Prince William & Kate did a smug photo-op with the Queen in Scotland

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I’m really struggling to understand why the Queen continues to cosign her family’s clownery. One of the first images we had of the Queen in Scotland this summer was when she smiled alongside the Duke of York as they headed to church… the day after Jeffrey Epstein died mysteriously. Then on Sunday, August 25th, the Queen sent another “I cosign this” message by attending church with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, or rather the Earl and Countess of Strathearn (Will and Kate’s Scottish titles). The Queen continues to back the trashiest members of her family. She does this by smiling alongside them and choosing to be photographed with them during terrible newscycles.

The past week and a half has been full of (what we now know) an orchestrated smear on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their use of private planes. Will and Kate organized their photoshoot with a budget airline, only that blew up in their faces. But you wouldn’t know from these photos of Will and Kate looking super-pleased with themselves. At this point – as I said before – I really do believe that the Sussexes’ “private plane furor” was egged on by William and Kensington Palace at this point. I’m not saying William orchestrated the entire thing by himself (that would be too much work). But he definitely helped the narrative. And as we can see, the Queen cosigns the war of the brothers, and she makes it seem like she’s choosing sides. And before anyone makes the argument that the Queen chose the seating arrangement with Will & Kate by rank… Charles and Camilla went to church too. The Queen could have shared a car with Charles and it wouldn’t have been this story.

As for fashion – Kate apparently wore a green Michael Kors “shirt dress,” although this just looks like one of her many BUTTON-covered coats to me. The DM says this costs £225.

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Photos courtesy of Getty.

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261 Responses to “Prince William & Kate did a smug photo-op with the Queen in Scotland”

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  1. MachineElf says:

    The monarchy is living on borrowed time at this point. This episode makes me believe that if William ever does become King his behavior will be the last nail in the coffin. I am saying this from an American perspective. Maybe someone who lives in England has a different perspective? Are the monarchy unconditionally loved?

    • Marina says:

      I don’t live in England, but I live in the UK and they are tolerated at best.
      Hopefully the whole ruse will implode with Charles.

    • Nahema says:

      I’m British and I completely agree. I think Charles has enough of a sense of duty and a way about him to keep things going for a while but it’s hard to imagine King William. Able to make his own rules for his role, who knows what could happen. Probably not a lot actually. It would all be too much work.

      Saying that, the Royals also have an uncanny way of turning things around. They’ve suffered long periods of negative press and bad feeling in the past and survived it.

    • MeganBot2000 says:

      God no. Apart from a handful of elderly right wing types (who mostly worship the Queen) no one pays much interest in the RF, except as gossip fodder. We follow them the same way Americans follow the Kardashians.

    • StarGreek says:

      I live in northern England and I can assure you they are on borrowed time.
      Their clownery has hit peak bearability now.

      I doubt we will get to see a King Charles post Brexit, if the leak about their plan to leave UK as per no deal preparations was anything to go by.

      • DaisySharp says:

        This is really amazing about Brexit. I wish we talk more that here because I would love all of the UK input we could get. I’m so sorry for the Remainers.

      • StarGreek says:

        @Daisysharp

        Don’t be sorry for anyone, not yet at least. In the last year or so I have tried to make people understand that being Remainers or Leavers won’t matter when the ‘hurricane Brexit’ makes landfall as it will involve everyone except the uppity uppity of British society.

        Some of the Leavers having mass suicide syndrome even welcome that. Pretty sure tables will turn against them when they least expect it and then it will be too late to wise up.

        I always said that Trump is odious and awful but you can still start to backtrack on that in 2020. Us in UK will need decades to even up the losses and some things will never go back to how they were.

        Brexit is insane and only the upper crust will benefit from it (Steve Bannon’s disaster capitalism).

        P.S. the BRF’s plan B in case of Brexit riots and shortages is to head off to mainland EU if situation is not manageable anymore. You couldn’t make that up.

      • Megan says:

        HM better tear up those evacuation plans. As StarGeek says, for better or worse, everyone in the UK is in it together now.

        Johnson’s Oct 31st crash out date is just nine weeks away. I cannot imagine how terrifying and stressful that must be for people living in the UK.

    • Himmiefan says:

      I’m not British, but I just wonder if a lot of the sentimentality for the monarchy will pass with Elizabeth, and Charles will be the last monarch.

    • bamaborn says:

      The ole lady is trying her best to push this archaic and outdated system along. Always believed, give me a break about duties, that is why she has not turned things over to Charles. He and Camilla could be the final nail in coffin.

      • L84Tea says:

        I just recently re-watched both seasons of The Crown and I started really looking at the archaic’ness of the BRF and how what old Liz was doing in 1950 something is the same crap she pulls in 2019, and it sort of blew my mind. I just don’t see how they can go on the same in the world we are living in now.

      • minx says:

        The BRF has a great gig and they will do anything to keep their cushy lives going…all in the name of “duty” 🙄.

      • Carolind says:

        Apart from Edward Viii, British kings and queens don’t ever abdicate. She is the epitome of duty and on her 21st birthday said she would devote her life to the country.

    • grumpy says:

      No they are not. They get more attention from foreigners than from the natives. Where they are popular it seems to be from a perhaps mistaken belief that they bring in money via tourists and so earn more than they cost. Being a glorified theme park doesn’t seem to be a good reason to justify a system of government in my opinion. Schools don’t teach history in such a way as to make people question the origins of the aristocracy and their wealth or to make people realise how badly people at home in Britain were treated for the vast majority of history.

    • Tina says:

      No one cares about them, for the most part. They occupy positions in gossip columns. But we are about to enter a period of profound constitutional crisis, and the Queen will be important. I don’t know if I can emphasise this enough: she is 93 YEARS OLD. She’s not stupid, but she’s not well educated, and she is VERY ELDERLY. Her advisors are going to be the ones deciding whether Johnson will continue to be PM or whether Corbyn will be allowed to form a government.

      We’re all just trying to get through to Christmas. No one is thinking about Charles or William as king. (And we’re all screwed in any event; the Russians are going to hack the next UK election just like they’re going to ensure Trump wins again in 2020).

      • Myra says:

        Tina: You people in the UK may sit back and allow the Russians to determine your government but this I can guarantee, Americans will turn out an elect their own President. We have seen the alternative and will not allow a repeat.

      • Tina says:

        Myra: I very much hope you’re right.

  2. Oh No says:

    Ya know, when the palace called Kate, ‘trustie’ or something to that effect during their official statement on their engagement, I didn’t think much of it.

    Now I realize what they were saying was,homegirl is so hard up for a ring she’ll definitely keep her mouth shut and play ball…

    I’m sure it was so exciting for them, ya know being the second favorites after a man who sexually abused children…

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      Katie Keen and her family has proved from the beginning that they would do and put up with ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to get that ring – William has always cheated and Kate has always looked the other way. Being married with children is no guarantee she will get the big prize of Queen Consort, divorce is quite common in that family – Charles has already proven its ok for the heir to get divorced.

      • Nahema says:

        That really is assuming that being Queen Consort was her goal. It seems more likely that the current level of social climbing was her goal and to have kids, do little work and be financially secure. Again though, she might have really loved him and always been willing to look the other way. There are a lot of women who do that with no prize of financial security or status to sweeten the deal.

      • Sarah says:

        The funniest thing is that I think Kate would have been happier with Pippa’s life, a good, financially advantageous marriage to an aristo/finance guy, three kids, a flat in London and her country house and no expectation of public engagements. Pippa is not a hard worker by any mean but she has a bit more personality and more hustle I think, not unlike Meghan in some way. Kate is just … she’s like the performers at tonight’s VMAs: pretty but completely lacklustre.

      • liriel says:

        Sarah maybe, maybe Pippa would also spotlight more so she’d do more. Kate seems more introverted. But.. Pippa would be maybe miserable and Kate seems more stoic. I have to say though it’s easy to forget at uni Kate was sporty, fun-loving girl and now.. she’s like a column.

    • notasugarhere says:

      That “trusted” phrase is standard for any UK citizen marrying into the royal family for whom HM has to give formal approval. Diana, Sarah, Sophie, Kate, etc. It wasn’t in Meghan’s because she isn’t a UK citizen.

      • tokipona says:

        Shhhhhh we’re not allowed to use facts here

      • Nic919 says:

        I could be mistaken but I think it would have also applied to Autumn Phillips since the Queen is still Canada’s head of state. I just don’t recall if the queen had to provide consent for them or not.

      • N says:

        This us hilarious. Made my Monday! Thank you, ma’am.

  3. Mimi says:

    William’s face, as well as his behavior, gets uglier every day. Quite fitting for someone with such low character.

  4. Easternflower says:

    He looks smug in those pictures ugh

    • Oh No says:

      Right!? I really can’t stand either of them now.

      I know it sounds cruel, but I really wish Buzzfeed would release a game called, ‘Guess the Year by Prince William’s Hair Line’. With anyone else I’d be like, ‘not cool’ but for him I’ll make an exception…and I’d get a perfect score

      This plane business was really the final nail in the coffin for me

      • Lorelei says:

        @Oh No I am crying laughing. I hope someone from Buzzfeed sees this and creates that quiz 😂

        (And normally I would not make fun of someone’s appearance when it is something they have no control over, but William is such a hideous person inside and out that I’ll make an exception.)

    • Jadedone says:

      Oops, I literally just said the same thing above EasternFlower

      • Easternflower says:

        No problem☺️ Glad I’m not the only one who noticed it.
        I’m usually really bad at noticing facial expressions but that idiot really looks smug! Can’t see it on Kate, but on workshy Will?! For Sure!

    • Lisa says:

      And no seatbelts on any of them. Did they forget how Diana died??

    • Lucy De Blois says:

      Thanks for your comment; I was starting to think I was the only one who had noticed the change on his face. If you compare his pictures from some years ago, let’s say… before Harry’s weeding with the latest pictures, you’ll see the mouth got a new shape and the eyes are different. Sorry. I don’t know how to explain. I just know what I see. And what I see is someone full of himself.

  5. Seraphina says:

    I agree with MACHINEELF, borrowed time indeed for them.

    I also really was beginning to cozy up to TQ when Meghan first stepped into the Firm and after hearing rumors she wasn’t fond of Kate’s work ethic but I think that’s not the case. One would think after all the woman has seen and heard, she wouldn’t be so tone deaf yet I believe she doesn’t care. I lost respect for her again. She shows the public who she is. Actions speak louder than words.

    • Beli says:

      The Queen might really like Meghan, she might think Kate us lazy af, but her priority is and always has been the continuation of the monarchy. William is the one in direct line, so he’s the one to be protected over Harry, no matter which one she might like more.

      • Seraphina says:

        And that is why I see him being the downfall
        Of the monarchy. She can do things to help the situation. And she can intervene in her own family to ensure that this clown show stops because it will continue to chip away at the monarchy. But she doesn’t. That’s the bottom line. Ensuring the continuation of the monarchy doesn’t mean she has to coddle and change Wills diaper when he has a temper tantrum.

      • kerwood says:

        Very true. The Queen sacrificed her own happiness and relationship with her husband for the monarchy. She’ll have no problem propping William, even if he’s not worth the effort.

        I wonder if the Queen looks at her family and fears for the future. Publicly, she’s supporting Andrew and William, but I wonder if she’s sick at heart and grieves in private at what horrible people her children and grandchildren have turned out to to be.

      • Who ARE These People? says:

        The thing is, has the Queen ever connected the dots? Has she ever associated her putting the monarchy first, and all the insensitive or downright callous decisions she made along the way, with the way her progeny have turned out? Has she ever looked at what the institution in which she has been under-educated and overly cosseted does to people and decided, “Not for me or my kin!”

      • RoyalBlue says:

        Indeed. Everything is to preserve the monarchy, so long may it reign. It’s like lord Varys in GOT, everything is to protect the republic. As Her Maj is the most popular figure there, they will keep Liz propped up in that position until she is cold and six feet under just to preserve the monarchy. In the history of mankind we have created mythical gods that we worship and adore. The monarchy is just another version of that. And yes, Charles will be the last king 🤴

    • Lesanne says:

      Why does anyone think the Queen still has all her marbles? Her mother was known to be dotty years before her death. I would imagine she is no longer capable of such convoluted planning herself and just thinks “Oh wonderful, Andy is riding to church with me today or William is …”.

      • Betsy says:

        Because she has no actual power, this would be the sole acceptable excuse, especially for supporting the pedo.

      • Tigerlily says:

        I wonder about her state of mind too. True enough she doesn’t have actual power however she has influence and could be used for that purpose. I also want to say how disgusted I am at the stunt pulled by the Cambridges. So pleased it blew up in their faces. Karma baby.

    • Nic919 says:

      I don’t think the queen would be kept appraised of what the tabloids are doing so she might be unaware of why Will and Kate are so smug looking. But she must know about Andy and is just believing his garbage I guess. She was pretty tone deaf when Diana died so I don’t know why people think she has really changed. Getting older has given her the sweet old granny pass for a lot of things but the reality is her entire life has been to preserve an archaic and patriarchal and elitist institution and she will act in benefit of that until she dies. (Well except for covering for Andy but it’s going to take a video of a crime for her to do something there)

      • liriel says:

        Exactly, people don’t usually change, not at that age. Her treatment of Diana (no matter how many problems Diana caused) told us everything about her. Even Charles is more environmental intellectual, Queen is as old school and cold as it gets. NOW we really see the queen, what she is like. She fooled us for a while.

      • Seraphina says:

        Yes all very true. That white hair and granny look (which she is) gives her a pass.

      • ex-Mel says:

        I don’t care one way or the other, but for HER sake I certainly hope she is kept abreast with everything every single tabloid says. People seem to resent hearing this, but those rags ARE the “vox populi”. (Had all those lofty commentators, British and foreign, deigned to read the Daily Mail – still the nro. 2 best-selling newspaper, after The Sun – they wouldn’t have been surprised by Brexit at all. It was all there – the “masses” had spoken; they ignored them at their own peril.)

  6. OriginalLala says:

    Those smug, sh*t-eating grins..exactly like Pedo Andy when he had his own ride along with Mummy. Can’t we be rid of them already?????

    • liriel says:

      Well, Andrew did worse than K&W so let’s not over exaggerate

      • OriginalLala says:

        I’m not exaggerating, they have the same smug grins that Andy had when he rode with his Mummy. I wasn’t talking about his crimes at all.

      • Megan says:

        I wish George had been sitting next to HM. Getting bullied for liking dance class is so gross.

      • tokipona says:

        Yes, Megan! It’s not at all surprising but still disappointing when people will take an opportunity to be horrid to children of people they don’t like

    • Alex Jones says:

      These car rides are the worst!!

      IMO, Operation Budget Air is the first time the Cambridges truly got caught throwing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex under the bus. For over a year we’ve heard about “palace sources” in stories about Meghan doing something awful because of her “diva-like” behavior. Usually you can see William’s fingerprints all over a story, but no proof. This is the first time he actually got caught orchestrating the whole “bad pr for them, good pr for me” thing. And I want to wipe that smug grin off his face!! As for what’s in the back of the car, I want to point and say, “Boo, boo. So bow down to her if you want, bow to her. Bow to the Queen of Slime, the Queen of Filth, the Queen of Putrescence.” I used to like Kate. I always thought she was vapid and lazy, but innocuous. But no more. She’s just as sly as William.

      This is a complete side note, but can I just say that I don’t believe Flybe changed planes to make sure their logo was on the outside. I feel like they had to change planes at the last minute to fit the royal requirements for an aircraft and that narrative really doesn’t look good for the Cambridges. Not only did William book it on Wednesday (to throw his brother and SIL under the bus), but they also have “special royal requirements” for public aircraft. There was no way to spin that story as anyone but William’s fault, so Flybe willingly joined Meghan and Harry under the bus.

      Ugh!!

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        Am beginning to think the logo story was put out to distract from the fact that Flybe had to change planes to accommodate 2 senior royals and their kids and entourage – throwing Flybe under the bus to protect the precious snowflakes from looking bad (I believe they knew in advance about the Scotsman story). I am also very interested to know if the flight was fully booked, they pretty much took up almost half of the 45 seats on the plane so….

      • Nic919 says:

        The twitter conversation between Rebecca English of the Daily Mail and Alistair dalton of the Scotsman basically confirms how KP was first alerted to Dalton doing a story and then Becky got a call to spin it for KP.

      • Alex Jones says:

        Totally! I feel like The Scotsman called Flybe to ask them why they made the plane change. Flybe contacted KP and they came up with the lie together. Then KP contacted Rebecca English to steal the scoop from The Scotsman and ensure W&K don’t look bad. I mean, why would Flybe think they were getting plane exiting PR photos on a commercial flight in the first place. It makes no sense to me.

      • Wishingitwas says:

        I don’t know, it makes sense to me that Flybe would change aircraft to make sure their logo was on the side if they knew this was so that press could photograph them. Especially if William called them and sold it as advertising. It’s worked too because lots of people are talking about it.

        We are quick to assume that it’s William and Kate being tricky here (which they were to some extent) but Flybe have nothing but coaches in the sky. No luxury aircraft. What kind of requirements could the possibly need to have change aircraft for? I think that was just Flybe saving face tbh so that people wouldn’t think an airline would waste fuel like that, just to give themselves some advertising

      • Alex Jones says:

        Then why wasn’t there a picture of them exiting a plane with the Flybe logo? The one I’ve appears like it was taken from the plane or somewhere as they were leaving. There was no advertising for the airline until this story broke. That’s why I have a problem with this angle.

      • Vv says:

        The “special requirements” actually looks an excuse to justify why they flied Flybe-logoed planes,unless someone knows about specific differences that would have required one plane and not the other. And I can’t think about any special requirement for a short trip like this with a few royal staff people too.
        At this point everyone is spinning bits of information to fit the favorite theory.
        Also,Flybe explicitly said that the decision was made by Eastern Airways,so as another poster has commented on these threads,it’s perfectly possible that tickets were indeed booked in advance and they were briefed the day before (which I think it’s a common practice in any case),and it’s when a last minute decision was taken by basically another management team.
        It’s more likely that the company saw it as a good free advertising opportunity because Andrew and Fergie were literally papped last week,and paparazzi are indeed hanging out there to snap royals,and not that the Cambs plotted a stunt with a company.
        We would have also seen different pics.
        Like,they hoped to have pics on the stairs (with the logo on display) like the ones of Andrew when he arrived at Aberdeen. They knew what they were doing.
        Even IF it was booked at the last minute,do people think they had intention to fly private?
        Really? They would have not done that even without the ongoing situation. They are much more aware of the optics now.
        And they actually don’t fly private for these trips.
        Andrew was literally papped at the same airport,and pics or not,there’s no way they would have been seen arriving with a private plane. Above all,looking at the Sussexes’ press,they had at least three weeks to change plans,lol,so they didn’t even have to book at the last minute!
        I’m more curious to know which other company they could have chosen to fly commercial from Norwich,if we want to argue about them choosing a budget flight option.
        As for the video,it really looks like it was taken with a phone from inside a plane,when they were disembarking (by a passenger or maybe by an employee,which would made even more sense).
        Did the Cambridges “approve” for the video being published? That’s another matter.
        I don’t doubt they would have taken advantage of the opportunity,but at the same time they have been much more relaxed with these kind of things for awhile,above all because the faces of the kids aren’t even very visible,so I don’t know how the privacy policy would work. They know they need a good relationship with the press and whenever they throw tantrums,the press retaliates. I definitely believe we’ll see pics with their kids more often in the future.

      • Nic919 says:

        Stop with the tickets were booked in advance lie. The airline confirmed that they only found out on Wednesday as reported by the Scotsman, the only paper without a PR angle on this story. So best case scenario is that William and Kate didn’t want to get the gears for not flying commercial as was happening to Megan and Harry and the flight was quickly booked with Flybe on Wednesday. The airline then decided to bring in a plane with a logo which ended up causing a larger carbon footprint. No commercial airline sits on a VIP booking for weeks or longer knowing there are arrangements to be made, including security checks. Will and Kate clearly weren’t going to fly commercial until they made this switch. The loads of excuses like they used fake names or other utter crazy spinning is utterly unbelievable in an airline industry which has a tons of regulations especially since 9/11. They wanted to look good and it failed. Sorry stans.

      • Vv says:

        “Will and Kate clearly weren’t going to fly commercial until they made this switch.”
        I really doubt it. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there’s no evidence of them flying private to Aberdeen, except for the year George was a newborn. Reportedly they fly commercial,and since they also fly on scheduled British Airways flights to the Caribbean, I don’t see any reason why they would have flown private to Aberdeen.
        But,above all,they are aware of the optics. In February Meghan was already criticized for the private jet trip to NY. When was Harry called out for jetting to Google Camp? A month ago? After that,they would have never been caught dead arriving on a private jet,with or without pics,also knowing that there’s media attention on the younger royals’ trips to Balmoral and they are actyally photographed there every year.
        Andrew was literally photographed at the same airport two weeks ago. Like,they didn’t even have reason to wait for a last minute decision. Whether it was booked a week ago,two weeks ago, or a month ago,it would have been more the smartest move for them than a petty move against the Sussexes. And I’m not even talking about a photo opportunity that, objectively,is good PR for them.
        What the articles confirm is that there were two companies being involved. I’m not sure why we’re deducing how they manage to secure places in advance maintaining a certain level of privacy. And it’s not like the security measures they would require for a trip like this look overly complicated to the point of being reviewed by tons of people for months as you’re implying.
        Like,if you believe they booked late in the evening,you must admit that going by the statements,they just informed about the RPOs and asked to be slipped in at the last minute.
        “They wanted to look good and it failed. Sorry stans.”
        Did it fail,though? Premising that airlines fly empty planes every day,so it’s even a non story in terms of what domestic airlines do all the time,nobody can blame them if the airline wanted to switch planes for publicity. They had nothing to gain if the logo was Loganair or Flybe. And there’s no reason to think they knew about the substitution or made special requests since the airline can hardly offer much else. It’s not what was reported either. They were seen boarding a flight full of ticketed passengers and that was objectively good PR,whether you,other Sussexes supporters,casual royal watchers think it was a whole staged stunt or not.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Airlines do not fly two empty planes specifically for PR every day. Nor would four heirs to the throne be “slipped in” last minute with RPOs without the airlines being full aware. Or without full security background checks being done if there were any members of the public on the new plane. This was a stunt, a sloppy one, where everyone tried to take advantage of the PR. But a stunt nonetheless.

  7. Sarah says:

    Yeah, Kate is in it for the long, very long ride. The real question is why someone like MM, a clever biracial woman, thought for even one second this marriage was a good idea. And now, an innocent child has been brought into this mess. Like Kate, I get it. She’s vapid and as shallow as they come. But Meghan? There is a real disconnect between her advocacy work and her joining a modern symbol of white supremacy and colonialism.

    • OriginalLala says:

      I often wonder this as well. Meghan always seemed like someone who wanted to do real good and change things, but the BRF is the antithesis of that. Their power comes from maintaining the status quo and keeping others down. I’ve always assumed that the perks were blinding, I think they would be totally entrancing in the beginning honestly.

      • Millennial says:

        I agree. I imagine in the beginning it seems amazing – a prince comes along who promises you you’ll get to make huge difference on a global scale, not to mention the fancy clothes and adoring fans. I mean, I’d sign up! But our generation should have learned from Diana – being an English princess is not all it’s cracked up to be.

        I hope she really really loves Harry, because only that level of love could sustain a person throughout all this (or the promise of being Queen, as Kate has chosen).

      • line says:

        I think if Meghan has dating Harry longer she would not have wanted this life, for the British monarchy represents the maintenance of the status quo and the maintenance of others. and who are not for change.

      • liriel says:

        I wonder if she secretly wishes she found a husband like Pippa. I see the appeal of being a princess but in the long run it’s a rusty palace and rusty rules.

    • Lukwesa says:

      Because she’s also vapid and shallow and cares for the luxury of that lifestyle. There’s no other reason. She’s not a naif. And if you take away the trappings of his family Harry really ain’t all that great a catch – if he weren’t a Windsor he’d be Mr Pretty-Average: teenage hell raiser turned born again woke guy, been in the army, does a bit of charity work, currently between jobs, etc., etc.

      As a black woman I judge her for marrying into that colonialist ill-gotten-gains racket of a family. I wouldn’t give any of the Trump wives or Murdoch wives, as a Western example (there are other examples I could give but they wouldn’t really be known outside my home country, so for universality we’ll go with Trumps/Murdochs), any benefit of the doubt so I certainly won’t be giving her any benefit of the doubt either. The sooner the British get rid of their Royals the better imo. They ransacked and ruined the continent of my birth so I’ll be happy to see their demise.

      • Peg says:

        Google
        Vapid offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging.
        Meghan has never been shallow.
        What a load of BS.

      • Sarah says:

        Yeah, I felt sorry for Meghan at the beginning of their relationship, when the British press first went all racist with their “Straight out of Compton” bs but I never thought that she’ll be crazy enough to marry into this repulsive family.
        I judge her hard because she did not just marry a man with a questionable past at best – before Harry’s fangirls jumped on me, it was not just the Nazi costume, it was also the “little Paki friend” jab. No, she also agreed to serve a family that does not care about protecting her or her child, an institution based on oppression which is okay with using her race and that of her child to appear more woke when in reality, they are as backwards as ever. For instance, I can guarantee you that the reveal picture of Archie meeting his great-grandparents will be used to silence any critics of Prince Philip’s racism when he finally dies. It was so unnecessary to include him, especially for someone like Meghan who understands the media environment, and yet… Side-eye.

      • Bebe says:

        Lukwesa, you bring up interesting points. Meghan has always liked nice things. The quickest look at her blog the Tig reveals this.

      • jules says:

        I agree that if they hadn’t been born into royalty, many of the royals – H & W included – wouldn’t have amounted to much. Meghan on the other hand, was raised to have a work ethic and good values. I think if they’d had a longer courtship and she had a true chance to see what royal life would be like, there would not have been a marriage.

      • Nahema says:

        @Lukwesa – while I wouldn’t have put it so bluntly because I can see you getting torn apart here by the Meghan stans, you’re quite right. Meghan and Kate went in for the same reasons. I wouldn’t say that either woman is vapid. They’re both savvy to have got to where they are. As for shallow, I don’t think that applies either. I think that a man is considerably more attractive with money and status. Imagine William and Harry as regular charity workers… Kate and Meghan wouldn’t have looked twice at them. Meghan especially has the added allure of being a successful actress. Again, I doubt she would have caught Harry’s attention as an office worker. It happens all the time and it would be silly to say it doesn’t.

      • Sarah says:

        @Nahema, your comment made me think of Lainey’s blogpost about the relationship between the two sisters-in-law. She thought they would get along fine because of something like “game recognizes game”. I was a bit surprised back then but now I actually think Lainey had a point, a very good point. It takes a certain kind of woman to marry into any royal family, let alone this one, and the married-in members share certain qualities I think – and I do not mean it in a good way.

      • Linda says:

        @Lukwesa
        I don’t agree with you that Meghan is Vapid however I co-sign every other part of your comment.

      • tokipona says:

        Sarah, I remember that, and being surprised Meghan would let Lainey put that in. It was pretty clear who was feeding Lainey all her tips.

        (also Lainey has such a history of bigotry and transphobia I wish she’d just go away)

      • Nic919 says:

        I don’t think Meghan is vapid. She lived a life with way more substance prior to meeting Harry, worked, and she can speak to issues without making it sound like she is just reading off the pages. She’s also trying to do something more than just be a smiling mannequin who says little which is why the media is targeting her. That is mostly why I want her to succeed. Her position gives her social power which may be undeserved but she’s trying to do some good with it. I have far more respect for someone like her than Kate who just wears clothes and goes through the motions of charity without even trying. Until the monarchy goes down they are both still going to live luxurious taxpayer funded lifestyles, it’s just that one tries harder to use her privilege to help than the other one.

        The institution of the monarchy is a mess though and while they tried to bank on the symbolism of her marrying in, they have done little to support her. Which is why I don’t really care if the monarchy goes down because it’s an awful system and there is basically nothing Meghan can do to save it and frankly it’s not deserving of it.

      • liriel says:

        I don’t think Meghan is vapid but like everyone said Meghan and Kate chose this path.

      • Wishingitwas says:

        @Lukwesa I’m with you all the way on that. When the news of them marrying was first announced and everyone was jumping on the ‘Meghan is amazing’ train, I was side eyeing her. We were hearing all about how she’s a feminist, believes in equality for all and wants to practise what she preaches. Harry was fully on board with all of this too so I’m not laying it all at her door BUT how is a black woman marrying into a family who has directly profited from the slave trade, is racist, misogynistic and extremely privileged practicing any of that? She was going into this because of money and status. I don’t doubt love was involved too but there’s a reason she fell in love. Lainey might not be the nicest person but right about that element at least

      • CoffeeCoffeeCoffee says:

        @Lukwesa–Thanks for this, really great food for thought. Even if she was just so charmed by Harry, and he said he could protect her from the press/family, why would someone seek the hassle and drama of such a match?

        Not saying she could have had any guy, but she sure could have picked a wealthy high-profile guy who didn’t represent a long history of colonialism and genocide.

      • Lali says:

        lol how dare you
        Meghan is a saint, she has never comitted a sin in this life. William and Kate are the devil incarnated. This is celebitchy.

    • Cerceau says:

      I agree, and I wonder if the best thing, especially now in light of Andrew’s shenanigans, for M&H would be to simply leave the BRF. They are clearly a toxic family – even the suggestion that the Queen has her ‘favourites’ among her children and grandchildren is suggestive of a toxic family dynamic.

      Just imagine the great things Meghan and Harry could do as humanitarians if they didn’t have to expend so much energy on family politics, competition in the press or worrying about following supposed ‘protocol’. But maybe the perks that go with it are too good to give up?

      • minx says:

        I don’t see Harry ever “leaving” the family. Where would he go, what would he do, what would he live on? He likes his lot in life, Meghan or not.

      • Sarah says:

        Please, Harry has never worked, not a single day of his life. He is as lazy as they come, just not as much as his big bro.
        If he had wanted to leave, he would have announced it at the same time as his engagement. Back then, he knew how the Britsih press was gonna act with MM. He stayed and then invited OffMichael to his wedding.

      • Himmiefan says:

        Minx, I think Harry and Meghan are well known enough that if they did leave Britain or the family, they could still continue their philanthropic work, especially with him receiving inheritances from multiple people.

      • Cerceau says:

        They would hardly starve if they left the BRF, and they would have the freedom to do things like endorsements (I can already see Meghan modelling for Givenchy) in tandem with philanthropic work. But I agree with minx, I can’t see them will give up the perks of being royals or the security that comes with it.

      • (TheOG)@Jan90067 says:

        Harry has his inheritances from TQ Mother, as well as Diana. Both have been invested and gaining interest all this time. He’s hardly destitute; they could live VERY well for a VERY long time.

        I actually *can* see a point, if and when it comes to William’s “turn”, that H&M will be spending more and more time out of the UK, eventually settling somewhere else most of the time. I think they *will* ease themselves out, and do their own thing as W&K’s kids get older.

        HOWEVER… w/out being PART of the RF, would they still have the caché that people want to be associated with? How long would that last?

      • Lady D says:

        “Please, Harry has never worked, not a single day of his life”
        Two tours of duty in Afghanistan says different.

      • BayTampaBay says:

        @Sarah? Who is “OffMichael”?

      • BayTampaBay says:

        Wrong Place.

      • Olenna says:

        @(The OG),
        Thank you for pointing out that Harry has his owns means to survive. It always amazes me that people believe the Sussexes have no options or avenues to maintaining a wealthy lifestyle if they broke away from the BRF. Harry has a little-touched inheritance and wealthy, connected friends (stalkers can no longer deny this) as well as corporate and non-profit associates. These people could set him up in a paid position worthy of those handed out regularly to aristocrats and rich alike, and he’d probably do less work than he is now. He could continue playing polo with the rich and famous and, if he doesn’t own his own stables or a pony, Chuck or friends will take care of that. Luxury vacations–not a problem; connected friends loaning out villas will be the norm. Plus, money will be passed from father to son without us ever knowing, and Chuck has properties outside of GB, too. Meghan, if she wanted, could get a well-paying job or senior position on the board of directors/trustees at a high-profile foundation or non-profit. He’ll always be a prince, and both of them would still move in those rarefied circles that ordinary people only read about or imagine. But, here’s what I’d like know: Who will the Meghan haters direct all their bitterness and envy towards if the Sussexes are out of the picture? There’s bound to be some agonizing withdrawal symptoms since they damn-near maintain a 24/7 dialogue and vigilance over any “news” about the couple.

      • L4frimaire says:

        I don’t see them leaving the royal family and they haven’t done anything wrong, beside being privileged and interesting to the rest of us outside UK. Harry may be well off but the crown and HRH is what makes him who he is. He may be very rich by our standards, but he is small money compared to the Zuckerbergs and Bezos ( even the DiCaprios) of this world, and Meghan is still too new on the scene for them to have built their foundation up and their brand. They aren’t t going anywhere anytime soon and even if Meghan wants out, she won’t do at this point to humiliate herself. As for BRF, what else does UK have right now? Do you want President Boris Johnson and the revolving first girlfriends as head of state? The royals are petty, lazy competitive and self interested but the political leadership is still pretty shaky and too much uncertainty. So they will cling to this myth for a while I think.

    • Marina says:

      I’ve often wondered this too. Even extremely intelligent people are lured by the prospect of being ‘famous’, and not just famous, globally-famous.

      • Kittycat says:

        Meghan and Harry have an exit strategy.

        They are building a legacy not just for their children but for people around the world.

      • Myra says:

        This is what William is fighting against. He knows that the Sussex’s will overshadow his time as King. His biggest fear is the rise of his brother. He’s scared shirtless

    • MeganBot2000 says:

      Is it really so impossible that she fell in love?

      • Sarah says:

        Oh I have no doubt that she fell in love. Hard and fast. But as the great Céline Dion sang: “S’il suffisait d’aimer” (if it were enough to love)…
        I am a black woman as well and there is no way in hell I’m gonna marry into a racist family like the RF, let alone bring a freaking CHILD into it.
        Princess OffMichael’s racist stunt and her still being invited to the wedding, a presence made all the more insulting by the fact that plenty of younger, less problematic cousins were not invited, should have been a wake up call for MM: nobody has your back here. GET OUT!!

    • Bookworm says:

      Well, Meghan was an actress, not an anonymous nonprofit worker working with needy people. This propelled her into a status that she may never have achieved as an actress.

      Was she ever on Ellen’s show when she was on Suits or hanging with Elton John?

      There’s nothing wrong with ambition and she has an impressive education and work ethic but she has gained a lot by marrying Harry. But I believe they are a true love match and I hope they stay together.

      • Valiantly Varnished says:

        Meghan knew Ellen before she started dating Harry just like she knew most of the famous she knows before dating Harry. So…

      • tokipona says:

        Ah, VV is back to spread non-truths.

        Come on.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Attacking other posters instead of adding to the conversation. Check, tumblr crowd is here.

    • kerwood says:

      I think that Meghan REALLY thought she could change things. That’s why she was so eager to start working BEFORE she got married. Harry probably convinced her that the two of them could make a real difference. I also think that she fell in love, HARD.

      And so what if she wanted nice things? She wouldn’t be the first and she won’t be the last to be seduced by the glamour of fame and fortune. Meghan had a good career as an actor and was doing well but the Royal Family of Great Britain is NEXT LEVEL. If Harry convinced her they could change the world, maybe she was too dazzled to see that he was an average guy AT BEST.

      I also think that Harry is probably a nice enough man. I don’t think he’s as petty and malicious as William. He probably does mean well. Maybe he wants to try and make up for the the mistakes of his youth. Harry’s probably aware of the history of his family and he might want make some sort of amends.

      I’m sure Harry knew that Meghan would have a hard time but I don’t think he thought it would be THIS bad. I don’t think anyone thought it would be this bad. I know I didn’t.

      My hope for them is that they do love each other as much as they appear to and that their bond is strong enough to weather this. It’s makes me sad to say, because I have admired the Queen, but they need to wait her reign out and see what Charles will do once he’s King. I think Charles is keeping his cards close to his vest. Maybe he’s made promises to Harry and Meghan for the future.

      The most important thing in this whole mess is Archie. They need to stay on the same page to protect their little boy from the vultures that are circling, both outside and INSIDE the family.

      • Sarah says:

        For my part, I think the institution itself is evil and the only change needed is abolition. With the idea of people being inherently superior to others and more deserving of power come racism and white supremacy. I struggle to understand if MM, an educated, well-traveled biracial woman, could not see that or if she simply did not care all that much.

      • OriginalLala says:

        Sarah I agree with you. As much as I liked MM before Harry, I was so disappointed that she married into the BRF, given their history and what they stand for.

        It’s hard to watch the racist campaign against her tho, no one deserves that

      • LC says:

        Love your comment, I think you nailed it exactly!

      • Nic919 says:

        Diana became more exposed to the paparazzi once she divorces Charles and refused RPOs so I don’t see Meghan leaving especially not since she has Archie to think of and Harry seems to be supporting her, which is not something Diana really had. It will be interesting to see what happens once Charles is King. He may do more to protect her or maybe not. I think that will determine what she is going to do. It’s clear William is going to be petty and throw Harry and family under the bus whenever it is convenient for him.

    • bamaborn says:

      Sarah, your points are well taken. But I honestly believe the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are aware and was protecting their son by not getting a title for him. Can you imagine him being under the thumb of William? This way he is a private citizen, will have money and can tell them where to go if not to his liking.

      • Sarah says:

        I agree completely. Private Archie is for the best. The press cannot less Meghan breath without attacking her for a month straight, I cannot even imagine what they would do to a black little boy, with no defense from Buckingham, too busy protecting Pedo Prince, Clarence House, too busy preparing the public for Queen Consort Camilla, or Kensington Palace , too busy denying stories about baby botox and whatnot.
        Let’s just say that innocuous event like Charlotte sticking her tongue out instead of waving would not be covered as cute or endearing at all.
        And there are security concerns as well. I remember a few years ago there was some kind of security scare at George’s school. It’s probably much worse for Archie.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Are we back to this tired tumblr trope again?

    • Umm says:

      Looks to me like a whole lot of people have never fallen totally and blindly in love. She married Harry for love and nothing else. She didn’t look too hard into the family; she jumped on faith that Harry has her back and like they said in the engagement interview they are a team.

      Also IF Meghan is as conniving as some of you like to console yourselves with, she wouldn’t have married Harry. She would’ve have just dated him for as long as possible to build her profile then she would’ve dumped him.

      What we can all see and even those who choose to be blind cannot deny the fact that Meghan has a genuine love for helping people and doing humanitarian work. She is not doing anything now that she wasn’t doing before.

      Read up on her she was doing a lot more than acting and living a lavish lifestyle. She hasn’t changed. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon. She lived in the real world, had real struggles and had already made it and living a beautiful and happy life before Harry.

      • Le4Frimaire says:

        It’s interesting reading all these twilight of the Sussexes posts because of Andrew’s disgusting behavior and the Cambridge’s pettiness being exposed for all to see. Now we’re back to the semi-famous gold digger who married bad colonialist trope. Anyone in an interracial marriage has to deal with this crap from all sides, but hers is next level. Also, she wasn’t a huge star but she knew and worked with a lot of more well known people, is friends with the Justin Trudeau’s wife, had lots of good connections. She brings a lot the table. She’s been married just over a year and while she is adjusting, it seems to be the British press and other parts of royal circles who are having the growing pains. She’s the ones we’re always talking about and the other Royals are being compared and contrasted to her, always her. She is not the most senior and she’s the outsider, but right she is the constant focus.

    • liriel says:

      I don’t see Kate as that vapid. I think she’s smarter than William and quite intelligent. Not brilliant but quite smart, sporty. She was a good student, she was never a bimbo. For Meghan well, we all didn’t see it coming, we all thought it would turned out to be ok?

      • Nic919 says:

        Kate has said some very dumb things over the years. Can you taste the smell by smelling it and her dumb comments to Indian street kids don’t exactly suggest a lot of substance. She is competitive though and holding on to William during the dating years was something she was good at. Eight years in and she still doesn’t say much of anything and that’s mostly because she seems to have not much to say. There doesn’t see to be much depth to her now that she has the ring.

    • MsIam says:

      @Sarah, first and foremost Meghan is human like all of us. And if I guy sweeps you off to Africa on your second or third date (or however the fairytale goes) and then is willing to fly back and forth accross the ocean to see you, that is a pretty powerful pull. The stories I have read about Harry say that he was looking for purpose or meaning to his life, other than waiting around for something to happen to Charles, William and whoever else is in front of him. Since she is into advocacy and making a difference, I’m sure she felt that this would be a chance to have a platform and Harry was gung-ho for all that too. Or maybe they fell in love and felt that would overcome all. Anyway, just because it all looks terrible to us on the outside doesn’t mean that it looks that way from the inside.

  8. Alexandria says:

    So dumb. The Queen could have realised the world is changing and embrace their new family member instead of throwing them under the plane. But no can do. WK and Carole (yes I’m sideeyeing her friendship with DM) could have realised they need HM to work and support them while the children grow up, but no can do. They are all as archaic and smug as ever.

    • kerwood says:

      ‘Throwing them under the plane’! I see what you did there!!!

      And I agree with you. An intelligent group of people would realize that Meghan (and Archie) was a chance for the future. Instead they sit there, smiling smugly, thinking they’ve won. What fools.

  9. Digital Unicorn says:

    William has the same pompous ass smugness as his Uncle Andrew, they are 2 peas in a pod.

    When is TQ going to do a pap walk like this with the Sussex’s?????

    • Enn says:

      Andrew is his own class of vile and morally bankrupt.

      I’m guessing H&M will do their own church photo op with TQ when they visit?

    • Gail says:

      William is certainly an ass, but there are no photos of him with a known pedophile and human trafficker.

  10. Taryn says:

    The irony of attending church service with pedo Andrew and now these two after the failed PR stunt story just dropped irks me. The smugness of them sitting there smirking and waving is just….gross!

    • Himmiefan says:

      It looks like they left the kids at home, so this isn’t a spiritual experience but a photo call.

  11. aquarius64 says:

    The queen banking on the Cambridges is a bad call just as doing the ride along with Andrew. The British press is playing along but social media has branded them as scum. The perfect English family image will eventually crack. Andrew’s mess came back on him NINE years later

    • Renata says:

      What do you expect from a woman who feels entitled to play fashion police to all female members of the royal family?

  12. Marnie says:

    I can’t stand William and Kate now. They’re two snakes

    • Immy says:

      For riding in a car with the Queen to church?

      • R2Blast says:

        Seriously- it’s surprising how much so many are reading into a smile.🤷

      • LW says:

        Yeah, I mean it’s obvious most people here don’t like the Cambridge’s, but calling them trash and comparing them to an accused pedophile is a bit much. Also they’re smug because they’re smiling?! Get a grip (and I like Meghan and Harry, by the way. A lot, actually!)

    • Sarah says:

      It’s very funny to see people criticizing – and, rightfully so – the British media for their equal coverage of the jet “controversy” and Andrew’s criminal friend but they are doing the same. The Queen riding with the Cambridges after a petty, unnecessary and hilariously dumb pr stunt is not comparable, in any shape, way or form, to her ride with Pedo Prince.

  13. Loretta says:

    I hope Harry and Meghan donìt go to Balmoral and stay away from that mess.

  14. My3cents says:

    I hope that by the time William’s time comes the Monarchy won’t be around. That the only thing we can actually take comfort in.

  15. Marie says:

    I hope Meghan and Harry never do the ride of shame with the Queen at Balmoral. I heard they visit around Harry’s birthday but they don’t stay the full week.

    Whenever I see pictures of Will and Kate, I get nauseous. They disgust me. I feel so sorry for Harry for having a brother and sister in law like that, especially when he was so supportive of them. Who needs enemies when you have Prince William as a brother?

    • Enn says:

      Photos of W&K make you nauseated?

      I feel nauseated at pictures of the migrants in cages at the border and the fires in the Amazon.

    • RoyalBlue says:

      @marie same. I hope Meghan schedules Archie’s checkups around the time they are penciled in for the pap drive.

    • Nahema says:

      @Marie I think that might be taking it a bit far. Sure they’ve clearly not been great but there aren’t any perfect members of the Royal family and I think you have to remember that much of what you’re reading is lots of micro-analysing of every move certain people are making. We don’t know whether we are right.

  16. AprilMay says:

    Charles and Camilla are coming from Birkhall not Balmoral like the rest of them so they always come in a seperate car and never with the Queen. But otherwise yeah.

  17. pearlime says:

    Its a pity that next balcony appearance (Trooping the Colour?) is still so far away. Where will they put Andrew? Which royals will try to avoid being in a picture with him?

  18. Renata says:

    So, we can see some members of *The Family* looking straight into the lenses of photographers. This is new and Meghan was previously criticized for it, and called Hollywood

    • Mego says:

      Yep Kate sure is mugging in these pics. These two ass clowns are so ham fisted and obvious in their pr stunt shenanigans.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      Kate did it during the GF years and got called on it in the press at the time IIRC, she only stopped mugging once she got the ring. Royal paps used to comment that she’d always give them a good shot, even when falling drunk out of clubs. Pippa was also notorious for it. This is a women who would ask the paps for copies of their photo’s for the family scrapbook, several paps have commented on this.

    • Nic919 says:

      There is a video out there of Kate being filmed practicing a look during a cycling contest while Harry and William and the rest of the crowd are actually watching the race. It’s pretty funny to see and confirms that Kate is well aware of her camera angles and has been for ages. That’s why I always found it unfair that Meghan was getting accused of looking for the cameras when Kate had been doing it for a decade at least.

  19. Mak says:

    I don’t like the queen as much any longer – that’s all am taking away

  20. Manda says:

    My thought is that they are all in this together. Everyone has to do their part to deflect from bad press and Meaghan and Harry are no exception. They are part of the family and will play along, even if their role is to get thrown under the bus. (Although I do agree that racism is rampant in the media.)

    I think it’s naive to think that the Queen hasn’t orchestrated/known/covered up these scandals for years and that her sons, and grandsons aren’t in the know as well. It’s one huge disgusting family against all of us. Of course they’ll stick together.

    • Sarah says:

      The Queen has been protecting Andrew since at least 2011. But people are outraged because of her church ride with him or her smiling at the Cambridges. She’s been trash since forever. She’s been married to racist extraordinaire Prince Philip forever. Don’t get fooled by her taking Meghan on solo engagement, her supposed work ethic (lmao) or her stern old lady act. She ain’t sh*t and as it’s often the case, she raised kids who ain’t sh*t as well who raised kids who ain’t s** as well. The whole family is poison.

  21. Wadsworth the Butler says:

    Since the term “virtue signaling” is all the rage these days, is there any evidence that the Cambridges ever set foot in a church outside of the annual photo ops with the Queen and the occasional wedding? William is the future head of the Church of England, after all (as is George).

    • Do you mean Charles?

      • Wadsworth the Butler says:

        No, I mean William. He is also the future head of the Church of England, which is why his religious practices are a public rather than a private matter. Charles has written and spoken extensively about religion throughout his adult life. William has not. Regardless of what anyone thinks of religion, it’s a significant part of his future role.

    • RoyalBlue says:

      @wads. I suspect they do, but save the public pap walks for special occasions.

    • Mumbles says:

      No. In fact, Cathy had to get quickly confirmed in the CoE before the wedding. (I believe that if you are raised in a family that goes to church regularly, you’re confirmed in your early teens.)

      She looks very overdressed for a regular Sunday service. Christmas, Easter, a christening etc – I would understand you need to dress up. For a regular Sunday – do you need the fascinator?

      • BeanieBean says:

        I think church with the Queen is always a dress up event. And that buttony coat she is wearing is actually a new one per What Kate Wore. The Michael Kors dress is underneath.

    • notasugarhere says:

      No, they don’t. The Middletons aren’t a church doing family. They only started showing up at Church that first Christmas after the engagement, for the “last Christmas with the precious family” photo op. Easter was always their skiing holiday, so not at Church then either.

      • Nic919 says:

        William took off during Easter weekend, the most important holiday for practicing Christians, to go to Jecca’s wedding. I think that tells you the level of his commitment right there. Besides most practicing Christians wouldn’t even consider scheduling a wedding over Easter weekend because they would be expected to attend Easter and Good Friday as well.

  22. aaa says:

    The day after the Cambridge family was photographed deplaning in Aberdeen, several BRF members were photographed on the grounds of Balmoral. My conclusion from that was that the royals being in places that allowed them to be photographed is being orchestrated by the higher ups, namely the Queen’s and perhaps Charles’s courtiers.

    I think that there are courtiers who dislike Harry and/or Meghan but at the same time between the media storms about Andrew and Epstein stories and the Sussexes private plane trips, I think that the primary motivation for allowing the royals to be photographed was to counteract those negative stories.

    • M. says:

      It didn’t work. Those Balmoral pictures did nothing to stop the negative discussions. I wondering if we will see photos of the Cambridge children playing at Balmoral? They seem to be used quite a lot to distract people.

      • bamaborn says:

        M…that is my comment from last week. Expect to see the kids by the pond learning to fish or playing in the gardens. They are sooo transparent.

      • aaa says:

        Of course the media is not going to stop running negative stories about Prince Andrew, the Sussexes or any other royal but the intent was to add into the fray non-negative stories about the BRF.

    • Sarah says:

      It’s true Princess Anne was also photographed on that and contrary to some of the cretins in her family, she is not one to stage dumb photo-ops with the paparazzi.

    • himmiefan says:

      I wondered about that since I thought that security kept the photographers away from Balmoral.

  23. Tw says:

    Kate looks quite pleased with herself and camera ready. Knows all of her angles. Ugh. They’re all so gross. I can’t believe royalty is still a thing.

    • Vava says:

      Kate always acts that way. I think it’s great she married William, they deserve each other. Both are vapid. I only started following those two when they got engaged and there was this PR push to make it seem as if they were both incredible human beings, oh and of course Kate was so fashionable. LOL. Fashionable I guess if you like peplums, ugly hats, old lady hairdos, and boring shoes.

      My guess is things will start to happen before long, The Sussexes will have a great trip to Africa and William will explode in further jealousy. Harry and Meghan just need to do what they do and keep on going. If they end up leaving the UK, then so-be-it. I think they plan to continue their humanitarian work and good for them. William, Kate, TQ, and all the rest of these vipers can just go ahead and destroy themselves and their reputations. Eventually something is going to give.

      • Lady D says:

        Gotta disagree on the hair. When Kate gets it right, her hair looks stunning. She’s worn and pulled off some beautiful updos.(is that a word?)

    • bamaborn says:

      TW…like Vava says, “Kate is always that way.” I might add, she seems to be just dialing it in now.

  24. MellyMel says:

    God don’t like ugly…and I’m gonna leave it at that.

  25. Lori says:

    The queen is 93 years old now so I’m starting to wonder whether all these family idiots are manipulating her into these photo-ops whenever they get into trouble.

    • Renata says:

      She made 32 year old Charles marry 19 year virgin, and use virgin Diana as a royal incubator to produce heir and spare. She didn’t change. Look at the expression of her face https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/queen-elizabeth-ii-is-driven-to-crathie-kirk-church-before-the-on-picture-id1170090851?s=2048×2048

      • notasugarhere says:

        HM didn’t make Charles marry Diana FFS. Philip told him to fish or cut bait, marry her or stop seeing her, but stop harming her reputation. Charles chose to marry her.

        If you’re looking for a royal woman to point fingers at for that relationship? Look to the Queen Mum. She and her close friend, Baroness Fermoy (Diana’s grandmother), kept throwing the Spencer sisters in his way to try to get him to marry one of them.

      • sushi says:

        Stop blaming others for Charles choosing Diana. Unlike Diana who was only 19 years old teenager, Charles was already a middle over 30 years man. People who kept on saying Charles was not allowed to marry conveniently ignore the fact that Camilla was in love and already married her then husband.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Camilla didn’t want to marry Charles. She wanted an affair with Charles, but she (and Anne) both wanted Andrew Parker-Bowles. Charles shipped off for naval duty, Camilla married the man she wanted to marry. The “He couldn’t marry Camilla, she wasn’t a virgin” story is fiction. She didn’t want to marry him.

  26. Deedee says:

    Wearing a brand new buttony coat, too. Smug as the cat who ate the cream.

  27. Sarah says:

    The fact that many people equal this car ride with Andrew’s. Yep, Pedo Prince is totally going to get away with all this.

  28. Who ARE These People? says:

    Her son was deeply enmeshed over decades with a serial sexual offender/rapist and her country is on the brink of self-destruction. The ’empire’ is gone and its spoils continue to rot in post-colonialism around the globe, and the Commonwealth is a tired, self-serving apparition. What allows this family to be protected and defended when the other European Royals have been made to ‘know their place?’

    • Lady D says:

      At a guess, I’d say respect for the Queen and how she has represented her title. At the same time, she should get while the getting’s good. She could retire and be beloved and respected until the end of her days. Her status wouldn’t change, nor would her wealth. She would receive the same treatment no matter where she went or what she did. Maybe she’s trying to be steadfast for the country re Brexit?

      • bamaborn says:

        Lady D, she’s also not sure about Charles and Cam. If you’ve spent your entire adult life pushing this institution and it somehow fails during your lifetime, think that would be too much for the ole lady.

  29. ariel says:

    Not sure why I am so bothered by it, but I keep looking in the daily mail for coverage of the empty planes flying for the benefit of Will and Kate, and they don’t seem to cover it. Dude, they cover EVERYTHING. They cover people walking from a store to their car.

    Unfathomable that the bias is this thick, and obvious.

    Racism really is just Satan speaking through you.

  30. Andrea says:

    I think you’re over thinking what is going on here. The Queen always has made public outings with family members, regardless of what the press might be saying about family members at the time.
    I don’t agree that this is a photo op for the simple purpose of drawing attention away from any other member of the family. These type of photo ops happen regularly, again, regardless of what is going on with the family elsewhere. There is an annual Easter parade, an annual Balmoral parade, an annual fox hunt or horse related parade, an annual church parade, an annual let’s stand on the balcony and wave, etc. Regardless of what others are saying about their family, including philandering, divorce, alcoholism, under-employment issues etc.
    None of us can say as a fact what is going on here, but my view is that it is run of the mill photo op-ery, and not manipulation.

  31. Tangie says:

    So much for being the “family she never had” Harry. I think the BRF is just as toxic and backstabbing as the Markles Just with more money and power.

    However, I do agree with other posters that if Meghan is as intelligent, hard working and savvy as we all think she is, why in the world would she marry into the very definition of white supremacy racists organization? I know she shouldn’t ignore her white side but sheesh. RUN MEGHAN! If Harry truly loves you he will leave with you. No amount of money and access is worth this.

  32. Snap Happy says:

    2 things.
    1. I really think William dislikes Meghan. This plane thing proved it.
    2. I’ve side-eyed the Queen since she gave Andrew that Garter honor after Epstein was found guilty the first time.

    • Catherine says:

      Andrew was made a Knight of the Garter? After Epstein was convicted the first time???? Ugh. Yikes

    • bamaborn says:

      Wills dislikes Duchess Meghan because she’s everything Kate is not and never will be.

      • himmiefan says:

        And she’s committed the sins of being smart and popular.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        To add to himmiefan’s comment, she’s committed the ULTIMATE sin of being not just being good at the royal job but also really really wanting to do it. Her work ethic shames him and his.

      • liriel says:

        Bamaborn, sorry but you’re out of touch. The hatred here is too much.

      • Lady D says:

        There is no hatred here. There is contempt, scorn and derision, all applied after watching them in action for a decade, but no hatred.

      • Nic919 says:

        I don’t think William dislikes Meghan in relation to Kate, although it’s obvious Meghan actually did hit the ground running. I think he doesn’t like that Harry is more confident and assertive with Meghan at his side and William doesn’t like that Harry is standing up to him and doing his own thing, something he really didn’t do before Meghan entered the picture.

  33. koko says:

    I’m glad he’s not my brother.

  34. Juniper says:

    First I will say that when it was first reported that Harry was dating Meghan I was really excited…. she is gorgeous and came across as bright, hard working and chic….. I thought she’d be great…. I started feel uneasy a the engagement interview and to be honest it’s just gone downhill since…. and does anyone seriously think that Meg was not motivated by the HRH title and living in a palace????? The issue isn’t that they use private jets…….. I would totally fly privately if I could afford it….it’s the ad nauseating lecturing about saving then planet and then hopping on a private jet that bothers people….. Any they have a public platform So the downside is public criticism…..

    • lanne says:

      since when is making a simple statement about doing what you can to save the planet “lecturing?” All of us know that plastic is terrible for the environment, but I’ll bet most of us reading this have a plastic drinking implement within reach. If we don’t all behave immaculately, we are flaming hypocrites who deserve to be slammed publicly? Perfection is the enemy of the good. Let’s get real: the people who hate the Sussexes will jump on ANY opportunity to criticize them. The silly thing about picking this particular fight is that now ANY use of private planes will be viewed as suspect by ANY member of the royal family. William should have thought of that before doing his little stunt.

      • Juniper says:

        Don’t be silly the same criticism was made at those attending Davos flying in by private jet to listen to Attenborough and loudly levelled at those that attended the google environment summit….. The old saying practice want you preach has been around for a long time before H&M but it applies to them too…. They have a platform and need to be seen walking the walk not just talking the talk

    • Toot says:

      Meghan doesn’t talk about the environment, so I don’t see where the “lecturing” you see her doing is coming from. As for Harry, he wasn’t lecturing people either. If you read what he actually said in his Vogue piece, and not the spinned version put out by the British press you would understand that.

      • Juniper says:

        Excuse me???? they devoted the month of July on @sussexroyal to the environment Including a quote from Harry that every action and every choice makes a difference….

      • Olenna says:

        @Juniper,
        Excuse me, but why do people who don’t like the Sussexes follow them and then have the audacity to complain about what they write on an IG acccount or say during an interview or speech? Obviously, the Sussexes messages aren’t meant for them or anyone who doesn’t want to hear, care or learn about the work they are doing or support. No one is forcing this couple “down their throats” (as haters often say). People have a choice; they could stop paying attention to the Sussexes and stop reading the tabloid news about them. Most respected news outlets rarely cover them or the BRF. Maybe some people need to elevate their reading habits if all they see are tabloid headlines and hit pieces on only one couple out of the entire BRF.

      • HMC says:

        Olenna I’m with you. I don’t really follow the Cambridges closely because I’m not all that interested and personally find them increasingly unlikable. I certainly don’t seek out information unless I’m stuck on the train and it’s a first page article on a fun gossip site (like this one). I can easily avoid all mention of them.

  35. Umm says:

    Looks to me like a whole lot of people have never fallen totally and blindly in love. She married Harry for love and nothing else. She didn’t look too hard into the family; she jumped on faith that Harry has her back and like they said in the engagement interview they are a team.

    Also IF Meghan is as conniving as some of you like to console yourselves with, she wouldn’t have married Harry. She would’ve have just dated him for as long as possible to build her profile then she would’ve dumped him.

    What we can all see and even those who choose to be blind cannot deny the fact that Meghan has a genuine love for helping people and doing humanitarian work. She is not doing anything now that she wasn’t doing before.

    Read up on her she was doing a lot more than acting and living a lavish lifestyle. She hasn’t changed. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon. She lived in the real world, had real struggles and had already made it and living a beautiful and happy life before Harry.

  36. Marie says:

    Exactly. Harry said in their engagement interview that he tried to warn her as much as possible. He knew it would be bad, he probably never expected his brother and sister in law would be behind it.

    Also, Harry’s dear friend passed away last week so it makes what W&K that much more horrible. The Cambridge’s are the absolute worst.

  37. Agenbiter says:

    TQ’s behavior makes sense if connections between Epstein and the BRF go beyond Andrew. From Whitney Webb’s investigative series:

    “One of the arms dealers that Epstein apparently knew quite well was the British arms dealer Sir Douglas Leese. Leese was involved in brokering the first of a series of controversial British arms deals that involved Khashoggi known as the Al Yamamah Deal and allegedly involving bribery of members of the Saudi royal family and top Saudi officials. In addition to Khashoggi, several of those officials and royal family members had deep ties to BCCI.
    Later iterations of that arms deal were allegedly brokered with the involvement of Prince Charles of the British royal family, and corruption investigations into Al Yamamah were later shut down by the efforts of Tony Blair as well as Prince Andrew.” https://www.mintpressnews.com/genesis-jeffrey-epstein-bill-clinton-relationship/261455/

  38. liriel says:

    The Queen lost my respect again (Diana case was first prime example).
    The Palace planted this and W&K played along. I think Kate had no choice (other than the smug face). I kind of feel sorry for Meghan because now the scene is set. Like maybe TQ thought at first she’d show acceptance but she’s so old school she protects whom she prefers. Because make no mistake, she threw M & W to the wolves.
    Let’s be honest, it’s a completely different story but was Grace Kelly happy? Nope.
    I believe no one should be attacked. I believe Meghan didn’t fully know, thought she’d make people love her instantly, Harry knew better (he also knew what poor CHELSY went through.. remember how papers treated Chelsy?) but the Palace disappointed them. It’s very tricky not to chose revenge path but..
    At least we can comment here and for a minute be glad we’re not in the spotlight..

  39. lanne says:

    Maybe the Sussexes should quietly threaten to leave the RF? Maybe even slant it so that they are “taking one for the team” as in “We are SO SORRY that all of our mistakes, like taking a private jet, and all Meg’s mistakes: touching her stomach, editing a magazine, looking at the camera and smiling, crossing her legs, not wearing a hat that one time. We’re so sorry we didn’t do a Simba presentation with our son. We thought by keeping the birth private, we would avoid stepping on Dear Brother’s turf. Sorry we were wrong! We don’t want to bring ANY shame to the Family through our misdeeds, however unintentional our misdeeds were. So we will withdraw from the family and stop using our titles. Here are the keys to Frogmore. So long!” And then go live their fabulous life. They will always be referred to by their titles anyway, even if it’s as the former DDoS. They can do all the humanitarian work they want without worrying about overstepping the Cambridges, they can wear all the fancy clothes they like. Harry has money, and they will still be the creme do la creme of society, as a poster said above. They can do an interview with Oprah and tell their side of the story. Then they can leave the RF standing there with the OPTICS of having pushed the Sussexes out (which would be the story) while coddling pedo Andy. The RF will be left to answer to the Commonwealth, and the Cambridges can FINALLY get around to doing all the work they have been SO KEEN to get started on doing. Everyone wins!

    Why do I think both the Queen and Prince Charles and even William would do ANYTHING to prevent this from happening? Maybe it’s time for the Sussexes to play hardball. The RF needs them more than they need the RF.

    • bamaborn says:

      Lanne…before the Duchess of Sussex entered the picture, I don’t know who was even talking about them.

  40. Marie says:

    I think Kate had a choice and gladly went along with it, maybe it was her moms idea? I definitely get mean girl vibes from her. I don’t think she likes Meghan at all. She acts all sweet and nice to you but will throw you under the bus in a second. She was pretty mean to the York sisters when she was dating William

  41. He he says:

    All of you are crazy

    • Lady D says:

      As someone mentioned earlier, game recognizes game.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        Very true but who has the better game? I think a lot of Kate’s game comes from Carole, who is pretty good at it. Megs also has a good game of her own going on.

        I like Meghan but agree with others upthread that it takes a certain kind of woman to marry into Royalty.

      • Elisa says:

        +1, IMO both Kate and Meghan are social climbers and very ambitious.

  42. Tpoe says:

    Everything they do is either smug or pathetic. Can the brits just wake up and dump these people already?

  43. Oliviajoy1995 says:

    It’s so sad that William treats Harry and Meghan like this. He knows how the media and paparazzi really affected his mother, so for him to pile on with what Meghan already has to endure makes him a total jerk.

  44. Tink says:

    Something I’ve never understood about Meghan: she is a strong independent woman who worked really hard to establish her career. I really respect and admire her for that. However, she gave up her career, her country, her voice (eg her blog and social media) and her religion (she converted to Church of England prior to the wedding) for Harry. Who gave up nothing – there was no compromise at all.

    Kick Kennedy married the future Duke of Devonshire during the 2WW, but only after months of negotiations as she refused to change her religion. She stood her ground, so ultimately it was agreed that she would remain catholic, but any children would be raised as COE.

    Meghan gave up everything without hesitation

    • Molly says:

      Tink, she gave it up for a world wide stage. She can reach more people as a Duchess vs Tig. She wants and need for nothing. Harry gave her a life that only a very small percentage of the world could imagine. Would you give it all up to marry a Prince of England? Besides, it looks like true love to me and that is hard to find.

    • RoyalBlue says:

      @tink. Yes she gave up everything. Because when you get down to the core of the issue, we all want to love and be loved. When you find that person, that soul mate and look them in the eyes and see your future, your future children and similar hopes and dreams…. you will too. I have many friends with established careers who have left their homelands for love. I have a friend who met her husband from Iran and is living there now. I have friends whose choices of partners many will question but at the end of the day it comes down to love. A concept it seems many of the posters here can’t grasp as they feel women only marry for money or for publicity.

    • notasugarhere says:

      This tumblr trope again? Go research Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, or Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Other strong, independent career women have married into royalty and are doing just fine as Meghan is.

    • MeganBot2000 says:

      Meghan was raised Protestant. Protestant and Anglican are both Christian, with only very slight differences. I don’t consider going from Protestant to Anglican to be changing religion. If she was Catholic or Jewish that would be different, but she was already Christian!

      And her acting career was winding down, to focus on her humanitarian career, which she now is far better resources to pursue.

      • Myra says:

        Catholics are Christians. If my history serves me right King Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church and established the Anglican Church so he could divorce and remarry in search of a male heir.

    • RoyalBlue says:

      As did Mary, who left her career and Australia to marry Frederick. It doesn’t take much looking to find similar examples but the trolls are busy around here

    • Carolind says:

      That’s not quite right about Kick Kennedy. The agreement was that if the British aristocracy was still a force at the end of the war then Billy and Kick’s children would be raised Church of England. I think the Devonshires were one of the leading freemason families in the country, if not the leading family. If, however, the aristocracy was a spent force then any children would be brought up RC.
      Billy and Kathleen had a non-religious wedding.

      The Devonshires were great about Kathleen and went to the wedding. Apart from young Joe who gave her away, none of the Kennedys were there.

      By the way, Kathleen did not marry the future Duke of Devonshire. He (Billy) was heir to the title but was killed just 3 or 4 months after their marriage. His younger brother inherited in 1950.

      Likewise when the younger brother, Andrew, who eventually inherited the title, wanted to marry Debbo Mitford when they were barely 21, the Devonshires agreed without complaint.

      Incidentally I have always thought it was the Duchess of Devonshire title that Kathleen Kennedy wanted and not the man for himself. She was meant though to have been in love with the earl with whom she later had the affair and died with.

  45. Guest says:

    God they are so smug and arrogant looking. I hope karma bites them all in the a$s. Also hope harry take this wife and son and leaves

  46. bamaborn says:

    Liriel, I’m not hating on anyone. If you’ve spent 8 plus years in an organization (monarchy) and the most you’ve got to show for it is 3 heirs and a garden, then that’s not on me. Why wait till the new Duchess arrives to find your footing? Show some initiative, prove you’re worth that “Consort” title.

    • Citresse says:

      The late Diana would be horrified by it all.
      To think there were individuals back in ’81 so upset by the black strapless dress she wore on her first outing with Charles as his fiancee……and now all this?????? Terrible

      • L84Tea says:

        Diana was a bit of a mess herself in many ways, but yes, when it came to her work ethic, she ran circles around these two.

  47. Sduff says:

    William and Kate are the ‘trashiest’ members of the family?

    • Lady D says:

      Naw, Andrew and Phillip.

    • RoyalBlue says:

      They got plenty trash in the family which makes them just like the rest of us. They got the racist old granny, grand pa and aunts who won’t change, the future king and second wife that know it’s wrong to be racist but won’t publicly say so because what will their friends think. They got hustlers and lazy relatives with poor work ethic given their privileges. Same old same old.

  48. Molly says:

    William and Kate are dreadful! I really don’t get the lack of public outrage from the British about Andrew. I don’t see how they compare Meghan to Andrew

  49. Justanothersarah says:

    Comparing the Queen’s reaction to the Cambridges’ petty PR stunt with her reaction to the Andrew allegations is a totally false equivalence. W&K might well be crappy friends/relatives and pretty lazy and out of touch with reality, but that’s a far cry from being embroiled for decades in a mysterious network of international sex traffickers.

  50. Isnotafanofanything says:

    Some of the comments on here are so vindictive towards the Cambridge family that they really can start writing for the “Mail.” There are a lot of unproven accusations here.

    • L4frimaire says:

      Part of it is just people being sick of the tabloid smears and BS double standards regarding Meghan. Finally people can see it out there in the open so they aren’t mincing words. Maybe it’s exaggerated and not so nice, but the tabloids and KP have been completely unethical, so when the heat turns back and focuses on the plastic Cambridge’s, there is schadenfreude. They’re so perfect and never put a foot wrong🙄 because they never step up. Also, part of this is anger is directed at the tabloid press who are willfully shirking their responsibilities in reporting on Andrew truthfully and with the seriousness it deserves. He literally participated in crimes. Instead they want to talk about private jets and get mad about Vogue. So glad that Guardian editorial on Andrew forced him to issue that poorly written ridiculous statement.

    • liriel says:

      I agree, I have no idea what happened to this site but it’s full of vitrol. It’s even hard to read.

      • Lene Malan says:

        @Liriel, Agreed! I am starting to miss the Kardashians, and that’s bad!! 😅

      • RoyalBlue says:

        Hard to read? Have you not read the vitriolic press towards the Sussexes? Do you see the faux outrage towards them for spurious reasons? Do you not see how angered the press were (and wrongly so) about the Sussexes insistence around privacy for their son by the secrecy surrounding his birth and christening. Have you seen any support from KP or BP or CH when the Sussexes are thrown under the bus? But yet the palace can swiftly respond to the press and deny that Kate used Botox? Have you not seen how charismatic Meghan and Harry are when they did their engagement interview and UK tours? When they work? The enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and planning that goes into their projects and yet this positive spin is never reported? The fervor to put Meghan in her place?

        There really are none so blind as those who refuse to see.

      • MerryGirl says:

        It’s so hard to read. So don’t read! Is it equally hard to read every single British media outlet (not only the tabloids) reporting ad nauseum on DDOS in a negative light? Point me to the screaming headlines full of vitriol when the other Royals take private flights, go on exclusive holidays and wear expensive clothes. OK then.

      • Nic919 says:

        I’m not sure what site you have been visiting but this site has been critical of the Cambridges for years, especially with their PR games to cover for the fact they barely work.

  51. blunt talker says:

    Someone stated that William probably dislike how Harry has stood up to him since getting married. William is not use to Harry disobeying him and not doing what he says. Harry has grown up and became an adult and William does not like it. I do believe the Sussexes are playing the long game-by the time William’s kids become pre-adults, they will be moving on out of the royal family. Harry has said he truly loves Africa and California.

    • Myra says:

      Knowing what you know today, go back and look at interviews with William and Harry. It’s clear Harry has been holding back carful not to overshadow William

  52. Carolind says:

    If Meghan and Harry go to Balmoral over a weekend they will be riding in the car with the Queen. It is the way she works it. She has them all in turn. Charles does not ride in the car with her because he does not stay at Balmoral. He is going to the Church from his own home on the estate, Birkhall.