Monday 11 March 2019

Harry and Meghan Celebrate 'A Connected Commonwealth' At Westminster Abbey

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon. The service is considered the premier event of the Commonwealth year, offering an opportunity to reflect on the ties that bind member nations together and to look to future hopes and plans.


To mark Commonwealth Day, Harry and Meghan also attended an event at Canada House to celebrate the diverse community of young Canadians living in London. The Commonwealth is a key focus of the Sussexes' work both at home and abroad. Last week, the Duchess was appointed vice president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. During an International Women's Day panel on Friday, Meghan said she feels "very, very privileged" to hold the position.


The couple joined the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of York.


The Commonwealth represents a global network of 53 countries and almost 2.4 billion people, a third of the world’s population, of whom 60 per cent are under 30 years old. The Commonwealth Day Act of Observance is the UK’s largest multi-faith service. Buckingham Palace said "The Commonwealth’s governments, institutions and people connect at many levels, including through parliaments and universities. They work together to protect the natural environment and the ocean which connects many Commonwealth nations, shore to shore. Cooperation on trade encourages inclusive economic empowerment for all people - particularly women, youth and marginalised communities. The Commonwealth’s friendly sporting rivalry encourages people to participate in sport for development and peace."


Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year, as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth, with old ties and new links enabling cooperation towards social, political and economic development which is both inclusive and sustainable.


Each year a new theme is proposed to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and presented to the Queen for approval. The chosen theme very much leads the agenda throughout the year in terms of activities, plans and areas of focus. This year the chosen theme is 'A Connected Commonwealth' celebrating friendship and goodwill and encouraging collaboration to protect the environment and natural resources.


Last year a landmark decision was taken when leaders came together to adopt the Commonwealth Blue Charter, which will positively affect one third of the world’s national coastal waters, helping to sustain livelihoods and ecosystems globally. Under the Connectivity Agenda for Trade and Investment there is increased cooperation towards inclusive economic empowerment so that all people, particularly women, youth and marginalised communities, are able to share the fruit of progress and prosperity. Speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London in 2018, the Secretary-General said: "Member countries have told us they need to work together to sustain the health of our ocean. Blue ecosystems are being degraded at an unprecedented rate and this is not an issue any country can solve alone." It's incredibly encouraging to see a plan of action coming to fruition collectively to combat a global issue of major concern.


Her Majesty's Commonwealth Day message for this year focused on the "enduring commitment" of all 53 countries and spoke of "confidence and optimism" thanks to stable links, as the UK readies for Brexit:

"We all have reason to give thanks for the numerous ways in which our lives are enriched when we learn from others. Through exchanging ideas, and seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future.
There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division. We shall see this in action at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which takes place in the United Kingdom next month, bringing together young people, business and civil society from across the Commonwealth.
These gatherings are themselves fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous and sustainable. Having enjoyed the warm hospitality of so many Commonwealth countries over the years, I look forward to the pleasure of welcoming the leaders of our family of 53 nations to my homes in London and Windsor.
Sport also contributes to building peace and development. The excitement and positive potential of friendly rivalry will be on display next month as we enjoy the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. Contributing to the success of the Games, alongside athletes and officials, will be thousands of volunteers. Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities.
By pledging to serve the common good in new ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature, to have an even greater impact on people's lives, today, and for future generations.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arriving.


The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.


Her Majesty arrived with the Duke of York.


Meghan was greeted with a kiss by William, Kate, Charles and Camilla inside.


The foursome chatting.


I watched the service live on BBC One and noticed Meghan and Charles talking and joking for quite a bit of time before the procession.


We've talked about how close they are over the past year. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them teaming up for an engagement soon.


Guests of honour among the 2,000 strong congregation inlcuded the Prime Minister Theresa May, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, alongside High Commissioners, Ambassadors and dignitaries, senior politicians from across the UK and Commonwealth, faith leaders and over 800 school children and young people. The service commenced with a procession of Commonwealth Flags.


An overview.


Highlights of the service included special musical performances by Grammy-winning group Clean Bandit and the UK’s biggest-selling tenor, Alfie Boe.


Clean Bandit performed their hit Symphony.


The reflection was given by endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh. He has worked to raise awareness of the vulnerability of the earth’s ecosystems and campaigned for their protection. Mr Pugh said: “There is nothing more powerful than a made up mind”.


Prime Minister Theresa May read 1 Corinthians 12: 14-26. ‘The body does not consist of one member but of many... If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.’


Internationally-acclaimed didgeridoo player, William Barton, plays ‘Kalkadungu’s Journey’.


Click here to view the Order of Service.

Embed from Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess met members of the choir.


A great photo of Harry and Meghan as they departed.


View the service in its entirety below.


Last year, just two months before the wedding, Meghan chose the Amanda Wakeley Crombie coat (which has since become a favourite piece) and Springsteen dress teamed with a Stephen Jones hat for the service.


The Duchess selected an ensemble and accessories by Victoria Beckham today. The terrific UFO No More team received confirmation Meghan's cream coat is from the Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection and will be available later this year. The British designer (and former Spice Girl) is fast becoming a go-to for Meghan.


Meghan's dress is Beckham's Printed Crepe Long Sleeve Midi dress. The chain-link print dress is described as: "Detailed with a scarf-effect collar, it has a blousy bodice is cinched in at the waist to reveal a flowy midi-length hem". It's available for £1668 at Moda Operandi in sizes 6-16.

The dress is also from the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection.


A closer look at Meghan's hat.


Meghan's green satin pumps and clutch are also Victoria Beckham pieces.


Laura notes the Satin Pumps, like the coat and dress, are part of the Fall 2019 collection. They are available for pre-order in pink, yellow and orange at Moda Operandi for £450.


Meghan accessorised with her $145 Dean Davidson Signature Midi Knockout studs.


And it appears Meghan wore Diana's shimmering diamond bracelet once again.


Whilst looking on Westminster Abbey's Facebook page over the weekend, I noticed they shared the perfect spring photo of daffodils in the Abbey's college garden.


It very much reminded me of one of my favourite Wordsworth poems. 'I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze..' The inspiration for the poem came during a long walk Wordsworth took with his sister Dorothy around Glencoyne Bay, Ullswater in the Lake District where he spotted a "belt of daffodils". Below a beautiful watercolour of Ullswater by J.M.W. Turner.


If you're just joining us, click here to view today's earlier post.


Did you enjoy the Commonwealth Day events?

137 comments:

  1. The outfit for Commonweath service is lovely on her except for the hat. But why the nautical theme? The dress & coat are such a great shape & color on her. Love the neckline on the dress. Love the color of the shoes also. But that hat. Yikes! At the moment I don't have words to describe how wrong that hat is.

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    1. Nautical theme? It is chains and white and green.

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    2. I think it's actually a double helix. At least the design directly under her purse (and around her midsection) looks like a DNA strand. The Duchess of Science?

      I love her whole look for both engagements today. She looks smashing, IMO. And also happy and engaged.

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    3. Yes, the outfit is great except for the hat! It looks like it was meant to be a pillbox like the ones Jackie Kennedy wore, but it didn't make it. Looks like a cross between a nurse's cap and a sailor's hat. Not good. Otherwise love the look. The fit is good and flattering.

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    4. Both outfits today lovely. And I am totally fine with the hat,that so many seem to be bothered with. The shoes and purse color of the service outfit is very good and draws attention. I like the purse a lot!

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    5. The hat is gorgeous!!!!! Very vintage chic!!!! Like Jackie Kennedy as others have suggested. The style suits Meg & gives the entire outfit a polished look.

      I also love the sartorial nod to have links in her dress. Maybe I’ve been reading this blog for too long but it might be her referencing the links to nations in the Commonwealth!!!

      If so, we’ll done Meg!!!

      You’ve scored high again!!!

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  2. Love the outfits but sorry that white hat looks like a nurses cap... maybe looking at my RN graduation I'm now trendy finally for the first time ever. Lol

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    1. That was my thought exactly.

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    2. I love pillbox hats but I do agree that this one borders on a nurse's type of hat. Perhaps a wider / flatter pillbox hat would have been better.

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    3. Kate wore a similar one to Easter service a few years back and it also made her look like a nurse. I don't care for the look of the hat.

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    4. I've never seen a white pillbox that doesn't. They just shouldn't make them anymore.

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    5. Rita in Florida11 March 2019 at 16:44

      Both outfits today were a homerun - the hat is a total head scratcher.

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    6. I think if it had a bow across the back or was textured like her coat, it would have looked better. I think a deep side part and side-swept bangs, the way she has worn her hair lately, would have looked better with the 60's look of the pillbox.

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    7. I was just thinking exactly the same thing! Looks too much of a hospital nurse! A hat with more embellishments (ie feathers) will look better.

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  3. Caroline in Montana11 March 2019 at 15:47

    She really nailed it with the shoes and purse on this one, looks great! But the hat, well it just doesn't seem right? wrong shape for her head, too high? I just cant put my finger on it, but its just not working for me. I like the coat. And the fabric of the dress with the way she moves finally seems like she finally has a dress on that fits her body at the moment! Like the purse but love love the shoes, love a pop of color with shoes! other than the hat, she looks fabulous!

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    1. I think the hat is slightly too far back, and there shouldn't be a part

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  4. I actually really love whole ensemble, including the hat. Very Jackie O!

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  5. The look is nice. The hat is wrong and I do not get why she needed a complete new outfit for the service. The green would have perfectly done the job with a nice hat.

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    1. The green was much nicer than this oufit, so I wish she had kept the green too. I was looking forward to seeing it with a hat.

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    2. It is kind of the done thing with the royals, although I expect Princess Anne would have pitched in the same outfit.
      But I have never understood the need to change between similar events. When you meet the Prime Minister after playing soccer with kids, by all means change, but I was also hoping Meghan would buck the trend and just keep the green from this morning.
      Or maybe the dress without the coat this morning and just add the coat and hat for the afternoon?

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    3. I think the green would have clashed with Kate's red outfit and the purple worn by Camilla and HRM. I imagine there's a certain amount of coordination among the royals as to their outfits when they all get together like this.

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  6. Becca H in Colorado11 March 2019 at 16:04

    This dress is a breath of fresh air after that bizarre Erdem choice from earlier! I also really like the white coat with it. But that hat...what on earth?!

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  7. Love the coat, dress and shoes but it's a big NOOOOOOO on that hat. Looks like an old fashioned nurses hat.

    Anon from NJ

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  8. I love everything about this outfit except the hat. It looks odd with her face. I can’t quite put my finger on it but the hat throws off the outfit.

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  9. Aw the way Harry looks at her is so melting!! I think HRH hat is too big for her.

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    1. Adrienne, I think the Queen’s hat looks quite smashing!

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    2. I totally agree. The way Harry is looking at her is so sweet. He must be very proud. I also love watching Meghan and Charles interact, they are so cute! Charles really seems to light up around her.

      Melanie

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    3. Caroline in Montana12 March 2019 at 15:27

      I also thought the queens hat looked good, not sure how it is too big?

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  10. Lovely outfit except for the sailor hat. I am loving the shoes! I read that the Erdem outfit from this morning cost $10,000. Could that possibly be true? Surely she could have kept it on for a few hours longer if so. All in all, a banner day for Meghan in the fashion stakes.

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    1. I wished she has just kept the green outburst on from this morning - the coat was giegeius. Perhaps the strapless dress onderneath was not considered appropriate for church with the Queen. However, if she kept the coat buttoned up and had worn a black hat the look would have been quite acceptable.

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    2. I hope that is not the cost of the morning outfit. Yikes.

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    3. It is a custom version, so how would anyone know how much it cost?

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    4. I think if you and I were to purchase a custom Erdem outfit it would probably be that $$$, but I doubt that the royals pay full price. I’m sure there is a deeply discounted price built in, simply because of all the exposure the designer gets. That’s just my thoughts.

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    5. Even though it is a custom piece, it isn’t too difficult to make an estimate of the value. Since the royals are not the only ones who get customized outfits I would think any stylist worth their salt will be able to tell you what a custom Erdem coat and dress in a luxurious wool, would go for.
      I am not saying journalists don’t sometimes (often) just suck figures out of their thumb, but don’t be fooled into thinking that the value of custom items is completely unknown.

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    6. It is so sad that ppl believe everything that is written in the DM. Lately, there are lots of comments on her budget, which is frankly very surprising to me.

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  11. Meghan looks nice. I really like the color of the shoes and bag, but I really dislike the hat. I don’t like pillbox hats in general, but this one has a distinct nurse or sailor vibe and I don’t think it’s flattering. But other than that, the outfit is good.

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  12. I just love the way that Harry looks at her. <3

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  13. I love this entire outfit, including the hat. I think it frames her face beautifully. It's very refreshing to see a hat that doesn't sit down over one side of the face like most fascinators do. Love the Jackie O vibe.

    R

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  14. I am just going to keep on telling myself that I would like the dress and shoes without the hat and coat. And that Meghan needs to try her hand (head) at different types and styles when it comes to hats. You win some, you lose some.

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  15. It is far to tall and wide to be considered a pillbox hat. I think she was attempting to go for a Jacqueline Kannedy looks, but unfortunately, her efforts fell far short.

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    1. There is no size "rule" for a pillbox, only style - flat crown, no brim, straight sides. Given that criteria a pillbox can look small but take a look at some of Jackie Kennedy's or the Japanese royals. Larger than what Meghan wore today.

      I love a pillbox but the first photo I saw of Meghan I immediately thought 'nurse'. If it had been green or had some sort of green trim it would have worked better. The rest of her outfit looked quite nice.

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    2. I don’t think her efforts fell far short. For that, the hat would need to swallow her whole head. But this hat isn’t my favourite. I like the hat she wore last year much better. She probably requested a pillbox, this is what was made for her, and this is what she wore.

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    3. This is absolutely true! If you look at Jackie Kennedy's hats, they were a true a pillbox and very attractive. This is a cross between a nurse's cap and a sailor hat. Scary!that Victoria Beckham and Meghan didn't realize that!

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  16. Thanks for posting the video. Very entertaining indeed. Looking at the picture I was not very sure about the hat but then I watched the video and all I can say is the picture does not really capture it well. And love love love the coat!
    Duchess Meghan is so glowing and Prince Harry is looking super dapper.

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  17. I liked her outfit from this morning much better, that green was lovely on her. Not sure why she changed? This white hat looks kind of like a nurses hat to me.

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  18. Oh wauw Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex looks like a young Jacky Kennedy in that outfit. Simply stunning. I like the complete outfit including her hat.

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  19. I love Meghan in both outfits except the white hat it seems too big. But I still love Harry and Meghan. I heard the commentators say Harry will be at the Commomwealth Awards next. Hope they are both there.

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  20. Another bad hat vote, otherwise spot on ensemble! --OP

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  21. Love the dress and coat - so chic but the hat looks like a nurse’s cap.

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  22. Agreed--nice outfit but ditch the sailor hat/nurse's cap.

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  23. Thank you, Charlotte, for the excellent coverage.
    Everyone is well-dressed and well-behaved. The focus was where it should be — on the event.
    Wonder if all the analyzing over supposed tiffs/rudeness/disrespect please stop? It is a terrible distraction with no evidence to support it.
    Jane

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  24. This hat is much to large and unflattering to be considered a pillbox hat!

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  25. So many negative comments on this ‘fan’ site. Could you maybe give her a break? She’s new to the job, to this whole world of royalty. She’s expecting a baby, is already being bombarded with bad press, so what if you don’t like her hat? If you can’t say nothin nice....!! She’s a beautiful breath of fresh air

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    1. I have found that most commenters here are overwhelmingly positive, and really like The Duchess and the work she does. I don’t think people are being mean, just expressing that they’re not fans of this hat. It’s ok to not be 100% positive all the time 😊

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    2. I agree with anonymous. She looks beautiful. The outfit is lovely.

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    3. Caroline in Montana11 March 2019 at 21:42

      I think its just fine to say you don't like a hat, you can still be a fan of a woman and not like her hat.

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    4. Anon 17:54, Try not to take it personally. I think most of us here are fans of Meghan. A hat is a hat, a dress is a dress. It's a personal choice. It's fashion. Saying we don't care for the hat, has nothing to do with our feelings about Meghan. And, I seriously doubt Meghan would lose one wink of sleep, or shed one tear, if she knew the commenters on Charlotte's blog disliked her hat or coat. I doubt she would accuse us of hate or say we were being racists for disliking her choice of hat, or saying we found her skirt too short. They are only opinions, after all.

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    5. Glad Charlotte does allow some criticisms/dislikes. Gives the blog more credibility.

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  26. First thoughts: I love everything but the hat. The coat, dress, shoes are all amazing. That hat looks like a nurse's cap or a sailor's hat. It doesn't frame the face well at all. I loved her Erdem coat from earlier. This has been a really nice day for the royals. Everyone looks great. I LOVE Queen Elizabeth's purple coat.

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  27. Andrea in London11 March 2019 at 18:21

    I love that coat! And those shoes! And the dress! What a beautiful combination. And she's finally wearing some tights! The whole look is so pulled together and elegant that I'll even forgive that horrible hat.

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  28. Silvia from Tuscany11 March 2019 at 18:38

    The entire look is very nice. Great colour on her. Lovely dress, coat and accessories. But the hat is terrible.

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  29. Becca H in Colorado11 March 2019 at 18:39

    I watched most of the video of the service and am always so fascinated by the interactions of the royal family. I wonder why Edward and Sophie weren't there today? Andrew seemed a little distant from Meghan, even though he sat right by her.

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    1. Sophie is in the USA for an event at the UN.

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    2. Caroline in Montana11 March 2019 at 21:44

      I felt like Andrew was disgruntled in general. now he not only has to walk behind his brother but his NEPHEWS and their wives!!

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    3. It must be one of the weird things of being the younger son, to see how your prominence visibly decline over time. There was a time when Andrew would walk right behind Charles at these functions. Now he is a an afterthought after both his nephews and their wifes.
      Move 20 years into the future and Harry and Meghan will find themselves behind George, Charlotte and Louis. It mist be a strange thought.

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  30. She and Harry both look very nice. At first glance I liked her outfit but with further looks I decided the individual pieces were nice but as a whole it did not work for me. Nothing major just off.

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  31. I love both the dress and coat and the way the duchess has coordinated the shoes and bag!
    However, I don't know who is responsible for that hat!!!
    Instead of a pillbox it looks more like an imami's cap!!!

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    1. Lol! That was my thought. I was thinking Aladdin, though.

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  32. It was a very beautiful service, the music was particularly moving. I thought everyone looked splendid.

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  33. I love the colors and love the event but hope that hat is hidden deep in a closet.

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    1. Exactly, Allison!
      Zofia from Poland

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  34. I believe that Meghan changed because there is an obvious red, white and blue (flag) theme among the senior royals this morning. HM in royal purple and Camilla the next Queen (consort) with a very royal blue tone to her ensemble with a (rather symbolic of a crown) purple feather (as she did on her wedding day).

    As for the hat, there's nothing inherently wrong with it. It's one of those things that you either like or dislike and that's all. I happen to find it quite gorgeous, but that's as irrelevant as not liking it.

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    1. I agree about the red, white and blue. To me, Camilla looked to be wearing deep purple until the Queen arrived in that beautiful true purple, then Camilla's outfit seemed more of a royal blue, and I thought of the flag.

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  35. I’m eager to see if she has some of her maternity outfits altered to fit post baby. I think that might be why she’s chosen so many custom/non maternity outfits this pregnancy. Maybe because it’s the early days of her working life in the royal family she doesn’t want to spend a lot of $$ on matenity clothes that she might not be able to wear again until she’s (possibly) pregnant again. Maybe she’ll have lots of these outfits tailored to fit and rewear them after her maternity leave.

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  36. She looks uncomfortable in the hat, it is so far back that she has to jut her head out and look up from the hat. Pillboxes are a hard sell without looking costumey. So I can’t blame her for trying the look but that is a fail. On Anyone but Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s, it’s a costume fail Kate included.
    Otherwise, she is definitely rocking pregnancy lately. I am really liking the coats and dresses today!!

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  37. Meghan is so radiant. I am not marveled by the choice of hat but I still find the face of the duchess of Sussex beautiful with it. In addition, we see all kinds of hats in the British and British kingdoms in general, that one day we had to see a hat nurse or hostess. Lol. But sincerely it’s cute and charming for me because it’s not ugly. I guess this could be one of Meghan’s last appearances. If that is the case, I will miss her very much but it is a necessary evil to prepare for the birth of the princely Sussex baby.

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  38. I really enjoyed the Service of Celebration. Thanks Charlotte for posting the entire service.

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  39. I liked the morning's outfit better than the afternoon one. Meghan looked lovely in both but the green would have clashed with Kate's red outfit. I'd love to see her wearing the green again. Harry also looked very nice. They both look happy. With their beaming faces and big bright smiles they would have looked good in anything. And it was lovely to see the interaction between Meghan and Prince Charles. It was a pleasure to see the Mounties at Canada House.

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  40. Thank you for posting the video of the entire event, Charlotte...I loved it all!
    I thought everyone looked nice today. As for the hat, I think it would look really nice with her hair down.

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  41. Thanks for posting the video for the Commonwealth service, it was lovely! Great to see all of the participants. It was also nice to see other members of the BRF and their interactions. Amazing how much has taken place for the lovely Sussexes since last year’s CW service.

    Dena

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  42. I love *love* the hat, isn't it an African style, kufi I think? not a pillbox!

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    Replies
    1. According to Wikipedia "kufi" is a hat for men, so I think not.
      Check: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kufi

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  43. Her outfit from the service was good except for the hat, it’s too big for her delicate features.
    I like the green outfit much more.

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  44. I had not realized that the beautiful diamond bracelet was Diana's. It's lovely. Kate has some beautiful diamond earrings -- might they also be from Diana?

    It was such a beautiful post, Charlotte. Thank you. Seeing the two couples together more than made up for the hat. Kidding, but I think this may be my first negative comment (about the hat), so it's pretty mild criticism. And the frontal photo of Meghan makes her looks angelic in a 60s way. She really is so pretty.

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    1. Allison, I think you're the only one that commented on the diamond bracelet and I was most interested in it as well. Charlotte, when has Meghan worn this bracelet? And when did Diana wear it? Would love more info as I've missed bit of news.

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    2. I think the coat is beautiful. Love the fabric and the lines. It doesn't appear to have any way to fasten it. I wonder if it's possible it'll be a double breasted coat post-pregnancy?

      The dress is a miss for me as well as the hat. It looked me that the dress should have been a little bit shorter given the flare of it and while the neckline provided a little bit of style not sure how nice the lines of the dress are without the coat.

      Thanks for including the photo of Kate greeting Meghan. They all looked happy together - the entire family.

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    3. If I'm not mistaken Elle, Diana wore it to the ballet in June 1997, just a few months before her death, the performance of Swan Lake. I think the necklace she wore that night has since been auctioned off, but this bracelet must have been one Harry selected and gave to Meghan. Its gorgeous and quite a piece of history, since Diana famously dined with Mohammed Al Fayed at a reception later that night and accepted the fateful invitation to holiday in St. Tropez with his family that July....

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    4. Got it! Thanks Arlagurl. The necklace and earrings were sold here is the link: http://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2017/02/on-block-dianas-swan-lake-suite.html but Diana does have on a diamond bracelet as well. It's lovely. Diana had on that light blue Catherine Walker cocktail dress - one of those dresses no one will forget. That was June 3, 1997 - good memory.

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  45. I like her odd hat, bunches! She is a bold one and a maverick, Meghan is. Style preferences are fascinating. So influenced by culture,tradition and history. We all see something a bit different in that hat. I'm enjoying the perspectives. Rock on Meghan!

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  46. Thanks Charlotte for the added touches; the poem and beautiful daffodils and watercolor pic.

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  47. Charlotte, some of my comments are missing. Have all comments been posted? Thank you.

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    1. Hello Marcia,

      All comments are posted now, are all of yours published?

      Delete
  48. Hats are not a thing anymore in the US. So yes I think Megan has to do some experimenting. She probably wanted to break away from the beret style and try something new. Yes it being in white makes her look like a nurse. Not a hit for me.
    Love the rest of the outfit. Hope she repeats this dress at a later time.

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  49. One can tell from the video that the Duchess Meghan adores her father in law!I have a wonderful relationship with my father in law, and you can tell it's a true relationship that they have cultivated. I think that they probably have lots in common from organic foods to conservation, from literature to fine wines. It makes me so happy to see! I love the look for today,and grow daily with anticipation for baby Sussex! Hi Charlotte! I haven't posted in quite some time! Just because I don't post, please know that I read daily!

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    1. Thank you for commenting. Not long now until Baby Sussex arrives :)

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    2. She hasn't dropped yet - any day now!

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  50. Great day of engagements. Meghan looks terrific. I loved the color and vibe this morning(though not the fabric with that particular cut-it felt like a lot to me). I love the dress and coat this afternoon. I normally like pillbox hats, but this one’s dimensions seemed a bit off. But if this is what we get with a ‘bad’ hat for Meghan, than yay! Because it’s not bad, just not the best and it could be way worse!!

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  51. Beautiful as usual, but the hat isn't my fave. It looks nice, along with the rest of the ensemble (those shoes!) but I don't love it. Also, is it just me or does Meghan only have one of her rings on? Ugh, pregnancy! And also, aww, pregnancy!

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  52. What a beautiful service! I love the theme of protecting the earth and its oceans. The procession of flags I found moving, carried as they were by mostly young people and representing such a large portion of the earth's people.

    Thank you, Charlotte, for the two detailed looks at the Commonwealth Service, and for the link to the video, which actually played on my computer, with no glitches. Too often, I cannot get BBC videos.

    Meghan looked very elegant. Off white was a great choice, and I actually like the hat. I do wish the dress had been a bit shorter than the coat. I am surprised that no one has questioned the print of chains and ropes for a Commonwealth event - to me, too reminiscent of colonial damages. Someone suggested a genetic double helix, and that would surely be a happier image!

    I liked the color of the green outfit, but I thought it looked a bit heavy. It was so nice that the Sussexes visited Canada House before the service. Half a million Canadians live in the UK! That is astonishing.

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  53. What a great post, I have learned so much thank you. I really love The Duchess outfit, the dress and coat look lovely. The satin pumps and clutch I really like the colour. Not so keen on the hat but preference there. She looks comfortable in what she is wearing more important when you are this advanced in pregnancy. I think it is amazing she wears a heel, it was flats all the way for me!

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  54. Has the designer of Meghan's hat been determined? It looks rather like a fez to me. It strikes me as a bit at odds with the coat and dress. I think a brimmed hat, although perhaps a pedestrian choice, would have looked lovely.

    I was thinking back to the service last year, when the memo seemed to be "Family, Navy and White; Extended family, Blue. This year was just Charles's family, really, so there didn't seem to be any coordination, although I read somewhere that someone thought there might be a red, white, and blue thing going on. Thinking of it that way, I think it was a rather nice effect, although Camilla's dress seemed to have quite a bit of purple on my monitor, or at the least, a very royal blue!

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  55. The Duchess’ shoes are lovely, especially the colour. She could have pulled off the hat in the same colour as the shoes, possibly just a bit smaller. And, a purse the color of the design in the dress. Would have pulled it all together. Thank you for a great post, Charlotte.

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    1. Caroline in Montana12 March 2019 at 15:12

      Now your talking! if that hat would have been the green color and a bit smaller and placed better on her head, this would have been a complete hit for me! love it when I read the comments and they make me think:)

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  56. I actually like the hat. Maybe it would’ve worked better with a different hairstyle or outfit?

    I didn’t know that was Diana’s bracelet!

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  57. Is there further information about the diamond bracelet?

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  58. Greetings everyone...
    Meghan totally rocked this event. Elegant, timeless, understated and a delight to see.

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  59. Greetings All,
    As for the Forest Green outfit earlier in the day - Meghan knocked it out of the park. Exquisite in every detail. I would wear this myself in a heartbeat.

    Breathtaking...

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  60. Retro hats style Grâce Kelly, that Meghan puts back to the taste of the day.

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  61. i love the outfit expect the hat overall i love the dress

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  62. Royal 👑 Watcher12 March 2019 at 08:57

    The lovely Meghan is reaching new royal fashion style heights here. Her ensembles are increasingly elegant. I absolutely adore her satin pumps, the colour is just the most beautiful I have ever seen. Meghan and Prince Charles have a special relationship, it is obvious and heartwarming. Harry looks happy, which I love.

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  63. The Queen issued a rule that members of the Royal Family are not allowed to accept free clothes, shoes, bags etc. They have to be paid for by that person. Given that Megan is apparently a wealthy woman in her own right would have no problem paying for her own clothes etc. But how does she justify paying £18,000 for 2 outfits that were worn for a matter of hours?

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    1. Why does she need to justify it?

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    2. Isn't Megan a humanitarian? Wouldn't £18k be better spent on educating and empowering women in less affluent societies? What about do ating the money to Harry's Sent ale charity? She is also a senior member of the British Royal Family who needs to set an example. Of course she has to justify it!

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    3. If nobody else has to justify, and no one actually knows the cost, then she does not have to justify. Why is she held to a different standard than other members of the family? The public does not pay for her cloths, this is just another way to make her an outsider. And nobody else is asked to give money directly to a charity instead of spending on their needed clothing, she is pregnant after all, but she should buy bargain basement and give her money away. Aren't all of them humanitarians? Find me any humanitarian who gives all their hard earned money to charity and then lives like a pauper to assuage others. Their job is to shine a light and help not to finance every charity personally. This is the type of thing that pseudo sister has said.

      And why does everyone go "The Queen" made this rule. How is everyone in the Queens business so tight that they can say what she has decided.

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    4. Unknown, as you said she is a wealthy woman in her own right and has no problem paying for her own clothes. If she has that much money and no problem purchasing luxuries because of her wealth, maybe it's likely she gives a good amount of money to charities as well and we just don't hear about it? There are many wealthy humanitarians out there who live a life of luxury but donate some of their time and funds to charity too. You can do both. I realize this is complete speculation, but I guess I'm choosing to look at a positive perspective because there seems to be so much negative surrounding Meghan ALL the time.

      Melanie UK

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    5. They raise a lot of money for the charities and have to look the part. You have to see a bigger picture.

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  64. Rienks in Africa12 March 2019 at 10:04

    Meghan is beautiful and adorable and I love most of her fashion choices, but this one is a big miss for me - she looks like a nurse and the length of the dress is not flattering at all. I secretly wish she wore the morning's green Erdem outfit instead.

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  65. I love Meghan's outfit. Is the hat also by Victoria Beckham?

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  66. All is well. Thanks, Charlotte.

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  67. Charlotte,
    Will they have a press conference regarding which hospital Meghan will give birth like they did for Kate?

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    Replies
    1. Hello!

      I expect we'll hear some news over the next couple of weeks. I'm guessing it depends on whether they will be in Frogmore or London when the baby arrives, it's possible a final decision hasn't been made yet.

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  68. The pattern on Meghan's dress looks like jewelry chains of different patterns, connecting ... maybe a reference to the event?

    Re comments about Andrew being moved farther down the line, it's a glass half-filled or half-empty situation. Yes, but for one difference in birth order you would be king and your children would be here instead of Will and Harry, but you're still luckier than the other billions of people in the world. It must be difficult to see a family member made to appear to be more important than you, but it's all symbolic. Within the family, there should be the same amount of love. Zara is valued as much as William by the Queen, I'm sure. At this point in history, isn't the point of the monarchy to support the country and its citizens? I still associate the
    RF with the fight during WWII and hope people don't forget.

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    1. Nicely put Alison! I am so happy somebody did realize the message here, the chain pattern is symbolic indeed, we are connected, no matter of things.

      And in an ideal world, the same amount of love should be given in a family, but I have the feeling, this is not the case in this family, lately the dynamics of the royals like "game of thrones".

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    2. Still, it looks like Andrew is not very happy, he wanted his girls to play a bigger role. I am sure he is a good father though.

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  69. Charlotte, from the Times CC:
    “The Duchess of Sussex, Patron, Association of Commonwealth Universities, this afternoon received Dr Joanna Newman (Chief Executive and Secretary General).”

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    1. Thank you Anon23, It looks like Meghan wants to meet with representatives from her patronages before maternity leave.

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  70. I think it was a very balanced look and I loved it! I see no problem with the hat. Meghan looked amazing.

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  71. I just love it that Harry and Meghan continue to hold hands out in public! It's endearing.

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  72. From looking at all the photos and comments, I agree that the Erdem Green outfit that Meghan wore fit her appropriate and could have been wore for the next event with a black hat. The second white and green outfit from VM is beautiful if made with the dress a smear shorter than the coat and the pillbox hat in satin green. The green satin pumps are the first style that really fit Meghan foot without looking like the shoe is falling off the back of her foot. Both outfits for the day were conservative maturity outfits that fit her appropriately 💚.

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  73. I'm thinking we won't see any more announced engagements for Meghan till she has the baby, though she might surprise us and join Harry on his events if she feels up to it.

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  74. I thought both her looks on the 11th were lovely. As a Canadian, I thought wearing a Canadian designer to Canada House was a lovely touch. I really liked her white coat and hat in the afternoon - it complimented her quite well. I'm excited to be in London April 11-15 - my daughter lives there - hope to be there around the time of the arrival of baby Sussex, although I've always felt her due date is probably sooner than everyone's been led to believe - like late March, very early April. In any event, it's always fun to catch some of the "local" excitement.

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    1. Zora from Prague14 March 2019 at 22:05

      Fingers crossed, Sandy! :)

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  75. Pam from Boston14 March 2019 at 19:31

    Just thank goodness Meghan didn't wear those red socks/shoes combination the model is wearing ! lol!

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  76. I the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great
    posts.

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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 :)