In all honesty, I’ve been laughing to myself for like ten solid minutes. The Duchess of Sussex is thousands of miles away and she’s still doing more for England than, you know, that other couple. Meghan was racially abused, harassed, smeared and exiled. And still she rises with a smile and a generosity of spirit. Meghan apparently did a Zoom call with some of the women from the Hubb Community Kitchen last week, and the call is only coming out now. Why now? Because the Evening Standard wanted to package the call together with the news that Meghan is backing the newspaper’s appeal to raise money for vulnerable populations in London during the coronacrisis.
The Duchess of Sussex today backed the Evening Standard’s “moving” appeal to raise funds for the delivery of food to poor, elderly and vulnerable Londoners during the coronavirus epidemic. Meghan’s support for our Food for London Now appeal came as the community kitchen close to Grenfell Tower that she supports unveiled a new meals delivery service for families struggling to feed themselves during the lockdown. The initiative will be launched on Monday when the Hubb Community Kitchen plan to start cooking between 250 and 300 meals a day, three days a week.
It follows a Zoom conference call last week, when the duchess talked to women involved in running the kitchen about how they could adapt their service to feed people at a time when social-distancing rules prevent it from opening as normal. Much of the produce will be supplied by the Standard’s charity partner The Felix Project which sources surplus food from cafés, restaurants and supermarkets.
Meghan said: “The spirit of the Hubb Community Kitchen has always been one of caring, giving back and helping those in need, initially in Grenfell and now throughout the UK. A home-cooked meal from one neighbour to another, when they need it most, is what community is all about. I’m so proud of the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen, and the continued support The Felix Project gives them to carry out these acts of goodwill, which at this moment are urgently needed. I’m equally moved by the many people who are contributing to the Evening Standard’s campaign to raise money for these vital organisations in the wake of Covid-19.”
The meals will be prepared in the cooks’ homes and delivered by another charity, StreetGames, which runs the Fit And Fed campaign that aims to provide nutritious meals for children at risk of going hungry during the school holidays. Last year, Felix made 48 deliveries to the kitchen, enough for more than 43,000 meals, and this year it has delivered eight times, equivalent to 5,000 meals. Mark Curtin, Felix’s chief executive, said: “The women of Hubb Community Kitchen have stepped up yet again in the face of a global pandemic. We stand together with all of our partners to get food to people most at risk of experiencing hunger and malnutrition in this time of need.”
Evening Standard proprietor Evgeny Lebedev said: “It is a pleasure to have the backing of the Duchess of Sussex for our campaign. Her support for the survivors of the Grenfell fire is truly admirable. Our campaign will continue to support the Hubb Community Kitchen, along with so many other essential community organisations at this time. This is a crisis, and I am grateful for Meghan’s endorsement.”
Meghan is not in charge of the Hubb Community Kitchen, she just spearheaded the cookbook, which raised so much money that Hubb was funded to stay open for, I don’t know, several years, probably. The Hubb community leaders were the ones deciding to work with the other charities to make and deliver food to vulnerable communities, and my guess is that Meghan worked behind the scenes alongside the Evening Standard to put all the pieces together. Now Meghan is putting her face and name on the program, which will help them raise even more money. Personally, I still love the fact that food insecurity and hunger is one of Meghan’s big issues. Her first big project as a royal was the cookbook, and her first big moves as a post-royal are “volunteering with Project Angel Food” and supporting a meals-on-wheels-type program in London.
Duchess Meghan has connected with the women of the @almanaar Hubb Community Kitchen, who have unveiled a new meals delivery service for families struggling to feed themselves during the coronavirus lockdown. Starting Monday they’ll cook 250-300 meals a day, three days a week. pic.twitter.com/BGI8rjRzSG
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) April 17, 2020
Photos courtesy of WENN, Avalon Red.
And still THE QUEEN chose pedo Andy….
Bwahahahahaha 😂😂😂😂😂😂@Eleonor, i burst out laughing at yr post. Those fools could have really had a bad bitch
That’s what racism will do.
It literally means she can never be enough, regardless of how much she does, how smart or caring or wonderful she is. And that’s why racists in the end lose out, but she’ll never convince them of that.
well said
Forget the revenge dressing Meghan knocked out if the park during the last royal engagement, this is revenge CARE-MONGERING at its finest.
Kill them with kindness!
It is ironic that Meghan is accused of “disrespecting” the Queen yet Prince Andrew gets a free pass for associating with Epstein. If that is not disrespect I don’t know what is.
So it seems like the Food for London Now campaign is organizing all these other organizations and connecting them etc so that food isn’t wasted and still gets to people who need it, and Meghan got the Hubb involved with the campaign? Am I interpreting that correctly? I think I’m missing some of the details, but overall this seems like a great way to keep feeding people.
At any rate – I love that she works behind the scenes, and I also love that she is on the front page of the Evening Standard.
I love that a pixelated screenshot of Meghan can make the cover of a mainstream newspaper.
It takes up half the front page!! And people doubt her star power or influence.
And even pixelated she looks better than me in my best day lol.
On a different note I like that she goes out AFTER she has done all the work behind the scene and has something to show for it and to promote.
I am involved in a charity endeavor now (small role nothing big. And I am one of many) and let me tell you that it takes a lot of work behind the scene to meet with people. Now zoom meetings. Talk to them. Convince them. Decide to whom the money will go. Plan the presentation to the people. Start the found raising. Organize the logistics behind it and then go around convincing people to donate. She is not just a face. If she wasn’t involved behind the scenes maybe the results would have been smaller.
Everything she touches turns to gold. 🥰 😍 👼🏿
@Egla said:
“… I like that she goes out AFTER she has done all the work behind the scene and has something to show for it and to promote…”
^^ Exactly! Meghan is a doer, not a Lamebridge ‘keen preener.’
I did wonder if the The Evening Standard was being a bit gleeful that they got some Meghan quotes, while other so-called papers did not. I’m sure some others are fuming and I find that hilarious. If you had only played along, but no you had to be racist idiots chasing the short-term clicks of people who don’t pay for subscriptions.
5-4-3-2-1….and William and Kate are incandescent with rage! The Sussexes have stated loud and clear that they have no problem with legitimate news sources. It’s always been the lying and rabid Royal Rota and the RR exclusive working agreement with the House of Windsor to which they objected. Half a world away and Meghan knocks it out of the ballpark once again.
^^ Yep @ JA Lowcountry Lady. This must be why Kate seemed distracted with a lot of lip pursing during her and Cain’s video chats the other day. They were both rushing to catch up with the Sussexes and failing badly.
Meanwhile, none of this is a ‘competition’ nor a ‘contest’ for M&H, and it’s never been. M&H just go about doing their work and minding their own business, while RR and tabloids fall all over themselves so thirsty trying to find ways to get clicks and make money off of them in the absence of ever having any real access.
The RR and British media expected to be able to use, abuse and own the Sussexes. They thought they could drag Meghan during her pregnancy and then still be able to get her & Harry to do the pap hospital steps routine. NOT! NEVER! They all miscalculated Big Time, and now many of them are trying to push their way into the American media market somehow some way, in order to track the Sussexes and still find ways to make money off them.
But Sussex info and sightings have pretty well dried up for them, and they are hopping mad. They are channeling Wills/Cain with their incandescent rage!
Becks1, It sounds like the paper started the “food for London now!” initiative and either Meghan heard about it or they approached her to help. She then called the Hubb kitchen and talked to them about how they could be a partner in this initiative and expand what they do now by making many more meals. The food will be donated and delivered to Hubb kitchen by The Felix. The ladies at Hubb will prepare the meals, then a whole other charity will pick up the food and deliver it to those in need.
This is what I love about Meghan. She is smart and innovative about how to help. She could’ve said “sure I support your initiative to feed people in London now, here’s a quote and you can use a picture of me.” But she went further. She found a super unique and interesting solution, that involves three separate charities working together to actually produce meals. She uses the resources she has and connections that she’s made with people in order to create a tangible, measurable, active, and real response. She doesn’t just say “I support this.” She does something.
Amazing team work by all concerned to have maximum impact. Loving it.
She did a very worthy thing. Good for her and those that she helps.
I can’t wait for the Wombat and Kandance to try to imitate the work Meghan and Harry are doing. Don’t be surprised if they start donating to food charities, or deliver food in baseball caps and jeans soon.
Wombat and Kandance? What is wrong with you?
It’s a gossip site. Don’t like it, don’t read it. Concern troll post somewhere else.
Hi Carole Middleton
Are you lost? This site is called “CeleBITCHY”
LOL! @A’s question is as funny as the names, especially for one who never has a good word for the Sussexes.
@A: Actually Willnot’s nickname as a baby was Willy Wombat…I’m old enough to remember Diana talking about it. So I think it’s a great pseudonym…well done Candice!!
So did you get this angry when the picture of a monkey was published alongside a picture of Archie? No?
That says a lot about you, Carol. Or Kate. I can’t decide which.
I know, right? Wombats are cute and have never done a thing to anyone 😢😂
@olenna I legit cracked up when I read her response too.
Ppl coming up with all these creative names, I’ll end up forgetting their actual names…like Talcum X!😂
Creative? You seem like a very lovely and generous person.
Why thank you A! And you seem quite lonely stalking every thread to cap for your faves, WillNot and KanNot! Please go get a life!
Like I said, such a lovely person, sometimes internet is so vicious so it is good to know there are kind people like you here.
Honestly these names are so funny and give me a good laugh in these difficult times.
TALCUM X, HAHA 😂🤣🤗
Those are good new ones to add to ‘Cain and Unable’ ‘WillNot and Kannot’ ‘Petulant and Keen’. Nicknames they’ve earned through their own vicious, abusive, and petty actions.
Well you would know all about vicious, abusive and petty!
@A what exactly are you so upset about? People calling the Cambridges nicknames? Would you think people calling Meghan mean names was mean or do you just care about the Cambridges?
There’s also Willileaks,Keen,Baldy, Cain. Nothing compared to the names Meghan has been called or the actions their stans what to take against her
“Cain and Unable” is by far the most clever.
I tend to use their official names because it just makes them seem all the more silly in context. Or FFK FFQC
Willileaks ………The person who came up with that one was gooddddddd
@A: I’m assuming you’re a pathetic troll with no sense of humour so I’ll just feel sorry for you.
They are vicious and petty people. No sympathy for their being skewered on here.
Yes, all of the nicknames for W&K are spot-on, especially Cain & Unable, and Willileaks! I also think Normal Bill and Katie Keen are very apt nicknames. Wombat and Kandance are random funny, especially since Wombat was an actual nickname for toddler William. ‘Penis with Teeth’ is crude, but also visually accurate! LOL
Actually, what’s pissing me off is not being able to work out why Wombat and Kandance are applicable…..I don’t geddit….😧
I think Wombat was a nickname for William was he was young. After a stuffed animal on the Australia tour.
Ah……thank Geraldine!
He was also known as Billy Basher because he used to beat up kids in kindergarten.
I hope they do. And I hope in the process, they find they do have a conscience and empathy after all, oh and work on their people skills and get rid of their social awkwardness.
There has to be something of Diana and even the better part of Charles still within reach in William. I hope he finds that sooner rather than later. I’ve seen people change for the better dramatically and have done so myself, so I am always hopeful.
Lol but I’m not betting money or holding my breath, either. But seeing as William may be King someday, I can’t help hoping he grows and becomes a good one. He will have access to wealth and some power via recognition of his status and could do so much good with all of that. The last thing we need is another monarch with a stick up where the sun don’t shine. If it can’t be Harry, then let’s hope William stops his “gardening” and gets into doing something meaningful besides throwing every member of his family under the bus when it suits him.
At first it will start purely for competition. But maybe something meaningful will spark within these two habitual shirkers.
You have a kind heart Guest with Cat. My eyes were opened forever to the small and petty person that is Will when he couldn’t be bothered to shake his brothers’ hand and say good bye at their last meeting.
Hi Lizzie. It’s not so much that I have a good heart but rather I believe that the energy we put out into the world does influence it. It’s not a particularly scientific way of looking at things, I admit.
So looking at it in a more practical way, I can say witb certainty that the energy I put out into the world definitely influences myself. Oh I love to throw in some bitchy snark along with everyone else here. I can even sometimes go a bit too far with it because of my quirky sense of humor. But I have to balance that out by thinking and believing and hoping positive things are possible, too.
Yesterday when I was talking about my past anger management problems in conjunction with the discussion on Michael Buble’s theorized anger issues, I talked about how I overcame rage I carried around from generational baggage from my grandfather’s childhood abuse. Pushing myself to see the potential for the positive as often as I can was instrumental in helping me to change.
Lol, I guess it’s a little bit selfish in a way. I’m doing this for myself, essentially. I don’t want to go back to the angry negative person I once was. Especially not in times like these when we need hope and positivity more than ever.
@Guest with Cat, that’s very amenable, polite and generous of you, but in W&K’s case, I’m doubtful their personalities or their behavior will substantially change. They are definitely disappointing in how they have behaved. There’s really no need for the level of insecurity and pettiness they have displayed.
Of course you are right about being careful in how we individually project negative energy. Still, much of the negativity has come from W&K, thus they reap what they sow.
But what Will and Kate will do is try to get a bunch of food charities together to stick them in some kind of umbrella group and then stick that umbrella group into their royal foundation. They won’t actively fund raise for any of them, they won’t talk to any of them, they won’t talk to one charity, see what the need is and then do outreach to several other charities to solve the problem. No, they will say “hmmm, feeding people seems to look good when Meghan does it, so let’s tell our staff to go vacuum up a bunch of food-related charities and stick them under our foundation so we can get all the credit for feeding people! Plus then all their money can be filtered through our struggling foundation!”
I love how she’s just so inspiring despite of all the hate and vitriol that continues to come her way. It’s tough to turn the other cheek when you’ve got it coming at you non-stop, but she just seems to rise above all the BS, stays focused and gets to work helping others. Go get ’em, Meghan. What an amazing person! No wonder Harry’s so proud of her.
@ Chrissy
My personal post of the week. Chuurs! 👍😬💯
This is how you know it’s a genuine part of her – that she cares deeply for other people. If it was just an act, she’d have quit it all a long time ago. And I love how she doesn’t forget the women she’s worked with (HUBB kitchen). We need more examples like hers, please.
I also love that about her. She makes contacts for life. And she keeps in touch with them. They’re like real friendships. She helps them when they need help, and then she asks for help from them when she or another charity needs help. She’s just so personally invested in her work and makes real, honest, lasting connections with everyone she works with. We heard about her using a website designer back from The Tig days when she needed one as a royal. Or a manager or PR firm from her Suits days. She goes beyond the perfunctory and formal “royal visit” template or the distant and aloof “service provider/consumer of service” template to actually form human connections with people. She writes thank you notes. She probably remembers birthdays. She sends little gifts that she thinks people will like. She does all these things because she knows that the more contacts and connections she makes, the bigger the pool of resources she has to call on, the more people she will be able to help in the long run. And it’s reciprocal. She helps these charities when they need it. She employs the service provider again and again. She’s loyal to her PR and management people.
@Chrissy said:
“I love how she’s just so inspiring despite of all the hate and vitriol that continues to come her way. It’s tough to turn the other cheek when you’ve got it coming at you non-stop, but she just seems to rise above all the BS, stays focused and gets to work helping others…”
^^ Exactly @Chrissy. That’s the amazing thing about Meghan and it’s what makes her a role model. She’s been doing this kind of work and caring about people since she was 11 years old. She worked on skid row in L.A. when she was 13. She talked with her teachers (nuns) about her fears, and they gave her guidance and encouragement to be assured that caring about others is why we are here.
Since I first got to know Meghan from reading her writings, watching interviews, her U.N. speech, her 2012 public service announcement against racism, and reading her former Instagram and Tig, I realized that she’s the real deal. She’s not a saint and she’s not perfect, but she truly cares about others, she’s learned how to learn from her mistakes, and to apply what she’s learned. She’s also very aspirational, ambitious, and positive about life. Maybe she used to be positive and upbeat to a fault, but that’s better than always being down, depressed and complaining.
It surely was not easy for Meghan growing up in this culture as one half of this and one half of the other, with the Markles as relatives who likely mostly looked down their noses at her. And then there were those strangers who thought she was white and treated her mother poorly. Meghan had the advantage of love and nurturing from both parents when she was young, and the steady support and example of her mother and her maternal grandmother. Plus, a great education.
But the thing is Meghan capitalized on all of her advantages and she took none of her blessings for granted. She toughed it out for years in Hollywood and never gave up. Finally, she was rewarded with her big break in Suits. She realized that some of her earlier rejections made the Suits opportunity possible, and she never looked back with regret, only with gratitude.
As a member of the SussexSquad has often said: “Meghan is not new to this, she’s true to this.” Amen! Brava Meghan! 👍🏾
Duplicate comment got posted for some reason…
Anyway it bears repeating that Meghan is always on the ball! She’s a very admirable role model!
Plus she doesn’t allow herself to be distracted by haters and negative naysayers, from focusing on what’s important, and on what’s within her control.
This is incredible.
So glad the Sussexes are continuing to work without anyone undermining them.
Maybe one day I’ll be as nice as Meghan.
I said the same thing below……….she is much nicer than I am and probably could ever be! I would have let Harry deal with the UK. she can focus on the US where she will be much more welcomed and much less envied because she has something others do not
I’m glad Meghan isn’t like that. She cares about her patronage’s and the Hubb ladies and wants to continue helping them. She had a rough time with the press and RF but not her patronage’s. I would be disappointed if she cut off all contact with them because she left the UK. She wants to help all people and charities no matter where they are located. The press and RF are awful but not her patronage’s or the Hubb ladies.
@Marie
Agreed.
@Marie ——– I don’t disagree; that’s why I said she is much better than I am. It wasn’t just the press; those posting nasty comments, insulting Meghan on their own IG pages were NOT just the press……..she is home now and no IG page for the racists to go spew their hate
She is a much nicer person than I’ll ever be.
I would have pulled out Katie Keens wiglets and slapped willileaks’ pertutlant face long ago, BUT violence isn’t the answer and Megs is doing it the best way by going home and living her best life with a loving husband and beautiful baby.
I hope one day I can be half as nice as her, she is an inspiration.
S808 … I am definitely worried I will NEVER be as nice as Meghan. XO
I will eventually get the “nice” part down. I want to be as smart as she is. Sigh. It’s just not going to happen. Unfortunately, left to my own devices, I’m more likely to take 8 years to produce a survey filled with inane questions.
I identify heavily with Kate, except for the jealous insecure racist parts, of course. Like Kate, I was raised by a controlling mother who didn’t imbue me with a sense that I could or should do anything other than what I am told to do. I really struggled to build the self esteem and drive and sense of self that I have. And that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with being a Kate, if you’re willing to work with a Meghan and be secure in your own skin about it. I find and team up with more driven and competent people all the time to help get me going the best way. I’ve found my lane and it’s cool. But yeah, I would love to be like Meghan: the little engine that could and does. She’s a marvel and such fun to read about. She’s always doing something.
As far as this project goes, I think, from reading People’s take on it, she put some networking skills to use, helping to work out the connections since she knows the Hubb ladies so well. But even if she’s just lending her name and time to spotlight the effort, well that’s more than some people have done for their neglected patronages. I mean, that was all that was asked and expected of certain other royals and even that much didn’t happen.
@Guest with Cat said:
“… There’s nothing wrong with being a Kate, if you’re willing to work with a Meghan and be secure in your own skin about it.”
^^ Exactly. I agree, but that’s the problem, innit! I had expected Kate & William to both be chill, generous and supportive, and also happy for Harry. Boy was I surprised when I found out that not only are W&K boring, they’re also petty, insecure Cain and Unable!
@Guest with Cat — this is a great comment! It is amazing what confidence can do to a woman! If you are secure in your own skin, why be afraid of a Meghan like character? you really nailed it!
Had Kate worked with Meghan, she would have been so different! Meghan has the qualities and brain she clearly doesn’t have. Kate could have helped Meghan too by helping her, in addition to Harry, navigate their social circle.
Instead, we got FlyBe stunt, attacks after attacks, leaks after leaks………Meghan will be more than fine, She has gained an army of supporters and fans who will raise money for the causes she supports. What has W&K gained? nothing they have ever done, has been successful because those who claimed to support them, have never done anything to show it!
Meghan and Harry are seen in public and they get to cover all front pages. Meghan will be on GMA on Monday, I already know that the british rat press will be fuming forgetting that the FFK and FFQC have given interviews, mostly ignored, but with Meghan or Harry, attention will be there.
@S808 said:
“Maybe one day I’ll be as nice as Meghan.”
^^ Yes, I know what you mean. 😉
There are people who are as nice and generous as Meghan. She’s not unique in that respect. But she is one of those rare humans blessed with beauty, brains, and a heart filled with compassion and caring. She’s not perfect, but she always tries hard, and she focuses on staying positive and on solving problems with hands-on grace and fortitude. Meghan gets a lot of who she is from her mother, Doria.
Meghan is also a very strong, assertive Leo. Nobody can beat that combination. I’m always interested in learning from Meghan’s example.
Wow. Now this is leadership in action. I love how the royal family didn’t like Meghan showing them up when she was there but guess what, she still shows their laziness up anyway. I am laughing along with you!
I don’t get why it was so difficult for the BRF to just let the Sussexes do what they do best? It made the royals look good and worth being associated with. The Sussexes aren’t perfect but they are energetic and want to roll up their sleeves and do charity work. Why couldn’t they support these 2?
@Margaritasforbreakfast
It will turn out to have been a catastrophic error.
I’ve often wondered that myself. They were popular (except for the racists) and were doing nice things for many people. You’d think the BRF would have been pleased.
The only explanation (other than the racism) is that certain members of the family didn’t like being overshadowed, or that they paled in comparison with their own work, and rather step up themselves, it’s easier to cut others down.
H&M are going to do their do gooding no matter what, so now they do it on their own, and the BRF no longer benefits from the good PR.
I get the sense, now, after reading all the comments and articles my spare time will allow, that it was a real problem with the courtiers.
I mean, yes there is the jealousy and insecurity of the BRF rearing its ugly head. Even Anne seems to have awakened to sufficient levels of pique to actually comment on it as only a salty old fart can. Bless her heart, she needs to just keep quiet and carry on. She’s doing fine and doesn’t need to slate the younger ones for trying to find their own way.
But the courtiers seem like a bunch of lazy whiners. Really, how are they supposed to be practicing the British virtue of keeping a stiff upper lip if they’re flapping their gums to the Royal Rota nonstop about that demanding American! Emails at 5 am! How dare she!
Who are these people and what the hell have they been doing with their time all these years? Polishing candlesticks? It really is not a good look on them that they squawk so much about being asked to work. It really makes the whole institution look lazy and shambling.
For her first project as a royal, Meghan chose to work with a group of women of color to publish a cookbook using their skills, knowledge, and passion for food to empower themselves and to help their community. She completed the project within four months of being married in, and it has brought nothing but positive results that continue to this day.
Meghan shook the Cambridges to the core with her first solo project as a royal. Rebecca English was prompted to write an article announcing Kate’s first solo lifelong project when it was nothing but an idea (which ultimately became a five question survey) that was published by the DM the Friday eve of the Together cookbook reveal. Instead of embracing what Meghan could bring to KP, Will & Kate with the help of courtiers chose to sabotage Meghan and smear her good name using the tabloid press for no other reason than she exposed them for what they are, lazy and insecure.
As far as I can tell the issue is that the BRF and their minions (STILL!) don’t understand that public attention and favor is not apportioned by virtue of rank within ‘The Firm’.
Also, the whole dang family is nothing if not a pack of vicious, jealous, backstabbing bitches. Some individuals don’t do that, but they are the rare exception…and honestly, that sort of squabbling is one of the aristocracy’s favorite hobbies (along with fucking each other, engaging in shady business deals, and ingesting copious quantities of booze/drugs).
Margaritas, it’s easy. Just look at that interview involving all 4. Meghan owned that and she showed knowledge, passion and interest easily. The difference is Harry was proud of his wife and secure enough for his marriage to be a partnership. The other 2…well, it’s easy to see they couldn’t keep up even though this is their job. Meghan built up her philanthropic work while having a career. The palace was like “who does that? “.
Archaic, racist BRF made such a huge PR blunder with these two — no smear campaign can dim the bright, shining lights of Meghan and Harry — they represent the future! Love them.
I think Meghan loves those women. I get the sense that whenever she is in LDN, she always pops in to say hi to them.
They were probably the few who were genuine in welcoming her with arms wide open…….when I think those women were attacked by trying to destroy Meghan!!! Meghan is a much better person than I am
totally, the genuine love and respect between them is obvious.
I don’t think they were “the few” – it was the tabloids and some conservative commentators who had it in for Meghan, NOT the British people in general. And anyone who actually met her, loved her.
I’ve said this till I’m blue in the face.
Honestly I feel what you’re saying but for those of us looking on from other countries we are deluged with negative press about Meghan and Harry AND social media is dripping with bile and violent hatred toward her. It’s difficult to grasp that the average Brit may feel differently. Plenty of Brits are posting on agreement with Piers Morgan’s screeds and daily fail attacks on meghan. But as I said, I hear you.
Thanks for that, Margaritas!
As a Brit, I can separate Trump and Magats from Americans in general, so it’s doubly frustrating if Americans view us as a monoculture.
Bella, I keep saying this too. The vitriol and the relentless vendetta of the royal rota/tabloids didn’t match anything else we knew. People on engagements, walkabouts, charities, sussex squad, independent media (like Byline or the Guardian), high profile celebrities, sports people, academics and members of parliament- all of these have been loud and proud in supporting H&M. They are noisy, but by no means representative.
These two really are 100% about that life! Looks like Doria and Diana raised 2 souls with hearts filled with compassion and empathy!!❤
Very good point. They both credit their mothers for raising them to have empathy and to not just feel it, but act on it. Meghan has been a doer since she was a little kid. I can’t understand the people who insist this aspect of her is not genuine and is just for show or for publicity. She showed who she was since she was a kid. Harry’s had some mis-steps but he founded Sentebale as a teenager. Despite coming from dramatically different socioeconomic backgrounds, these two have more in common than they have differences between them.
The difference between being The Queen, The Future Queen and just being a True Queen.
Just being a true queen — exactly!!!
In all seriousness, I like that her and Harry have picked angle to tackle (food insecurity) and active putting feet on the ground and connecting folks to the necessary causes to combat it. There’s no confusion about what cause they’re taking on and what exactly they’re doing to help.
Right, and food insecurity is a very “tangible” thing. There are concrete actions the average person can take to help. I’m going to look today to see if there are similar food delivery services in my area (I know there are, I just want to find the specific names etc) to which I can donate. I’m sure that lots of Sussex fans are doing the same.
These are wonderful initiatives but I hate that people are going hungry in rich nations. The whole issue of food insecurity seems to be growing and it is perhaps the most tangible expression of the ever growing social and economic inequality. This is end-stage capitalism.
ArtHistorian, have you read Hunger The Oldest Problem by Martin Caparros? Interesting read about all of this.
On CKNW yesterday I learned we cannot get enough workers in a timely fashion to pick the crops. So crops won’t get picked or shipped. Because the workers (I forget the actual term, but we import them…) have to self-isolate for 2 weeks before they can work.
Cherries, strawberries, our world-famous blueberries, nothing picked. What does get picked will be much more expensive. and because they have to isolate, the crops won’t get picked in a timely fashion, meaning we’ll lose about 1/2, which means what does come onto the market will be very expensive. When many have lost income, food insecurity is becoming very real here in BC, Canada
That’s why it’s important to support advocacy groups and advocating individuals – governments and society in general can’t be let off the hook.
@ Prayer – the term you seek is likely migrant workers, which is a can of worms in itself. I live in an area with a high population of migrant workers, mostly undocumented. They live in man camps with bare utilities, often hot rack, work 16 hour minimum days, aren’t provided benefits, aren’t eligible for most social programs other than emergency healthcare and get paid the bare minimum with expenses like housing withheld.
@ prayer warrior Aren’t there any unemployed folks in that area that can step in and do this job if migrant workers are not able to get those crops picked in time? Seems like this would be the logical answer to the problem and not only will it save crops it will employ locals who are out of work.
@ Oh – I can’t speak for Canada, here in the US, these are often jobs people just wont do, they make more on unemployment or benefits and it is long, grueling labor under poor conditions for low pay and no benefits. The reason they use migrant labor is to circumvent labor laws.
+ 1
Hard to sustain the “Hollywood” or “merching ” narratives now, isn’t it?
They are showing the world their authentic selves, without having to be seen through the distorted prisms of the RR.
yes! I do wonder if a collaboration with WFP is on the cards. It would make perfect sense
What is WFP?
It’s the World Food Program. It’s the UN agency that works towards ending hunger. When I was on the field with MSF I saw them in action and they do amazing work.
https://www.wfp.org/overview
Meghan is one smart cookie.
I agree. I think she’s extremely intelligent and definitely an excellent project manager. In my world, she’s what we call a hard-charger, a go-to person ’cause she can develop ideas, break-down problems, formulate a strategy, develop plans, and execute as in get shit done and done right. I would imagine she needs the yoga and meditation she’s known for doing to allow her mind and body to reset and recharge like the Energizer Bunny.
@Olenna
I read that her nickname on the Suits set was MSH Markle – as “Makes Shit Happen”.
@Bella,
Then she is reliable and consistent, and I’m sure her charities appreciate this. She’s a definitely keeper for these organizations!
Food (in)security is such a big issue, I love that they are working it too Kaiser.
I love that a lot of the work that the Sussexes have done was to just be helpful and giving and not for publicity. We wouldn’t even have found out about the LA food delivery if one of the recipients (and now the program director) hadn’t talked about it. I love that by the time we hear about their work it’s done or clearly actionable. It’s not just letting us know how hard they are thinking about something or that they’ve convened yet another panel to help them “learn more.”
Yup! These two are walking the walk, and not just talking the talk! They’re definitely following in their mothers’ 👣👣!
Yes, and I would not have known about Project Angel Food, but, was able to make a donation yesterday. Kudos to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!!
This is the way to coordinate multiple charities to accomplish a unified goal, without injecting a middle man to skim off some of the funds donated. Meghan, and Harry, just continue to show how it’s properly done.
Connecting and coordinating resources has been Meghan’s MO from the start. Duchess of Solutions is an apt name for her.
Duchess of Solutions, Duchess of Impact, Duchess of Kindness…
Exactly this C-shell. The Hubb Community Kitchen has been working with a food redistribution charity that the Sussexes had on the monthly rotation. Now after Harry put the Hubb ladies in touch with Street Games, a youth charity he’s visited a few times in the past, all three are working together to make& deliver meals to struggling Londoners. Hope the fund achieves its goals
thanks for explaining the connection between the groups there. That’s great networking! And the way to do it!
Every day she goes higher.
She sure does – BTW how are you feeling! Much better I hope.
@Jaded How lovely of you to ask… I’m pretty exhausted, as my father came down with the coronavirus as well (though he didn’t catch it from me) and I’ve been nursing him through it. I have so much respect for nurses – their care is invaluable. I’m still worn out from my brush with the virus, so it’s been very challenging – and as my father has asthma and a heart condition, I’ve been very fearful for him. Have never prayed so hard in my life.
How are you? How are you coping with the lockdown? I do hope you’re well – stay well, stay safe.
@Andrew’s Nemesis – doing well but gaining weight as I’m cooking some rather lavish meals, but I’m enjoying spoiling myself and Mr. Jaded, it helps mitigate the isolation. I’ve also taught our cat to fetch…I kind of wish I hadn’t, he’s dropping toys at our feet constantly now.
Hoping your father recovers quickly and completely, take good care.
@Jaded the lavish meals sound lovely! Strangely, I’m finding cooking a bit of a chore at present – probably because it takes three hours to get in, through and out of the supermarket: I’m absolutely sick of the ingredients by that point. It’s rather adorable that you’ve taught your kitten to fetch. Mine simply buries his toys and then wails until I unearth them again. He’s exceptionally needy at present, as the tension is palpable, and as he’s 19 and a bit senile he’s crying at odd times of the night.
Stay well, stay safe – I’m finding this site the best way to overcome the sensations of isolation. The thing I hate most? The general public feeling like the enemy. I’m usually a cheerful sort, saying good morning to people and stopping for chats; the automatic crossing-the-road to avoid contamination is very…alienating. I wonder if we’ll ever return to normal or bear invisible scars?
LOL, Jaded. I’ve taught all my cats to fetch. A couple of them are still playing it at 15yo. It’s rare that all five want to play at the same time, but it’s so funny when it happens. I have one that will walk around with a mitten in his mouth for three days for fetch, that he drops at my feet or in my lap, or even in my tea when I don’t respond fast enough.
Andrew’s Nemesis it is honestly so, so, so inspiring. They say actions speak louder than words. My gosh, this girl is just full of action. And kudos to Harry, Diana’s son.
@Pineapple I agree wholeheartedly. She epitomises dignity, grace and class; she simply discovers what needs to be done and, undeterred by the court of mindless public opinion, gets on with it. I admire her hugely: I think that she will go down in history as a great philanthropist.
@Andrew’s Nemesis
Sorry to hear about your father. My mom also has asthma and everyday i’m so fearful she might catch this virus, ‘cause it’s so much more riskier for those like them. I’m glad you’ve been able to pull through your own battle with it and hope you dad will as well. It’s wonderful he can have you there caring for him, i’m sure that brings him comfort to be with family during this vulnerable time 🤗❤️
@Babz and @MTec Thank you so much for your good wishes and prayers. You’re so kind – it’s such a blessing to have your support. I will pray that your mother does not succumb to this horrible virus, @Babz, and keep both of you – and all of you who post on here – in my thoughts and prayers.
@Andrew’s Nemesis, this is a cruel, capricious virus, that respects no borders or any person’s health condition. Glad you’re improving, but I am sorry to hear about your dad. I am sending up prayers for you and your dad, as you recuperate and care fore him, and for him to recover quickly.
🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
I hope you and your father are well soon Andrew’s Nemesis. This has been an incredibly tough year. Hang in there
@Andrew’s Nemesis I will pray for you and your father. I don’t know anybody personally with the disease so I pray for all in general but I really love to have a name to lift up. To be recovering and a care-giver at the same time is a heavy load–wishing you strength.
@Liz Version 700 Thank you so very much for your good wishes. I hope that you are well and stay well.
Praying for you and your father —- and your 18 year old cat —- Andrew’s Nemesis. Take good care.
It’s been wonderful having you back with us Andrew’s Nemesis. I am sorry your father is sick and I pray he gets well soon.
I empathize with what you’re going through with your kitty. I have issues with helping felines right now that are beyond the scope of this comment section. It’s never easy work on a good day and now…ugh.
I wish all good things for you. I’m so glad you’re back and please keep on recovering and taking care of yourself as you take care of your father.
The Hubb women and amazing and this is amazing. That reminds me, I need to make that avocado dip again.
This does make me a bit sad though. Meghan accomplished a lot in 1.5 years as an “official” princess and senior royal. The Hubb cookbook is a top 5 best project to ever come out of the BRF. When it happened I remember people here envisioning the project expanding throughout t he U.K., Meghan working with different communities and maybe releasing more cookbooks. It could still happen I guess but it won’t be the same. It’s really a big shame the BRF stifled her efforts instead of empowering her.
Brexit Britain’s loss is the world community’s gain.
Ah yes, @Standbyme2018, a play on Camilla’s congratulatory words after M&H’s engagement: “America’s loss is our gain.” Yeah, right. In the end, BRF and BM have lost Big Time, because they didn’t expect Queen Meghan to work so hard and to shine so brightly, without noticeable effort or keen alerts.
They expected Meghan to bow and scrape, and to be grateful to be in their presence, to give in to the media, and to be awed by the royal perks, but not to work hard and to shine so brightly and effortlessly.
No one puts baby in a corner.
If the BM and the BRF after almost three years of abuse, can’t clip her wings, I don’t see Meghan slowing down, now that she is a free from bullshit protocol.
This was great and you can see it meant a lot to the recipients. Cue Cain and Unable doing something similar in their usual uncomfortable manner as having to mix with the plebs. Cue William in jeans, a shirt and suit jacket and Unable in super skinny jeggings making sure the paps/trailing press pack get a good shot of her looking engaged.
I also love that these shots are clearly CCTV footage and that there were not being followed by a press pack.
Re the CCTV footage – yesterday, before it was released, the twits were either proclaiming “pics or it didn’t happen” or “just another photo opportunity.” Well, here are your grainy pictures, but where are the professional photos they would have used if they had their own photog with them? How will the haters play this off? Was it a lie or a photo op? Two people just doing something kind will never occur to their hate-filled minds.
It was super sh**ty of the building manager to sell that CCTV footage.
The building manager is probably on very low income and this may make the difference between having a nest egg for a rainy day or not. The footage shows them positively. I really don’t see why we’re attacking a working person who won’t have the luxuries of life any of the Royals do.
This is for Penguin:
Someone’s need for money doesn’t justify unethical behavior. Imagine the world if everyone believed their needs justified being amoral creeps.
@Penguin I really hate to gang up, but I agree that this kind of behaviour is morally reprehensible. People should not be able to justify ignoble actions by pleading poverty: we should rise above our worst instincts. The consequences of such actions are deeply harmful to a cohesive society; we must recognise that moral relativism can be used to excuse any action (to extrapolate further – no money? Deal drugs, sell people’s personal information, or, as an absolute extreme, selling newborns and organs. An absolute extreme, but it does happen and poverty, relative or absolute, is used as a justification) and repress it. Let’s move towards a world based on trust. A Kantian one, if you will.
@Penguin, the fact is he violated their privacy. Would you think it was ok if a governmental agency like the NSA asked that manager to turn over that footage to spy on them, or use it to give the police updates on his neighbors to monitor them? Slippery slope and doing it for money is unethical, he didn’t ask their permission and if he gets sued, serves him right.
Once again: (another) lovely action! And I do love how focused Meghan is on what goals she wants to achieve for a charity. The Hubb women needed money so she got them some money. SmartWorks needed clothes so she gave them clothes. Luminary Bakery needed recognition about their second location opening and Meghan gave them a Vogue article.
I like how her work has tangible benefits and the people benefit straight away instead of waiting on something or someone for months
I do love how Meghan’s MO is “Need: Solution,” even if the solution is her simply doing something herself like delivering meals. Or even if the solution doesn’t involve her being front and center. She is not most concerned with how she look or come off, how she can use this charity or that thing for PR or to uplift the Royal Family’s image. There is a need, she comes up with an actionable, measurable solution, be it simple or complex, be it her doing the work herself or tapping one (or more) of her extensive contacts to help out. She doesn’t just say some vague words about how she’s discovered there is a problem. We get that so often with the Cambridges. They make a big deal about publicizing the fact that they’ve discovered there is this big problem going on. But they don’t offer a solution. Or they ask someone else to form a committee to form an umbrella org to form a foundation to come up with some large and vague solution that won’t be implemented for decades or more. Meghan solves problems. Big problems, little problems, medium problems. She just gets stuff done and makes everyone’s life better. She’s not in it for the good PR. She doesn’t over complicate things. She’s not like “I’ve decided to work on this huge vague initiative that is actually far beyond the scope of what I can do as a working individual.” She breaks whatever issue she’s focused on down into “need: solution,” and she keeps breaking BF it down further and further until she gets to a solution that she can actually make happen quickly.
The chocolate cake in that cookbook has now been my birthday cake two years in a row!
I just ordered a copy of the book. 🙂
I am going to order one right now.
I love how Meaghan always does specific things with a measurable outcome. William and Kate are just like hey guys now look at our next big concept *gestures vaguely* that will accomplish nothing.
Exactly this. Meghan is output focused and Will and Kate are 100000% about “bringing attention” to something by stopping by for 20 minutes, taking some photos, and patting themselves all the way home and then for another week afterwards.
I just knew she was also doing Zoom meetings. Love this! And I love how Harry was also involved with getting the Hubb ladies and Street Games together. Love these two.
I think it will be a footprint of how they work in future. Getting different groups and organizations to team up to make a better impact. Great way to operate.
Ahhhh, Meghan, you’re truly blessed…the more they try to bring you down, the higher you rise. I think, in a funny way, the British media does realize that M and H are more effective ambassadors for the country than some in the royal family…even when they’re far away. Plus, their appeal is more global now. Haters have been running around in circles on Twitter…it’s so fun to watch! Hahaha. Give em hell Megs!
PS: I also love the bond Meghan has formed with the women of the Hubb kitchen. That video call with lovely women in hijabs and all was just beautiful. People fear what they don’t understand…thank you Meghan, for showing love constantly. And thank you too, Harry…
A true Queen…love her! And a reminder to buy that cookbook for a friend’s upcoming birthday since we’re all in the house cooking.
This is a very elegant solution. Very well done to all concerned.
I read the Standard article to mean that Meghan *did* suggest expanding their operations. I will see if I can find the full video of the Zoom chat to watch.
This is so amazing. Everything she touches turns to gold. Pay attention Cambridges. This is how it’s done.
Archie’s voice can be heard around the 20 seconds mark in the video.
It is great that Harry’s and Meghan’s charities joined forces to better serve the public.
Meghan do like a white top. As Harry said I’m with my family.
Love this so much.
Me, too!
She’s amazing. I have the Together cookbook and get so much joy making recipes from it.
So proud of her and all her hard work. Way to go Meghan!!
I love how Meghan and Harry connect their charities and others around the world, like when they put a swimming initiative in Botswana in touch with Princess Charlene’s swimming initiative in S. Africa. And the recipes in the cookbook are divine.
AGreatDane —- I think this is going to be part of the way they do charitable outreach if I read correctly what they’ve said over the course of the last few months. Connecting and interfacing various groups to work together to make a more powerful force for change.
Now this is how you take action! Looks like H&M are shaping up to be the Duke and Duchess of Hearts, huh?
Well said Kaiser. Despite how badly she was treated shes still supporting UK charities and causes and unlike others delivering real impact. This will not only help support front line but also those struggling to put food on ther table. I’m so proud of this women. Meanwhile the keenbridges are stuck to zooming in and wasting people’s valuable time for PR stunts that result in no tangible impact whatsoever
It’s so nice to see positive coverage of Meghan (Harry too). They deserve it.
Meghan looks nice here. I’ve said so before and I’ll say it again, Harry and Meghan are the best things to happen to the RF, they’ve been deflecting so much as the others continue on with endless spending, hopping on 2 private jets (because their family is more important than everyone else that one is for son one is for father lest they both die on the same one and GOD forbid we’re left without a monarchy), hopping from castle to castle. They’re more hung up on Meghan and Harry paying back their security money than the 38 million they give every year towards the monarchy, THE PEOPLE THAT ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO RULE OVER THEM. Meghan and Harry are hated by syncophants for tarnishing monarchy’s reputation, a deflection for the republicans, and the scapegoat for the WK and the rest of the RF.
I have the Together cookbook from Hubb kitchen. It’s just a beautiful book, and I’m heartened to see that Meghan is still reaching out to work with them!
Hi! I was thinking of ordering it and just wondering if it has a good amount of veggie recipes or is it mostly meat based?
Lots of veggie recipes – I have the book and love it!
Okay dope! Thanks @Jaded!
I have it too. Lots of nice recipes and beautifully done.
Yep, I love the green omelette and the spiced potato kibbeh recipes! I’m looking forward to trying out the Iraqui Lamb Croquettes (but substituting ground turkey or some other ingredient for the lamb). I don’t eat a lot of meat, aside from turkey and chicken.
This recipe book is so lovely and compact and very well put together. It’s a bonus to see the pictures of Meghan with the Hubb Community women, and to read her thoughtful foreword. I’m going to give this recipe book as gifts to my friends.
I also want to try the chicken & mushroom cream soup, the green rice, and the African beignets recipes, along with some of the desserts, including the Russian semolina cake (I’ll substitute coconut cream milk instead of the condensed milk), and the caramelized plum upside down cake!
She builds relationships with people, nurtures those relationships not knowing how or when or even if the investment will bring forth other opportunities. For some it’s about networking but for her it appears to be more personal and less opportunistic. She’s interested in people and it shows
Meghan is definitely interested in people, but she also definitely knows how to network! She is truly engaged in her interactions with purpose and passion. She knows how to take advantage of opportunities, but her heart is always in the right place. Meghan doesn’t waste time suffering fools and nonsense. She keeps her ‘eyes on the prize.’
Our Meg who gets things done has freely admitted to being “endlessly ambitious.” But that’s not a negative, because she’s not ambitious in a selfish way. She always ‘lifts while she climbs.’ 👼🏼 👍🏼
Funny this has been reported in the Evening Standard.
The same Evening Standard that got the exclusive pics of Meghan looking lovely at her private visit to the National Theatre. The same pics that got all the RRs nashing their teeth because two measly pictures manage to ‘outshine’ Camilla’s speech that they had been hyping up.
The same pictures then the tabloids copied and pasted all over their front pages to sell copies. I don’t know much about pictures and copyright but I wonder if the tabloids had to pay the Evening Standard to print their pics.
Ayesha Hazarika who is a columnist for Evening Standard has always defended Meghan and even went on Piers Morgan’s show to defend her (which I don’t expect any woman to do, cos Piers is genuinely terrifying to woman). She was then asked to introduce Harry for his latest Travelyst event and got lots of positive publicity from it.
Now that Harry and Meghan are private citizens, they can work with the media outlets they want and don’t have to deal with the Rota. I bet the Rota are crying their eyes out!
Kudos to the ES. I’ve read their Sussex articles and found them fair and informative without the noise of biased commentary and opinion. Thank goodness the Sussexes have a few outlets like ES and Harpers Bazaar who try to stay above the tabloid fray.
+ 1 here.
My impression has been that the ES, even though tabloid in shape, was not guilty of tabloid-style coverage of Meghan.
@Bella – The London Evening Standard is owned by a Russian named Alexander Lebedev and the editor is George Osborne.
The newspaper focuses on London, The City and The greater London commuting belt.
Waaaiiiittt a minute, isn’t Hit-man Jobson Royal Editor at the Standard?
@BayTampaBay
I know what the Evening Standard is. I’m English and was a Londoner for nearly 20 years.
It’s refreshing they can work with who ever they want beyond the Rota. It seems less like someone trying to manipulate facts or push a certain viewpoint. As for those complaining about free press, other journalists can still write what they want and be critical, but now the Sussexes can be on the record and respond directly if they so choose.
Thanks for clearing up my first reaction to The Evening Standard. Somehow, I put them in the category with all the Murdoch rags. If they are not one of those that spent three years trying to stifle the Duchess of Sussex, then good on them.
What a lovely gesture from Meghan. Well done.
What comes to mind is the old saying “give someone enough rope and they’ll eventually hang themselves”. This is exactly what’s happening to the Lamebridges…they faff around basically doing nothing but photo ops and the occasional video chat and think they’re helping but man does this ever make them look….well, lame!
I love that Meghan experienced such an incredible side of England … the people. She was revered at the School she visited on her final official visit. She seems so enamoured of the humans she has met through the kitchen. She obviously loved many, many British subjects. It is so, so, so sad The Royal Family couldn’t have acted more “royal”.
This human is a class act.
100%
I think acting “royal” was a big part of the family’s problem, they should have acted more “human” instead.
Food insecurity and hunger are two of the causes, along with homelessness, that I to contribute to so Meghan’s involvement with those hits home for me and only makes me love and respect her more. They are not glamorous causes and are often underfunded and overlooked. Bless her for continuing to bring attention to them.
It is interesting that it is the Evening Standard which is part of the same ownership as ITV, ITN, VICE mirror etc. The Duchess had shown that the cause is always paramount. She really cares about the insecurities faced by the vulnerable population and will rise about to partner will a part of an organization that have been unkind on a personal level. Remember Thomas Markle-the documentary.
The Hubb kitchen is a demonstration of what can happen when methophorilly one gives a fisherman supplies : they catch fish to feed the vulnerable. Kudos. It would be nice to see the Sussexes contribute without the others trying to compete or unsuccessfully upstage them.
she is just so effortlessly elegant and kind. At the end of the day the kindness is what shines through the most.
She is so lovely and genuine
Love this. Also love that she is on zoom in front of a blank wall wearing her a t shirt and her hair in a pony tail. This is what every woman I know is doing – not posing at a living room table and pretending it is her desk while wearing a suit – Sorry but I laugh every time I think of that pic of DOC ‘working from home’.
Meghan is a great example of going high when they go low. She has remained calm, friendly, professional and committed as others try to take her down. She and Harry are showing the world they are a team and will sacrifice for each other, but will remain committed to doing what they feel is right. Meghan came to the BRF with a clear idea and plan as to what causes she wanted to champion and she continues to do so, whether she is in the UK or not.
Get ready for it Cane and Unable wil be PIMPING THOSE KIDS OUT AGAIN very soon quite sad really