being excused? And really the royals don’t work that much!! Kate can fulfil her obligations and still raise her kids. You grandfather, God bless his soul, might have worked his knuckles white but he is not a fair comparison to Kate. Even the hardest working royal doesn’t work as gruesome a schedule as us regular plebs do.

    • Loren says:

      But the Queen was just as chill when Kate married in, the problem is the Queen offered Kate help several times , even asked Kate to go on private outings with Sophie to which Wiliam and Kate rejected. William said HE would teach Kate.

  6. TJ says:

    Maybe she just likes her!!

    • L84Tea says:

      I know….what a far out idea. 🙂

    • Danielle says:

      My guess is that yes, the queen likes her, and also that the queen is sending a message to the racists out there – Meghan is a loved and accepted member of the royal family with the queens favor

    • Betsy says:

      I think it’s part that, part that the Queen is aging and has fewer duties and can do this, and part that Meghan is clearly a hard worker. We can debate the necessity of the work the Royals do, but they certainly value doing it well.

      • notasugarhere says:

        The Queen’s engagement totals are up 25 percent this year from last. While she might be off-loading some physically-challenging duties to Charles, she isn’t slowing down in the general bread-and-butter engagements.

        When Philip retired, the story was other royals would start doing engagements with HM so she wouldn’t be lonely. Nice if Meghan is doing some of these dual engagements.

    • Sherry says:

      I think ultimately this is it. The Queen likes her and they both love dogs. Meghan is a beautiful woman who is keen to work and has probably let it be known she’s open to any and all help in getting started.

    • Fifee says:

      Exactly what I thought on reading the article.

    • Anastasia says:

      Thank you! I mean, couldn’t it be that Meghan is just a very likable person, and the Queen has connected with her on some level?

  7. Maria says:

    Kate is probably not comfortable with the Queen and Meghan is more relaxed which the Queen appreciates.

    • Citresse says:

      Maria, I really noticed the apprehension from Kate when she greeted HM on the day George was Christened, Harry, of course, is genuine around HM… and the day of George’s Christening,when bowing his head to HM, it’s quite obvious he’s not just going through the motions.

  8. Melania says:

    I love reading all the justifications that these royal experts try to give to the fact that the Queen is giving much attention to Meghan. They only show how unexpected all this is for them LOL.

  9. Veronica says:

    Maybe she just…likes her?

    • MellyMel says:

      Exactly lol!!

    • minx says:

      I think TQ certainly likes her and is going the extra mile to welcome MM into the family. After Diana I tend to think the family just wants peace and congeniality.

  10. Harla says:

    I think we need to use a different word to describe Meghan’s desire to be of service, “keen” has become a joke now.

    • Betsy says:

      Precisely. We could use “eager.” Or “willing.”

    • RedOnTheHead says:

      Agreed. Enthusiastic, avid, eager. Any of these work. I’m sick of the word keen.

    • Skylark says:

      Capable: able to achieve efficiently whatever one has to do.

      I think that’s Meghan. Capable. Capable Meghan. Meghan the Capable. The Capable Duchess of Sussex.

      • audfhauio says:

        honestly, there’s no higher compliment than being known as a competent person.

    • Carrie1 says:

      Focused. Dedicated. Earnest. Any and all of these perhaps.

      Keen is like the joke code word for laziness now.

  11. Toot says:

    Meghan is very intelligent, and the Queen probably has seen that by now. Meghan has been doing things behind the scenes like this article states:
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/meghan-cant-wait-get-started-also-keen-get-things-right/

    showing how prepared she wants to be for her new role. People just want to focus on Meghan being an actress, but she also has a degree in International Relations from Northwestern, besides her acting degree. People like to under estimate her, but that alone shows she’s not afraid to work.

    Double degrees at the same time is no joke.

    • Linda says:

      What is an acting degree. I dont know but some people are saying she is sure putting it to good use.

      • Toot says:

        She has a college degree from Northwestern in Theater and International Relations. I’ve seen interviews and clips of Meghan from different points in her career and now, and her personality hasn’t changed.

        I know people like to say she’s fake, but she’s always been this bubbly person.

      • Becks1 says:

        Does she have a double degree or a double major? those are two very different things.

        Also I am a Meghan fan but I do laugh because at least once in every post about her someone reminds us that she went to Northwestern.

      • Masamf says:

        Ha @Linda yr comments make me laugh. So you saying Meg is playing the queen? People dismissing the great intelligence and smarts of seniors is really annoying. The queen is a very smart and intelligent person, Meghan wouldn’t play her even if she tried.

      • Toot says:

        @Becks You’re correct, I meant double major because both fall under BA, but it’s still double the work when you have to do the core classes that many people don’t decide to do.

      • Betsy says:

        @Linda, you sound like you’re suggesting that Meghan’s pulling a long con and plans on stealing the Crown Jewels as soon as Her Majesty is sufficiently snowed.

      • Becks1 says:

        It’s not really double the work though. I had a double major. If you are a full time student at an elite university, you have to take a certain number of classes anyway. You just have fewer options for electives and more of your classes are concentrated in specific areas. most people I know ended up with a double major because it often just worked out that way – that two or three extra classes in X department got you the second major.

        ETA and to clarify I do think Meghan was a hard worker and is smart, but I think the praise is OTT enough without starting to act like she’s amazing for doing something that probably most students at Northwestern did.

      • OriginalLala says:

        @Toots, it’s not double the work. It’s just that you concentrated your coursework in two major areas instead of taking a minor and doing more complimentary courses.

        She is clearly a smart lady but I really don’t get the over hyping of her education. and I say this as someone who has a PhD and thinks more people need to respect education. The constant overhyping takes away from her accomplishments, which include her education.

      • Guest says:

        I find the acting comment hilarious. First it was shes a horrible actress. Now whenever she does something it’s not sincere because shes an actress.

      • Bella DuPont says:

        @ Original Apapa:

        You have to take into consideration the sheer amount of abuse of deliberate misinformation there is, out there, about this woman. For instance, one of the major “royal” website spent pages and pages and months, trying to prove that she didn’t actually attend North-Western or at least, that she didn’t graduate.

        Maybe the “hype” you’re talking about is some of the effort to push back against the avalanche of abuse and lies.

      • magnoliarose says:

        MM did use her acting degree to good use. She supported herself and made several million dollars doing it.

      • Loren says:

        IMO earning a college or University degree is a plus, I don’t care what it’s in. I hate when people put down a persons education choices. She chose what she likes and wanted to major in, there is not one damn thing wrong with that.

        Its obvious Meghan is more than capable and intelligent.

      • morrigan01 says:

        @Bella DuPont

        I wonder how those people who tried to prove she didn’t graduate from Northwestern felt when she was featured on the alumni page after the wedding. Or the fact that she’s spoken at Northwestern TWICE at least as an Alumni.

        This is like people who tried to prove that Obama didn’t graduate from Harvard. At some point, people are going to demand to see her transcripts, just like they tried to do with Obama. Because black people ALWAYS have to prove themselves. Whereas Kate, who didn’t do a damn thing after she graduated is just taken as-is.

  12. Enn says:

    I think it’s wonderful, but as someone who married into a family where I am constantly compared to my sister in law (and it causes friction tbh) I wish we could stop with the Kate vs Meghan narrative.

    Yes, I absolutely wish Kate had worked more from the beginning. If Meg is the goose in the backside that Kate needs to start pulling her weight, great. Meghan also knows that as a WOC she needs to be twice as good, which is a pathetic commentary on our society but true nonetheless. I hope that the four of them can work together and also develop a close relationship, because that would be to the benefit of everyone.

    • T.Fanty says:

      ^ This. Isn’t this setting up of competition the woman vs. woman BS that we always criticize? It’s getting tiresome watching all the feminist self-identification with Meghan that occurs in the same breath as unflattering comparisons with her sister in law.

      • Betsy says:

        It is *really* hard not to notice Kate’s lack of work, especially with the new point of comparison. I am one of those people who sort of soft defends her; William doesn’t work much (these last few months excepted with Meghan and Harry’s popularity igniting a fire under his butt) and Kate is not going to show him up, but they just don’t do much.

      • notasugarhere says:

        William stands to inherit hundreds of millions in private property as an accident of birth. The other part of that accident? He has a royal job to do as does his wife, a job they’ve refused to do for 7 years.

        These two women are employees of the same firm, a firm paid for by taxpayers. A firm where you’re either born in or hired as a result of your personal life. Comparing their work ethic and job performance is not unusual, nor is it anti-feminist. We compare royal married-ins from multiple royal families, but these two are never to be compared because it is anti-feminist? Please.

        If Kate never wanted to work and wanted to be a SAHM? She chased, hounded, chased again, put up with, hounded again, and waited for the wrong man for 10 years. She chose this life and this life comes with a job. It is not anti-feminist to expect her to leave her three kids with the three nannies and work a handful of hours week at her taxpayer-funded job. The job that gives her a 50 room palace and 10 bedroom country mansion.

      • Nic919 says:

        The argument about comparing the women always comes from those who support Kate but cannot refute the years of evidence that she doesn’t work hard and doesn’t really much care about anything but herself. If Kate gets compared to Sophie she looks poorly too. Sophie will never be queen consort and had a full time job before she married Edward. She also continued her job after marriage until it interfered with royal duties because she was now expected to work full time. The year she gave birth to Louise she almost died and still managed to work more engagements than Kate ever has. Are we now going to suggest that Louise and James are messed up kids because Sophie didn’t take a made up maternity leave?

      • Bridget says:

        So what you guys are essentially saying is that you don’t care and your need to bask Kate is so overwhelming that you’re incapable of talking about Meghan WITHOUT also discussing Kate? It’s your right to do so, but let’s just call a spade a spade. Meghan is a lovely, charming woman who can stand on her own merits in any company. And especially seeing what kind of person she is, she doesn’t seem like someone who would be down with using her as a means of putting someone down. It’s icky.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Bridget, they are employees of the same firm. Contrasting how one takes to the job with enthusiasm while the other runs away? Nothing odd in that, but funny how ardent Kate fans are the ones who don’t want the comparisons.

    • abby says:

      ITA.

      We talk about women supporting each other but it’s clear Meg is being used to tear Kate down.

      And ITA that Kate should have worked more. Both she and William but quite frankly I put that on William and the senior royals for letting him get away with it. Charles holds the purse strings and yet? And yes, I know William was holding the grand kids are collateral but has Charles giving in to his demands changed anything much?
      Anyway, Kate has no real power. She is Will’s wife. She follows his lead. He picked the perfect partner for himself.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        I’ve said on here before that both Princes married women who reflect who they are a men.

      • IlsaLund says:

        @Digital Unicorn. I’m beginning to see clearly what you mean by that. It seems that William picked someone (Kate) that wouldn’t challenge or push him in any way….just follow his lead, Harry picked someone (Meghan) that seems to challenge him and make him up his game and (as much will be allowed) will lead him to some degree.

      • LAK says:

        Digital Unicorn: Ditto.

      • Elaine says:

        Meg and Kate are *only* being compared because they work at the same company (lol). In similar roles. And arguably Kate has the job with more responsibility.

        We aren’t comparing their cheekbones or apple-pie making skills. This is work for a Nation on behalf of the Head of State. They should be compared IMO and they will be. JMVHO 🙂

      • magnoliarose says:

        Digital Unicorn. Truth.

      • Nic919 says:

        Let’s throw in Anne and Sophie into the mix. Neither of them are close to the throne and yet they put in the work. The only outlier in terms of work ethic and interest in doing royal work is Kate. Meghan is actually a lot more like Sophie and the rest of the BRF women.

    • Abby says:

      Agree with all of this.

    • minx says:

      Yes, thank you.

    • Bridget says:

      I agree. Meghan is more than just a mirror to compare Kate, no matter if it’s favorable. I’m tired of every discussion of Meghan leading to Kate. Meghan is a person, and deserves to be discussed and appreciated on her own merits.

      • Keis says:

        I agree. Let them operate in their own lanes.

      • Loren says:

        People will compare them so what. Kate doesn’t need protecting from public comparisons, she’s been in the game long enough to know it comes with the territory. She will be compared, judged, praised, torn apart, coddled, by some, it’s life.

        Frankly I think any coverage of Sophie(the queen’s daughter in law) and Meghan will eventually show how little Kate does or did.

      • Bridget says:

        It’s because it’s gross. Not to mention, ultimately disrespectful to Meghan. She’s a fully formed, independent person, not a flesh and blood aparatus for people to put down Kate.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Always the ardent pro-Kate crowd who don’t want comparisons about work ethic. They’re employees of the same firm. As I wrote elsewhere, it isn’t that Meghan is doing anything revolutionary. She’s doing what all the other royal married-ins (sans Kate) did. By doing so, it highlights all the excuses, lies, and laziness of W&K for the last 7 years.

    • Carrie1 says:

      I’ve avoided all the comparisons fo this reason in addition to recognizing how precarious the entire royal family thing was for William and Harry. The tragedy of Diana’s death, after she did so much good for the BRF, it was all going to be very fraught time.

      I recently watched The Queen movie again, with Helen Mirren starring, and it reminded me how tenuous the respect toward BRF was for the public. William is in line to be King, he’s marrying a commoner, the whole thing probably terrified everyone for W&K and the family as a whole.

      I’m glad Kate focuses on being a hands on Mom to her kids and that William participates as an active partner of Kate and a father. Too many centuries of royal kids being abused, royal marriages being shams and full of division and sorrow, has lead us to tragedies. Let Kate raise those kids well. Meghan seems able to do what makes her happy too. It all benefits the family in different ways and it’s not all on one person.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Again with the bashing of working parents. All of the other working royals, from multiple royal families, manage to raise happy and healthy kids while also working for the countries that pay them. Did they all come from happy two-parent families? No.

        You have Denmark where the Queen’s husband resented not being king, suffered from depression for years, and the heir has also hinted at depression and feels he was neglected by his parents. Netherlands with Prince Claus who also experienced serious depression. Spain where the former king and queen stayed in a nasty, sham marriage for years setting a horrible example for their kids. Sweden where the king spends more time in strip clubs than with his wife, she’s desperately turned to plastic surgery, they both did a number on the female heir to the point she developed anorexia.

        And yet these royals manage to be happily married, raise happy kids, and work for their countries.

        What is it about W&K that is so precious they cannot be expected to own up to their duties and work a handful of hours a week?

        These royal lifestyles come with a royal job. Why is it that *only* W&K cannot be expected to deal with that fact?

      • Loren says:

        The Queens daughter in law, Sophie and Prince Edward the Queens son are raising children and between them do 500 engagements a year.

        The raising a family is a tired excuse for Kate and PW.

      • Nic919 says:

        First of all they have two nannies, Maria being there full time since George was a baby. So the illusion that Kate is a normal hands on mother is just that: an illusion. Second as pointed out by many others, all the other royal women have managed to do engagements except for Kate. Are all of their families going to have messed up children. Finally the real reason why royals may have messed up children may have to do with the unchecked privilege that some of them have from day one. William has been allowed to do what he wants at no cost to his tax payer funded luxury lifestyle. Never being told no, which is what will continue with George, is going to harm them far more than Kate leaving for an hour a day a few days per week.

  13. Linda says:

    Its early on. Time will tell how Meghan does. I believe the Queen doesnt want any major missteps from any royal because more and more people are disliking their lavish taxpayer funded lifestyle. I honestly believe BRF will be majorly downsized before too long.

    • Peeking in says:

      How do you downsize a family? Do you kill some off? LOL!
      Seriously though, what do you mean by downsizing?

      • Becks1 says:

        lol I think she just means in terms of full-time working royals.

      • Lady D says:

        I think the poster means stop giving every member of the family millions in tax-payer dollars every year by downsizing financially.

      • Linda says:

        Me bad. Less people in the royalty taxpayer funded roles, not killing off anyone. Lol

      • The royals that you don’t see are the one’s getting the most money honey. i.e Zara and peter phillips. Anne is the brilliant one, it’s easier to mooch of the public purse if you disappear into the background.

      • Tina says:

        “The most money”? I don’t think so. Charles gets £20m from the Duchy of Cornwall each year, which is for him, Camilla, W&K, H&M. The Queen gets more than that, from the Crown Estates and the Duchy of Lancaster, but she doesn’t break it down by royal. She supports herself, Philip, Anne & fam, Andrew & fam, Edward & fam, Gloucesters, Kents, Princess Alexandra, etc. No way Zara and Peter are getting “the most money honey.”

        And also, Anne doesn’t disappear. She just works her arse off.

    • Tina says:

      It’s unlikely. No one in government is much bothered. Parliament just rubber-stamped an increase in the money given to the Queen, from 15% of Crown Estate revenues to 25%. That’s an increase of over £30m each year. (It’s ostensibly to pay for the repairs to Buckingham Palace, but it’s unlikely that the percentage will ever be reduced). If Comrade Corbyn gets a majority government, things might change, but that’s unlikely too.

      • aaa says:

        Wow, that’s a hefty increase, thanks for the info.

      • Buckigham palace needs renovation and that work would have to be done whether the royals live there or not.

      • LAK says:

        Buckingham Palace has been receiving a maintenance and repair grant since she became Queen. Ditto money raised by the few weeks the Palace is open to the public. No one in Parliament bothered to ask where or how that money was spent to the extent that BP now requires a major refurbishment.

        The Palace had the self-awareness to be embarrassed by the amount of money spent on WK’s KP apartment refurbishment which was clearly marked as money diverted from BP in the public accounts. They explained it away as William and Kate requiring an official London residence due their status because they would require a London base for the royal duties they would start that September. WK promptly decamped to the country and the super expensively refurbished apartment was barely used over the next 2yrs.

        Yet Parliament voted them that 25% change, ostensibly to refurbish BP. Watch as it turns out the money was used for other personal expenses and they require more for BP.

      • Addie says:

        The Queen has always been given money to keep repairs to BP over decades but re-routed it to her family. This new money to pay for now-urgent repairs means that the taxpayer has paid for it twice. Zara and Peter Phillips (and families) benefit from security provided to their mother simply by living on her estate; they also use her London residence when there. Peter also benefited quite handsomely from the Jubilee picnic number. They are all moochers and simply don’t want to dip their hands into their own pockets when the public purse is so easily opened. The BRF’s functions/activities can be downsized to State occasions and limited to the monarch and immediate heir. Any charity work they can do on their own dime. Maybe a simple honorarium and limiting the residences to Windsor (Queen). All personal travel and events, they pay for their own security. Scale waaaay down. They have become unaffordable and largely unnecessary.

      • Tina says:

        @Addie, I don’t disagree, but the point is, no one in the UK government cares. It’s not a topic of conversation in the British press. It’s just not relevant.

  14. Honest B says:

    Time to give it a rest. This fawning over her is OTT and is setting her up for a mighty fall. We get it she’s American, she’s a POC, she married a Prince. She’s also living off British tax payer dollars as a glorified ribbon cutter.

    • fishface says:

      @Honest B – I think that’s unfair. She brings her own money into the marriage, and she is an ardent advocate for a variety of important causes.

    • LAK says:

      Gird your loins, this OTT publicity will continue for at least 18mths. It’s the same for every single bride into the family. All previous brides are downgraded or compared unfavourable or shaded.

      • Hoopjumper says:

        “gird your loins”! I lol’d. Too funny. LAK, you are one of my favorite commenters. You’re memory and writing are so impressive!

      • notasugarhere says:

        Thing is, LAK, it isn’t that what Meghan is doing is amazing or remarkable. This is what married-ins do in all royal families – Get To Work. It just showcases the seven years worth of laziness and excuses from her SIL.

      • LAK says:

        Nota: Of course it does. Nothing about what is happening with Meghan is unusual, but i am enjoying the indignation that she’s daring to take the offered help or asking help and it’s being given.

        Mind you, this very public support is also Palace insurance policy against attacks that Meghan isn’t being supported. Same as happened with Kate.

        …but at least this lady is trying to live upto her billing per the usual whitewashing of a royal bride unlike last time when the whitewashing failed to take into account a recalcitrant Kate.

    • Loren says:

      The press and Kate fans have been fawning over Kate for more than 14 or 15 years, since the dating years, when she went clubbing several times a week, had crotch shots galore jumping in and out of taxis all over London, WHY SHOULD people who like Meghan or who are interested in Meghan suddenly STOP ,many are just getting to know her and see her and many want to hear and read more.

      The press fawns ,writes about, discusses, swoons over Kate nonstop……so why suddenly should the press or anyone stop talking about Meghan?

  15. Digital Unicorn says:

    Katie Keen would have been given the same opportunities/offers as Meghan but as has been said on here before, all offers of help to her were turned down (excuses were she wanted to follow William’s lead and William wanted to show her the ropes). Plus am sure TQ does not want a repeat of the royal flashing of the early Cambridge marriage years – Katie Keen finally read the memo on that one. I also think that as others have said TQ LIKES her and her (megs) work ethic is like her own.

    The questions is, how will the Cambridges react to this publicly perceived notion that Megs is being favoured by TQ? More setup pap strolls with Kate and the kids via the Fail?

    • LAK says:

      I remember her early PR when after each leak that she had turned down some offered help, articles would appear about how she knew what to do and didn’t need any help and or William would show her the ropes.

      Everything from LIW to dressers to Sophie were turned down.

    • magnoliarose says:

      So far they have not proven to be perceptive about their PR. William thinks he can manage it all by himself and I don’t think he really cares that much about her image as long as he stays in favor. The two of them don’t seem to spend much time together anymore and when they are together publicly they barely interact.
      I don’t think William will care if MM is favored. As long as he maintains his status he seems to be fine.

  16. Jessica says:

    I don’t think it is anything more than Meghan is more social. The Queen is highly alert and receptive; she’s just doing what she thinks will make her comfortable.

  17. Zapp Brannigan says:

    “She doesn’t want 70 years of hard work to be for nothing” I see you Ingrid Seward. I see exactly what you are implying about Meghan too. All this concern about the effect she might have on the monarchy that would cause it’s downfall and not a peep about Randy Andy sunning himself on Jeffrey Epstein’s lolita island.

    • Nic919 says:

      So true. It’s not Meghan or even Kate and her lazy ways that will topple the monarchy. Nothing they can ever do will compare to how Andrew’s despicable behaviour was hidden away. That was the power of the monarchy being used for a pretty horrible thing. Not too different from hiding the true allegiances of the Duke of Windsor.

      • Jan90067(aka imqrious2) says:

        And what about Charles’ letters to that pedophile bishop? And his “friendship” with Jimmy Saville? You know what they say about the company you keep…

    • Joy says:

      Very astute assessment, i had missed the insinuation all together. I can’t unsee it now.

    • adastraperaspera says:

      Yes, I have wondered how they will keep Andrew’s name out of the stories if the international pedophile scene is exposed by more investigations into Epstein, Trump,and Deshowitz.

    • Natalie S. says:

      I hope Andrew’s antics are part of what comes out after Liz passes away. The man drove into and damaged property just because the gates were locked. He’s not a sound person.

      • Jan90067(aka imqrious2) says:

        Can you say “anger issues”? This is a spoiled brat, Mummy’s “favorite boy”, who can do no wrong. What is he going to do when Mummy isn’t around for him to hide behind? It’s not gonna be pretty!

      • notasugarhere says:

        Mummy took care of that by overseeing the 75 year lease on Royal Lodge, so Charles cannot legally kick Andrew or the Yorks out of that home.

        What Charles can do? He can centralize all royal scheduling and cut Andrew out of the picture. Andrew has to be kept around for legal reasons (Counsellor of State), but I can see Charles inserting Harry into Andrew’s current royal work sphere.

    • Carrie1 says:

      All this news about Andrew… i had no idea! How come there hasn’t been coverage in detail about that? I mean, in gossip at least!

      • M.A.F. says:

        I believe there was the Vanity Fair article from a few years ago? I think. Yes? I’m pretty sure. LOL I’m sure someone on here knows.

      • Addie says:

        Shut down in the press, basically. Stories short on detail, no comments permitted. That’s why. Royal pressure.

      • LAK says:

        The Queen pulled that story. No media outlet can cover it.

        It was amazing to see her wield her power on the media in real time. The story broke on a sunday, the media had a field day for 3days, and on the wednesday of that week, it was radio silence world wide. Story dropped from all media as if it never existed.

        Then the Queen very publicly gave him a medal for personal services which was widely interpreted as a warning to back off.

        BP sent their people to the court case in Florida to remove Andrew from the proceedings. Et viola!! No more links to Andrew.

        The story itself still lives on the internet in afew articles, but not close to the volume you’d expect given the 3day breaking news frenzy. Any subsequent reporting on the case never mentions Andrew.

    • morrigan01 says:

      Ingrid Seward STAYS using microagressions against Meghan. She really can’t believe this black American girl is in The Firm and is twisting herself into pretzels over it.

      And as I said above, she was a backer of Cressida for Harry as well.

  18. fishface says:

    Perhaps QEII sees a work ethic in MM that she doesn’t see in Kate. The Queen is an intelligent woman – MM is smart, clearly. Kate – um, maybe not so much. MM obviously has some of her own money, and has shown she’s not that interested in all the pomp and ceremony that went with Kate & Wills wedding. The Queen is quite frugal, and has always been the just-get-on-with-it type. I wouldn’t be surprised if she thinks Kate is pampered, indulged by her parents, and basically a bit useless. Clearly I am Team Markle.

    • Becks1 says:

      Also, if the comment from the queen about Kate is true (I’m not sure how verified it has been?) – about how she should get a job and not wait around for will or whatever – you can see why she would find Meghan appealing. She had a job for years and was successful in a very tough industry.

      I do wonder how much of Kate’s work ethic is because of the waity years. Had she had a real, full time job, maybe she would be better now because she would understand the difference between what most people in Britain do and what she is supposed to do. I don’t mean that as snarky as it sounds, lol, more just matter of fact.

      • Nic919 says:

        Whether or not the Queen actually said “but what does she do?” during the waits years or not, it caused Carole to find the Jigsaw job, so there was some element of truth to her saying something about Kate just partying and not even doing charity work. The courtiers put that out in the media for a reason. Sadly it didn’t work very well.

    • Taxi says:

      Kate does have a job now. Mothering 3 kids under age 5, one of whom is destined to be king in about 50 years, if there’s still a monarchy.

      • Natalie S. says:

        If she doesn’t do more to justify her expense to taxpayers, there may not be a monarchy.

      • Nic919 says:

        All the other royal women have managed to have children and do royal engagements. Kate is the only one who can’t seem to match their level. And what was the excuse before she had kids?

      • Grumpy says:

        Well then they better get rid of the nanny and hired help if shes the one doing it.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Exactly Nic919.

      • M.A.F. says:

        Look, I like Kate (and I like Meghan) but Kate having kids was one part of her job. And she did that. Now, she can do the other half of her job which is to work and represent the monarch. Come September, only one kid will be at home while the other two are at school. She can go out of the house for an hour, shake some hands, smile, give a speech (that she should have practiced-maybe her SIL can help) then be home by the time the two oldest are home from school. It’s not that difficult.

      • El says:

        Hopefully, after the Queen goes that will finally be the end of the monarchy and the British taxpayer having to bankroll their vacuous lives. Perhaps the press will finally start covering Andrew’s antics too.

      • Olenna says:

        I have never thought that taking care of and providing for my children was a job. IMO, motherhood is a personal responsibility and life-long obligation, whether it’s taken on deliberately or planned, by accident or circumstance. It has been discussed here many times that KM was not required to reproduce as a condition of her marriage. She and PW made the choice to have children. IMO, motherhood should not exempt nor excuse her from carrying out her duties as a senior royal, but obviously she believes it is a job, too. So, despite having a housekeeping staff and nannies, and a husband who works less than a standard part-time job, no one in the BRF who matters is going to make her do more than she wants to outside the home, ever. Bottom line, I guess, is that talking about her work ethic is like beating a dead horse to death.

  19. JustJen says:

    She’s probably had her fill of the Middletons and being around MM is a breath of fresh, unpretentious air.

  20. Becks1 says:

    I am sure it is a combination of the Queen reaching out and KP reaching out to the queen’s team. If they want to get Meghan started as a full time royal right away, she needs to get more events under her belt and this is a good way to get her used to doing events without Harry but obviously under the tutelage and guidance of the Queen. I’m sure the queen likes her and enjoys her company.

    Meghan was never going to be given the same leniency that Kate was given (and still has, lets be honest) from the british press, and she is smart enough to know it.

    • IlsaLund says:

      One misstep and the vultures will swoop in to tear Meghan to shreds. Doria has probably drilled into Meghan from an early age…”you’ll have to be twice as good and work twice as hard.” Megan doesn’t have the luxury of “mediocrity” being her norm.

      • Keis says:

        Exactly. Any failures or missteps are going to be made into twice as much of an issue because she’s so ‘different.’

  21. Muprhy says:

    I think Meghan probably had a lot to say the first time she met the Queen, as opposed to when Kate met her she had nothing to say and even if she had William wouldn’t have let her speak anyway. (Lets face it, Kate is a woman of very few words, even less of them are intelligent words)
    This has helped the Queen get to know her better and be more interested even in this short amount of time.

  22. Amelie says:

    Wasn’t Kate’s first solo appearance with the Queen at Buckingham Palace when her wedding dress was put on display for a few months? They went to go see it before it opened to the public and I remember the Queen said something along the lines of she didn’t like the way the dress was exhibited and it said it was “horrid.” I remember the dress was displayed with the veil hanging above a mannequin and it kind of looked disembodied and I think the Queen was spooked by that choice of display hahaha.

    • LAK says:

      If you watch video from the beginning, Queen joins them looking unprepared as if she’s just been told about this. She clearly says she “didn’t agree to this”, and is grumpy and abrupt throughout those few minutes of that video.

      It’s unclear what she didn’t agree to ie the event or the tv cameras, and she walks very fast to the exhibition leaving everyone trailing after her. Assuming the video part is the entire engagement, it lasted less than 10mins because it was a news segment to publicise the exhibition. There was no big heads up across the media that it would happen, and most people remained unaware that it happened until royal watchers shared the video across platforms.

      • Kristin says:

        Wasn’t there a Queen/Kate engagement early on that was at an art gallery and Kate asked Faberge Egg comment? I thought there were a few engagements after the KW wedding to kickstart her royal career.

      • LAK says:

        Kristin: this video is the source of the Faberge comment. They walked through several treasure filled corridors on their way to the exhibition in the ballroom.

        As they past the various cases, one or more people made a comment about the art / treasures they were walking past. Kate made her infamous comment as they walked past the Faberge cases.

        When you listen to entirety of the conversation, everyone is trying to impress the Queen, and she’s not having it. It’s hilarious.

        I felt bad for Kate in the end because she was obviously nervous and was trying to show off her wedding dress exhibition which news person said she’d organised, and all the Queen had to say was that it was horrid.

  23. Mego says:

    I am starting to wonder if Kate’s pursuit of being thin is all consuming for her and has lead to raging somatic narcissism and possibly eating disorder. That extreme thinness doesn’t come naturally for her and constantly dieting and being hungry would have a huge impact on her energy levels and mood even. To be fair being under that kind of scrutiny isn’t easy but she is far too thin and it so isn’t necessary. I don’t remember her ever being criticized for being chubby pre wedding by the press because she wadn’t but she has taken it to an extreme as if her purpose is to be thin and a clothes hanger for designers. Hopefully Meghan won’t fall into that trap now that she is a Duchess.

  24. Lexa says:

    Based on Lainey’s recent posts (and let’s be real—while she could be wrong, I think she now has more info flowing her way from royal sources), Kate is doing exactly what the royals want her to be doing and they feel she’s doing a good job. I found that really interesting because of all of the posts here speculating the queen wants them to step up/she’s disappointed in them/etc. Both things can be true, obviously—she has gotten them to work as much as they’ll agreed to, but they want her to be focusing on the next gen of Royals and presenting an image of stability.

    I think it’s great Meghan is doing an event with the queen and I’m sure she’ll knock it out of the park. I think the queen is very eager to show how much they accept her and senses she’ll be able to handle the pressure of this kind of event. My feeling with Kate’s early events, and her nervous chatter, is that no matter how much prep she had, nerves really got in her way. I think she spent a decade having her every move analyzed in the press and was afraid of doing or saying something that would set off a ridiculous chain of articles or piss off Will, and it took a while to relax into the role and start losing that fear. (Yes, she chose this life, yes she chased Will—still doesn’t make it easy to cope with.) So… I don’t know! It’ll be interesting to see both women carving out distinct roles for themselves.

    • DP says:

      I had the same thought… I don’t think they thought Kate needed the training and they had know her so much longer. Whereas, Megan is new to the country and this lifestyle.
      I don’t think it means anyone like one wife more than the other.

    • LAK says:

      They knew about Kate, but they hadn’t spent substantial time with her. The first time Kate met the Queen was in 2008, at Peter’s wedding and the next time after that was during the engagement period.

      Harry said in an interview, a month before the wedding, that he was looking forward to getting to know Kate……

      Only Zara had a substantial comment that showed that she knew Kate compared to the rest of the family.

      And after the wedding, Kate practically moved back home again, and avoided the family as much as she could which showed in the awkwardness and coldness of family public appearances though Kate overcompensated by staging OTT expressions and body language such that photos gave impression she was getting on famously with the family. Video showed otherwise.

      Most of this was William’s fault because he ran away to join the Middleton family and made very few attempts to incorporate Kate into the royal family beyond enjoying the perks. And Kate follows William’s lead.

    • notasugarhere says:

      When Prince Philip basically pleads to retire in his 90th birthday interview and W&K run away for another 5 years? No, W&K are not doing what the royals want them to do.

      When the former Queen of the Belgians passed away? The news out of the UK was that no one was available to attend the funeral. What likely happened? Everyone else was already booked, a request was sent to W&K, and they refused to step up. Kate was papped that day out shopping.

      • Lexa says:

        Well, that’s your opinion and interpretation, nota, and I have mine. I don’t think we’ll ever fully agree on this front and that’s totally fine and makes for interesting conversation. I think what frustrates me is that people are just as guilty of inventing negative theories about Will and Kate as the sugars are guilty of presenting them as a fairy tale couple and #goals, and there’s not a ton of balance there. And yes, I understand that many people on this site have been following the couple for years and that history is what’s informing their opinions.

        But for example, do you mean Queen Fabiola’s funeral? Based on a quick search through the court circular, it seems like a lot of the other senior royals who normally make these trips were also free (only Charles, William, Anne, and the Queen have events listed). Kate was pregnant with Charlotte at the time and they’d just come back from the US–there are any number of reasonable explanations for why she wasn’t sent or didn’t want to go. And as for the pap shots, are you talking about this set? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3357449/Kate-Middleton-does-minute-Christmas-shopping.html Because those were taken a full year later…

  25. Suze says:

    Meghan moved from the country of her birth to anew environment and jumped into the biggest fishbowl on the planet. As a biracial woman, she knows she has to work twice as hard to be seen half as well. She left her only really actively involved family, her mother, 5000 miles behind, Maybe the Queen is showing complete support in light of those facts.

    Maybe she just likes Meghan and finds her interesting to talk with.

    Maybe she loves Harry so much she would extend extra support to his wife.

    Maybe it’s good Firm PR.

    Maybe it’s all of those things and more.

    What I don’t believe for a minute is that anyone in the royal family believes Meghan is gauche.

    • DP says:

      Plus, maybe they’ve learned from their mistakes. Maybe they realize they should have guided Kate more and given her more guidance.

    • Amelie says:

      Meghan did leave behind her country of birth but wasn’t she living in Toronto most of the year anyways filming Suits? That’s where she’s lived for most of the time for the past 7 years. I’m assuming her mom came to visit and she’d go back regularly to California but Meghan is used to not seeing her mom for long stretches of time. So I don’t think necessarily moving to England and not seeing her frequently would be too hard.

      But moving to a new country where you don’t know a lot of people is definitely overwhelming. I don’t necessarily know though that the Queen is “embracing” Meghan because she had to leave everything behind in North America to be with Harry. Isn’t Autumn Philips from Canada? She had to do the same thing. Meghan isn’t the first bride in that family to do this recently.

      • Lady D says:

        Amelie, in Canada almost every month has a 3-day statutory/government holiday and most businesses shut down. She or her mother could have been hopping back and forth all year. Fly to LA Friday afternoon, fly back to Toronto Monday night.

      • emerald eyes says:

        There is no denying it’s a lot easier and faster to get from Toronto to LA, than London to LA. But that wasn’t my point, it was that with everything else going on, having her mother far away is probably difficult.

        And, who knows if the Queen embraced Autumn? Maybe she did. However, it would have been done on a private and a personal level, because unlike Meghan, Autumn is not a working member of the royal family, and doesn’t do public duties for them.

  26. Monica says:

    “She doesn’t want 70 years of hard work to be for nothing.” The born royals are who she should be worried about like Pedo Andy and his friends.

    This hasn’t nothing to do with William’s wife. It’s simply The Queen sees a young woman who wants to learn so she’s willing to help. Also it’s a plus that she likes her otherwise I don’t think TQ’s people would’ve chose a overnight trip to bring Meghan along if The Queen didn’t like her.

    All four of the young royals will be needed to keep that thing going once TQ passes.

  27. Jenns says:

    I think Kate follows Will’s wishes. He did not want Kate to be part of the firm, he wanted her to stay Middleton. I think she’s content with not doing more, but I do think it’s William who either tells the Royals no, or tells Kate to tell them no, to the point now where Kate just tells them no on her own because she knows it’s safe to do so.

    I don’t think Harry has those insecurities, and Meghan is not someone who would be content with Kate’s style of living, and so she is saying yes to all of the opportunities available with Harry’s encouragement. The Queen must like someone who is interested in what the RF does and how they do it. I’d bet William and Harry, being born in to it, are no longer enthralled by stories of Good King James and royal jewelry and fancy trains. I would be fascinated and ask a million questions, which if that’s what Meghan is doing, probably excites the Queen and Charles. And that’s why they like her. I would probably want to spend more time with the Queen than Harry because HISTORY LESSONS!

    I do think that the Queen doesn’t care that William and Kate don’t work. I think she cares that they aren’t showing that they CAN work someday.

    • Natalie S. says:

      William wanted his own court and I think Kate was a willing participant. Meghan and Harry seem to be going the other way.

      • Nic919 says:

        Harry also has to ensure his future with Charles while he is alive because once his brother is king he is likely to be cut off, as Charles will do to Andrew, Edward and Anne.
        William knowing he will inherit the power and money has no real checks on his petulance. And Kate knows this too.

  28. Starryfish says:

    It’s hilarious watching these royal reporters, who tend to come from posh backgrounds, in a tizzy about having Meghan on the scene. For as much as some of them disliked Kate for being “common,” she’s still “one of them” in a key way that Meghan never will be, because she too is white. They really don’t know what to do with Meghan, and are really struggling to talk about her in ways that aren’t outright offensive. Liz probably likes Meghan because she’s shown an obvious interest in working, but as with all POC, she’ll have to work twice as hard to get half the credit from the peanut gallery. The rationalizations for every sign of warmth toward her will continue to come thick and fast.

  29. Sage says:

    Meghan is going to take down 70 years of “hard work” if not properly trianed by the queen herself…🤣🤣

    Ingrid is still pissed a “descendant of a slave” who uses “Japanese hair straighteners” got the ring and not the lovely Cressida who Harry was very much in love with even though Ingrid wrote an article begging Harry to give Cressida another chance …lol

    It feels like the courtiers and royal reported are more snobbish than the actual brf..

  30. homeslice says:

    TQ is not some monster, of course she is going to extend a welcoming hand to the newest member. All of this comparing Kate vs. Meg is honestly pushing me to defend Kate…the horror! I’ve been quite critical of her in the past on here, but c’mon, this is getting ridiculous. MM hasn’t done one thing yet officially and she is the hardest working royal to ever royal lol. Please let’s put all this “hard work” into context. Getting dressed up in designer clothes and shaking hands is not work (and it should be an insult to anyone who has done a hard days work and goes home and works some more to take care of their family) The trade-offs far outweigh the energy any of them put out.

    • Janie says:

      MM said herself she’s never been part of tabloid culture and knows very little of Royal life. This was most likely planned ages ago like most engagements and has nothing to do with favouritism or MM being such a hard worker. Some of the comments are ridiculous. Who better to show her the ropes than TQ herself? Its part of the training.

    • Jessica says:

      Her engagement at Prince Charles’ garden party was considered ‘work’ and for every royal there. It was 3 days after wedding and Harry postponed their honeymoon to go. She did like 29 engagements as a fiance which was more than Kate and Diana combined. Her work ethic isn’t made up.

      • homeslice says:

        LOL.

      • Janie says:

        Yeah I got tired just looking at the pictures of the hard work they were putting in at that garden party!
        Small talk isn’t always easy though. Probably gets pretty boring after awhile.

      • Jessica says:

        @Janie

        You can make fun all you want but it’s apart of their work. What do you think Princess Anne does at all of her engagements?? She cuts ribbons, shakes hands, does small talk, gives small speeches, etc. This is what Princess Anne is praised for day in and day out.

      • Lexa says:

        I agree Meghan is a hard worker, but they were at the garden party for about forty minutes…

      • Jessica says:

        @Lexa

        It doesn’t really matter; most royal engagements are about that length. They typically don’t spend a lot of time at any event. It counts as an engagement and that’s all that matters. Princess Anne racks up her engagement numbers by being there less than an hour.

      • MrsBump says:

        Who cares how many 1h “work” slots Anne has been able to fit in in a lifetime.
        The point is that none of that pretend work amounts to much, and its nonsensical to try and portray any of them (including Meghan) as hardworking. They put on a designer outfits, pop over for a couple of hours to the charity of the day, nod sympathetically, say a few platitudes and voilà job done! And if you do enough of these, you can con people into calling you hardworking

      • Nic919 says:

        No one is saying that royal engagements are like working in a factory. They are generally easy to do. So then why can’t Kate or William bother to do them? You can’t argue that Meghan is barely doing anything in one breath and then say Kate can’t do them because she needs to be at home 24/7 with her children and nannies.

      • MrsBump says:

        Did you miss the part where i said none of them were hardworking? I couldn’t care less about W&K numbers, has Anne stratospheric count of 1h engagements changed the economic landscape in the UK? Did she negotiate Brexit? Increased funding for the NHS? No? What tangible difference are all these “charitable” deeds doing?

      • Olenna says:

        “Hard work”, hmm. A rather bizarre, pointless argument if people who don’t think the royals really work call it work. Everyone who follows the royals, even if only periodically, knows their engagements are not “hard work”. But, maybe some of you missed the part where it was Jessica who said it was only “work”, and the people who seem to think her response is so funny (or ridiculous) are the ones who want to quantify it and derisively call it “hard work”. Sounds almost like these people are arguing with themselves. Maybe they should just call it work, too, since they don’t have any other fitting descriptors.

      • Tina says:

        A friend of mine runs a (very) small charity here in the UK, of which Philip has been the patron. When he retired, he said that they could continue to use his name, but he wouldn’t be coming to any more events. Which is very generous, and fair enough. But they are faced with a real dilemma. They could ask another royal to be the patron, but they might say no, and then could they ask another one? What is the etiquette? This is actually an important question for them, because having a royal at the annual dinner means the difference between the charity surviving and going under. So, whether you consider it to be work or not, it makes a difference to the life of this country.

      • Lizabeth says:

        So when Kate does an engagement in London that lasts 45 minutes to an hour (the length of many of her appearances) we are frequently reminded by the “Kate’s not lazy” brigade it really took much more time than it appeared. She had to obtain her outfit in advance (perhaps complete with “Kate thing” hidden symbols) and she had to prep for the event. On the day of the event she had to dress, she had to do her makeup and have her hair done, & then she had to travel to and from KP. So when all is said and done, the event practically took all of Kate’s time that day! How dare we expect her to do more! But when Meghan attends a garden party at BP a few days after her wedding, is present at the event for 45 minutes to an hour looking nicely put together & prepared, that’s not “real work” for Meghan because her appearance at the event wasn’t for very long? Please.

    • Jasmine18 says:

      The big difference is Kate dated William for many years before they got married so she was a known quantity to the BRF and the general public.

      As a Brit, I hadn’t heard of MM and have never watched Suits. She was a complete unknown to me and everyone I know. Equally, she’s not been around the BRF for long either. I can’t say I know that much more about her now. She will be introducing herself to many millions of Brits in the months to come.

      Perhaps after the amateurish pre-wedding Mr Markle fiasco, the Queen wants to make sure MM gets enough support?

      But let’s tot up MM’s engagements in a couple of years’ time before we assume she’s going to be a workhorse.

      • Jessica says:

        My point is she jumped right in. If she wasn’t comfortable doing all of those engagements or the schedule she wouldn’t have done them. She’s clearly willing to go the distance without overexposure (this was a concern with Diana but William decided to go in overdrive by hiding Kate away for years).

      • Jasmine18 says:

        Jessica – time will tell. A good start is no predictor of the future. I personally think she’ll be bored out of her tree but I could be wrong!

      • Jessica says:

        @Jasmine18
        “A good start is no predictor of the future.”

        It can be, especially in this scenario. I would say it’s a great sign. Kate had a slow start and that was a predictor of the future.

        She won’t be bored if she keeps herself busy. Michelle Obama wasn’t bored as FLOTUS for this very reason.

    • Missy says:

      At the end of the day, all of our comments are just speculation. None of us know for sure why anything is happening. All I do know is that I won’t belittle Meghan’s work ethic or accomplishments because of what I’m reading on message boards. She’s accomplished a lot and that should not be underestimated. I can also defend Meghan without tearing down Kate.

    • Lady D says:

      Maybe Liz is reaching out a hand to Meghan because she really loves Harry and wants him to be happy?

  31. homeslice says:

    Harry is lazier than William if you go by the numbers. Does anyone think that H&M will be allowed to outshine the Cambridges and make them look bad? I don’t think so…
    MM can have all the best work intentions in the world, but they will make her stay in her lane. Ribbon cuttings and lunches…
    If a couple years from now I am wrong, I would happily admit it, but I don’t see a big change in the status quo coming anytime soon.

    • Keis says:

      But technically doesn’t everyone else do more work than the Cambridges except for Harry?

      • homeslice says:

        Yes, probably they all do more work than Harry and Will, that’s my point…why is there so much put on their spouses??? It’s stupid.

        Maybe TQ should take Will and Harry on her special royal train for some events…

    • Missy says:

      According to this article and other articles I’ve read, Harry did more engagements last year (209) while William’s engagements (171) decreased.
      http://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/898009/prince-charles-royal-engagements-2017/amp

      • Jessica says:

        Not surprising that people come in here commenting without actual evidence of anything.

      • homeslice says:

        lol…read the comments on that article…they are sure loved, huh?? My fav was the one calling Charles the talking tampon! But keep on defending their “work”…

      • Keis says:

        Thanks for sharing! Hopefully that means it won’t be ‘a problem’ if Meghan’s numbers are more than Kate’s (or William’s) – especially since she is inevitably going to be compared them given how now much of the narrative around her concerns whether she is going to (be able to) work hard.

  32. CairinaCat says:

    It’s the whole old money vrs new money/hangers on
    Old money is generally more down to earth, gracious and kind. In public they might play a part but in private they are normal people.

    It’s the social climbers, new money and hangers on that are snobby and suck. They are not comfortable in their position so they tear down and step on people on the way up. They are the type to take someone using the wrong fork as a personal affront.

    To someone secure in their higher station, it would be tacky to even notice someone using the wrong fork let alone care about it.
    These are people who live life , have hobbies and happen to have money. They have had so much money for so long it becomes background ambiance lol

    I speak from personal experience
    I don’t have it, but I’ve been around a lot of both types for decades

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      ITA with you – I have worked with aristo’s (the ones that own land and have nice titles) and they are some of the nicest/down to earth people i have met. There will always be exceptions but for the most part I have found that they will judge you on your merits NOT on your background on wealth. Its the nouveau riche (the Middletons of the world) that are the worst very unpleasant stuck up snobs you can meet, who will judge the sh!t out of your because it makes them feel better about themselves. I too speak from personal experience – have been in social situations where I was blanked by a few because i have a regional accent, as opposed to their uber posh RP accent.

      • Janie says:

        You can’t paint them all with the same brush. Thats like saying all white people are bad or racist. Its just not reality!

      • homeslice says:

        Well, MM is pals with “nouveau riche”…Clooney’s, Beckham’s, Oprah…so I’m not sure what the point is here??

      • LAK says:

        Digital Unicorn: My experience too.

      • morrigan01 says:

        @homeslice I think there is a difference between “working” nouveau riche and “aristocratic” nouveau riche.

        Yes, Oprah is nouveau riche, but she’s not trying to break into the aristocratic set, and never has. Especially not in England. America really doesn’t have an aristocracy. We have old-money families, sure. But not an aristocracy. Hell, the Beckham probably likely live in America for that very reason.

      • Tina says:

        Agreed, DU. IMO, the people who are 100% comfortable in their own social sphere (be that upper, middle or working class) are the most welcoming, because they have nothing to lose or prove. The people who are unpleasant are the people who are unsure about their own social status and look and talk down to others because it makes them feel better about themselves. These are, of course, the least “classy” people imaginable.

  33. jferber says:

    Homeslice, I hope your prediction is not true. Meghan is not jaded, spoiled, cynical, lazy or a snob. She is energetic, fun, serious, smart, ambitious to be a do-gooder and crazy in love with Harry. She is an ASSET to the royal family, let’s be very clear. She has the world’s good-will and everyone is watching what she’ll do with her newfound position. I so hope she follows the good works of Harry’s mother, the truly royal princess (true in her soul and good intentions). I hope Harry will guide her so that she is not run over by the royal machine. I know the Anglophiles will go ape-shit nuts over this opinion, that Meghan has more to contribute to the royals than they to her. I believe it to be so.

    • homeslice says:

      My opinion is nothing personal. I just don’t see the status quo being upset any time soon. She may well be the most dynamic person on the planet, but I don’t think she will be given the leeway to do as she pleases regarding her “work”. When she is huffing it up and down the country doing 2 to 3 events a day a few days a week, like say, Anne, then we can talk. I don’t believe for one minute that the Duchesses Kate and Meg will ever be that dynamic or energetic. They simply don’t have to be. They are married to the golden boys, Will and Harry, Diana’s sons. There will always be allowances for those two…

      • Addie says:

        I believe you are 100% correct. Both men do little, the wives will follow suit and I’d expect that to continue, despite the rhetoric. The PR talks them up big time but that’s about it.

    • Janie says:

      I think racial tensions have been high since Brexit and the RF/firm want to show they accept MM. Building her up too high too fast won’t do her any favours in the long run. This person was an unknown to many/most of us a year ago. Unrealistic expectations aren’t fair to her!
      I’m inclined to agree with homeslice.

  34. notasugarhere says:

    In unhappy royal news, it appears Queen Maxima’s 33 year old sister took her own life yesterday.

    • Citresse says:

      notasugarhere, that’s shocking…….. take moments of comfort whenever/wherever possible even just noting the beauty of nature around us. I took the train to Ottawa yesterday and the weather was beautiful. The scenery (forest and farming areas) on the way is comforting.

    • Loren says:

      Oh my god, that’s horrible. Poor Maxima.

      Didn’t queen Letizia sister also take her life several years ago?

      So sad, oh my god.

  35. Chef Grace says:

    Maybe she is doing this because, simply, Harry is the favorite.

    • homeslice says:

      That’s nonsense. Everyone is her fav, Anne, Zara, Eug, Bea, Andrew, Edward…just depends on who we are talking about.

  36. SJF says:

    Make no mistake. The Queen knows real from fake.

    Meaghan is the Real Deal. As is Harry.

    People obsess about Meghan being an actress. Let’s recall that she graduated Northwestern (a school with impossibly hard intellectual standards. It’s why their football team stinks. It’s the only Big Ten School that doesn’t give the athletes a ride. They have to make the grades in class as well as on the field).

    She graduated with a double major in 2 separate fields — Theatre and International Relations.

    [Talk about making the most of both majors!]

    She has been an activist for feminism and good since she was a little girl. Remember how she made Nickelodeon News when she was 11 (!) for getting P&G to change the wording in a sexist add for dishwashing liquid?

    She cares. She wants to make a positive difference. She isn’t “keen.” She does.

    She has lifelong friends who speak passionately about what a nice and caring person she is.

    And she’s been as classy as possible against the sh*t-show that is the paternal side of her family.

    She’s the best thing to happen to that family in decades.

    And yes, she’s facing supreme racist backlash from the lowest people in all classes in the UK.

    But Harry, Lillibet and the Corgis all knew this woman is something special.

    The Queen is thrilled.

    • homeslice says:

      What exactly you do see MM “doing” that will be different from Duchess Kate? I’m honestly curious what is all this “work” you all see her doing?
      How do we know she is so “caring”. Honestly, some of you border upon the ridiculous. It’s really ok to just like someone because they strike your fancy…no need to diefy them…

    • Grumpy says:

      Is the racist backlash from the UK? I think a lot of hate seems to come from her country of birth, they are certainly out in force in the Daily Mail comments section online. In fact wherever they are from they only seem to feature in the Daily Mail comments. I don’t think most people care that much.

      • Jasmine18 says:

        Grumpy – you’re right, there’s a lot of disinterest in the UK re Meghan/Harry/BRF.

        SJF – I live in the UK and read all kinds of media here and the VAST majority of coverage of MM (bar the DM) has been very positive.

        Can you specify exactly where you see the ‘supreme racist backlash from the lowest people in all classes in the UK’? What proof can you show us? Those are strong words.

    • Skylark says:

      @SJF – It’s comments like yours that incite the worst of the trolling. Hope you’re happy with that. You’re really not doing Meghan any favours with your baiting nonsense.

      @Grumpy – most normal people in the UK (I speak as one), while wishing Meghan well if she happens to come up in conversation, are largely indifferent to her and what she does since she’s now part of a family that most normal people really don’t spent much time thinking about.

      And the DM comments section is international troll city so why anyone would think it’s representative of anything other than that is suspect, in that to not acknowledge the former would be to want to promote it as somehow relevant and meaningful.

    • Skylark says:

      I will say though that it’s nice that Harry’s not included in this. By that I mean that Meghan must be confident enough already to be on her own (albeit with various accompanying palace bods) with the queen (a potentially intimidating prospect, let’s face it, for a lot of people, let alone a newcomer) which suggests that they have already established a nice, comfortable relationship.

    • Avery says:

      Totally agree with you! Like I said before as far as Meghan goes…there is so much to work with.

      • SJF says:

        Where am I baiting? I live in the UK half of the year and was just there during wedding month and while I wasn’t shocked by the racism found in the comments of tabs like the Sun or the Mail, I was surprised at comments I heard from people in many different situations, declaring the Queen was horrified at this “mongrel” joining the family. Comments about the Bishop that I won’t repeat that were vile in their prejudice. These were from people who were old school, old money, old views.

        I’m not disparaging the UK or its people. I love it there.

        But just as Trump has managed to bring out the worst in a lot of people on this side of the pond, racism is alive and well all over the world.

        I wish no ill to anyone. And I wish the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a long and happy life.

  37. All About Eve says:

    Part of it has to do with the benefit of hindsight. The royals had to learn a lot after Diana & Fergie. Kate started dating William just six years after Diana’s death, and the memory & fallout was still very fresh in people’s minds. I think a lot of effort went into sheltering & protecting Kate who started dating William in her early 20s. And that same protection carried on into their marriage.

    Everything has its plus & minuses. For W&K the plus is they got to spend more time together as a couple & raising their family. They do seem to be a strong family unit and they are not bringing any marital drama to the forefront compared to Will’s parents. The minus is they never put as much focus on their work and they are now playing catch up. Meghan is now partly benefiting from what was done wrong during Kate’s introduction and there is now a realization that perhaps Kate was too sheltered.

    H&M now have their own separate dilemma where they have to find a balance between family life & royal work. They know they are not going to be given the same leniency as W&K primarily because they are older & many of the royals will soon be retiring. They will also want to start a family soon & they don’t have long to do it. I’m sure 10 years from now we’ll all be discussing the lessons learned from H&Ms marriage, and what to do & what not to do. That’s life, you live & learn!

    • notasugarhere says:

      When will the Malta Lie die? There was no 2 year grace period granted by the queen, William was supposed to have been stepping up for years and was still hiding, these two ran away and hid-and-lied for 7 years. They choose to be this lazy, it wasn’t some grand plan by the Windsors to ease her in.

      William kept Kate away from the royals. He kept her from his own brother who said “I’m looking forward to getting to know her” on camera when surprised by the news of their engagement. The royals weren’t coddling her, it was William still dumping, cheating, and going after other options for 10 years and keeping her as backup.

      Whether people value royal “work” or not, for now it exists. Even when putting up numbers like 500 engagements a year, it is still not working at the coal face. That is why there is so much push-back at the idea that W&K couldn’t possibly both be engaged parents AND work at the level they should. It is just another excuse for their laziness, one that attacks working parents.

  38. Sherry says:

    I think it’s about the importance of the survival of “The Firm” – the Queen is simply acknowledging Meghan’s popularity, and what it means for the future of the monarchy.

  39. Anastasia says:

    If this optimism and attention to Meghan keeps up, we’ll see pics of Louis soon! 😉

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      LOL – my money is on the new little Prince making an appearance at Trooping this weekend, they’ve brought the babies onto the balcony at this event before.

      • Jessica says:

        Are you kidding. He’s a month old. George went in 2015 and Charlotte in 2016.

        We’ll see him at his christening.

  40. Vanessa says:

    It’s like this so called royal insiders can’t handle the fact that the queen has taken a actually interesting in Meghan and she willing to shown her the ropes .

  41. BeeBop says:

    Is it ok if I like Meghan and Kate at the same time? Or can there be only one?

  42. Ally says:

    Funny typo alert: I think you meant *couldn’t*

    “telling Meghan in advance that she could chew gum or flash her panties”

  43. SolitaryAngel says:

    It’s not hard to understand why HRM is acting like this towards MM…the lady was raised in the BRF and has been queen since she was a young woman. She has met and dealt with the most influential people in the world, and that has sharpened her ability to judge whether someone is sincere and who is a good person. I think she sees the love MM has for her grandson–hell, we *all* see it–and that has contributed to their early bonding. And I love that TQ likes MM’s beagle! MM didn’t hang on Harry’s coattails for ten years, either–she has been working steadily and making her own way. I really believe it is as simple as that; she genuinely likes MM. Personally, I’m glad to see it.

  44. Helen Smith says:

    I don’t need to make my analysis complicated because I’m kinda’ simple that way. The Queen offered Meghan help and Meghan was smart enough to take the help. ‘Nuff said.

    (One time someone on Facebook tried to insult me by saying I’m simple. *eye roll* Sometimes, situations aren’t complicated and so your analysis doesn’t need to be complicated.)

  45. Bridget says:

    We literally JUST watched as Meghan’s family (excepting her lovely mother) made a public debacle in the leadup to her wedding. The Queen is immediately bringing Meghan into the fold. Glad to see Meghan is getting that support, because while she seems game and enthusiastic I would also imagine that she’s under a lot of pressure.

  46. morrigan01 says:

    So . . . anyone think Carole Middleton is calling in some Daily Fail or other press favors? Is she going to try and get William to get the Queen to invite Kate on the Royal Train for a trip as well?

    Frankly, the press set themselves up for tying themselves into pretzels trying to justify this. They wanted Meghan to play the “sex kitten” role. Because when the news first broke that she and Harry were dating, they all dismissed her as a booty call (when they weren’t just being outright racist and trying to paint her as a ghetto girl) and then, after Harry put that statement out, just tried to go the more low-key (but not really) “gauche American” or “the next Fergie” route with her, with some microagressions thrown in.

    Given all the interviews Meghan has given over the years before she ever got with Harry (which you can find easily on YouTube), the speeches and work she’s done with the UN, as well as the blog posts and magazine articles she’s written herself over the years on various topics, you’d THINK they’d get that the woman is actually quite intelligent and has drive. She was never going to play the role they (RR like Ingrid) have been trying to place her in.

    If Meghan does her first solo event and gives a speech there in less than time than it took Kate to do so, watch them begin to twist into pretzels again. I like what some above are saying that Kate is actually the outlier when it comes to this stuff, because Sofie and Anne work like this all the time. I think the thing with Meghan is though is that she’s married to one of Diana’s sons, so there’s a brighter light on her than on them.

    Eternal Stage Mother Carole likely hoped Harry would marry someone who would complement Kate, or really look to follow Kate’s lead. That’s why we kept getting those silly articles that Meghan was looking to Kate for everything and that they were BFFs. Only a little research would have shown that Meghan already has a LOT of BFFs (all of whom were at the wedding), and would probably look for advice from people who’ve actually done REAL hard work in The Firm. And whom better than the Queen herself. But I don’t see Meghan ever looking towards Kate for advice. I think they’ll be cordial to each other, friendly even. But that’s it. They are two totally different women with two totally different outlooks on life. If the Royal Reporters like Ingrid don’t want to keep forever microagressing and twisting themselves into knots over Meghan, they should try and get that NOW. (They won’t).

    • Loren says:

      Much of The U.K. Press took hours or even a day to even mention or write a article about the Queen and Meghan appearing together , it was one of the Meghan bloggers who combs the Royal circular every morning who reported it first on Twitter. The Meghan bloggers were laughing between themselves at how the UK Royal reporters had not reported it yet and how they were probably trying to find an angle to spin it or downplay it. The bloggers got the story all over Twitter before the Royal reporters could put their own spin on the outing.

      What’s funny is when the papers , Royal reporters finally did report it hours later or a day later,in some cases, they DID try to downplay the outing, implying Meghan was only shadowing the Queen, until the Palace released even more info about the Royal train and the walkabout , then the Royal reporters couldn’t downplay the story.

  47. milgen says:

    All I get from this is that Meghan has incredible work ethic. Not surprising as she did support herself through the years before meeting Harry unlike *ahem* some waiting ladies. Meghan is approaching this as what it is, her new job/career and is determined to do it right. Can’t hate her for that.

  48. savu says:

    I think you meant *couldn’t, in regards to the gum and flashing

  49. Peg says:

    OT
    The dailymail published pictures of the Royal family taken over 4/5 decades ago, well blow me down, there is a picture of a young Prince Charles with a beard, he looks like Harry indentical brother with black hair.
    Never realized that Harry look so much like his father, we can put those James Hewitt is Harry’s dad to rest.

  50. TaniaOG says:

    Dare I say I believe the Queen sees a bit of herself in MM. Someone with a great work ethic, is passionate about advocating for others and someone who can stand on her own two feet. I think HM believes she is worth helping because she knows she will go on to do amazing things for both the BRF and the people. I feel as if we’ve never seen this level of endorsement from the Queen before?

    • milgen says:

      The Queen has also shown great admiration/care for Sophie of Wessex. Meghan is similar to Sophie in regards to work ethic. So, yes, TQ is happy!

  51. Sunnyjyl says:

    With Meghan, the queen gets to right a lot of wrongs that she had to go along with, in her early reign.

  52. Anare says:

    I’m guessing this less about teaching Meghan how to behave and more about the Queen using her time wisely to modernize the monarchy in hopes it will last after she passes on. The best royals to promote a modern monarchy are the ones the Queen and Charles are happily spending time with, and being seen with… Harry and Meghan.

  53. Lobbit says:

    Samantha Cohen, the Queen’s trusted former asst private secretary is working with Harry and Meghan on an interim basis. I imagine she orchestrated this joint engagement—with QEII’s blessing, of course. It’s excellent PR for both of them.

  54. Moonpie says:

    For years the Queen of Great Britain didn’t manage to make Waity Katie do her job properly nor at all. Now she sees an opportunity to tell the Duchess of Dolittle that she can either step up or look like a bum. Make no mistake: Meghan is used as a whip on Kate’s bony … .

  55. Msthang says:

    This is my own personal take, Diana always said no one supported her, so if I were HM I would do damage control early and at least appear to be supportive and caring, so if the marriage goes sideways no one can say she didn’t at least appear to care for her and then it is not on her if it fails.

  56. LittlefishMom says:

    Because she’s mint! Real recognizes real!