Prince Harry: Missing a mother is ‘like missing some kind of security’

2020 Invictus Games presentation

These are some of my new favorite photos of Prince Harry – he was given an Invictus onesie for Archie Harrison, and Harry just full-on posed with the onesie for a LONG time. All of the photos from The Hague-Invictus launch event were spectacular, honestly. It was a great photo-op and the photos went around the world. Harry looked tired and happy and everyone was so glad to see him. While he was at the event, he spent a while talking to a wounded former soldier, who then spoke to media outlets about their conversation:

During his engagement in The Hague for the Invictus Games in 2020, Prince Harry said Archie has “given him a new focus and goal” in his life and how becoming a father has made him feel the loss of his mother. Dennis van der Stroom, 31, a former soldier who hopes to compete for The Netherlands Invictus team, described his conversation with Harry as “amazing and emotional”.

“Harry talked about how having a small child was his new focus and new goal and I told him how a couple of months ago, I was struggling with my mental health but my wife’s pregnancy has given me a goal,” he added. “Above all he said he was just amazed by the miracles in the world, and how his child has made a lot of people happy. He also told me he’s really happy that his son is so far very quiet. But he also told me not to make too many plans and that there’s no way you can plan for when the baby arrives.”

“I told Harry about my mother and we talked about our shared experience of missing a mum,” he continued. “He said missing a mother is like missing some kind of security, how you need that as a son and it falls away when you lose your mother. He said he meets a lot of people in his work who have lost a mother, father, sister, brother or relatives and when he hears their story, as he heard my story, he said he doesn’t feel so alone.”

[From Hello]

“He said missing a mother is like missing some kind of security, how you need that as a son and it falls away when you lose your mother…” Gah, that hit me in the feels. I’m not going to sit here and psychoanalyze Harry, but I think it’s very telling that he ended up with Meghan, a woman with a strong personality, a woman who won’t be pushed around, a woman who is strong enough to be his partner in all things.

Speaking of, the Duke of Cambridge released a video message announcing the launch of Shout, a new UK service which offers mental health support via text. Only hours after William released the video message, the @SussexRoyal posted the Instagram below. It feels like… I don’t know, a subtle clapback on the Cambridges? Like, the Sussexes were like “hey this was our thing, we visited the Shout volunteers and we were the ones doing the meetings.” Was William trying to take credit for the Sussexes’ work?

View this post on Instagram

Today in the UK, a critical new 24/7 text helpline has launched – @giveusashoutinsta This free text messaging helpline is a private, silent and trusted way, for those experiencing mental health challenges to find a safe space to seek help and support. This is an extension of the @heads_together initiative backed by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Earlier last year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began supporting this vital program behind the scenes by hosting a meeting at Kensington Palace with contributors and partners. Last November, Their Royal Highnesses also made a surprise visit to meet with a group of Shout volunteers, and participated in a panel with mental health activist @bryonygordon hearing firsthand how the volunteers have found making the connection with vulnerable texters, a majority of whom are under 25, so rewarding – helping to get them through a moment of crisis to a calmer place, and giving them courage to find longer-term support. Powered by a team of trained volunteers, Shout has already quietly enlisted and trained 1,000 volunteers over the last 12 months, whom in turn have helped 60,000 people. SHOUT is modeled on @crisistextline in the US, which since 2013 has processed more than 100 million messages, Shout is the largest initiative of The Royal Foundation to date, in partnership with @heads_together. Tapping into the UK’s volunteer community, Shout aims to recruit 3,000 additional volunteers by the end of the year. Mobilizing a volunteer community with this innovative use of technology will go a long way in helping people get the critical help they need, often in the darkest of times, when those are privately and silently suffering and afraid to seek help. To sign up to volunteer, visit www.giveusashout.org Be the change you wish to see in the world.

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends The Invictus Games 2020 launch

Photos courtesy of Instagram, WENN.

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93 Responses to “Prince Harry: Missing a mother is ‘like missing some kind of security’”

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  1. Seraphina says:

    I’m a Harry fan and he just continues to grow on me. Ironic how his mother stated Harry would be right for the job of King, more so then Wills. Mothers know their children.

    I hope this won’t turn into a War of the Windsors. If Wills and Kate has half a brain they would embrace Harry and Megs and take some lessons. But I’m sure entitlement and ego far outweigh common sense.

    • Alissa says:

      I fully agree with this comment. Harry just seems so human, which is sometimes lost with Will and Kate. I understand that they have different role than Harry does, so if Harry feels pressure they probably feel much more. but this whole issue between the two families is really annoying.

      • (TheOG)@Jan90067 says:

        According to RRs: “THE Dukes and Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex today launched Britain’s first round-the-clock text message help line for people experiencing a personal crisis.”

        So apparently, this is a joint venture between them. Perhaps this is their “mending of the breach” gesture?

    • Guest says:

      Unless William wakes up with a complete personality change, doubt it. Hes shown to be what type of person he is. The Africa bs, over Population with people (in africa) then have a 3rd baby. Then the snipe article about him, the markels and press.

      Imo As for Kate, shes not going to change and she pretty much does what William wants her too

    • Kristin says:

      I see this referenced all the time but couldn’t find where/when Diana said that. Anyone have any links or more info?

      • Guest says:

        Diana said what?

        William is the one that said about overpopulation. I

      • olive says:

        @Guest wrong thread, this is what Kristin was replying to:

        “Ironic how his mother stated Harry would be right for the job of King, more so then Wills.”

      • Christin says:

        Search the words Diana Harry King and you’ll find several references to it. I think most of not all the quotes are based on a Harry biography.

        Diana did seem to understand the differences in her sons’ personalities and how it might play out between UnWilling and “Good King Harry”.

      • 90sgirl says:

        I think it’s In one of the Morton books, (where Diana gave interviews secretly toMorton through tapes ) Diana said something about Harry being strong and how there will come a time when William (will be going through something hard basically ) and will need to depend on Harry greatly or need Harry to help him through it.

        Also she said how William said he didn’t want to be King and Harry said he would do it.

        Paraphrase, but that was the gist.

    • LahdidahBaby says:

      I agree with every word of your post, Seraphina. I remember when Harry and Wills were tiny toddlers, and even then Wills seemed sullen, spoiled, selfish, and meanspirited—I remember thinking often that I couldn’t imagine him as king one day. Harry, on the other hand, was always pure sunshine, humor, warmth, happy energy, and innocent good nature.

      I still see both of them the way I did then, just based on their own behavior, personalities, and bearing.

    • PrincessK says:

      @Seraphina….l have been saying this all along. To Fabulous Four would have been the best route, the bland Cambridge’s need the charismatic Sussexes. Unfortunately the Cambridge’s have a jealous streak.

      • 90sgirl says:

        There are Two charismatic royals in the equation and two non charismatic stiffs. So Fab Four was never going to be true.

        Fabulous Four was never going to work, I hated it used right from the start,because IMO William and Kate are a too stiff and non charismatic and basically a drag on situations, because on Royal outings William looks like it’s pulling teeth.

        Harry and Meghan don’t need to be part of a foursome, they can stand on their own.

        If William and Kate need so much propping up,then that’s their own issue.

  2. Meganbot2000 says:

    Someone I know is involved in the Shout text service thing, and the Cambridges were involved in it too. I don’t know how heavily involved, but they aren’t trying to hijack the Sussexes work. (And of course most of the real work is done by people behind the scenes.)

    • BayTampaBay says:

      Anyone doing anything to support increased awareness and access to mental health services has my admiration and support.

    • Becks1 says:

      I actually don’t think anyone here is trying to hijack anyone’s work, but this kind of rollout just looks messy like I said below. KP even included pics of Harry and Meghan in their one post about it, so I don’t think they are trying to bury their involvement.

      I mentioned this in a comment this morning to a post from yesterday, but yikes the IG commenters are intense. WHERE IS CATHERINE, DONT FORGET THIS IS ALL HER IDEA, HOW CAN YOU TAKE CREDIT FOR HER WORK.

      Maybe she wasn’t that involved in this particular project? Maybe she was but missed the particular event with the panel that harry and Meghan attended. etc.

      I feel like IG is where the rabid Cambridge fans hang out, but I probably just miss them on twitter. I don’t see the same types of comments on IG from the Meghan supporters.

      • Mae says:

        Yeah, I went to the KP IG post and saw the comments by Cambridge fans and Yikes! So much negativity there. I really like the Sussexes IG comments section much better. Atleast they aren’t bashing the Cambs in the comments (for the most part). I only saw negativity come in when there was that one post that had Kate’s picture on it (Anzac day I think?). It drew a lot of Cambs fan in their comment section and they were bashing Meghan in the Sussexes own IG page.

    • Guest says:

      That’s great. Too bad though some of the royal reporters are acting like this is only on Kate and William. Good thing the Sussex have their own Instagram 🤷‍♀️

      • Lady D says:

        The DM article yesterday was quite specific in announcing that William and Kate were looking for 3000 volunteers to help with their new crisis line.

    • Marjiscott says:

      Yes’! That’s the truth of this whole ego driven , nonsense thing. The People who ate there day in and day out do The Work. Not the Royals. Their deal is to draw attention to whatever the charity is. Maybe educate through the media, but that’s it.

  3. Jane says:

    The Daily Mail tried to sell this as though it was solely William and Kate’s initiative.

    • BayTampaBay says:

      Would anyone buy a used car from the Daily Fail??? Inquiring minds know what the Daily Fail is selling.

    • lily says:

      The press met with the Cambridges this week. Check out Rebecca English’s twitter feed.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        Hmm that is very interesting to hear – wonder what was hatched to repair the bad image the Cambridges have. I wonder what new stories we will get throwing Meghan under the bus to prop up those 2 lazy twats.

        The Fail has already started on Meghan’s new American PR person.

      • Becks1 says:

        What does that mean, “the press met with the Cambridges.” at KP?

      • Megan says:

        @Digital Unicorn – yes, a presser for the launch of a mental health service that has been in the works for a year is definitely some nefarious plan to get the Cambridge’s good press whilst simultaneously throwing the Harry and Meghan under the bus. William giving credit to Harry and Meghan at the presser was designed to throw us off the scent.

      • Salvation says:

        @Megan yeah let’s act like what DU said is so farfetched and it’s never happened before!. The British media have for the past year been throwing the Sussexes under the bus and at times it’s been very clear they’re working with the Cambridges. So yeah what DU said could be true that the fail and the Cambridges are trying to hatch another plan to throw the Sussexes under the bus once again. Just a couple days ago the Fail tried to your a project done by both houses as one done solely by the Cambridges, and RE work at the Fail so if she and the Cambs are meeting, it’s not really out there to assume a plaot is being put in place to knock the Sussexes down a peg or two just so the Cambs would be more popular. If SHOUT hadn’t posted that video, the Fail (or RE and the Cambs) were attempting to claim to be the ones that did this project alone. And I’m willing to bet a arm and a leg that this project is all Meghan idea since it’s molded on a North American crisis response and since the Cambs AND Harry never thought of it before Meg came on board, I’ll safely say this was Meghan idea that she sold to her husband and since they needed funds from RF, they involved the Cambridges and thus put the project under HT umbrella.

      • Salvation says:

        And before I get jumped on, what I meant by Meghan’s idea is that Meghan did the research and found this initiative being started, (just like she did all her other patronages and projects). It was probably in the embryonic states as Meghan so often put it, she contacted them, they loved her involvement and she got her husband onboard. They got involved with this initiative beginning of 2018, before they even got married, so this tells me that soon Meghan moved to the UK, she researched and found several of these projects ad initiatives that she wanted to put her weight behind, got Harry involved and they inturn got the Cambridges involved. The rest is history.

  4. Becks1 says:

    I can imagine how having a child has made him view the loss of his mother in a very different way, maybe not necessarily more strongly but differently.

    The Invictus pictures are super cute overall though.

    As for Shout – my gosh that was a messy rollout. It definitely seems like there was an agreement to announce it today, and KP posted it first, and I don’t know if SussexRoyal got snippy or if that was always the planned post. Does Heads Together have its own IG? If it doesn’t, this is a good example of why it should – they could have posted this under that first, and then each house could have posted their own involvement.

    But I did see it and immediately thought this was another good example of Meghan and Harry being stealthy. We weren’t getting leaks for months of events she was attending or anything, or promises of a new initiative. they just announced. Maybe KP is learning something from the Sussexes and is trying to follow their lead, with less telling and more showing (to borrow from our GOT talk.)

    • Becks1 says:

      oh wait, there is a HT Insta, but I think it only posted the video from KP with Will talking and then pictures of William. LOL.

  5. Purplehazeforever says:

    The Instagram post mentions both Cambridge & Sussex houses involvement so I doubt Prince William was doing anything other than promoting mental health awareness. Both of them lost their mother, both of them have had issues dealing with the loss.

  6. Digital Unicorn says:

    Harry is so obviously very happy and its not easy losing a parent no matter the age but he has done well and she would have been very proud of him.

    I don’t get this ‘competition’ that seems to be emerging over Mental Health and who gets to be the main champion on it. Both couples have always supported it but have different areas of interest. This rollout was messy and they could have waited till next week to announce it esp after Harry and the Invictus launch yesterday. Its a great service but has been lost with all the Harry and baby stuff. It would have had greater media impact if they waited till maybe early next week – spacing out the initiatives a bit better.

    At some point the drama between the brothers is going to blow up.

    • Becks1 says:

      I don’t get it either. they are all involved in this mental health campaign. Kate and Will are more into the anti bullying aspect (no comment), and the importance of prioritizing mental health from a young age, and harry is certainly more “into it” from the POV of people who have experienced trauma or tragedy (loss of a parent, military service, etc.)

      Neither of those aspects is wrong, and I think that was part of the point of Heads Together, was to pull all those aspects together. But people act like there was no talk of mental health before Kate came up with the name Heads Together.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        I know but to be honest it seems like Heads Together has fallen by the way side with them, you rarely hear of them doing anything for and with them now. They all seemed to have branched off.

        As I said above, its sad that this wasn’t spaced out as its such a great service but is being lost in all the other Royal news. It’s obvious that the different households/offices are NOT co-ordinating. We know the baby was late and the conspiracy theorist in me thinks that’s why the Cambridges had all these events booked in, they thought the baby would be here when they did their first event and could ride that wave of positive interest. And given that the DoLittles met with the UK press, something is brewing.

    • Megan says:

      Since the Shout service launches today, it doesn’t make sense to postpone the roll out.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        I dunno, the only place I have seen any mention of this in the UK press is the Fail and even then you have to scroll down the homepage to get to it. Its been royal news overload this week and that could explain why its not getting the headlines it could have gotten and deserves to get.

      • Megan says:

        BBC and the Guardian are among the many legit outlets that covered it.

    • Surly Gale says:

      I’m beginning to believe Wm is concerned about Harry’s popularity. why would he release this on the day we are focused on the Inviticus Games? Except to dilute/draw attention from Harry’s efforts….That Wm would want to take attention AWAY from veterans for his own “rollout announcement” is just sad. It makes me concerned for Wm’s mental health that he is so jealous, small and petty. That cannot be a healthy place for a mind to rest

      • kerwood says:

        Sometimes seeing someone close to you being happy and fulfilled makes you realize how unhappy and unfulfilled your own life is. I get the feeling that William might be going through something like this. He appears to be married to somebody who thinks the solution to life’s problems is to have another baby. That might not be the answer for him.

        William thought that being Normal Bill would be answer. What if he’s realized that his in-laws offered him the facade of normalcy, only to use their connection to the heir to the British throne for their own advancement? He might be feeling used. Then he sees his brother fall in love with a Hollywood actress. He might have thought Harry was being used, based on his own experience. But he was wrong and all that happened is he was estranged from his brother. If Harry’s been the person who he could always count on, what happens now?

        I don’t particularly care for the Cambridges, but I think I’ll always have a small soft spot in my heart for William because of what was done to him after his mother died.

    • minx says:

      Both of my husband’s parents died before he was 10 and the loss has obviously stayed with him his whole life. He said it was especially acute when we had our own children, so Harry probably has some wistfulness mixed with his happiness.

  7. savu says:

    How sweet is that for him to talk about how happy his son has made him, but people around the world too? That’s so incredibly insightful. He just thinks bigger than himself, by nature. I think Meghan has pulled that out of him too. That’s why the good PR matters, that’s why their direct connection to people on Instagram is important. When their message is focused, and directly to the people, they have a bigger impact.

    Also that insta post is absolutely a clapback. It’s obvious they’ve done the work behind it, which maybe Will has too, who knows. Buuuuut I doubt it. How did the UK not have a suicide text line until now? This is such a wonderful initiative.

    • Surly Gale says:

      I read a line somewhere…that a woman was talking to Wm about this in 2016….WHAT TOOK HIM SO LONG, then?

      • Megan says:

        Mental health services need to be delivered according to standards of care establish by experts. That means the concept needed to be developed and vetted by the medical community, volunteers needed to be recruited and trained, and a 12-month pilot needed to be conducted to ensure care is delivered properly and is effective.

        Half assing mental health treatment could cost someone their life.

  8. Georgiamay says:

    It states that this is a legacy project of Heads Together. HT was Kate’s idea & it was launched by Wills, Kate & Harry in 2016. HT invested £3 million in Shout so all of them should be credited with this.

    • PrincessK says:

      I don’t think that it was really Kate’s whole idea, she just made a comment about linkages which someone else had probably pointed out. During the three way conversation between the Princes, she basically made no contribution and her husband, to save her face, spoke up for her and brought her into the conversation by saying it was her idea. William threw her a rope to stop her looking gormless and to encourage her to open her mouth and say something.

  9. Tris says:

    How precious! I’m so glad he has a lovely little family to be loved by and to love and protect. ❤️

  10. Beli says:

    I think it’s a clapback, but the initial publicity (tabloid articles and launch video) were very Cambridge heavy. Shout’s own Twitter page have now posted about H&M visiting in November, so it reads more as a reminder that they were also very much involved behind the scenes.

  11. Enn says:

    IMO it’s less clapback and more petty. The KR post features H&M and the caption involves all 4. I think it’s a rare misstep for SR on Insta.

    • Megan says:

      I think the goal is to go wide in the promotion of Shout. Someone just forgot to synchronize the Hootsuites.

    • Jo says:

      I agree. Although they have shown their Insta savviness many times, in this case it does come off petty to me. The Sussex post only mention the Cambridges in relation to Head Together, with all the rest (pictures & caption) coming off to me as if Shout is their project alone. Whereas the KP post emphasizes all four a lot more and show pictures of M&H. I also think they should try to shorten their captions, as a general note.
      That being said, that’s just background noises and what really matters is how great the intiative is! I’m surprised there wasn’t a suicide hotline in the UK yet!

      • Meganbot2000 says:

        There have been suicide hotlines here in the UK for many years. This is just the first one that is text-only. The Samaritans (UK suicide hotline) has been operating for over 60 years, and every single British person knows about them. Their phone number is in every phone box and “the Samaritans” has become part of the British lexicon. They operate a phone helpline and also offer in-person, email and postal help, but their text support is not national. So this new initiative is filling in the gap for people who prefer to text rather than phone or email.

        Personally if I were in need I’d stick with the Samaritans because they are so established and reliable. But I understand many people can’t or dislike talking on the phone.

  12. TheOriginalMia says:

    Definite clapback by the Sussex IG. I don’t mind it at all. The rollout by KP/HT was messy. This should have been a priority rollout on a day when neither of them would be in the news for their events. Like today.

    Harry continues to amaze me. He really has come into his own these last few years.

  13. Guest says:

    Heads together is a great idea, but it has gone nowhere, so at least this is something for that. Maybe William and Kate should have focused on this charity instead of bouncing all over the place and of course complaining that no celebs what to talk about it (mental health)

    • grace2 says:

      It has gone nowhere because W&K haven’t done anything meaningful to make it a success. They merely show up, read a speech and move on. M&H seem to be genuine and truly passionate about their causes and particularly in Meghan’s case – have a track record for rolling up the sleeves and getting things done.

      Any articles & posts about Kate’s work are all about her clothes and I don’t blame the writers – there is nothing more to say.

    • Tourmaline says:

      I think maintaining momentum for Heads Together has been a failure.
      If you have a signature issue as a royal why not hit it hard and keep your message out there? For example Queen Maxima and microcredit– she is CONSTANTLY doing events and speeches about it. If you pay attention to what Maxima is up to you can’t avoid it.

      The Cambridges at least so far are way too indolent and lackadaisical to have a signature issue that makes impact with the public.

  14. Loretta says:

    Harry ios over the moon. I’m so happy for him and Meghan!

  15. teehee says:

    I dont think Harry chose Meghan out of weakness, he obviously chose her out of strength. He reflected and questioned the norms and expectations that had Diana being so mistreated and misunderstood and is going against them wherever he chooses— and she does this together with him. They both want to be happy an will forge a way to develop it together.

  16. bima says:

    They could have planned to coordinate posts. This narrative of the households always being at war is getting tired already. Regardless of their family dynamics I think it’s gross that people continue to try to pin them against one another.

  17. K says:

    Honestly I think the way the Sussex handled the roll out makes them look horrific, petty and sort of gives credence to all the negatives said.

    KP included a lot of photos and gave credit to Meghan and Harry- which Sussex did not and all FOUR were involved.

    Honestly this has made me think less of them- do they care about the cause or credit?

    • Guest says:

      Hahahahhahahahahahahahaha

      Really?! Is that why they go secret meetings that no one knows about until after the fact? Yeah they really just care about getting glory. You tried though so star for you 💫

    • abba says:

      They clearly mention that is is backed by them and the Cambridges. How is that petty?? This morning most articles sold it as a Cambridge campaign because they were the only ones at the launch event knowing both Harry and Meghan were not able to attend.

    • Enn says:

      I’m in digital marketing and I agree with you. There’s a way you go about sharing a collab and I’m surprised that KR got it right.

    • Becks1 says:

      Horrific? Really? LOLOL

    • Nic919 says:

      Yeah I mean there are no photos of Kate anywhere near Shout unlike the other three but it’s definitely the Sussexes who are only caring about getting credit for it.

      • K says:

        Well sorry but the Sussexes’ post only put themselves and did not mention the Cambridges. Look William is a child and not including Kate is terrible but at least 1/2 KP’s photos were M&H.

        This was not a good look for M&H sorry- but if we call out William for his petty crap then we should call out M&H as well.

        This was suppose to be about the charity and the Sussex made it look like it was about them and petty.

      • Beli says:

        Except that the Sussex post says “This is an extension of the @heads_together initiative backed by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”

        It mentions the Cambridges even before it mentions the Sussexes…

    • Lauren says:

      Disagree. The Cambridge post may include photos of H&M but William’s video makes zero mention of Meghan at all. It’s offensive to begin the credits with Kate when there are evidently exactly zero photos of her at Shout or with Shout and then NOT mention Meghan, who clearly was there and working and involved since last year. The fact that the project is modeled on one from N America is indicative. W&K were clearly trying to make this entirely about them and ride the troll-y “mental health was Kate’s idea.” I disbelieve the Sussex post is about getting credit, it’s a reaction to the Cambridges taking credit. You’ll also notice that the Sussex post tags Heads Together, a mental health expert, and the original project—so it’s also trying to spread the credit, which Kensington conveniently failed to do.

  18. launicaangelina says:

    I teared up reading this.

  19. Valiantly Varnished says:

    Let’s give Harry credit where it’s due – it’s not all Meghan. Harry has always been that way. That’s who he is and that’s why he and Meghan are such a good match.

  20. savu says:

    Question… is mobilizing “mobilising” in the British stylization??? Because damn these instas feel straight from Meghan.

  21. Anastasia says:

    I’m so absurdly happy for Harry. He was younger when his mother died, and if I’m remembering correctly, a bit closer to her. Anytime a grandchild of hers is born, I imagine her smiling at her boys somewhere.

  22. I'm With The Band says:

    This must be a bittersweet moment for Harry. But dang, if the pure joy on his face hasn’t warmed millions of hearts around the world! It’s wonderful to see someone so incredibly happy. He deserves it.

  23. MangoAngel says:

    Either the Sussexes have an American PR person handling their Instagram, or Meghan is posting while little Archie is snoozing. Or maybe while she’s stuck in a chair as he’s nursing. Either way, she’s extremely eloquent…the Sussex page is a much better read than any of the other 🙂 But she may want to alter her fist if she’s trying to post under the radar. Not that she SHOULD be anonymous, obviously. But if they’re wanting to be, the fist change is definitely needed.

    • Tourmaline says:

      I love the “alter the fist” comment! I was just reading a novel about WWII resistance in France and learned the term as applied to coded messages!

      • MangoAngel says:

        I’m a bit fascinated by both stylometry, codes, and WW2…it’s amazing how much those three topics mesh together 🙂

      • Tourmaline says:

        Speaking of codes I think Kate has an event coming up soon at Bletchley Park!

  24. Zut alors says:

    What a sweet pic of Archie’s pa. Looking at pics of toddler and young Harry, I couldn’t help but notice how his hair was stick straight with nary a curl or wave to it. When did the texture change to the dry looking and frizzy hair he has now? Not throwing shade, just curious.

  25. kerwood says:

    Harry’s comment about his mother choked me up a little. My father was killed when I was a little girl and I don’t think I’ve ever gotten over it. It does destroy your sense of security, which is so important to a child.

    It’s been so wonderful seeing Harry so happy this last year and blossom as a man. Several times I’ve flashed back to that little boy walking behind his mother’s coffin and it makes so happy and proud for him.

    I remember William behind that coffin too and will always wonder what that experience did to him. He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve the way Harry does. I wouldn’t blame him if he hates the press and all the people who expect him to ‘perform’ all the time. If there is a rift between the brothers, my guess is that it might be because William might envy the healing path that Harry is on, with Megan’s support. Maybe he wishes he had that for himself.

    • Tourmaline says:

      @kerwood my sympathies to you for that loss.. and I agree with all you said. I think people sometimes forget that both William and Harry had something devastating happen in their youth. I think it’s brave when they speak about it in the service of helping others feel less alone in their loss.

      • kerwood says:

        Thank you @Tourmaline, that’s very kind of you. I’ve spent most of my life without my father, yet there are times when I know he’s with me.

        Take a look at the picture of Harry with Her Majesty, Prince Phillip and Doria Ragland. He’s standing in the back. Is he thinking that there’s someone missing? That his mother should be there. Maybe he’s sensing her presence in the room. I’d like to think so.

    • BarbN says:

      My deepest sympathies as well. Losing a parent SO young is a wound that really never fully heals. Even losing a loving parent late in life is a blow to that sense of home and warmth and security. My wonderful mom died in 2016, my 65th year, and I feel like a lost orphan sometimes. I miss her terribly.
      Harry and Meghan’s joy and love for one another and little Archie is so infectious, so warming, that when I see their photos or read about them, I actually have tears of happiness in my eyes. Not much else these days can do that….

      • kerwood says:

        Thanks @BarbN. I lost my mother in 2015 too. I know that feeling of being an orphan, of feeling so alone in the world. Sometimes it just grabs you and you feel like you’re going collapse from the weight of the grief you feel.

        Seeing that sweet little family is very moving. They’re incredibly fortunate and privileged but in the end, all you need is love. Having a grandmother who’s one of the richest women on earth doesn’t hurt either!

  26. RoyalBlue says:

    It’s so strange how I can’t see it on DM. It must be pushed so far down the list which is odd in the day of an event. I think it was a big mess today and those two need to get their heads together and act like grownups. Two different PR teams are also sending different messages.

    The SHOUT release by KP made a point to note this initiative was started by Will, Kate and Harry. I thought it was very tongue in cheek to note that Meghan was not one of the original ones. Touché. Next up was the SR clapback which mentioned it was a project of both dukes and duchesses but excluded any pictures of big brother Bill. Geez guys work it out.

  27. FluffyPrincess says:

    This is such a great initiative! I read earlier today that suicide is the #1 cause of death for men under 45 in the UK. Definitely this is needed, and sooner rather than later.

  28. Shannon says:

    It looks like a nice joint effort to me. I don’t buy into the whole cutthroat, brother v brother drama mess. I’m sure they don’t always get along, but I seriously doubt there’s any Shakespearean sh!t going on either. I honestly think everyone reads waaay too much into this stuff and every little possible nuance backing the “side” they like and attacking the other “side,” which is kind of sad considering this is an actual family. I don’t think either brother is always particularly pleased all the time with their royal lot in life (I’d hate to be a royal) but they both enjoy the perks (who wouldn’t?). But I just think there’s some hardcore projection going on here lol

  29. LT says:

    Harry’s comments really resonated with me because my stepdaughter’s mother died when she was 8. This will be my first Mother’s Day as a stepmother (my eldest is 17, so I’ve been a mom for a long time, just new to this step gig) and I definitely feel a sense of responsibility to try to help her cope with that missing feeling of security.

  30. gayle says:

    “Heads Together”? I think someone (Meghan?) needs to knock W & Ks heads together to get some drive and work ethic into them. Lazy duo going thru the motions coming up with “ideas” for everyone else to do actual work.