Sunday 21 October 2018

The Sussexes Go Sailing, Attend Invictus Reception & Meghan To Reduce Events

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended events in support of the Invictus Games today.


Due to exhaustion, Meghan missed this morning's cycling event. The Telegraph's Hannah Furness reports:

'The Duchess of Sussex pulled out of an Invictus Games medal presentation on Sunday morning as the realities of being pregnant during a gruelling royal tour caught up with her. She has already disclosed how she had been trying to overcome jetlag by practising yoga at 4.30am, as she deals with a rigorous programme of engagements which has included flights between cities on several days.
A source said the Duke and Duchess took the decision to modify their schedule over the next few days to ensure the continued health of mother and baby. They will consider how much of the Fraser Island programme the Duchess will be able to do. There are concerns over the terrain of the sand island, where journeys involve a bumpy car ride which often leaves tourists feeling unwell even without the extra element of pregnancy. 
A source said the Duchess was not currently unwell but was simply resting. "After a busy programme,  The Duke and Duchess have decided to cut back The Duchess's schedule slightly for the next couple of days, ahead of the final week and a half of the tour," a palace aide said. Saturday's opening ceremony overran by at least an hour, finishing around 10.30pm thanks to a thunderstorm.'

A Palace aide told reporters: "Meghan wants to do everything, but Harry is encouraging her to pace herself. We want to make sure she gets enough rest at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day." The couple have been keeping a grueling schedule since the tour began on Tuesday. The itinerary has involved long hours and tiring travel. It's hard to believe we're only through a third of the programme. Meghan has an admirable work ethic; I've often heard reporters discussing how much she hates to let anyone down - often spending much longer on walkabouts than scheduled and making every effort to speak to as many people as she can at receptions. The number one priority is mother and baby and I think it a wise decision to hit the brakes a little over the next couple of days and to assess how she's feeling regularly. The terrain in Fraser Island is particularly difficult and it might be best to keep events there to a minimum tomorrow.


Prince Harry presenting a medal to British gold medalist Michael Swain at the cycling event this morning. He told a group of medalists Meghan was resting. "Pregnancy takes its toll".


Afterwards, he was reunited with Meghan for a reception hosted by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, with competitors and representatives from the community gathered in the city’s central parkland, The Domain.


The Mail reports: "The Duke walked over and immediately gave her a kiss before taking her hand and walking into the restaurant together"


The reception was held at the Pavilion restaurant. One of Sydney's landmark locations, the Pavilion is a stylish venue with an emphasis on exceptional cuisine, fine wine and excellent service. Seated on the edge of Sydney's Royal Botanic and Domain Gardens, directly opposite the Art Gallery of NSW, the Pavilion is an easy five minute walk from the city centre. The Pavilion serves breakfast, light meals and the perfect city escape lunch, whilst the kiosk has a tempting selection of sandwiches, salads and wonderful coffee.


The couple met with a group of Kookabura Kids.


The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports kids living in families affected by mental illness. The program provides recreational, educational camps and other activities, giving kids a break, in a fun, positive and safe environment. Kids have the opportunity to meet other kids in similar families and develop new friendships.


More from The Mail:

'Meghan chatted to children from the Kookaburra Kids Foundation, who gave the couple two stuffed kookaburra plush toys as presents for their upcoming baby. 'Harry asked us which of our parents are in the military so we put our hands up,' Lincoln, eight, said as he stood with his brothers Lachlan, 10, and six-year-old Charlie. 'I said our mum's in the military. I don't know what she does but she is a major.' 
Studio 10 host and Kookaburra Kids ambassador Jessica Rowe was just as excited to meet the royal couple as the children with families affected by mental health issues the charity supports. 'They are wonderful. I just said "hello your Royal Highness" to Meghan,' she said. 'I said it is such an honour to meet you, you are such a role model for women and she said thank you.'

They posed for photos.


The couple joined the Prime Minister and his family for lunch.


A lengthy video.


In the afternoon, Harry and Meghan travelled by boat to watch the Invictus sailing.


The couple were all smiles for the event at Farm Cove.


Harry and Meghan cheered as the Australian team won gold.


They congratulated Denmark on achieving second place.


9 News shared a screenshot of the pair returning to their Sydney base, Admiralty House afterwards.


A video from the afternoon of sailing.


In other news, Roya Nikkhah revealed it's unlikely Baby Sussex will have a title. The always informative reporter also revealed the couple will postpone their plans to visit the US early next year:

'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not seek any official royal role for their first child. They hope he or she will grow up to have what Harry has described as “a relatively normal life”, according to a source who knows the couple.
“That word ‘normal’ looms very large for Harry and Meghan when it comes to their child’s future,” the source added. The couple, who are taking Australia by storm on their first overseas tour, will become parents next year. Their baby will be seventh in line to the throne but there are no plans to give it a royal title.
Harry and Meghan are understood to have considered emulating the approach of the Princess Royal and “follow the Zara and Peter Phillips route”, the source said. Princess Anne turned down royal titles for her children, who built independent careers with significantly reduced exposure to public scrutiny. His desire to shield his children also coincides with his father’s wish for a “slimmed-down” monarchy that focuses on the direct line of succession to the throne.
Meghan, 37, who is thought to be about four months pregnant, will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements until the birth, and will announce her first patronages in the new year. But the couple will postpone a visit to America scheduled for the first half of next year.'

Meghan opted for a smart casual look with a crisp blazer, black turtleneck, black jeans and chic accessories.


The Duchess sported the L'Agence Brea Pinstriped Blazer (with thanks to Heaven). 



The style is tailored from a white linen and cotton-blend with black pinstripes and has lightly padded shoulders. The £510 blazer is on sale at Revolve Clothing and ShopBop. It's also available at Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.  


It appears the Duchess wore her Outland Denim Harriet Jeans.


Meghan wore her Aquazzura Deneuve Pumps. Made in Italy, the stiletto heels are described as "A pert bow perched at the back ties together the chic detailing of a pointy-toe pump featuring side cutouts and a super slim stiletto." They are also available in cabaret pink at Nordstrom.


Meghan carried her Avalon Zip Top Crossbody Bag by Australian accessorised brand Oroton. The Duchess debuted the piece for a CHOGM reception in April.

A closer look at Meghan's earrings.


Susan from What Meghan Wore believes they are the Natalie Marie Diamond Sun Studs. From looking at close ups, I think she's spot on.

On the boat, Meghan opted for more comfortable footwear in the form of the Veja V-10 Leather Sneakers. Veja is a French company with a strong focus on transparency, fair trade and social and environmental responsibility. It collaborates incredibly closely with the factory that produces its sneakers to ensure the best work practices (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).


Meghan wore her Krewe Gravier sunglasses.


In other news, snaps of Prince Harry wearing a pair of budgie smugglers have emerged. Yep, budgie smugglers :)


The Mirror reports:

'They were gifted to Harry when a disabled sports presenter and two members of the Australian Invictus Games team visited him at Admiralty House, the Governor General’s residence where the couple are staying in Sydney. Dylan Alcott, a host on ABC’s daily round-up of the games, had a private talk with Harry along with team members Matt Model and co-captain Nicole Bradley.
Mr Alcott, who is a triple Paralympic gold medallist in wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball, said: “We gave him a gift. One of the athletes, Matt, gave him a pair of budgie smugglers. And he put them on, over his jeans. It looks awesome. “He said, ‘Shall I put them on?’ We said, ‘One hundred per cent.’ So he put them on… Good on him.” Mr Alcott, who was talking at a reception hosted by the prime minister Scott Morrison at a restaurant in Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, added: “I just met the duchess, and he [Harry] said he [Dylan] is the one to blame for the photo. I said, ‘Hey, sorry!’”
Talking about the budgie smugglers, he added: “I think it did wonders for him. It looked good. He should make it official! I reckon the duchess will love them. But who knows? Maybe not.” He went on: “I met the duchess before, at Wimbledon - I’m the number one wheelchair tennis player in the world. I said, ‘We actually met at Wimbledon.’ She said ‘I remember meeting you at Wimbledon.’ I was pretty happy with that. I felt pretty chuffed that she remembered.”

Harry and Meghan attended a private evening reception after the event. A post on the event will be ready shortly. 

72 comments:

  1. I'm relieved for Meghan. She looked quite exhausted last night. The original schedule would be exhausting for anyone. Surely someone pregnant cannot complete 76 engagements in 16 days. I hope she takes all the time she needs to take good care of herself. Her health and that of the baby are most important.

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    1. I agree albeit beautiful she looked really tired last night I hope she take her rest.

      Silvia

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  2. This is a grueling schedule for anyone, but given her pregnancy, I certainly hope they cut back on her appearances. She, and her baby’s health must take precedence.

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  3. I’m so glad that this is happening. I was afraid for her, given the grueling schedule on this tour. I feel badly for the folks who won’t have a chance to meet or see her, but her health and the baby’s are so much more important. Given the work ethic Meghan has already displayed, I hope she won’t be too disappointed or feel she has let people down. I’m in awe of what she has done already!

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  4. I had not considered how intense appearances are but I listened to one of their "meet the public" visits and the noise level is very stressful. And while she was "relaxing" on the beach, layers and layers of cameras were set up to catch every little glance.

    I hope they cut back a lot---it looks like nothing is scheduled for this evening, which is good. I feel confident that Harry will do his best to make her rest.

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  5. Charlotte, that means you’ll get a bit of well-deserved break also!

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  6. Meghan and Baby Sussex should and will be top priority for Harry. They have not had a minute to themselves to breath. W&K always take a day at a given point for private R&R when on tour. I was originally surprised to notice that there was not a scheduled day off in their schedule. I am happy this decision has been made. I am sure some will be disappointed as they have anticipated seeing them together however, everyone understands. Harry will make the best of it on his own and Meghan will appear more often then we now anticipate as she takes her responsibilities to the RF very seriously. Very good decision all around. I personally in reading their daily commitments did not understand the need for the current aggressive schedule is such a short period of time.

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    1. I agree that a day for rest is always a good idea. I understand they want to do as much as possible in their time away, but people need rest.

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  7. Clearly the tour was planned without her pregnancy in mind and I'm sure that she has a hand in this unrealistic schedule who can be tiring even for someone vigorous and not pregnant. Maxima who have always a packed schedule rests at weekends in tour.I'm sure with more experience she will know her pace and capacity and future engagements will be planned for a human and not a wonder women.

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    1. Talk about wonder women! Charlotte is one, too :) This tour has gone at an incredible pace...I’ve gotten burnt out just following it!

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  8. Foolish not to have scheduled a full couple rest day regardless of pregnancy in my opinion! You can’t give from an Empty tank & Adrenalin will only go so far!!!!! Lovin the tour & coverage THANKS CHARLOTTE!!!!!
    Oh & 4WD is soooooo bumpy on Fraser Island & most of that amazing island is sand so good call for bubba Sussex!!!! I’ve been there & 4WDed!

    Theresa Queensland Australia

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    1. I agree completely, usually you see a rest period for the tour. This tour was scheduled before she was pregnant but they both need s rest period. I guess prince harry is used to it. This is her first real tour plus early stages of pregnancy. Hopefully she can get some rest

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    2. They obviously scheduled their engagements far in advance (events take months of planning) and did not anticipate her pregnancy. I suspect they knew this tour would happen even before their engagement.

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    3. Everyone who looked at the schedule thought it was pretty packed and to many readers it looked very unrealistic:) Everyone understood that an eager, wanting to do much couple was very involved in the planning and pushing to do the most, but travel, the constantly on call, the increased media etc is just so much more when all these events are happening than how it looks on paper...then you throw in any of the usual pop up issues...weather, traffic, a slow service at a meal, etc etc and things just get crazy. I am so so happy they are trying to adjust the schedule, Harry still is going to be crazy busy and Meghan still crazy busy.

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    4. The way royal "events" are counted typically includes arrivals and departures as separate events. Similarly, if a royal attends an event and later gives a speech at that event, sometimes that counts as two events in the CC. I think if the number of events are calculated (per royal counting protocol) this tour doesn't have more events per day than say, W&K's tour to India/Bhutan. The tours W&K did later on with their two children did have "private time" added in but in Canada with the children they still had at least 36 events scheduled over 8 days. (Think one was cancelled because of weather.) To me, what makes this tour sound very overwhelming isn't the number of events per day or even the number of events overall, but the sheer number of days (16! And while they had the first day off, that wouldn't really help with jet lag since they arrived in the am)

      To compare with a few of W&K's tours
      India/Bhutan--7 days
      Germany-- 5 days
      2011 Canada- 8 days
      2016 Canada-- 7 days

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    5. Yes, it is a very long tour. Not sure why they did not decide to wait on their pregnancy until the conclusion of the tour, as the tour had been scheduled for over 6 months. Lots of planning and money involved for security, staff and accommodations. I guess they could not wait!

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  9. I peeked at the future itinerary an it is really jam packed. It made me tired to read it. I'm sure she will feel badly to not appear at some events, but I hope she cuts back---they sound like very active involved visits too. Now I'm worried. :)

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  10. This does not surprise me. In fact, nearly 5 engagements per day in little more than two weeks without accounting for jet lag is a bit much for anyone. I recently moved to Tokyo for a two-month study period. The first 10 days of landing, moving in, starting class and beginning a social whirl were unbelievably wonderful but also incredibly taxing. And I controlled my own schedule without cameras in my face every public minute.

    I know that Prince Charles keeps up this sort of schedule; however, I've always thought there was something a little too close to obsessive and compulsive about it. Just sayin'.

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    1. Good luck with your time in Japan, Philly!

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  11. The Duchess of Sussex is human. She desrves some rest.

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  12. Good for her. Glad she is taking her & baby's health as top priority. It won't do anyone good if she gets herself sick & has to completely stop events. So glad they are in tune with her body's needs & aren't afraid to change to what seems best.

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  13. I completely understand why they are adjusting her schedule. First it is her first official tour that is jammed packed. And now of course that she is pregnant. This must be exhausting for her. Glad she is able to take some time to rest. Hopefully she is not up at 4:30am again and getting some much needed rest.

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  14. I just think about the fact of all the walking, and the fact that they are speaking and smiling and all the peppy interaction from sunup to sundown-I couldn’t imagine how anybody could do it and not be extremely exhausted, especially when your with child. Being this is her first pregnancy, I bet she didn’t realize how sleepy you become, I am sure she is the type of person who jumps in feet first and never says no to anyone. I can’t understand why they planned so much if they knew she was expecting for several weeks before the trip... looks like they could have modified the plans but I guess people would have wanted an explanation...I think Meghan might be an over achiever type, she just seems to be the type to muck in no matter the situation-she’s a real trooper, I am convinced God handpicked her especially for Harry and gave both of them time to establish a purpose(charity) before teaming them up, that way they could be stronger together and make a huge impact!!

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  15. Having had my first child about six months older than the age Meghan is now, and having been regularly running and working full time (with a lot of overtime--it was the computer industry), I can attest that exhaustion can continue into the second trimester if you don't pace yourself. I wondered if my having decided that I should publish my first book at that time (quick! Before Baby!) on top of everything drove me to develop hypertension. But then I found out it was genetic in my case. Still, pacing is sooo important for the development of the baby as well as for the mother's overall health. Meghan may be feeling fine now, but I'm sure her doctors are telling her not to overdo it. I'm glad to hear that she is going to have a little time each day to rest. Pregnancy complications are more common for first-time mothers of her age. Praying nothing like that happens.

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  16. Good call. Look at her eyes in the photos from the Invictus opening and these that were just posted; she looks exhausted. This would be an exhausting schedule for a 20 something not pregnant woman. No matter how much she thinks she can do, she's 36, pregnant for the first time, hormones are doing all sorts of things. She needs to take napes and keep her feet up so the baby gets more nourishment. Can you tell I've taught too many hours of biology classes to wannabe nurses and medical assistants?

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    1. Arrenia, :):):) too your comment.

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    2. Good information for new mothers. I remember being very drowsy for months. Babies sleep a lot after they are born. Mothers need to do it with them beforehand. The part about intermittently keeping prone to enhance nourishment is very interesting.

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  17. This is good news, Meghan does need to pace herself because this is only the first week of the tour. The first trimester of a pregnancy does leave you feeling exhausted generally so it makes sense to preserve energy in the second trimester (which I'm sure she's in). Unfortunately a good night's sleep doesn't automatically recharge your battery when pregnant so I totally understand why they made this decision - very wise and considerate of everyone involved in the tour.

    Have a good rest Meghan, sending love and energy cells your way :)

    Love Avee in SA

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  18. Royal 👑 Watcher21 October 2018 at 05:39

    Thank goodness, I always thought the schedule was too jam packed for anyone to cope with. Good for Meghan to be allowed to rest a bit. it’s the sensible thing to do! I think that William and Kate have had a few spots of freedom in between engagements on tours, it’s not a bad idea.

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  19. Hmm its good the duchess that she rest She human after its Goos she taking a rest hmm i hops she get better she needs enegy she is not just herself she carrying baby these makes them two

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  20. This was a wise call. I think it would have been wise to schedule a day off in from the start. Pregnant or not- this is Meghan‘s first tour and no one could have known beforehand how well she would take it. And everyone knew that since the wedding the possibility of a pregnancy was always there. In my eyes the packed schedule was well meant but incredible naive. Wonder if their advisers missed it or if H&M didn’t listen.
    I am very glad Meghan is in a position where reducing your workload is that easy. It will only be beneficial for her and the baby‘s wellbeing. Wishing this could be the case for all expecting mothers. Hopefully she will get her energy back soon, now that she hits the second trimester. Those three months where the most energetic and productive months I ever had. Fingers crossed for her.
    C.

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  21. I’m glad to hear she’ll be taking some rest. I was wondering if that would happen. This kind of non-stop schedule is impossible for anyone without some kind of rest. Even the most well-meaning person needs time to adapt to the new time zone and to not be “on” for hundreds of people and cameras.

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  22. This Yank needed to google the swimwear and the bird!

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  23. I hope it’s not true that they don’t want their first born to have a title, what a disappointment that will be.... Harry is so well loved his children will also be even before they’re born, I personally don’t see how Princess Anne’s children have been spared, they would have built a life for themselves if they had titles or not, what’s the big deal??? I personally think Harry’s children will be needed to carry on engagements, it’s just him and William... not like Queen Elizabeth, she has 4 children to help with engagements, William and his 3 couldn’t possibly do it all, I wonder if they would receive titles later on and they are just saying this now so the media will leave them alone???

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  24. (I’m already tired just thinking about what they’ve done!)
    -Harry will be a super hands on father:)😍
    Meghan is sending a message with her outfits:"The event it's not about me!"
    She decided to wear mostly dark blue black and white for this tour so as to draw attention away from comments about her wardrobe and keep attention on the causes they are coming to champions-She is so beautiful, particularly with her pregnancy glow:)

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  25. Hi Charlotte. Thamk you for your fantastic coverage of the tour. I dont know if you follow Chris Jackson’s instagram he has just posted the front cover of the Paris Match 1957. At a quick glance I thought it was Harry from this tour. Quite amazing. Perhaps some of the readers here would be interested.

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    1. Wow, that’s spooky! It’s the beard that makes them hard to tell apart :)

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  26. I somehow saw from day 3 onwards she was not herself. Just trying to pull through, less engaged.

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  27. Very happy about the change of plans, it was an impossible pace for a pregnant woman!
    Nothing to say about the look..pretty much the same as yesterday. Meh.

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    1. I agree, pretty much the same, but I do like that Oroton bag!

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  28. Black. Navy. Cream. White.
    Praying for a little color soon...

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    1. Lol I’m quite liking the neutrals, but like you, also hoping a little colour can be incorporated into the programme.

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  29. Being 14 weeks pregnant myself, I was already thinking this week: she must be exhausted. I know how exhausted I am, my energy is finally coming back now, a little bit day by day, without being jetlagged and so on. I hope they adjust the rest of the tour, so she can rest a bit more. All the travelling in between, getting ready for events, is not resting either and those are things that are not visible for public.

    But I do admire her work ethic. She meant it, "hit the ground running". But she'll learn to pace herself later on. It's more difficult with your first. She is doing a great job (and Harry too of course, he's going to be a marvellous dad!). I sincerely hope they go the Zara and Peter Phillips route with their children.

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  30. She looked so lovely and radiant today and all the days I've seen her across Sydney and Melbourne. It's been a real treat to see them up close and personal (and getting to have a chat to Harry!). I took some great photos and enjoyed myself immensely! Glad to hear Meghan will be having a rest though, it must be so tiring.

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    1. It's great to hear from a first-hand observer! How wonderful that you were able to chat with Harry. Such a memory highlight!

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    2. Oh absolutely! He even accepted some little bootees I had knitted for the baby and made a joke about them being officially the smallest socks and were never going to fit him. Not a moment I'll forget in a hurry!

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  31. I applaud H&M for wanting to achieve as much as they can on the tour. But, I doubt anyone will be anything but understanding that Meghan will need to rest up and look after herself. The tour schedule was compiled before Meghan fell pregnant,so it makes perfect sense, that she needs to take a breather here and there.
    I was surprised to read the section that H&M are considering forgoing a title for their child/children. I always thought they would look to the Wessex's titles of Lady/Viscount/Lord,rather than having a HRH. I do hope they reconsider. Their children will one day be the grandchild/grandchildren of a King and the niece/nephew and a cousin of a future King.
    A few of the Royal family have a lower title have have still managed to forge a life for themselves away from the public gaze.
    Charlotte you're doing an amazing jobs with daily posts. Thank You so much for all your efforts, they're a joy to read every morning ! x

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    1. Harry's a duke, so I imagine any children will be styled as children of a duke no matter which means Lady/Lord or whatever. This is the same with Edward's children who are children of an earl and might become children of a duke if he gets the DoE title in the future as has been speculated. I don't like when people use the Anne comparison. Titles don't pass through the female line and neither of her husbands accepted one, the situation is different.

      The real question is whether there'll be a patent to make them HRH immediately upon birth. That could have an effect on their lives. While I don't think the problems that Eugenie and Beatrice have faced are a given, I do see good reason to pass on the HRH. I think it would open even more comparisons to their Cambridge cousins and since it's unlikely that any Sussex children would become working royals anyway a life outside of the spotlight seems a good choice.

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  32. I guess I’ll just preface with I don’t know her actual medical condition or how she feels and she should do whatever is best for her. But some of the comments (not so much here, but other articles esp) are treating pregnancy like we did 100 years ago. If you’re healthy and in shape as Meghan is, there shouldn’t be a problem with walking and standing (which is essentially what she’s doing) again I’m not faulting Meghan specifically of she’s tired she’s tired. And Kate for example was very nauseous. I mean it does happen. I guess I feel more uncomfortable with a narrative that seems to be taking hold on some news sites about poor fragile Meghan. Pregnancy is not an inherently fragile state particularly for meet and greet type work. (I obviously wouldn’t recommend bunjee jumping). And I don’t doubt the level of work that these tours are along with the travel. I think what’s maybe rubbing me the wrong is people are reacting like she’s fragile and needs to be coddled when she’s essentially doing a version of what most working women do through the duration of their pregnancies without the mansion and staff and ability to opt out. I was on my feet my entire pregnancy. Many women have far more manual labor jobs and have to make it work. And nobody says poor fragile you to them. Again this is NOT a slight at Meghan, I think If you’re tired you’re tired and she’s been nothing but professional and engaged at every turn. It’s more the narrative I’m seeing in the news and commenters that she’s suddenly so fragile and exhausted and delicate state and all that. And it just feels like such a Victorian way to discuss women and pregnancy. And of course I don’t mean any of this to include medical advice to change your habits which we don’t know If Meghan has received. Anyway I don’t mean this to be inflammatory I love Harry and Meghan. I just feel sort of disheartened this is playing in the media as poor fragile Meghan must take care of herself when the same consideration is not given to the hair dressers and maids and nurses of the world. Who dont have Meghan’s resources and have to work to support themselves and their families. It’s a larger conversation than Harry and Meghan. As I said if she’s tired she’s tired so she should rest. I just wish it wouldn’t become what it seems to be on it’s way to becoming in some news sites....

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    1. Hi Anon, I totally get what you're saying. There are many narratives in the media surrounding women, pregnant or not, that have me absolutely frustrated. I waitressed throughout both of my pregnancies and while my bosses were super supportive I still had to show up and work each day or not get paid. If Meghan is tired and needs to rest, then she should rest but yeah I wish the media would stop treating women like we are either delicate flowers or the cause of all men's issues (my other pet peeve).

      As Meghan progresses into her pregnancy I hope that she doesn't succumb to the bizarre need of most designers to dress pregnant women as though they're 3 years old. Seeing grown women in an abundance of ruffles, bow and Peter Pan collars just drives me crazy, we're pregnant but we haven't lost our sense of style and taste.

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    2. Silvia from Tuscany21 October 2018 at 16:15

      I agree with you 100%. If there are not medical reasons a woman can do during her pregnancies what she usually does. All the narrative about weakness and exaustion has no sense at all. Meghan, like all women, has to take the rest she needs and, if her pregnancy is normal,as I wish her, she's not ill at all.

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    3. Great comment. A big part of this "Meghan must rest" message does come from how people treat pregnant women. I also think that the tendency to coddle Meghan also comes from the fact that she's a celebrity/royalty, so the press treats her that way. All members of royalty seem to be coddled, to one degree or another. If you believe one press story (which, you probably shouldn't), they've already hired the "supernanny" who helped George and Amal and other celebrities with their babies. Which....more power to anyone who wants to, and is able to, hire help. Apparently Meghan's BFF from Canada is there helping with her wardrobe. Which is fine. She has lots of wardrobe changes. But the rest of us manage to pick out our clothes ourselves on a daily basis just fine. And most hair dressers, maids, and the middle and lower class have to work while sick, pregnant, etc, because they have to. But the rich really are different from the rest of us. And the media treats them that way.

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    4. I think part of it is a misconception and part of it also the fact that royals, celebrities or other extremely wealthy people don't live like the rest of us does, as Anonymous 16:21 points out. But I think part of it is also the fact that the monarchy is an extremely old institution, where part of a woman's role is to provide heirs (even though that sounds terrible). I realize that Meghan and Harry's children,unlike Kate and William's aren't necessarily needed for the succession but still the fact remains that a Princess, which is what Meghan is now, is expected to have children and when people in the royal family do have children, everything possible is done to ensure the health of these children, just like everything is done to ensure the royal family's general health. This is where coddling might ensue. But at the same time they are also just being careful. A normal working woman cannot afford to just rest when exhausted during pregnancy but Meghan can and indeed is encouraged to do so by courtiers. And sometimes it might indeed be helpful and there's nothing wrong with staying on the safe side if you can. A friend of mine miscarried on a business trip and she will never know if it would have happened at home as well. Probably but you never know. She couldn't have done anything differently and I'm not saying that that's what could happen to Meghan if she wasn't resting more, I'm just saying that it's also good to be careful where pregnancy is concerned if it's possible and it is possible in this case.

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    5. I get what you are saying. I think there is one thing you are not taking into consideration and that is the jet lag. She can't sleep when she has time to sleep and has to be up and fully alert when her body is used to sleeping. She obviously went into the trip planning to be present at all 76 engagements.

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    6. I think there is a significant difference between the exertion required to do a job one does every day, and the energy required to walk into multiple new situations greeting hundreds of strangers every day. This type of tour is much more taxing than routine work in familiar surroundings.

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    7. anon 16:21, they're having a "Manny?" How modern. Hahaha! (maybe I need my glasses to read this print)
      One source said they would forego a nanny and that Doria would do the child care. I will believe it all when I see it. Personally, I don't think Meghan and Doria will be able to get Harry to turn loose of that baby. Meghan will have to carry on royal duties for the family while Harry is Mr. Mom. ;)

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  33. The Duchess of Sussex is doing a great job and her work ethic, I admire; but I hope (please) she takes care of herself and the baby. Rest when she needs to do so. Thanks, Charlotte.

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  34. Eve from Germany21 October 2018 at 13:29

    I woke up this morning thinking that the Duchess had looked exhausted during the opening ceremony and hoping she would be able to take some rest!! Glad she gets it - these past days have been FRANTIC - exhausting even for someone in top mega shape! Pregnancy is not an illness, yes, and I myself was lucky not to have morning sickness - but I felt very tired throughout and although I worked my normal schedule, every additional "stress" clearly was not easy to "digest". So I can imagine how exhausted Meghan must be by now. Hope she´s fine & can enjoy some rest&recuperate!

    Loved the outfit from head to toe - again sth you could see me wear! Ok, minus the turtleneck, as I don´t like turtlenecks, they always give me a feeling of being strangled - no matter how wide&comfortable they are! Funny, isn´t it?

    It´s an amazing tour so far, just amazing!! Thanks so much for your incredible work, Charlotte!!

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  35. Charlotte, I completed watching the video. Thank you for posting it.

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  37. Thanks Charlotte for your great tour coverage!! I've enjoyed all of your posts and love learning about the different areas the Duke and Duchess are visiting as well as the different organizations. I believe that you're the only royal blogger out there who takes so much time and effort to give your readers such a in depth knowledge of what the royals are doing and who they are meeting.

    I have to say that I'm rather thrilled that H&M are considering declining a title for Baby Sussex. Zara and Peter Phillips have done well for themselves without it, while I think the title Princess has hindered the York sisters.

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    1. I agree! I love H&M and will for sure follow their journey in the future, but the spotlight in the years ahead will be on the Cambridge kids and thus prince/princess title for the Sussex child (or children) may hinder their ability to lead a more normal life.

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  38. I have felt sorry for Kate's kids, having to have titles. They are little humans and they may wish to be a veterinarian, doctor mountain climber, architect, social worker, yoga instructor, bookstore owner... After the age of Queen Elizabeth, I don't see the monarchy being the same. I have grown to really like Prince Charles, thanks to Meghan, but I don't see it continuing in it's current form. Lucky enough to have parents like Harry and Meghan, their child will not need a title and does not owe the world his/her life. It really made an impression when PP said that this was after all a family.

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  39. Reading some of the comments about how the tour wasn't planned properly and should have had rest days makes me think that people don't fully understand what Meghan did in her previous career. Meghan would reguarly spend 12 plus hours a day on set and then attend an evening charity engagement. When she was doing promotion for her work she might over a half dozen engagements each day. Meghan's life experience cannot be compared to Kate. A marathon is the same distance for everyone, but the difficulty level is far different based on the skill and the experience of the runner. Meghan has years of experience of working long hours, while also running her own small business on the side. Often traveling on weekends to charoty engagements.
    Obviously a pregnancy was an unplanned factor and rest today was good following a day where she was likely awake from 4:30 AM to at least midnight, but as you can see after skipping 1 engagement she was back at the rest of the day right through the evening reception.

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    1. Susan In Florida21 October 2018 at 21:19

      Hi Anon 17:24 . No one can dispute Duchess Meghan’s work ethic. She did work in front of a camera in a studio where it was quiet and rehearsed and repeated takes were done to make the show perfect. Going into a crowd of people, meeting new people every day, and being attentive uses different energy. I think she learned now to add in a afternoon of rest or a day off during a tour. It’s not slacking off to care for yourself and rest.

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  40. I'm pretty sure Meghan was very involved in planning this trip, schedule and all. She said early on that she wanted to hit the ground running - I thought it a little too ambitious at the time. Pregnancy changes things, glad she's slowing down.

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  41. The screen shot had to be taken from a video made by a hovering news helicopter. There seems to be security personnel in the edge of the trees, but air space is evidently open and H&M look quite exposed. It wasn’t really a peaceful stroll back to their Sydney home! Reminds me of Kate photographed playing with baby George, supposedly in private, outside a government house in Melbourne or Canberra.

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  42. Well I love these shoes always have! I completely disagree with that reporter I feel it's extremely likely the child will have a title but it will be up to Harry and Meghan if they choose not to give the child a title as Princess Anne decided for her children Zara and Philip

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  43. Oh and I'm glad Meghan reduced her events only she and her doctors can judge what is best for her health and this is a critical time in the pregnancy and these tours are exhausting for a non pregnant or sick person!

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)