I’m still drunk on these photos from the Duchess of Sussex’s cookbook launch event. The event was well thought out and well-received. Meghan made a speech without written notes, showing her ease and comfort with the subject matter and the overarching themes of togetherness, food, family and multiculturalism. I hope the Windsors truly understand that from a branding and business perspective, Meghan was one of the best investments they’ve ever made. I think the Queen and Prince Charles absolutely understand that, and that’s why they both welcomed Meghan with open arms so publicly. Meghan’s mere presence modernizes the royal institution, but this cookbook project is another signal that Meghan isn’t just going to sit up in an ivory tower. She’s embracing her new multicultural home country. Which is what she said in her speech:
Meghan helped make chapatis and turn koftas on a grill as she launched the Together cookbook in a tent. In a speech to guests, she said the project had been a ‘tremendous labour of love’.
‘I have just recently moved to London and I felt so immediately embraced by the women in the kitchen, by your kindness and to be in this city and be in this room and see how multi-cultural it was. On a personal level I feel so proud to live in a city with so much diversity. This whole country is represented by the people in the kitchen. It’s pretty outstanding.’
This one is for all the people who think London looks like a Richard Curtis movie (no disrespect to Curtis, but… yeah). No, London looks like this cookbook launch. Women of all colors and backgrounds, some in hijabs, some with their hair uncovered. It speaks volumes that Meghan actively sought out these women when she first came to London too.
As for Doria, she was apparently going around and introducing herself to everyone by saying “Hi, I’m Meg’s mom.” Doria also embraced every woman with a big hug, and when Baroness Gail Rebuck, chair of publisher Penguin Random House, told Doria that she must feel “very proud” of Meghan, Doria replied, “Head over heels.”
And here’s a video of Prince Harry jacking some samosas when he thought no one was looking:
I could be wrong but I reckon we’ve caught Prince Harry red handed stealing some samosas from the Meghan’s ‘Together’ cookbook event they were at today!! Have a watch… #HubbCommunityKitchen @KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/3BWd0TYqj8
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 20, 2018
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
It was a fantastic event and a great project but I still can’t get over the fact that she brought her mother.
However close they are, she’s a woman in her 30s and it’s a work function. Bizarre to get your mother to tag along.
This is her first independent project as a Dutchess that has such a huge tangible impact on so many people’s lives – this isnt her just bringing her mom to whatever charity she is attaching her name to. Also, her mother still lives thousands of miles away, this is a milestone event she wants to be there for. This is a big deal and I think its sweet her mother wanted to see this/support her. Now, if her mother was at every single event moving forward, I would think thats odd.
+100
It’s about women—mothers & daughters, sisters & cousins, aunties & grannies—coming together to share, sharing the cooking, sharing their stories, sharing their knowledge, sharing their love. It is completely appropriate to bring her mother. This is how most women learn to cook, from their mothers, grans, etc. This is not an ordinary ‘work’ event, not a typical Duchess meet & greet.
Um….it’s not a normal work function. It’s a charity event. If I was throwing a charity event as part of my job, I would invite my family. It’s not like Megan invited Doria to trooping the color.
Kate, for example, attends Wimbledon as work, and sometimes brings her sister. Family christenings counts as work in the royal family. It’s NBD.
Any event that is listed in the court circular is an official event. The book launch was an official event. Christenings are not in the court circular. The one time Kate showed up at Wimbledon with Pippa she was not a patron then & held no official role.
Civic- it counts towards their numbers, Iirc. It’s work.
When Kate showed up to see her portrait it counted as work in the CC and her entire family was there. Diana had her sister as lady in waiting and they attended events that ended up in the CC.
Imagine Kate arriving with Carole at a Heads Together event which was Kate’s brainchild. Or if they both attended an event centered on family & children where Kate talked about the importance of raising children in a stable environment similar to her own & then brought Carole on stage as an example. Let’s be honest many people would have so many issues if that happened & the usual anti-carole rhetoric would once again rear it’s ugly head.
The Middletons have profited from their connection to the BRF. The question would be are they there to support Kate or for their public profile?
It’s all about context. If Kate had shown herself to be an independent, accomplished and hardworking woman before and after her marriage, bringing Carole for one special event close to her heart would be perfectly fine. But since she’s none of those things, and has relied on her parents heavily, it would seem childish and immature.
“Imagine Kate arriving with Carole at a Heads Together event which was Kate’s brainchild.” – I can’t imagine that because there’s never been any such event.
“Or if they both attended an event centered on family & children where Kate talked about the importance of raising children in a stable environment similar to her own & then brought Carole on stage as an example.” – Doria was not on any stage or asked to make any speech or even referenced to really by Megan in her speech. Thus your comparison isn’t that apt.
The optics for Kate would be awful because she has no history of being independent and Carole is a stage mom and social climber who has no history of being interested in Kate’s “philanthropic” life.
In contrast, Doria is coming to a charity event hat her daughter and hrh’s team organized for a group of diverse women and families. It makes sense to also have her family with her for what is a family event.
If Kate did any solo projects concerning child rearing and being a great parent I wouldn’t really side eye Carole’s occasional presence if it was qualified by how Kate sees Carole as an inspiration etc. But again…Kate can’t even get to the point of talking optics because we don’t see her enough. Lol
If Kate had completed a heart felt project that she helped nurture from the ground up, I would have no problem with her mother, father, or siblings coming to support her. The problem is, she’s never done anything that like before.
Head Together is claimed to be her brain child but I’ve yet to see her doing anything exceptional with it.
The same way Camilla, William, and Charles all came out to support Harry’s Invictus games. They didn’t go as simply Royals, they went as his family and to show him support.
If Meghan was an invited guest to a charity event and then yes all of your points would be valid. However, this event was hosted by Meghan at Kensington Palace. Everyone there was an invited guest of Meghan’s to officially launch the book release. It’s obvious this was a passion project for Meghan and she wanted her mom to be part of the moment. It was perfectly acceptable for Doria to be there given the context of the event.
Doria attending yesterday’s event is no different than Harry inviting Meghan to attend an Invictus Games event and closing ceremony, which Doria also attended, last year.
The events the Middletons have attended were public events. This is something entirely different. Meghan, Harry & Doria all arrived together in a taxpayer funded car to an engagement. Doria was formally introduced to the guests & several quotes that she made to the guests went on record. KP included her name & pictures on an official tweet. This was treated as if her mother was there in an official capacity which is very strange.
I might have been her idea but she’s yet to show her work like this. Let’s be honest if head together wasn’t a group project it would have turned out like all her other project. EACH, RAF wives group.
The most memorable thing about “heads together” is when Harry opened up about his struggle.
Can we please stop pitting them against each other? This was a beautiful event and I for one am glad she brought her mother.
These women are ME & North African mostly. Family is extremely important in their culture & bringing your mom along would have been viewed very positively by them. They would probably feel honoured that Meghan chose to introduce her family to them. I’d rather trust Meghan’s instincts on this since she’s worked with them for 9 whole months. She knew what she was doing.
Oh Good Lord, is that the hill you’re going to die on? Megan has been attacked for her skin color and for being divorced and for having an evil step family, for being American and the straw that broke the camel’s back is her Mom was there to see her daughter in action.
You remind me of that lady that counted the words Brie Larson had in the Captain Marvel commercial and complained that Samuel L. Jackson had more.
🙌🏻
😂😂
Did you saw that ridiculous tweet too? Yes!!! Tell her.
She didn’t bring her mother because she needed someone to hold her hand, she brought her because the event was about togetherness, family and female strength. I bet Doria is visiting Meghan and Harry anyway, and they brought her for this one, relaxed engagement celebrating an accomplishment Meghan is particularly proud of.
And royal work is not like other work, the public and private spheres are much less clear. Harry and Meghan represent the monarchy at all times, even when going down the local pub. They ARE the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It’s a role, not a job. You normally wouldn’t automatically inherit your work from your parents either, or have your wedding ceremony broadcast all over the world. Most of royal life works very differently from the rest of society.
It was a family event so Meghan brought her family. The women from the Hubb also had family members there.
Exactly. The fact that people are taking issue with this shows that they are looking for literally anything to criticize her for.
Ah well, it shows how well it went that this is the only thing they can latch onto!
When The Duchess gave her speech at the UN Doria was there, what’s the big deal?
It’s not like she need Doria to hold her hands, and tell her what to do.
I don’t understand this line of thinking at all. I’m a professional woman in my 30s and if I worked on a project like this I would absolutely invite my family to the launch event. Part of being a professional is knowing which events can include family and which ones need to be strictly business. Considering the whole theme of the cookbook is family and togetherness (both blood and chosen) having Doria there is perfectly appropriate.
Same here – it’s not like she sat next to her at a quarterly budget meeting or a performance review with a supervisor- this was a charity publicity event that centered on women and family. And Meghan’s job is NOTHING like most regular jobs, so if her mom wants to be involved in the good works she does, I think that’s great.
Official court circular business or not, I cannot imagine a more perfect occasion to include Doria. The entire POINT of this effort was to celebrate the strength of women, family, togetherness, diversity and the power of cooking and eating together to cross barriers and unite people.
Well said!
I’m sorry you find it bizarre to want and have your parents supports. No matter my age, I love having those I love tag along for my accomplishments. The same way I offer that support to them. When I have kids, me supporting them or attending things in celebration of their hard work won’t stop when they’re 18.
This is more than just a project for Meghan. She clearly created a bond with these women and their kitchen and this cookbook being completed and helping benefit them was something she wanted to celebrate as it was a big accomplishment for all of them. Why not have your family there with you? I’m sure if some of her friends could, they would have tagged along as well.
She did great and she wanted her mom, a woman she clearly admires and loves dearly, there while they celebrate family, women, and togetherness.
Doria is a social worker by training and raised Meghan to be an advocate for diversity and women’s empowerment. A charity event like this is right up her professional alley as well as being personally meaningful to her. As others have pointed out, the community kitchen women brought their families. So it does not look odd to me that she brought her husband and her mother at all.
If Kate brought Ma Middleton along to, say, a Heads Together event, that would be odd IMHO. Unlike Doria here, Carole Middleton has no professional background in mental health and is not publicly known for supporting mental health charities or research.
Vey good point.
It was a charity event. Not a work function. And if I had had my first major charity event that my mother would be there too. Because my mother is a lot like Doria and she would want to support me and show jow proud she was. That’s what mothers do.
I remember one of my university profs acting very hostile about my relationship with my mother and taunting me about ‘bringing mummy’ with me to an event. Looking back I know her ugliness was coming from a place of jealousy and resentment because she grew up without a mother. She also couldn’t possibly understand that a healthy mother/daughter relationship can evolve into a very close bond that is more friendship than anything else. That comes when a mother can respect that a daughter is a grown up who can make her own decisions and function like an adult. It also helps when the daughter can become independant and function like an adult. That is clearly the case with Doria and Meghan – it’s plain as day. So no dysfunction in having Doria present at this event. At all.
I disagree. This is a major product launch and Doria was probably due for a visit to the UK. It’s not that different than people who bring their parents to the Oscars.
I love this bc Meghan is showing the BRF that charity can be fun. It doesn’t need to be all stodgy ribbon cutting and speeches.
When I was 36, I invited my parents to a groundbreaking event for a capital campaign I worked on for years. It was a significant milestone in my professional career. You’re being naive to think some professionals don’t want their parents to attend significant professional events – especially in the charitable/nonprofit sector.
OMG… I brought my father to the opening event of our new production plant where I was one of the three projekt managers. Another one brought his parents and his kids.
I would never have thought that there could be a problem. I think you can be an accomplished working women in your thirties and still enjoy the pride in your parents eyes when you celebrate a success.
Love this entire event, love the cause, love Doria and Harry looking so proud.
Marvelous Meghan hit the ground running and is a eloquent speaker
Does anyone know why Kate is not in the new Video coming out about the Queen? William, Harry, Meghan Sophie, Anne others are in it, but no Kate and she was not in the hospital giving birth at the time.
It’s about the commonwealth which MM and H are youth ambassador and Kate is on maternity leave
…. Emma,
..Sophie is in the video and Prince William. So are several other royals.
I love The entire event. Meghan did a wonderful job on this and Pr.Harry and Doria look so proud.m
This sounds super pearl clutchy. Her mom has a social work background and she was there for some good food. Maybe I’m missing something cause I’m American but her hubby seemed pleased as punch with them both there. And I think it sucks that Kate and Meghan can’t smeeze without being compared to each other constantly.
not really. I did a presentation on something meaningful to our family history and invited my mom because it is also important to her.
Out of everything good this project is achieving….her mother is what you choose to focus on?
Celebrities are working while walking the red carpet at events and bring family members and friends sooo
I hope she brings Doria to more events so we can see more of her incredible style.
I think it was appropriate given the charity. Yes it was a work event, but this was in the spirit of how food brings people together. Food and family go hand in hand.
I find your attention to this detail…bizarre….
If she wants to carry her Mama around like a lucky charm to every event…She’s GOT it like that…
OH MY GOD NO ITS NOT. We’ve been through this on every single thread about this awesome event. This is the PERFECT event to have Doria at. It’s feminine (sexist to put domesticity squarely in the feminine field but that’s realistically where we are) and it’s diverse and Doria is a Black American woman. If she was at every event Meghan did then I’d agree with you. If she was at random events that didn’t have a tie in like Carole Middleton, sure, I’d agree. But can we STOP pretending that since we as normal 30 yo women in normal 9-5 workplaces (or not 9-5) that we go to because we need the money, the rules and culture that govern our workplace are the same as with Meghan? People keep calling it a job and saying she’s at work and yes she is but let’s not pretend this is a normal “job.” Her job is publicity and awareness for charities and putting a face on an archaic institution. It was perfectly appropriate for Doria to be here.
@Maum: I Cannot believe that after watching yesterday’s report of the event, reading what she did for a community in need, a community who suffered hell and who is being treated like dirt by their council/country – this is the only thing you had to comment on. Incredible!
I think the fact that it’s a work function is exactly the reason why Meghan brought her mother along.
This isn’t a state dinner or some kind of military event. This is about a group of women who got together twice a week to cook food to feed their families. It’s about women coming together and standing strong in the face of tragedy and learning to support one another and being there for each other. From that perspective, the fact that she brought her mother fits perfectly.
“your” mother or THIS mother?
I know most here like MM, I do not like or trust her. She slept with men to meet the people she thought could help her. I do not see her lasting with the royal family more than a few years.
As for her Mother, she seems worse than her daughter.
What is WRONG with having your mother come to your accomplishments at ANY age? Meghan is BLESSED to have mom who she wants in her life. We should all be so lucky.
I actually have an idea that she brought her mother along so she could meet the women involved. If the rumours are true and Doria is, in fact, moving to London, then this kitchen sounds exactly like the sort of social event she may enjoy. Cooking, meeting local women and establishing some new friendships. Nothing more or less than that.
Everything about Meghan, Harry and Doria is so cute. I think they are genuinely nice people and it just shows. Look at Harry’s smile in the video and how genuine and mischievous it is.
I’m going to order the book, even if I don’t live in the UK and it’s going to cost me an arm, because the recipes look damn good.
I got mine on prime and it was only $18 (including tax)!!
I got it on Amazon US 🙂
+1
She’s so lovely. And that clip is pretty cute! I’m glad they found each other. <3
I live and work in London and in my current job I am one of only four white British in the office. Never have I ever eaten so well at lunchtimes when colleagues bring in the most amazing food, I’m so lucky to work here.
I’m insanely proud of her.
I’m disappointed in Harry though. Someone showed me this last night, and it made me so uncomfortable. (http://lovingtheroyals.tumblr.com/post/178288689266/so-harry-fucked-up-big-time-i-was-just-going-to)
He not only failed to learn how to greet the women of a different culture, he also ignored her reticence to greet him with physical touch, and Meghan’s warning signs. She was grabbing his arm, trying to stop him. It’s even worse than William mixing up Japanese and Chinese the other day.
Good for Meghan for being aware of what was happening though.
0:25 mark https://youtu.be/0BMeJxRKxh4
Why the royals do not do a bit of research ??? Eyeroll.
I liked it. It shows a collision of cultures and i find that refreshing.
Yikes, that’s very uncomfortable to watch.
I used to be in a business where I dealt with orthodox Jewish men and I felt like a tool when I tried to shake one’s hand and he said “oh, sorry, I’m religious.” After that I always followed their lead.
This isn’t the first time he has greeted a Muslim women. He likely knows the protocol, but forgot in the excitement of the moment. It was clear he was there primarily in his role Meghan’s husband following along behind Meghan and Doria. Harry was excited from the moment he got out of the car, and likely got caught up in the casual vibe and just following the example of the two people in the greeting line ahead of without really thinking. All humans are prone to this. We instinctively follow the leader in the moment even if intellectually we may know we are going the wrong way.
@Sv: Harry does not seem very bright, he certainly is a far cry from his brother, William.
It was a mistake but clearly not meant to offend and considering he was chatting with the woman later on, I doubt she was upset about it either. He same Meghan greet her and assume he would do the same.
Lovingtheroyals dislikes Harry. She considers him to be one of the worst Royals with little growth or purpose. Every single time there is an engagement with Harry and Meghan doing good, she comes out with a post about how terrible Harry is.
Do not mind her.
Thank u for heads up, Leyton.
Yup, I was just gonna say this exact thing as well.
Lovingtheroyals is part of a group of users on Tumblr who, in general, don’t care much for Harry. Some of their reasons are fair (Harry dressing up as a Nazi all those years ago for instance). But some I find aren’t always consistently applied, especially because they often compare William to Harry and consider William marginally better.
I don’t see anything horrible in it. nothing bad happened. he was trying to be nice and friendly. his intention is clear. that’s not an insult. she didn’t want to be touched so she stepped back or whatever and it was a bit awkward…so what? that kind of stuff happens all the time. sometimes you want to kiss or hug somebody, but then you realize they don’t want to or vice versa and then it’s a bit uncomfortable for both of you. social situations can be tricky. he did nothing bad. people are overly dramatic and freak out unnecessarily all the time.
The uncomfortable part for me was Meghan pulling on his arm to restrain him as he just kept going.
It’s entirely possible that he apologized to the woman later and they moved past it, but it was an awkward moment.
@ Enn Maybe take another look at the video.
Harry did initially reach out with his right arm in what looked like it would be a hug, but changed pretty quickly to what appeared to be taking the woman’s hand (Doria was blocking the full view), while they were both laughing. Then he leaned in for the three kisses. Part of what made it look awkward is that Harry is about a foot taller.
That’s when Meghan touched his other arm, which he was already holding away from the woman anyway. He was already good at that point, wasn’t going to reach out again.
@Windyriver I watched a few times. Meghan taps him on the back a couple of times and then grips his bicep. I think he’s a warm dude and goes for a person, tactile connection instinctively.
I didn’t say he should be dragged or that he meant offense. If anything, Meghan recognized the situation very quickly and stepped in to quietly get his attention. She’s very good at reading people and I think her empathy and perception speak to her character.
Cultural differences go both ways. It’s not ALL one person’s fault if there is a misunderstanding. What’s odd is that the royal protocol forbids touching but M&H totally disregard that.
It was a great event for not only Meghan, but the women of the Hubb. Doria & Harry were so proud of her and I was too! I cracked up at Harry’s samosas heist. He knows good food when he sees it. Well done, Tungsten! Well done!
This event was a huge success. All the pics and videos are gorgeous.
I was so happy to see Doria and you can see that Harry was so in love and proud of her. I can’t wait for her solo engagement next week.
I visited London this summer for about 17 days, and I loved seeing the diversity. What I didn’t love was running into a couple of old, white London cab drivers who praised Trump and insulted the diversity of the city. One went into an anti-Muslim rant that made me extremely uncomfortable.
It always boggles my mind when racists go on with their disgusting views as if everyone agrees with them. They are too stupid to realize that what they say is a reflection on them, not whatever group they are disparaging.
I love this. I’ll buy the book for a friend with a library of cookbooks. But the pics of her hair hanging over the food! I always pull my hair back when cooking or serving. It’s just polite and with her face she can pull off hair back easily.
Harry is so cheeky!
Those samosas did look delicious! I cannot wait to try out the receipt. Amazon hasn’t updated with a shipping date but I hope sometime next week!
Meghan’s speech was from the heart and you can tell she truly did care about these women and this project. What a wonderful accomplishment for all involved!
Wrt the food, I can’t wait for the book to arrive, so I’ve greedily started making the free online recipes – I made the coconut chicken curry yesterday, (mainly because I had most of the ingredients already), and it was delicious.
I think it would’ve been even better if I had all the ingredients (had to substitute parsley for coriander).
A good 8/10. 👍
Yes it indeed represents London, particularly the inner city (i.e. Zone 1 and 2 on the tube map). I live in London (in Zone 2) and my neighbourhood its a mix of different cultures and nationalities – which is great as I have some tasty take aways on my doorstep. Which on the other hand ain’t so great as there is an Lebanese bakery nearby and I live off their Baklava – not good for the waistline.
The suburbs, like Wimbledon, tend to be whiter. Again I know as i used to live there.
Good for her, if anyone is going to ‘modernise’ the RF it will be her and Harry. These 2 are going to be quite a dynamic duo.
After looking at these photos, there’s one thing that really strikes me: this gorgeous woman (both alone and in combination with the charming Harry) outshines Will and Kate completely. Both in terms of natural charisma/intelligence and her ability to connect with the public of all backgrounds. When you look at her, it’s difficult not to think it’s a shame she’s “only” the spare’s wife and isn’t going to be queen.
I can help but wonder how this is going to play out in the RF. Are they happy Meghan is doing so well, or will they stop her from making Will and Kate look bad in comparison? After all, it’s all about protecting the heir. Charles had it easy, because even though he has never been popular, his siblings have been equally uncharismatic. His problem was Diana. I hope Will and Kate will watch and learn from Meghan and Harry, and don’t ask them to tone it down for their sake.
I don’t think Charles or the Queen will want them to tone it down, because their work is good for th monarchy. Will and Kate, though…
The BRF will LOVE that she’s doing well, esp TQ and Chuck – there has been stories over the past several years about them trying to get W&K to step up more but there was always push back. Its not them they have to be concerned about but the DoLittles – they do not like being overshadowed. Remember the Middletons are besties with the outgoing and incoming Fail editor in chief – so keep an eye on the Fail’s coverage of these 2, there will be stories trying to shoehorn the Cambridges into the positive narrative that H&M are generating.
I think it was a smart decision by Harry and Meghan to have their first post-wedding engagement at an event celebrating Charles. As long as they use their public profile to boost Charles and Camilla, they’ll be okay.
+1
“Are they happy Meghan is doing so well, or will they stop her from making Will and Kate look bad in comparison?”
If Will and Kate are as disinterested and work shy as everyone speculates then it’s win/win for them, no? The way royalty works, Will doesn’t “have” to be good at it. He just had to be born and he gets the top job. That’s the problem in a nutshell. He and Kate can sit back and let Harry and Meghan do all the work and they’ll still get to be king and queen.
Yes, they’ll still be king and queen, but the backlash could be severe. Especially when Charles is gone.
Meghan is delightful but if she outshines the rest of the Windsors she will become a problem to be handled, a la Diana. Maybe by that time, George and Charlotte will be grown and they’ll take on the work. But Kate should take heed.
I’m of two minds on this. On the one hand, yes there is a risk and historically the RF focuses on the heir. On the other, W&K are not fond of their public roles and they’re probably relieved that H&M are willing to take on more contemporary issues.
There’s space for everyone, I think. By this point, Will and Kate are probably aware of what they’re capable of and what they want to do. I think they know quite well that they’re not really the charismatic sort in the way that Harry and Meghan are. But they do have their strengths, and their position requires a level of gravity that I think they’re cut out for. Diana’s issue was that she was just too much messy for the main line position she was afforded. Being the spare & the spare’s wife gives you much more breathing room and I think Meghan is doing well just where she is.
Now, the one thing that worries me is the fact that William seems to have inherited his father’s sense of stroppiness when it comes to how much attention he thinks he is due as the heir’s heir. Iirc, there were some rumblings that he pitched a fit about his middle east tour not being covered as much as he thought it should have been. I think the risk is always going to be there that William especially feels like he’s doing meaningful work that’s not getting its proper due from the public. It sucks because that’s always just going to be the way it is when you’re the main line heir. Your identity in large part will be defined by the role you’re in waiting for. If he’s wise, he’ll lean into that rather than resist it.
I assumed her Mother was there because Meg probably has utilized her Mother’s recipes at some point. Why not bring the person who has influenced you the most in the kitchen to an event celebrating contributions in the kitchen?
I believe that Meghan is smart enough to understand protocol. Maybe this is a way to address the attacks of the horrible part of her family. They could be in her life if they would behave like family.
I was impressed by the Duchess when she exited the car and the wind caught her skirt. She immediately turned away from the cameras, got her skirt under control then turned around. Kate could learn a lesson from her about wind and skirts.
True but when comparing the two what really stands out to me is the difference in work ethic and depth
Semi-OT, I realised yesterday is how few people were talking about her clothes because there was actual substance to talk about. It makes a very pleasant change.
Could not agree more! I didn’t see one comment about the dress, coat, etc. other than the inevitable “bump watch,” which for the record, I don’t see. I do believe with her build she will show quickly but this isn’t it.
Yup, her clothes were definitely secondary to the event. Richard Palmer made a snide comment about that a few months ago – how Meghan had stopped talking to the press at events, and they couldn’t hear her talking to other people, and if that kept up the only thing to discuss would be her clothes. It was obviously a dig at Meghan overall but there was also a clear dig at Kate in there as well. One of the reasons her clothes get such coverage is because there isn’t that much else to say.
Uh… a lot of these women that worked on the cookbook with Meghan had their own families there, their own husbands and children. This was clearly a family focused event with a book called “Together” which is all about the power of community and family. All the recipes in that book are family recipes. If Meghan had children, she probably would have brought them too (kids love food!). So not sure why it’s so strange to have the person she is closest to in her family, her mom.
@Amelie
You’re right, it’s not strange to have her family there, some people are just nitpicking because they can’t stand that she succeeded.
I Pippa Tips, my love, this is how it’s done….
I don’t think there was anything wrong with Doria being at this event it’s just people looking for reason to attack Meghan this event was a huge success people are just looking for something to nitpick. This book is about family so it’s only natural that Doria would be there Doria didn’t over step she stood back and watch quietly no matter what good Meghan does their will also be people looking to tear her down for stuff that not that serious . She brought her mother to her first real royal project lets attack her and question why she would want her mother who has love and support her throughout her whole life at her first real event as the duchess.
Still swooning over the video of Harry fixing Meg’s windblown hair and resting his head on her shoulder. They’re so adorably affectionate with one another. Very nice to see.
Doria’ s presence must have slapped a muzzle on the Markles because there has not been public comment from them, even on Twitter. It announced to the world the Markles cannot and will not emotionally blackmail their way to being accepted into Meghan’s royal life.
I’d hold off on that – there’s a Mail on Sunday exclusive being done right now. There is no way Evil Papa Smurf will let this pass without a performance from him.
Cue serious health issue and ‘alleged’ hospitalisation.
Yes. As long as they derive attention from abusing and harassing Meghan they will continue to do it. Thankfully Meghan refuses to play their game.
Good point. I enjoy the peace though. Richard Kay did a piece in the Fail stating Doria being there shows the gulf between Bad Dad and Meghan. He may introduce his lady friend and her daughter to everyone. Or try a new tactic to say it’s his fault for the ratchet fest last summer.
The people criticizing Meghan for bringing her mom to this charity event are just grasping at straws to criticize her ‘cause they can’t stand she did an actually great thing and pulled it off with so much grace and charm.
Don’t engage with them, let them be bitter about this woman succeeding, we’ll continue to stay happy and inspired by these women.
Some are criticizing while others are concerned about the optics and hoping Doria in particular won’t get hurt by backlash.
As a heads up, if anyone else in the UK is trying to buy this DON’T go to Amazon. The RRP is £9.99 and all the options to buy it on Amazon are marking it up past that. I’ve ordered mine from Waterstones for the RRP, free to click and collect.
+1
Samantha Markle will be interviewed on Italian TV this Sunday. I’m so mad.
You mean no one in an English speaking country will pay anymore to hear her lies.
There is someone on Twitter who is very active getting Scammy interviews cancelled, she sends them her court records, DUI, child abuse, fleeing New Mexico to avoid court cases.
I have been watching and re-watching footage of the event with a stupid grin on my face all morning. It is great to see everyone having such a wonderful time at a true community event. Harry looks like a kid at Christmas: he just exudes so much excitement and joy. Doria looks beautiful as always and is definitely a proud mama. But this event was all about Meghan and the women of Grenfell; they have obviously formed a bond and enjoy each other’s company.
Yes, over many months, too, underneath the radar of the press. Did you see Harry steal a samosa? lol
Yes, I loved the footage of Harry the Samosa Thief! So funny. He reminded me of when my nephews were young kids and would sneak cookies off the plate!
The criticisms, in my opinion have more to do with white people who are so used to being mediocre, yet able to rise because of their skin color, and their inferiority complex when POC arise to the occasion.
I challenge you to ask yourself this questions? When was the last time that a POC who was left alone , without interference from others to accomplish something great has failed to do so?
You said a mouthful and it was all truth!
Thank you.
Are you saying that there are no mediocre people of color? Cause I’m fairly sure it’d be a hard claim to defend.
There are plenty of mediocre people of color. The difference is, mediocre people of color can’t rise like mediocre white people sometimes can. Even more tellingly, mediocre people of color do not have the expectation they will rise, or the entitlement to believe they SHOULD rise the way white people sometimes do. Work twice as hard, be twice as good—the mantra that middle class and well off people of color have drummed into us since childhood.
The difference is, POC do NOT get praised for being mediocre, for just barely making it. For us to rise to the top, we have to be as close to perfection as possible, we have to work 10 times harder.
A white person can be basic as can be, and they have their whiteness to shield them. I see it every single day. And if you a hint of common sense, you see it as well.
Thank you!
I’ve been watching Meghan’s debut within the royal family from afar, but I got very emotional watching her speech.
Her sincerity for a project that means so much for the Grenfell community brought tears to my eyes.
I saw the smoke coming out of the Grenfell Tower in June last year. This tragedy is so painful. Nothing has really changed still. The poor are getting poorer. They do not have a voice in a country where helping the weak has become a thing of the past.
What Meghan Markle has done goes very far. The way she praised the diversity of the women was a way for her to put these people on the map again.
Because it is that very diversity that is being looked down right now, in London and in England.
I’m very grateful for that.
Thank you @Mirage. I thought today I’d skip comments, but yours was visible after I wrote mine and I consider myself very lucky to come across yours. I haven’t lived in London for a long time, but as I visit other places, the difference is palpable and not for the better. The sooner we are back to respecting one another, and with love, the better,
Thank you for your words!
I second Lilly’s praise for your comment, Mirage. I was very impressed with Meghan’s speech and was glassy-eyed as well. I’m American, but Meg’s heartfelt words and the women’s’ pride in contributing their recipes inspired me, so I ordered the cookbook as a way to contribute in some way. This may have been a “royal” event, but it had a very grassroots feel to it and I hope it informs and inspires other royals (and celebrities) to support smaller charitable causes in a more personal way because they can be just as rewarding and impactful as those at the national or international level.
I was, and still am, so happy that her mom was there. What a wonderful event and I agree that I loved the diversity of London. I pre-ordered the book yesterday after seeing this. Keep up the great work.
I cannot believe that some people are really going to make a fuss about Meghan’s mother attending yesterday’s event.
My mother died 5 years ago and if I was in Meghan shoes, my Mother would have been right by my side.
I wish my Mother was alive today to celebrate all that I have achieved since her passing, she is not. I applaud Meghan for having her Mother by her side.
Ms Ragland deserves her moment to watch her daughter shine, she raised her and she probably sacrificed a lot to make sure her daughter had what she needed.
Family members of the other women involved were present as well.
So funny reading all your delusions about Meghan and Harry. Some of you all would twist everything to not like William and Kate especially Kate. Backlash? All I see is negative backlash for H&M but some of stay blind and deaf. The Cambridges are popular whether you like it or not.
What delusions are you talking about? And the backlash? That must be what you see every time you deliberately expose yourself to Daily Fail ranters and those royal-hate gossip blogs. It’s not healthy.