It feels like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been away for forever! But it’s just been about five weeks. When will they EVER come back?!? I miss them. That being said, I’m happy that they got away to a still-undisclosed location and I’m glad they’re avoiding the Protect Andrew campaign. I also think they were a bit overexposed, which wouldn’t have been a problem except that the British tabloids were ensuring that the exposure was overwhelmingly negative. So, people are already looking ahead to what will happen with the Sussexes and the Cambridges in 2020. Katie Nicholl, the pro-Middleton Vanity Fair reporter, gave an interview where she talked about what she expected for Kate and Meghan:
The pressure is on Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton to ‘save the Royal Family,’ royal commentator Katie Nicholl has claimed. Her Majesty will turn 95 in 18 months – the same age at which her husband Philip withdrew from his public duties – and there is talk among courtiers that she may use the milestone to effectively hand over day-to-day control of the monarchy to Charles. And Katie has suggested the Queen’s move towards retirement will ‘force’ the Duchess of Sussex, 38, and the Duchess of Cambridge, 37, to work closely with each other.
‘I think after a festive break, both Kate and Meghan will know that joint ventures to support the Queen are not only part of their duty, but also good for the public image,’ said Katie, speaking to Closer magazine. ‘[Kate] knows the pressure is on her and Meghan to save the royal family, to an extent.’
With Prince Andrew stripped of his duties, the royal commentator claims his charities may be distributed to other royals which in turn, could result in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, putting on a ‘united front.’ ‘The Queen turns 94 this year and there’s a plan in place to relieve her of her pressures, which is why she’s calling on the four to step up,’ explained Katie. ‘Although the Cambridges and Sussexes have their own charities, I think the Queen’s move towards retirement will force them to work closely with each other.’
This is painful for a lot of reasons. CB and I have talked about this a lot on the Gossip with Celebitchy podcast, how the British papers and the royal family have been so short-sighted, parochial and small-minded. Everyone refused to see the bigger picture with Meghan, that she would be great for the family and that the family – gasp! – needed her, and they needed someone who wanted to work, who wanted to be a big part of the royal family’s future. Instead, they treated her like an interloper in their all-white fairytale and spent the past two years smearing the f–k out of her. I guess in the new year, maybe the royals will start treating Meghan like they need her? LOL, of course not.
Also: “Brighton councillors” have created a petition to strip the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of their titles. The reasoning is that the titles are a “symbol of oppression by the wealthy elite.” So… that’s why these peeps only care about Harry and Meghan’s titles? It’s definitely not because these colonizers can’t stand that a black woman has a royal title, right?
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red and Backgrid.
Edit: I misread the title, nevermind me
If the royal family ceased to exist, Meghan would land on her feet. Her work ethic, “real world” work experience and drive….. The rest of them – I’m not so sure. They have lived in that sheltered environment for so long, it’s all they know.
If it weren’t for the King and Queen Consort titles, I think the Cambridges would be fine with it. They have their own inheritance from Diana and the Queen Mother, and inheritance coming from the Queen and Prince Philip probably (and who knows how much they have stashed away as private gifts and cash and lands). Then there’s everything Charles has done with his title, which they will probably get pieces of. They will be exactly what they want to be – titled, rich, private citizens who answer to no-one with blue blood in their veins.
I agree, Carmen. To me she is a real modern woman, who is going for what she wants and in addition, does it in such positive, inclusive, elegant way. If the monarchy crumbles, she will be just fine. Harry got lucky.
He did. And she has a partner who really, truly, deeply loves her. That doesn’t happen every day either. Everything (and everyone) is a package deal.
Honestly, I think all the major family members would be okay if the monarchy was gone, with the exception of the Yorks. It seems Charles knows how to manage money with his growing of the Duchy of Cornwall assets. Kate and William don’t really live extravagant lives compared to a lot of royals or uber wealthy people. With William’s inheritance, even with his lack of work effort, his immediate family would probably be fine. Obviously, Meghan and Harry and family would be fine. Princess Anne seems to be okay, along with her kids. Prince Edward and his family would probably be fine too. The only one who seems to be into uber extravagant living would be Andrew and his family, but maybe the girls could be okay, but he’s obviously got bigger issues. I mean it would be interesting if this was decided. I just don’t think you can modernize an innate archaic institution.
Also, while the optics of the people of Sussex suing over the titles is bad as they are the only current action, I applaud them. Cause in the bigger picture they are right. Oddly enough, I kind of feel Meghan at least would agree. I mean apparently this was a big deal at one time with Wales and Charles too, so it’s not unprecedented. It could just be the area of Sussex has more active citizens in this arena than Cambridge or York. I don’t know the areas very well. Although if I’m a citizen of York, I’m going after that one big time!!!
Ladies, take your kids and run, and let that whole damn royal institution implode.
Best response to the whole situation
I think this is a crazy assumption so I agree with your sentiment. Why is it up to the woman who just married into the firm be responsible for keeping it going? Please that is the most ridiculous statement ever. Why not William and Harry? Dumb!!!!!!
Katie Nichols, spent the whole year and some discrediting Meghan, and favouring Kate over her, so why does she want them to wotk together to save the monarchy? Oh, I know, they need their golden goose to make their money. Katie Nichols, my dear, you can’t bat both ways. The monarchy is not going anywhere, it may metamorphised, or evolve into a different kind of monarchy, but it is not going anywhere. As for those White Supremacists who want to strip The Sussexes of their title, it is not through any noble or lofty idiology, it is just pure racism, hate and bigotry, so don’t be fooled. Only The Queen can strip them of their titles, if she is not going to strip the Duke of York title from Andrew, why in heavens name would she do it for The Sussexes who have no allegations against them?
I’m really worried about Harry/Meghan returning to their Royal Duties. William and Kate couldn’t fill the void. Nothing they did could survive a full News day cycle. The media seems desperate to bring them back resorting to publishing stories from their wedding and the like.
Re: the titles – is Brighton in Sussex? that was kind of how I read it. Its not bc of Meghan and Harry personally, they just don’t want royalty using the name Sussex. But, I doubt they would be doing this if Kate and William had been named Duke/Duchess of Sussex.
Re: saving the royal family, someone else said something along those lines a few weeks ago – maybe actually Omid? Not that they were going to “save it” but that the younger royals were really going to need to step up as the queen starts to step back (and I think there was a lot of shade at Kate in his comments.) I think we talked about it here.
Anyway – of course the younger royals are going to need to step up more, and like you said Kaiser, what a shame the royal family has spent the past two years feeding Meghan to the wolves. She is going to be a huge asset to the family, even with that, so it just makes the royal family look that much worse.
Brighton is progressive and Cambridge stands for history. I think the people of Brighton would have the same issue, regardless of which Royals tried to use its county name. Brighton is a diverse town and home of the UK’s largest Pride celebrations each year. Cambridge by comparison is elitist and has the largest wealth divide in the country.
Thanks! I didn’t know that. That’s interesting. So you think Brighton would have had the same reaction, regardless? (in terms of the title of Sussex)
ETA sorry just saw you answered my question in your post lol
Yeah I still HIGHLY doubt that if it was Kate and William carrying the Sussex name that this petition would exist. I also would LOvE to know how many black people and POCare part of the “Brighton Councillors” . A city or town may be diverse but that doesnt mean that their leadership, bureaucracy or councils are as well.
Yeah this really isn’t a WK vs HM thing. I think this would have happened in Brighton no matter who the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were – based on the demographic of the area. It certainly has nothing to do with a black woman having a title – Brighton is actually much more progressive. Whereas you just wouldn’t get this in somewhere much more conservative like Cambridge.
@thatched – what? I did not say that at all. I know where Brighton is, thanks. Maybe re-read my comment.
@valiantlyvarnished
How does the number of black councillors on Brighton council have any relevance here? The petition was started by a member of the public who is anti-monarchy and thinks these titles represent the oppression of the public by the wealthy elite (not surprised that a number of people are anti-monarchy in Brighton tbh). As it collected a certain number of signatures, Brighton council now have to discuss the motion.
It says all of that in the article.
Yeah came here to second Nahema’s comments. Brighton’s MP is Caroline Lucas – the only MP from the Green Party in the country. There is a lot of cross over between liberal progressives and republicanism (getting rid of the monarchy) in the UK. A lot of republicans acknowledge the Meghan-smearing as racism, but still feel strongly that her husband and the whole House of Windsor should come down.
If they are anti monarchy then why not extend the petition to stop referring to any of the royals by their titles? Why just the couple with a biracial duchess? They aren’t called duke and duchess of Brighton so what ownership do they specifically have about Sussex? Why not just say that no one should get a title?
The republican argument only makes sense if you want to deal with all of it and not just target the woman who is half black and American.
It’s not a good look for the people who signed that petition. It’s racist and just like when that Quebec town in the middle of nowhere decided they would ban the hijab. I feel bad for the council members who have to waste their time with this because I am sure they have real business to deal with.
@eyeroll the fact that you think it DOESN’T have relevance speaks volumes.
@valiantlyvarnished
I am a WoC myself so I suggest you stop right there – I have seen enough of your comments here to know what you are trying to imply.
As mentioned a number of times now the councillors themselves have nothing to do with the bringing of this petition. They simply have to discuss it as it collected a certain number of signatures. So the makeup of that council is not really relevant here with regards to this petition. If you disagree with the petition itself that’s fine but it was members of the public who drew it up.
Brighton is very republican and this makes sense. Though the guy who started it said that while he’s a republican at heart, he did it on a lark and then it got traction. It happens every time someone from the monarchy gets a title, the republicans in that area speak up. As others commenters said Cambridge is more conservative and royalist, but there was something there as well when William got the title. Same here in Scotland with the Scottish titles.
@eyeroll you can be a person of color and still have blindspots and the makeup of those who participated in not only deciding to gather signatures but sign is important. As are the optics of attempting to strip a black Duchess of her title.
It is one guy, a Republican, who filed it. Others tried this for other royal titles/couples too through the years. They cannot remove the titles but can make the Council not use the titles in official documents. I’d be interested to see if the online signatures came from locals.
I dont support going after just Meg and Harty but I’m all for abolishing the monarchy. If the first step is getting rid of their titles then I support it ( again as long as they are going after all the royals)
@valiantlyvarnished
I don’t know why this very basic concept is so hard for you to grasp but once again the councillors did not draw up the petition or arrange for signatures. As set out here many times, this petition was drawn up by a member of the public and because he managed to collect a certain number of signatures the council members are now obligated to discuss it (despite no doubt having much more important work to do). This is not my ‘blind spot’ this is you refusing to understand what I am trying to explain and instead choosing to be rude to somebody you don’t know on the internet.
Of course the optics are bad – this entire petition is stupid and a waste of time. We actually have the same opinion on this. Hopefully it will be discussed and promptly dismissed at the next council meeting.
@eyeroll I wasn’t being rude merely speaking plainly as I always do. I think you are not understanding my point in regards to the person who created the petition itself and those who felt compelled to sign it. I get that people would like to abolish the Monarchy but again – it’s shitty to put the focus on a black Duchess in this case.
@eyeroll—applauding everything you are saying here.
@valiantlyvarnished
As you know full well your point was about the number of black council members on Brighton council. I simply pointed out that I don’t think that’s relevant here as they have nothing to do with this petition as of yet – they are simply obligated to discuss it at their next meeting. You then responded with your ‘speaks volumes’ comment which was rude and unnecessary – there is a difference between speaking plainly and escalating a normal conversation for no reason.
Your point about the person who DID draw it up and those who DID sign it is a different point entirely and one that I agree with.
@jenner – thank you!!
Yes, VV, it is sh!tty he’s chosen to focus on Meghan. He could have done this anywhere but chose to start here with these two.
To be fair, they haven’t targeted Meghan or started with Meghan. Others have pointed out that this has happened before in other areas, with other Royals. A large part of the reason it’s gained so much traction, is the area in which it’s been focused. This wasn’t some heavily advertised campaign.
All of the Royals need to have their titles and their tax payer funded lifestyles stripped but it still feels like that is a long way off.
Why just focus on Meghan and Harry, then?
Sure, abolish the monarchy! ALL of them. Fine, IDC. But just going after M&H is pretty obviously racist. What about Princess Henry? What about “Prince” Andrew? I’m sorry, but regardless of who drafted it – they are showing their entire azz.
You’re going to go for the best BRF member in years, but not the rest of them. Not their brutal colonizing. Not their plundered jewels. Not their nazi connections. Not how they hung their russian relations out to dry (die). And then took THEIR jewels!
No, all of that is FINE! We must just tear down Meghan!
So transparent.
I think they all should do it, with York going first!!!! I mean who really wants to be associated with him. Just my opinion, and oddly I think Meghan would be all for it as she never seemed so into people calling her Duchess. Whenever you hear a hot mic on her she’s always saying call me Meghan. It’s just not her. While it may very well have started cause they were trying to go after the Sussexes, oddly I think it could end spectacularly in a way they didn’t expect.
Still a bogus contrived outrage of an appeal, it is not going anywhere! Yhe Council is powerless
Brighton has NO city councillors who are visibly people of colour (yes I know some mixed race people can be white passing, but they all do look very white).
The group is very diverse in terms of having lots of women and LGBT people, and they are the only area to elect a Green Party MP. But they are not racially diverse.
I nearly moved to Brighton and didn’t feel comfortable there. It’s super “woke” but that doesn’t mean perfect. Imo a lot of “woke” types can be strong on things like LGBT rights but pretty horrendous when it comes to racism.
The article I’ve read on Daily Express has ONLY everything to do with the Sussexes and NOTHING to do with the rest of the RF. They want to strip the titles of the Sussexes, but not of anyone else. It’s a clear retaliation in my opinion for having a black Duchess (sorry for saying it so clear, but it’s the truth). The reason they gave is: titles are an obsolete form of opression & etc. It’s so silly and absurd: if the titles are what they said, the first one to go is the Queen, if you want logic on this mess. But there’s nothing about anyone else titled. Which brings to the problem of MM sporting a title and the status of a Duchess.
Conclusion: if the legend of the zombies is true and if they eat brains, the author of the petition and the ones who signed it don’t need to be worried. They are safe from the attack.
It’s cause the people of Sussex signed a petition to do this and they decided to bring a suit. Not the people of Cambridge, York, etc. As someone on here said the Sussex area is far more progressive than the other areas, which could be a good portion of the reason. But honestly, I think it is a brilliant idea. Good luck if this is what they want. It could be the end of the monarchy.
I’ve said before: I dont think Kate and Meg ever had problems, I think that was media fodder and the real issue is between the brothers. Will used Meg as a step stool to boost up Kate. I never thought the “Kate is a perfect queen who can do no wrong” stories were coming from Kate herself, I think they came from the palace and Will. Why would she want to draw attention to herself when shes still doing less work than everyone? I think they put that pressure on her when in the beginning, when Meg first arrived, she was happy to have the pressure taken off.
There would be nothing better than to see Meg bring that energy and crush the haters in 2020, but I also can see her laying low, working her charities and building her family (which to me is still crushing the haters.) And letting the royal family continue to dig it’s own grave.
But I will say this, I think that the pressure has always been on Kate and Meg to save the royal family. They are the most interesting part of it. The actual royals themselves are like watching paint dry, they are about as interesting as their spouses. Kate saves William’s image daily. As long as he can keep running back to her to hide behind he can do whatever (or lack thereof) he wants. Meg is an absolute powerhouse and Harry looks like growing grass next to her.
As much as everyone likes to dump on Kate, I think there is a lot of pressure on her, especially from William and I think we have seen these last couple months her fight ling back on some of that pressure. I hope she bats her husband down and her and Meg can both succeed in 2020.
@cidy
I agree with so much of this comment and it’s nice to see something so balanced here. The truth is that the stars of each couple are the wives and everyone can see it. I hope that both Meghan and Kate can go on to be successful in 2020 and beyond (I think both of their husbands are spoilt men-children so couldn’t care less about their success).
As you said, Meg is an absolute powerhouse and there’s no way she doesn’t go on to do amazing things, and with Kate I think if she can keep growing in confidence and do more solo engagements (free from the shackles of Wills) then she can have an impact too.
So, I agree generally with a lot of what you said. I don’t think Kate and Meghan have any serious issues. I do think, more and more, as the Cambridges leave the Sussexes out to dry, there may be some issues.
I do think the positive PR about Kate comes either from William/KP or Carole (or more likely, Carole through KP/William.) I don’t think Kate is necessarily pushing this narrative about herself, but she obviously benefits. I definitely agree that Kate saves William’s image daily. His marriage and his kids are what save his image, and I think he knows that. I think the BRF as a whole know that, hence things like new orders for Kate when she continues to do her part in that area.
I also think the family is tone-deaf and misses some big PR wins. Kate wearing something from the Smart Set would have been a big win for her and Meghan, and it would have been super simple.
I think in general though, at this point Meghan isn’t really interested in playing the palace’s PR games, which is why they took off for the holidays.
I think it’s always been the brothers who have been the issue and so I don’t see Kate or Meghan doing much together until that gets resolved.
BECKS1 –
I agree with all you said honestly. I think the biggest damage Kate is doing right now is allowing herself to be elevated at Meg’s expense. And they really should be looking for PR wins, like Kate wearing some if the Smart Collection and having Meg and Kate collab together. I think they would actually make a dynamite team Will could stop throwing his SIL under the bus and get some therapy with his brother lol
I think a lot of people think that Will holds the power in their relationship and he certainly doesn’t. If Kate walked away from the RF she might make more money and still have her elevated lifestyle because she could do documentaries, interviews, continue doing charity she could do workout/lifestyle work. She isnt trapped in that marriage, William is. I also think the narrative that Kate “knew” how William was before she married him needs to be changed to, “it’s different when you’re actively living it with three kids.”
Becks1 YES! There is such easy and obvious PR for them to capitalize on, and I cannot for the life of me understand why they don’t take it. (I mean, racism and holding a grudge, but isn’t there a single person in those offices who can see the bigger picture?!)
@Cidy – yes, someone said that the other day and I agreed – there is a big difference between “knowing” William is a certain way (that he cheats, that he’s colder than someone like Harry, whatever) and living it with three kids. Kate may have thought she knew what she was getting, but 10 years down the road with three kids it may have lost its shine.
Kate has benefited too much from the anti-Meghan campaign to be innocent in this. She’s getting her best PR in years, simply for sitting back and not Duchessing While Black.
NOTA –
I completely agree. I didnt say at all that Kate was absolved of all of this, my point is that I think William is the instigator.
Meg has done nothing but be an absolute powerhouse champion for everything she does, and it’s been painful as a black woman to watch her be treated this way because in all honesty she is on the world stage representing how all black women are treated in interracial relationships and in the workplace.
I think Kate benefits from the anti-Meghan campaign, but I don’t know if that means Kate herself is behind it, because let’s face it, she’s not that bright or hard-working to run *any* campaign. I suspect that once Meghan showed how bright, charming, hard-working, and popular she can be, it made Kate look poor in comparison. Which in turn reflects badly on William (who chose/molded Kate into his own lazy image). I wonder if William is, in the end, regretful that he married Kate? That would motivate Kate’s mother to try to boost Kate’s popularity. So I’m thinking the smear against Meghan is from either William or Kate’s mom.
Mrs. Krabapple, Kate may not bright enough but her mother Carole sure as hell is. Kate is no innocent in this smear campaign. The Meghan made Kate cry story came from the Middleton camp I am quite sure.
Carole made some pretty pointed comments in an interview last year that related to Meghan’s work ethic which made it obvious she’s got an issue with Meghan. Kate benefits generally from being passive but she’s done nothing to show real support for her sister in law either.
@nic919 – yeah I agree, don’t know about Kate, but her mother’s comments in that Telegraph interview was very telling and I definitely think she was definitely involved in one of the initial smear campaign articles last year. What’s Carole’s issue with Meghan anyway?
I agree with you Cidy. I also think it is important to remember that Meghan is all about women supporting other women. I imagine her relationship with Kate is professional, collegial, and supportive. They don’t have to be best friends or even friends to work well together and respect each other. Kate has gone on record several times stating that she is competitive, so if Meghan coming into the fold has helped her up her game, well more power to the both of them — and from what I have read of Meghan’s support of women I think she would agree with that.
@NOTA – Absolutely! White women have always been the direct beneficiaries of discrimination against women of color. Even if Kate’s not driving the smears against Meg, her silence and lack of public support for her his sister in law make her complicit. She should follow the example of someone like Hillarie Burton who spoke out when she didn’t have to and acknowledged that her position of privilege as a wealthy white woman made it easier for her to do so. The least the royals could do, while continuing to grift off of the British public, has is try to make the world a better place by speaking out against racism and sexism (and no, that’s not a political stance – it’s basic human decency).
Meghan and Harry are absolutely glowing with joy, love and happiness. There is your answer to ,”Which prince would you pick if you could?” Harry every damn time and Kate has never looked this loved up.
Forget what I’m going to say, that’s my opinion and I have no solid base at all, except my feelings (which, forgive me, in this cases are very good), but when Harry was single I always thought Kate’s behavior too much (and stress the too much) chummy. Her face in videos or pics showed a… special glow looking at him.
So strong was that feeling, that I thought the horrible ematiation she displayed around the time of Harry’s wedding was because of that. Later, when the Rose’s problem hit the fan, I put the dots together.
Kate had hyperemesis and had just given birth to her third child when Harry got married. She’d spent months vomiting and needing medical intervention. It’s such a big deal that it’s a potentially fatal pregnancy complication without IV treatments. She’s always looked pretty thin and unwell after going through that, and then the exhaustion of being a new mom.
Goodness, that hyperemesis gravidarum story has been stretched across three pregnancies.
I just googled Katie Nicholl and realized that she’s the lady that always shows up as the royal expert in German “documentaries” about European royals, and I remember her saying a few months before Meghan came into the picture that Chelsea was the love of Prince Harry’s life and that he will never get over her…. Lol, some expert she is.
She is also in trouble for buying information from hackers that got into Harry’s phone. That is where all of her stories came from and she claimed she was from Harry’s circle. This was over the course of 9 years. She knows nothing.
I used to love Vanity Fair under Tina Brown, and it was still good in the early years under Grayson Carter. But since then, the magazine is all fluff and bad reporting in my opinion. Sort of reporting Katie Nichols does for them would never have passed the BS detector of Tina Brown.
Meghan doesn’t need to step up or take on more. She STEPPED up. More than enough and got more done in 2 yrs than Kate did in 8/9 years. If I were Meghan, I’d step back and let the bastards continue their downward spiral. I am petty like that.
While I am sure this article is pure speculation, I don’t disagree with the premise. BRF has a big black eye right now and nothing gets more clicks than the ladies.
Now whether or not they can get on the same PR page and use that on the plus side remains to be seen (and there’s zero evidence their PR people are that smart) but from a gossip standpoint I would love joint ventures and babies as headlines.
but why t should Meghan play along? It’s not her life at risk, not her baby’s future at stake. All she faced from these people is vitriol from the beginning and can you even imagine she has had to face behind closed doors? No, Meghan doesn’t have to be the bigger person and do joint ventures with people who have been involved in violence against her, because racism is a form of violence and being complicit is completely unforgivable. The Sussexes don’t have to be on the same PR Page with these sort of people. It’s their problem, not hers. I swear if I were Meg, I just wouldn’t come back to the UK, just continue her international charity work. Make them sweat.
Eh, that’s completely up to M&H — personally I don’t think they should do anything they are uncomfortable with and she certainly has no obligation to prop this institution up. Harry it’s harder to speculate, his entire life has been royal. He was taught from birth that his lifestyle was ordained by God or however they justify it so it is his way of life and his family.
So my comment is not at all what they should do… just that I would like to see the ladies together and maybe some babies and I don’t really care what Prince A and B are up to.
I agree. Miss them but kind of loving they are out of the limelight. Good to see Kate and William take some heat.
Wait… WHAT? ” She has no obligation to prop this institution up” what?
As a paid working Royal upholding the monarchy is her entire job!
Fair. I was thinking more from a personal standpoint since she has taken a beating in the press , but I definitely see your point.
So Now, Meghan has to save the Royal family after hearing that Meghan is the downfall of the monarchy and that great Queen to be Kate will be the hope for a fruitful, strong British monarchy. No Media, leave Meghan and the Sussexes alone and stop making scenarios in which you can get access. It’s not happening.
Reading the petition regarding the stripping of Harry an Megan’s title screams of racism. The petitioners keep using the phrase “morally wrong”.
They are morally wrong.
Re: the Sussex title, it’s a bit odd that the Queen just randomly creates these titles for her family, isn’t it? I read that Edward is only an Earl because he wanted the title Wessex because of a TV show or book and something about how he couldn’t be a Duke since it was essentially a made up title? But also because he’s going to inherit his Dad’s Edinburg title anyway..? Confusing.
But people pushing back on these titles is nothing new and not limited to Meghan. Charles got a TON of flack for the Wales title when it happened, for a lot of the same reasons.. not part of or invested in the local community, etc.
It was from Shakespeare in Love lol
The idea is he will be given the Duke of Edinburgh title after both Prince Philip and HM have passed away. It cannot be inherited because it isn’t that kind of title. It is up to Charles to decide whether he will follow through on recreating the title for Edward.
With Edward, I have read that it had already been decided by Queen that he will be given the title Duke of Edinbourgh to honor his father after Phillip’s passing. Thus, he was given the title of Earl not Duke while Phillip is still living. From what I have read, this is what Queen and Phillip want and Charles is on board with it.
If Kate is smart she’ll leverage this to get the upper hand in the marriage. Or at least some concessions. From an outsider POV it really seems up to the Cambridges? Charles has got his reign in the bag imo and H&M are only gonna get pushed further down the line (as everyone loves pointing out) as time goes on so W&K need to get it together and show that they’re fit to run the monarchy when it comes time. All the young royals can do more but W&K especially as they’re in line for the throne. Charles won respect by being a workhorse. Chop chop!
P.S. I think it’s unfair to put this pressure on Meghan AND continue to disrespect and abuse her. She’s shown that she’s ready and willing to work with and for the monarchy. Let her do so without harassing her every step of the way.
That petition is ridiculous. It’s sad it got any traction, but with most things, the signatories showed who they are.
As for FFQKate and Duchess Meghan saving the monarchy, not gonna happen. Meghan has worked hard over the last 18 months and it got her nowhere. Her work wasn’t appreciated. Kate is fluff. There’s no substance to her work. If they worked together, Meghan would be push aside and why should she be put in a corner to help an institution that hasn’t helped or supported her.
This feels like an attempt to set Meghan up for failure again in the eyes of the British press.
Check out Byline as they are exposing how Katie Nicholls used phone hackers& people who would buy directory numbers to write stories when she was at the Fail. It suggests when she would talk about Harry& Chelsy texting each other she had direct knowledge because of illegal interceptions. So many current journalists/editors were embroiled in hacking so that’s why they are super hard on the Sussexes’ lawsuits. But also since I presume hacking isn’t widespread anymore, that’s why access is so vital to them.
In relation to this fan fiction from Katie-the royal reporters contradict themselves so much it’s a joke. Before Meghan was bringing the monarchy down after her dad’s rants, the documentary& with jet gate being as bad as Andrew/Epstein allegations. Plus thought Meghan was the protocol breaking diva making all the staff cry& Kate was the perfect future Queen who has never put a foot wrong. So why do they want them to work together& how can Meghan now be one of the saviours of the monarchy?! I know they bring her name up just for clickbait but it’s ridiculous.
I’ve been wondering if Meghan’s experience w an abusive family of her own helps her, and Harry now, see past the sashes and tiaras to what sounds like another abusive family, just better appointed, w a matriarch who supports the worst among them and a tribal set of values that seems to punish sensitivity, hard work, depth, the best of what M&H have to offer.. I wonder if H’s growing realization of this is at the heart of their distancing…maybe I just kind of hope so, so they can continue to grow and contribute beyond the confines of this weird group of people…
My understanding is that Meghan’s experience with an abusive family is recent. If you read archives of her own blog, she gushed over her father, who I believe might have been her custodial parent? She talked about how hard he worked to contribute to her education, would take her to sets as a kid, etc. And her half-siblings are older than her and probably weren’t part of her day to day existence.
Yes, the father has behaved terribly in the past few years and there is no excuse. But from everything Meghan has said about her childhood and young adulthood, it was not abusive.
Ahh that’s good, thanks for the info. Still, maybe they’re both coming to see their families in a new light even if only recently. thanks again!
Your abuser can treat you to things, help you with education, take you places, and still be abusive.
Meghan lived with Doria. She spent some time with Thomas, but he was not that involved. And they’ve been distant for years.
Meghan gushing over him is probably what he expected from her and took as his due, as narcissists often do. It might even have been the only way she could get him to communicate with her.
Agreed, Maria. Meghan may also have written an idealised version of her father. When she was younger, he did meaningful things like tell her she is enough as she is and doesn’t need to fit in a box. As she grew older and more independent, the narcissist in him rose up against it.
Absolutely right. From what we can read on the press about old cards & etc. father and daughter had a very close relationship; Sammy and Thomas Jr. were not included, they were in their later teens, almost adults. When MM started dating Harry, the greediness of the father and the jealousy and greediness of the sister exploded in her face. The only problem with the Markles is money. Status… I doubt they have a clear idea of what it is. But money, they understand pretty well. Of course, it doesn’t apply for Sammy: even if M&H showered her with money, she still would be abusive. Maybe a lot more.
Sue, I wouldn’t be surprised if that has a lot to do with it. This family has always come across as messy and dysfunctional, but this year has really exposed them for it. Maybe Harry just wants that cycle of mess to end, especially now that he is married and has a kid to think about. Seeing as how he grew up having his antics exposed while those of his brother were kept quiet in order to protect the future heir, it must have crossed his mind that eventually some may try and use Archie the same way in order to keep the Cambridge kids looking pristine. Better to nip things in the bud from the start. More and more, Harry and Meghan’s decisions look like the right way to go.
Harry knows how toxic that family is and has surely been privy to a whole lot more toxicity than the public is aware of. William doesn’t have the empathy, integrity or ethics Harry has, especially since Meghan came into his life and brought out so much in him. Their withdrawal from public life, even for 6 weeks, sends the right message – don’t effin’ mess with us.
I cannot fathom how anyone thinks it’s possible or even wise to force Meghan and Kate to work together.
First off, Kate won’t work and it’s ridiculous to expect that Meghan should either be tasked with making her or bear the heavier workload.
You can’t match up two people with such polar opposite work ethics regardless of the reasons why they differ.
And there’s no way Kate believes she has to save the monarchy. Only someone who believes the monarchy is eternal could be this slack about doing the work that builds goodwill. She’s only got about 5 more years of “oh, she’s a mother” goodwill left unless she has another baby.
DS9…you must have missed the “embiggening of Kate” brigade that has been going on none stop since Duchess Meghan entered the picture. What makes them think someone with no work ethic, partnered with someone who does work, is going to save anything is beyond me.
Oh no, I tooootally see the articles and comments. But work is work and she’s barely working.
Yes Meghan should totally help save the monarchy that helped the media tear her down or denied rumors of Botox use by others but were quiet when it came to rumors about her. The same monarchy that used her as a shield for Andrew.
Let’s say Meghan did decided to go along with this saving the institution playbook any work she do would be accredited to Kate. Remember when they tried to say her SmartWorks collection was because Kate.
Well kate is going her share by looking the other way, one affair at a time…
@Rogue well said in regards to Katie Nichols. Byline Investigates also did pieces on Piss Morgan Duncan the Sun reporter and others. The spied/hacked Prince Harry for nine years. A clear abuse of power.
In terms of exposure the Daily Heil smugly said that they had extended their subscription to 926,000 + just after the Sussexes’ nuptials. So trying to dismiss the now Duchess with “Straight outta Compton ” may havefailed but it had increased revenue
Next it was to discredit her because she was breaking their royal protocol by dressing nicely and wearing many of her own jewelry . The Markles were given space to abuse her and expose their jealousy.
She prevailed and got pregnant had a remarkable Oceania experience then the demonization began in earnest. The abuse was intolerable even if they had failed to define her. The Fail’s behaviour was pervasive and seemingly unending.
Then she sued to stop them from destroying her.
The goods news – the trolls have become insignificant (attacking a baby) and Fail lost 276 sponsors. They are yet to put a response to the law suit
The Sun lost £92,000,000 last year and have a combined lawsuit that includes Prince Harry. Because of the tabloid press in the UK the BM pulled 32nd of 32 terms of 32 in integrity in Europe.
Prince William has to save the Royal Family. It is his legacy due to his birth order. That was never disputed despite his behaviour towards his brother.
@BECKS1
“I do think the positive PR about Kate comes either from William/KP or Carole (or more likely, Carole through KP/William.) I don’t think Kate is necessarily pushing this narrative about herself, but she obviously benefits. I definitely agree that Kate saves William’s image daily. His marriage and his kids are what save his image, and I think he knows that. I think the BRF as a whole know that, hence things like new orders for Kate when she continues to do her part in that area.
I also think the family is tone-deaf and misses some big PR wins. Kate wearing something from the Smart Set would have been a big win for her and Meghan, and it would have been super simple.
I think in general though, at this point Meghan isn’t really interested in playing the palace’s PR games, which is why they took off for the holidays”
I AGREE. The cambridges have surrounded themselves with ‘Yes men’ there to please Bill than work to put them forward! I for one WONT have any sympathy when the public rises after Brexit and notices how dolittle and keen are NOT contributing anything.
To this day, I’m astonished by their STUPIDITY to NOT use the Sussexs especially Meghan during joint outings which would’ve probably in time minimized attention on Sussexs+shown the hierarchy which is now not as visible with separate courts as once Sussexs foundation launches they’ll be operating outside the UK and will show them as separate figure heads under the Queen and later under Charles but definitely wont be truly considered under Bill!
@SUE DENIM
I think Harry was most suprised by how his family threw him to the wolves! I bet he regrets saying on an interview that “they’ll be the family she never had”🙁they’ve used him and his wife for PR and leaked stuff to cover the beloved pedo but NEVER once took action or even gave public support like releasing
statements for Andy.
I think Meghan’s abusive family relationship helped her appreciate & cling to her mother and husband more. If anything this will help strengthen their marriage and bond as both her and harry come from a toxic family.
On petition not saying this is behind it, but just want to say being “progressive” has never stopped anti blackness.
Meghan and Kate certainly look like they get on fine& I never believed the press line of besties OR enemies thing just because it’s lazy stereotyping of female relationships. But if people think it’s Will/Carol propping Kate up at Meghan’s expense- why hasn’t she stopped them?
I think Meghan loves her dad& put on a brave face about him but my guess is there’s been issues with them for years. Her ex bestie sold that video where Meghan said she wasn’t talking to her dad before college& alluded to Meghan having to be the grown up and look after her father which she struggled with. He also hasn’t sold any pictures with her as an adult& wasn’t at key events like UN speech whereas her mom was.
@Rogue, good question about why has Kate not tried to stop Carol/William/KP’s antics regarding Meghan. Everyone here keeps saying Kate has this mean girl/bullying side to her. Maybe it is more passive/aggressive than overt but this seems to fit that MO to a tee. If she is just stepping out of the way and letting the others tear into her then shame on Kate and it will come back on her in spades. The BRF have no problem stepping up when there is even a hint of anything that could make Kate look bad so if she really was concerned I think she would step in and address how Meghan has been treated.
Nonsense article from Katie Nichol. It is Charles and William business to save the monarchy.
ikr? They expect the two married in’s to save the monarchy. The Royal Family has made it crystal clear over the years that the married-in’s will never, ever be as good as a ‘true blood’ royal, and will the the first to be tossed under the proverbial bus. Now they want these less than’s to save the monarchy from the royals.
I’m American and no expert but I don’t see the monarchy existing 100 years from now. The world is a very different place and there isn’t nearly as much love for Charles and William. When the Queen passes I think the rumblings will go into overdrive to end the whole charade.
doubtful it’ll even exist 10 years from now. esp if scotland and n.ireland are out. and w brexit + elizabeth’s passing… the brf’s odds are not looking good. thankfully.
Historically, European monarchies have only fallen through bloody revolutions or in the aftermaths of major wars. The older the monarchy, the more entrenched it is and this kind of institutional longevity has its own kind of inertia.
No monarchy has been abolished through peaceful and democratic means – yet, but there’s a first for everything. Brexit and its effects may be a game changer but the question is: how much of a game changer? If the United Kingdom actually breaks up, then I think there might be a chance that the monarchy will be dissolved.
No. Pressure is on William and Kate don’t drag Meg into this. Meghan will be fine, she’s doing the best she can and that’s the best you can do. Lazy Kate, Andy, William and the rest not so much.
No don’t drag Meghan into that BS.The British media and the royal family spent 3 years bullying Meghan and telling us how much Kate and William are the only future of the monarchy.
The pressure is on Kate william and prince Andrew: