Both royal couples, the Sussexes and the Cambridges, wanted to give people an update on their coronavirus lives a few days ago, but they didn’t put their names on an official statement. So we got the Sussexes saying of course they’re taking the Canadian government’s advice about isolation and social distancing and all of that. And the Cambridges ran to Katie Nicholl to talk about how they were keen to drop their previous work – early childhood development and conservation – so they could be keen about coronavirus, somehow. We all knew that for Kate and William, a promise to be keen is some kind of code for “it will take them years to lift a finger on these issues.” Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry have been sitting in their rented mansion and brainstorming ways to actually help people. From the Sussexes’ new Instagram post:
These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary.
There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring. This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit.
We often speak of compassion. All of our lives are in some way affected by this, uniting each of us globally. How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now. Over the coming weeks, this will be our guiding principle.
We will be sharing information and resources to help all of us navigate the uncertainty: from posting accurate information and facts from trusted experts, to learning about measures we can take to keep ourselves and our families healthy, to working with organisations that can support our mental and emotional well-being. In addition, we will focus on the inspiring stories of how so many of you around the world are connecting in ways big and small to lift all of us up.
We are all in this together, and as a global community we can support each other through this process – and build a digital neighbourhood that feels safe for every one of us. We look forward to sharing more over the days and weeks to come…
I imagine their first step will be some videos and statements about hand-washing, self-isolating, social distancing and more. These are very obvious solutions, but as we’ve seen, a lot of people are paying heed and it’s nice to see pop stars and royals and actors stepping up to help spread good, science-based information. I would love it if Harry and Meghan started using their IG to post new-content videos of hand-washing and real-world social distancing. I also imagine a Benny Hill-like slapstick flurry of activity at Kensington Palace (or Anmer Hall, let’s be real) to try to one-up the Sussexes or copy them or something.
Photos courtesy of Backgrid, IG.
Way to go Harry & Meg
Yes, I loved the messages, it was uplifting and informative.
If you have a look at their latest post (which I liked as it was sensible and sincere) they are getting trolled beyond oblivion. I think it’s mostly bot accounts.
I really like their IG captions. I know some people don’t like it but I rather have too much info than too little when it comes to royal engagements.
Puts all the information in one place so a lazy person like myself doesn’t have to go searching multiple places haha
🙂
This is nice – there are many medical experts and trusted public health officials we should be paying attention to, I hope people aren’t relying on celebrities for facts about COVID-19.
Celebrities can also get facts from credible experts, no?
why not just listen to the actual experts themselves? There are enough lies and misconceptions being thrown around right now, and I’m sorry but celebrities are not equipped nor trained to weed out fact from fiction. if people with large followings want to help, they should amplify the voices of expertise right now. I think this is what the Sussexes will do
There are lots of people who won’t give any time if day to any experts but will listen to celebrities. How many times have charity organizations asked people to make donations but none did but the moment one celebrity asks and voila, people reach deep in their pockets. There nothing wrong with celebrities or Royals getting the accurate info from the experts and distributing it to their fans. There’s way too much conspiracy theories and fake info being spread by Fox etc, we need all accurate information that can be got out to be got out there.
@BabsORIG I’m not trying to debate the influence of celebrities, I’m saying that no one should be relying on celebs for accurate scientific and medical information during a pandemic.
if the Sussexes want to amplify the voices of public health officials, that is great! but many celebs don’t, and simply use their voice to amplify their opinions, not the science and that is dangerous, especially in our current, post-truth Fox-news, dystopian world.
Oh my bad. Your posts seemed to suggest that you were totally against celebrity/Royals spreading any sort of information, be it accurate or otherwise. The thing is, you can tell people what they ought do in times like these (like tell them to not look up to celebrities/royals for info but find out from the experts themselves) but people will still do what they want. It’s like taking a cow to the well but you can’t force them to drink. That’s why the Sussexes (and other celebrities of the same mind) are using their platforms to channel the correct and accurate information to people who look up to them. If I told you how many people have asked me if I heard about Oprah sex trafficking (and they believe it), you would be very shocked.
The Surgeon General of the US has gone on TV and asked Kylie Jenner to ask her fans to stay home and stop partying.
@OriginalLala “why not just listen to the actual experts themselves? ”
Because right now there are a bunch of college spring breakers in Florida who don’t give a damn. The experts can give celebrities & social influencers a script to read and their followers will probably heed their advise. It’s a win/win.
Oh lord. It was a nice thing to do. The people on their IG though are actively hoping that Meghan catches it, dies, and then Harry has to go back to England. And also people are saying he is awful because his grandparents can die and then Archie won’t get to know them. I wish they would turn off the comments. The whole thing is so ugly that I don’t blame them if they just disappear for the next few months.
You do realize how sad someone has to be, to whip out a pc or phone and begin to type such utterly despicable things on someone else’s page. Don’t pay attention to trolls dear. They use lots of laughing emojis but I tell you, their lives are really sad. H and M have obviously gotten tougher. All the trolls can do is troll while H and M keep working. Ha!
I honestly don’t understand these kinds of people. They act like they’re best friends with the queen and they’re sticking up for their bestie or something. You’ve never met any of these people, you don’t know any of them except for what you read and they couldn’t care less what you have to say about them so stop being horrible. The Sussexes should turn off the comments because there is no cure for idiocy unfortunately.
I really wish they would turn off comments as well.
You need to learn how to ignore them. It’s not hard.
Agree wholeheartedly with the shut off of the comments. I have never ever read such vile, hateful comments in my life. These people are deranged and they feed off of each other’s negativity.
I think the best thing they could do is just repost WHO and CDC content. There is no need to recreate the wheel.
I agree 100%
Agreed. Just post the credible information and be done with it.
And maybe that’s what they’ll do. They said they’ll be posting over the next coming weeks, can we wait and see what they have before we crap all over them?
Normally I’d agree with you, but influencers do influence. So if they post links to credible sites that will help. Seeing as the general populace now has been trained by politicians to ignore information from experts.
See how that worked out, political elite?
ITA, @Nimi. I did not get the impression the Sussexes were going to be filtering, re-writing, or interpreting any expert advice or information.
Im excited to see what they post.
I’m sorry but when I want information about what to do in a crisis like this I go directly to credible sources. If people really need the Cambridges or Sussexes to tell them what to do and share credible information we have a much bigger problem on our hands. I read both statements as ways for them to get favorable media attention. Granted the Cambridges will show themselves to be the most useless of the two but they’re still both playing the same game.
IF there wasn’t such a sizeable gap in credible leadership right now, they wouldn’t need to step in. But there is (a gap) and it’s huge. Let them do what they can, and we should all be trying to do that as well.
I read it more as an explanation for why their subsequent posts would be Coronavirus related and not the typical royal stuff. For a lot of people with platforms they’re asking should we carry on with regular content or try to move with what’s happening now, most are choosing the latter. Your probably a well informed person, but they have ppl following them that would never click on WHO site and don’t fully understand why they’re being asked to stay indoors. Others are panicking and the sussexes might be part of their escapism, if they see things that calm them down and remind them of the strength of the human spirit, it does little harm. In fact if I had any advice, I would say they need to stop announcing things and just do them, because people over analyse these statements.
Yup, exactly. Show, not tell.
Would you want them to not say anything at all and ignore it? I think it’s fine if they want to share accurate information and ways to help, etc.. Some people want information from the experts and some want it from celebrities, that’s just how it is. I know my kids want it from celebrities. As long as they are getting the information and using it, that’s fine with me.
My issue isn’t people sharing accurate information… but hyping that they will in the future give information is so odd. Just wait the extra day and post the content.
Why would you have an issue with that? They are letting people know that instead of typical content they will use that space for COVID-19 related info. If people are not interested in that or have other sources then they can go to other sites.
She wanted to test the waters and fish for praise before she put any work in.
@Eliza, in case you weren’t aware, the Sussexes have been providing sources and links for charities and other sites that deal with social welfare and mental health by highlighting their causes on a monthly basis. This is nothing new to the way they post.
@babco, the DoS doesn’t operate on a “fishing” basis; much more often than not, she’s already done the work, then we hear about. What you’ve described is the other duchess’ M.O.
Lory, everybody has a right to post what amounts to be credible information. I posted a list of what I do to ensure Mr. Jaded and I don’t contract COVID-19 on FB and it’s been shared a ton of times. I also posted it on CB yesterday and got some positive comments. Most people don’t just go to the Sussex’s IG, they go to news and health sites too, but sh*tting all over them (and those who appreciate it) because they’re trying to help educate is wrong.
I don’t feel it’s wrong to question where people get their information. In a world that’s getting overrun with incorrect information and blatant lies people need to question where they get their information and why. If you’re looking for medical advice the royals aren’t exactly experts unless one of them has a nursing or medical degree I don’t know about. They can shine a light on helpful causes but I rather get my medical advice directly from someone who actually knows what they are talking about.
Well then, Lory, GO AND DO IT and stop complaining about opt-in content just because you don’t like them! It’s so tiresome!
GREAT! You’re right, everyone else is wrong. OK? Happy?
Now, have a seat. The adults are talking.
@ SomeChick What’s tiresome is someone who claims to be an adult coming in and getting upset about what was a civil discussion about where to get credible medical information. You don’t have to agree with me but if you think you have some power over who gets to express an opinion and who doesn’t I’m afraid you still have some growing up to do.
@Lory – the blatant lies are coming from Trump, Rethuglicans and idiot YouTubers licking toilet seats. ALL of us need to share what we know now. It’s a community effort to help eradicate a world-shattering virus. Along the lines of “it takes a village to raise a child”, it takes all of us to stop a pandemic.
Jaded, I printed your comment and I’m sharing it with everyone I know. There are a lot of seniors in my life and I want them safe. Thanks so much for such a informative and intelligent post. I started with my vegetables and fruits. Better late than never, I hope.
I’ll be watching the governor’s daily update in Ohio, & I’ll be checking Meghan and Harry’s ig. I’m a pediatric nurse on the front lines, & I need an escape from the mayhem. H & M Provide that for me.
I work essential services too (but not so front line as you and I thank you @Nlopez) and having other places to escape and see hope (like here) are a great respite.
Thank you Lilly let with the double ll! Be safe.
Best of luck to you Nlopez and thank you for all your difficult and dedicated work!
Thank you Jaded. Stay safe.
Blessings and good health juju to you, Nlopez, Lilly, and all medical workers!
People are all “boo hoo I have to stay home” while you are all doing the most to save/help us all.
My tiara is off to you!
Thanks Some chick! Stay safe .
I never really check their IG but boy, I think it’s 100% haters there.
I read what they post, like the pictures but don’t hang around for the cesspool in the comments
Wondering why they don’t close the comment, though.
I think the comments are left as is so their security team can look for super crazies. I’m sure they have a watch list. I never read them and I’ll bet the Sussexes don’t read them either. When Obama was president his team gave him an updated binder every evening that contained a sampling (good and bad) of letters sent to him. He said he read it every night and responded to many. If I were the Sussexes, I’d have someone on staff who filtered out the trolls before I looked at anything. Who needs that kind of crazy, unhinged vitriol impacting their day-to-day their life?
I read that they have to allow comments because they are public semi government figures. I guess we’ll see if anything changes after March 31.
The spring break gatherings, large gatherings in Mexico and crowded pubs in the UK are evidence that people are not listening to experts or government. Tom Hanks and Idris Elba situations made it real for people, along with other famous names. It does say a lot about our culture. As long as accurate information is going out is important.
People should be sticking to the official government & international health sources, not people looking for traffic to their IG accounts to stay relevant. Direct information from official sources is better than third party sources with no medical credentials or official position.
Completely agree, well said.
Just go to official sites. I don’t need medical info filtered through celebs. Just post links straight to official sites and be done with it. What are H and M waiting for? How dumb do they think their fans are that they don’t know how to do this without guidance from former royals?
Still no
All of the Royals shook hands, hugged, mingled in large crowds at Commonwealth Day. They should all test for CV. Perhaps they have.
Meghan’s old blog headed into Goopy territory more than once, she’s friends with quite a few people who are all the way into
alternative ‘medicine’ and when she wrote about things like mental health it always leaned heavily on empty, unhelpful platitudes.
I’m sure they’re well meaning, but I have no faith in them to accurately judge what ‘experts’ voices they should amplify.
Best case scenario they provide links to the credible sources. Maybe it will be like Travalyst and partner with other sites.
I really hate to agree with you here (first paragraph), but I do. I think their heart is definitely in the right place and they do some genuinely impactful work, but the “literature” on their Instagram posts and messages in general does have a tendency to sound a little wooly and new-agey. (Yes, too much dependence on “empty, unhelpful platitudes”). Keeping it lean, concise and fact filled would improve their messaging 1,000%.
Having said that, I would trust their advice. Remember this is the couple who approached professors and academics at Stanford University for advice on how to structure their charitable organization. Methinks they know where to go for good quality, research based advice.
This so much… just leave it to the experts.
If they’re just going to share credible information from sources like the WHO, then I don’t see an issue with it. Some people don’t follow science-based news or accounts so any way to get factual information out there is ok by me.
Yes, that’s just it. In a world that’s been conditioned to reflexively avoid scientists, in which trust in it is low, it has to come out multiple ways – most people require interpretation.
Have been seeing a lot of dismissive ‘armchair epidemiologists’ out there the past few weeks, none of them had any scientific training whatsoever.
Remember when Harper, PM of Canada, muzzled all our scientists? Contemptible actions. He did a lot to restore faith in science with his sleazy stunt.
Canadian here. I am not always impressed with what our government does but right now I couldnt be more impressed with how our government, both federal and provincial is handling this. Many daily accurate updates. It gives you hope. Our province Alberta as of yesterday has done the most tests per capita of any place in North America. As a senior this makes me feel better. All government parties are working together. Daily updates from health officials.Many examples of people being kind to one another. So in my case I will go with what they the real experts say, not the Sussexes or any other celebrity.
+1
Not every country enjoys that sort of leadership and focused approach to this global crisis. (Trump/US?). Let’s let people fill those gaps where they are needed.
Posts on an IG-account by non-medical professionals does not equal filling a leadership gap. If you look to prince Harry and duchess Meghan for leadership during a pandemic then I’m very worried for humanity. They do a lot of good work but let’s get real here.
@ Lory
You *SHOULD* be worried as we DO live in a thoroughly f-cked up world at the moment, if you hadn’t noticed.
Don’t be so judgemental until you see what exactly the Sussexes are offering. In the meantime, you are under no obligation to follow them or be led by them. Nothing stops you from following Trump’s leadership/advice if that’s more your style. 😬👍
My point is that to me people should get their medical information from a direct and credible source with knowledge on the subject instead of a third party. People can think otherwise and disagree with me but it’s just my opinion. Nothing more. Secondly, people can view others as a positive influence but still question some decisions. You lumping me in with Trump followers just because we happen to disagree on this one issue is rather childish and honestly pretty judgmental.
I will say no again Lory
I wish we had that kind of response here. Our federal government dropped the ball and my state (Florida) waited far too long to start doing anything about it. My local government has been even slower. So far I believe only one beach has been closed and two tourist attractions. They did close the cruise port last weekend and have made all restaurants go to pick-up/delivery only, but it was all still too late. Of course, we have no diagnosed cases of the virus here in the Florida Keys but just up the road in Miami they have a bunch. All it takes is one infected tourist to send the whole thing crumbling down.
I wish they would have closed US-1 to the Keys a long time ago. The Miamians are coming down here to raid our grocery stores and it’s wreaking havoc on everything for the locals who need supplies.
My little town has two banks, and they both closed yesterday, along with City Hall. Stores are putting up signs saying they will not accept cash money, it’s debit or credit card only.
Lady D…that’s all good and fine (I only use CC), but when you have to *pay* the bill…? You usually have to send a check, or pay online…which means you have to make sure you have money in that bank account! How can you deposit into your account if you can’t get into a (closed) bank?
“Keen for Coronavirus” has me laughing so hard. Thank you! It also highlights what’s abundantly clear. Why would anyone want hamburger (Cambridges) when you could have steak (Sussexes)?
If a so-called influencer can use her platform to post a video of herself licking a toilet seat amidst this pandemic, then why can’t H and M use their platform for positivity? Besides, they also added that they would be highlighting people doing good deeds during this period…so what’s wrong with that? To those saying H and M should keep quiet, maybe don’t go visiting their IG page? It’s really not that difficult!
Notice that it is the same few folks who criticize pretty much everything H&M say, do, wear, etc. It’s ridiculous and like you said if it bothers you so much then don’t go to their page.
The posts could be helpful if they are mostly links to valid science based information, which might steer people to useful truth. The celeb look at me at home sites seem like just the new pap walks.
I agree!
It was a nice message and reassured their fans that they’re ok. If anyone understands the importance of accuracy and facts, it’s those two. We’ve seen their style already do don’t expect it to veer too far away from it. They’re fairly consistent. Probably will be of links to charities, official health news, and people helping others in the pandemic Don’t know why people are so anxious about this IG post. So many news sights mentioned their post, not just celebrity magazines, but outlets from NY Times to some wrestling federation. People want some positivity.
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Harry and Meghan have a long history both individually and together of philanthropy and humanitarianism which focus on positive community building and meeting practical needs. I don’t see how sharing accepted scientific information and encouragement on their ig in a pandemic when people are encouraged to self isolate and many are fearful and alone is in any way different to their usual work. And Meghan in particular is known to research thoroughly and is highly unlikely to be offering spurious advice. I can’t see how it can be described as suddenly attention seeking, or why they should shut up. It’s just business as usual. Doing what they can to reach out and help who they can. By all means, don’t read it if you don’t want to, that’s your prerogative. The thousands whose lives have been positively affected by H and M, and who have good reason to trust in their credibility, are obviously grateful for their continued calm and caring presence in a crazy world. What’s wrong with that?
💕 💯
Meanwhile lizzy and chuck are taking their time!
She is pretty and photogenic yet that header picture is hideous.
OMG, another preachy post that says nothing. They will be sharing information. Why don’t they just post a link to the experts and be done with it. Or maybe this is just another chance to use suxxexroyal before they can’t use it ever.
I don’t need medical info filtered through celebs. Just post links to official sites and be done with it.What are H and M waiting for? How dumb do they think their fans are that they don’t know how to go to official sites wihout guidance from former royals?
Thehh