Sunday 13 May 2018

Six Days To Go: The Instrument of Consent, Harry and Meghan's Gift List & A Visit to The Netherlands

Hello-Hello! Can you believe we're only six days away from the wedding? This evening, we're chatting about several topics related to the big day as Saturday fast approaches...

The Instrument of Consent... Last night, the Palace released several photos of the document signed by The Queen in March, giving her official consent for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to marry. The Instrument of Consent is drafted by the Crown Office and is hand-written and illuminated on vellum by one of a panel of scrivener artists retained by the Crown Office. Vellum is used only for important state documents. The image below was taken in the 18th century room at Buckingham Palace.


More from the Palace: "The design to the left of the text incorporates a red dragon, the heraldic symbol of Wales, together with the UK's floral emblems – the rose, thistle and shamrock. It also features Prince Harry’s label, including three tiny red escallops from the Spencer family arms. The design to the right of the text also includes the rose, as this is also the national flower of the United States. To either side of the rose are two golden poppies – this being the state flower of California, where Ms. Markle was born. Between the flowers is the Welsh leek, together with Prince Harry’s label. Beneath the label are olive branches, adopted from the Great Seal of the United States. To the left, underneath the two main designs, is the coronet for Prince Harry. On the lower right side of the document is the Commonwealth symbol."


The document reads: "Now know ye that we have consented and do by these presents signify our consent to the contracting of matrimony between our most dearly beloved grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales KCVO and Rachel Meghan Markle."


The Queen's signature, "Elizabeth R," can be seen at the top right of the document. It will be presented to Harry and Meghan after the wedding.


Presiding Bishop Curry to Give Address... Harry and Meghan have asked that the Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, give the address at their wedding. Presiding Bishop Curry, from Chicago Illinois, will travel to Windsor to take part in the service. He will join the Dean of Windsor, The Rt. Revd. David Conner, who will conduct the Service. The Most Revd. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, will officiate as the couple make their marriage vows. The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry said: "The love that has brought and will bind Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle together has its source and origin in God, and is the key to life and happiness. And so we celebrate and pray for them today."


Harry and Meghan's Wedding Gift List... Whilst Harry and Meghan have asked the public and those attending the wedding to consider donating to one of seven carefully chosen charities in lieu of wedding gifts, the couple have do have a private gift list at Soho House. The Sunday Times wrote: "The list, however, is only for their inner circle of friends and family to choose a present from Soho House, a chain of clubs, restaurants and spas around the world where the mission is “to create a comfortable home away from home”. The choice is not entirely surprising — the couple’s first date took place at Soho House in London in July 2016."


More from Roya Nikkhah:

'Items on the Soho House wedding list include a “cinema armchair” in red or green mohair for £2,495, with an optional £695 “cinema footstool” in chocolate leather, a “Chelsea chaise longue” in flax linen for £2,495, a “cosy emperor bed” at £2,095 and a loft grey linen sofa for £3,295.
There are also Soho House duvet covers starting at £110, “cut crystal champagne coupes” at £64 for a set of two, and a martini glass and cocktail set for £75.
The Queen recently appointed Harry as a Commonwealth youth ambassador, and the newlyweds are soon to embark on several overseas tours, including a trip to Australia in October. Soho House offers just the thing for a new royal bride requiring several outfit changes a day with a £775 “Vanderbilt leather trunk” as an option.'

A look at three items on the list.


Another item on the list will most definitely have been selected by foodie Meghan - the Nordic Cookbook. The £29 book is described as: "This is the definitive guide to Nordic home cooking and features 700 authentic recipes from the region, all of which can be easily recreated at home. Leading international chef Magnus travelled throughout the Nordic region not only collecting recipes but photographing the landscape and people too."


Another popular option at Soho House is the Cowshed Knackered & Lazy bath and shower products. Made in England, the award-winning products use the very best organic and wildcrafted plant extracts.


A Trip to The Netherlands... With a tour of Australia and New Zealand and a two-day visit to Dublin on the cards for Harry and Meghan, the second half of the year promises to be a busy one. In addition to these trips, Hannah Furness revealed in The Telegraph, there's also a visit to the Netherlands in the offing:

As soon as they are married, they are expected to join senior members of the Royal Family in overseas tours, cementing affection for the monarchy around the world.
Later this year, they are expected to make their first visit to the Netherlands, with as-yet-unconfirmed proposals for a trip to Dublin too.
A trip to the Netherlands, currently under discussion, would likely see the couple meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and their family, as well as visit key sights and charities reflecting causes including conservation, mental health and the Dutch Invictus Games team.
In October, they will visit Australia for the Invictus Games in Sydney, likely to incorporate wider visits to Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand or the Pacific Islands.
Prince Harry's press secretary, Jason Knauf, said during a briefing about the Royal wedding this month: "You'll be pleased to know they're planning a lot of work to happen in the second part of the year, which is going to be incredibly busy."

What Meghan Markle Means to Black Britons...

Another terrific piece by Ellen Barry for The New York Times:

“There is nothing that racist people can do about it,” said Tshego Lengolo, 11, about the royal wedding. “So they might as well get used to it.” Credit Andrew Testa for The New York Times. In the days to come, anyone wishing to criticize Meghan Markle, the American actress set to marry into Britain’s royal family, will have to contend with Tshego Lengolo, an 11-year-old black girl and newly minted monarchist.
Tshego is a child of southeast London. She has taught herself “road,” the slang emanating from the city’s grime music scene, but drops it the second she enters her apartment, a zone patrolled by her all-seeing South African mother. They squabble affectionately, for approximately the thousandth time, over whether she can be called Tiffany.
If Tshego (SEH-ho) is royal-crazy this summer, it is because Ms. Markle is biracial, the daughter of an African-American woman and a white man. When she looks at Ms. Markle, Tshego sees a version of herself, new to England, trying to find a place among its racial codes.'

What to Expect in the Coming Days... We are expecting the following announcements from Kensington Palace and other news this week:

  • Details of the Bridesmaids and Page Boys;
  • The work of florist Philippa Craddock and the Crown Estate gardeners who have been growing and preparing the flowers that will fill the church;
  • An update from Claire Ptak, the baker who will make the wedding cake, and the chefs who have been working in the Palace kitchens to make the final preparations
  • Meghan's parents and close friends will be arriving throughout the week.
  • We now expect to see Meghan arriving at the location she will spend the night before her wedding on Friday. It is possible William and Harry will also greet members of the public outside Kensington Palace.
  • I think it likely we will hear information regarding Harry and Meghan's first post-wedding engagement, due to take place days after the wedding.
  • The Palace will publish the full Order of Service on the website on Saturday morning so members of the public can follow the service at home. 

We leave you with this brief video from Windsor where preparations are in full swing.


A reminder for those interested in information on how to view the wedding, please visit our Watch The Wedding page.

86 comments:

  1. I can barely contain my excitement!! This is most likely my last major royal wedding unless the Cambridge children marry very young. I feel like this wedding has me coming full circle since it all began with Diana and now her last son Harry is marrying. I have high hopes for a spectacular wedding that will leave us all cheering and verklumpf 😊

    I am amazed at the continuing attempts by the British press to tarnish these two ~ meaning the registry. William and Catherine had one and no one said a thing. Clearly the press just lies in wait for any item to take jab which in my opinion is a way to use any little bit to deflect the real issue ~ race. No wonder Harry is pushing back.

    I have been watching all the specials and while some are cheesy it still makes me smile and tad teary. There is such a joy and light around these two. They just ooze charisma. Penny Junor talked about how these two may be taking the 'star' power from the Cambridges. Personally I think both couples bring two entirely different agendas that will keep the monarchy in good stead. As a foursome they are going to be fun to watch.

    Rambling...forgive me. This wedding has had more of an emotional affect on me that William and Catherine. I suppose it is because Harry has always been a fav of mine. Watching him grown into the man he is today has been like watching my own sons find their way. I suppose most Mothers have maybe felt motherly towards Diana's boys (or maybe I am weird LOL).

    Anyway.. 6 days!

    Happy Mother's Day to all who celebrate on this day 🌷

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    1. I don't think so, William will be king and Catherine his queen and that in itself is already a big difference. But to be honest I think they will simply work together and don't forget William and Catherine have children there will be a time i hope very soon when Harry and Meghan will be parents as well and therfore will need to slow down just a bit. So I say let's them work now and enjoy the moment.

      Silvia

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    2. Oh Diane, you expressed everything so well & I couldn't agree with you more!! I started in with Diana too & it really has been a journey. I agree with all your points, from the press shooting themselves in the foot to the fact that both of the couples bring their own brand of energy & goodwill warmth to the Monarchy! I caught Penny Junor's comments too. You are so right.... this is emotional in an entirely different way than with William & Catherine! I wonder if it's that we had so many years to get used to & to know W&K..... but with H&M it's been a faster pace & entirely different, with how enthusiastic they are & they don't have to wait for the time to go full speed ahead..... they get to do it right out of the gate! No being 2nd in line for anything for them! This is all sooo exciting & I relish being able to share it with you all! No Royal followers here around me! They think I'm nuts!! lol :) I've been on a film set on location & while they tried to understand my enthusiasm, they still didn't completely get my thrill. She had links to some of these folks too! Different strokes right? I keep saying This is my Tour de France, My Stanley Cup, My World Series, My Super Bowl!! lol :) xoxo

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    3. Just wanted to add: in my memory Kate and Wiliam got a TON of backlash for their private registry. Quite nasty articles and comments way beyond everything I read before about them.

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    4. C., I also remember that! They got a lot of flack for pretty much everything. At the time, they were the ones breaking the molds & doing it their way. It's all relative & a lot has changed in just 7yrs.

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    5. No, I feel the same as you. This is likely to be my last royal wedding as well. I feel so much pride in Diana's sons & I predict the two of them working side by side for life. I also have a feeling that when Charles ascends the throne he will rely heavily on the "personal touch" they, along with their wives, bring to the monarchy. We're living in an exciting time of history!

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    6. Lovely post! I'm also excited about these 2 couples. They are doing a fantastic job and are representing my age group so we'll!

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  2. I love this document!! I used to do some hand painting of signs and I can appreciate how hard it must have been to not make a mistake. I love the initial "E". That is so thrilling---feels like we're back in the 1100s. What I particularly love is all the details coming out because use the weight of them is so much greater than the issuances of the half-siblings and of the apparent misdeed of the father. I read that a former teacher of Meghan's said that she wondered if Harry knew how lucky he was. I remember wondering who Harry would marry and all the choices seemed rather uninteresting---Diana must have sent MM his way!

    I was reading, and maybe it's true and maybe not, that Chelsy is invited to the wedding and lunch reception but not the evening reception. That seems reasonable but then I read that Pippa also was not invited to the evening reception. Should we put any faith into thee stories? How could one know unless the subject told us directly? I would find it hard to believe that Pippa would not be invited to the evening reception IF she wanted to go. Perhaps Kate won't be going and Pippa wanted to keep a low profile. Thoughts?? I could just wait 6 days, I guess.

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    1. Intrigued By Royals13 May 2018 at 21:17

      It seems like Pippa would be invited since Harry and Meghan were invited to her wedding reception. I don't know who reported this. I would check their sources!

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    2. Why should Pippa be invited to a reception for close friends and family? She is not related to Harry or Meghan. Reasonable from my point of view.

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    3. I've just read the article and seen the videos of meghans dad too.. My heart breaks for her at this point..only hoping that it's all just a mix up and not true. Can't wait for the wedding..she is going to be exquisite! Hoping there is no more negativity for the couple and only good things to come :)

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    4. I read that, too. I remember that Pippa invited Meghan to her wedding reception last year and it was quite a bit deal because it received A LOT of media attention as it was one of Meghan's first "invites" alongside Harry and risked overshadowing the actual wedding and the bride. IF this story is true, I think it's incredibly ungracious of Harry and Meghan to not invite Pippa and James to their reception after they were kind enough as to include Meghan at theirs.

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    5. 🌸 Allison. :) Given Meghan’s love of calligraphy and hand-written notes, she is probably over the moon about the beautiful Instrument of Consent.😊

      And besides that. If anyone dare say to her, “Hey. What do you think you are doing here?” She can just flash that golden Instrument of Consent. 👑
      (and her exquisite engagement ring)

      So funny. The minute I heard they would get to take the Instrument of Consent home, I pictured it perfectly placed on the wall somewhere in their home and immediately thought, oh no, lol, I hope they put it in a frame that filters out harmful rays of the sun, and have a backing on the frame that is chemical perfect, and that they place it over something so that if it falls it will be buffered. whew, lol. I reminded myself that if anyone has those things covered the Royal family does.

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    6. Oh Allison Allison, I've missed you! :) I think it just may be that Diana did send Meghan..Harry's way!! :) I once read that "True love is the recognition of yourself in another". Well if that's true, I believe it's true for H&M! :) xo

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    7. I hope Chelsy is not invited - what an insult to Meghan. Imagine if she invited her exes! It's unimaginable and I don't understand why anyone thinks Chelsy has a right to be there.

      I also couldn't care if Pippa is there or not. Surely the people there are the ones Harry and Meghan WANT to be there for whatever reason. It's their wedding, which I think people and the ghastly media seem to forget.

      I hope Meghan steers clear of the UK media - it is truly repugnant and utterly racist. Quite shockingly so!

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    8. I see no reason why Pippa should be invented to all parts or at all? She is no close friend of either Harry or Meghan. She is a relative of Kate and Wiliam. As long as you aren’t very close to the person there is no obligation to invite the relatives or in laws of your guests? I know the magazines shipped Harry and Pippa a long time but there is no proof they ever had a close personal relationship/friendship apart from being both related to the Cambridge’s. I am sure they are friendly and probably like each other when they meet but that doesn’t mean they are friends or meet up without a invite from W&K. I think it is nice that they like each other enough to be invited to each other’s wedding but the last part seems to be more about the closest family and friends. But who knows maybe she is invited to all parts after all? But if not, I wouldn’t think it is weird at all.
      C.

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    9. I am not a Pippa fan but I assumed that Harry had a close relationship with the Middletons---I'm sure Harry would never insult Kate in any way, so if true, Pippa must have wanted to go. Unlike myself, I guess she sees a lot of royal people. Probably more than she cares for. Ha!!

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    10. I meant "must have NOT wanted to go."

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    11. I agree Kyra. Pippa should be invited. Simple reciprocity.

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    12. Pippa should be invited. She invited them to her wedding.

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    13. Eve from Germany14 May 2018 at 15:22

      Anyone thinking of the fact that Pippa is pregnant - and maybe not as badly affected by HG as Kate - but perhaps horribly tired most of the day - or just in the evening? Or maybe just not very inclined to sit with a glass of water while everybody around her is getting more and more drunk?
      Or maybe the whole report is totally made up as so many are?

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    14. 🌸 I think Pippa and James will certainly be there. Their children will to some extent be playmates with Georg, Charlotte, Louis, and Harry and Meghan’s children. Their paths will cross a lot in the future at Royal functions and events. I think that they will certainly be at the wedding.

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    15. It is not clear to me how the invites have been sorted out to make sure the greatest number of people get to attend at least one function. But I would guess that Pippa and husband had been invited to the evening reception and if they do not attend then it is because they had other commitments.

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    16. I think Pippa and James should be invited. Meghan was invited to their reception, so I agree that there should be some reciprocity.

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  3. I think it's going to be an "incredibly busy year" for Charlotte. I found the Cowshed products on their US site and may buy some. And I bet the Nordic food book author is thanking the heavens for his good luck.

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    1. I think that would be a "Yes"! lol :) Buckle up Charlotte..... lol :) xoxo

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  4. What fun this is! I particularly like the beautiful document at the beginning of the post. Thank you Charlotte, for your continuing dedication to this blog and to your other one. I'm sitting here wishing them a time and space for a little relaxation in the days before the wedding.

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    1. Hi Marci, it's such fun to be back home & be able to get back here again! Yes, Charlotte's attention to detail is Amazing!! We are spoiled for any other level of coverage!
      Cheers, :) xo

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  5. Are all of the visits abroad you mentioned taking place this year or are some for next year?

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    1. Hello,

      They are all for 2018 :)

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    2. Wow! So Exciting! Charlotte, I have been truly looking forward to getting home in time to be able to celebrate The Royal Wedding & the lead up, with all of you! I thought of you often while in B.C. & was in & made special trips to some of the locations W&K went to on their 2nd Canadian Tour! Those I met On Set & elsewhere, were intrigued by my interest & knowledge of the area! That's all Thanks To You! Your detailed information & History for everything you cover, especially The Tours, is Amazing!! I had limited time to do any sight seeing, but what I did see was all influenced by what I learned from You! You are Such A Gift to Us All & Truly A Gem! As always your blogs are The Crown Jewels of Blogs!! Hope you are rested & have your own Goodies set aside for the big day as treats to sustain you through the big day..... or rather the big days ahead!! So glad to be back & to be able to check in again & follow along. I have much to catch up on!! Hugs, Becca :) xo

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  6. upstate diva USA13 May 2018 at 19:48

    Just went on Youtube to watch one of Bishop Curry's sermons. He is charismatic. His talk reference the Biblical Jesus, but really focussed on Episcopalian responsibility to join and elevate the totality of the 'human family'. [I am Jewish, but] I could definitely appreciate the message. Apparently he and the Archbishop of Canterbury have worked on Church projects, so this is an interesting development. I am ready for the big day. I hope we will get to see a picture of Doria in London, but she is probably on pre-wedding 'lockdown' with Meghan.
    Also, cool symbolism on the Instrument of Consent.
    Fascinator watch on Beatrice (She was at the Met Gala last week; maybe she could borrow the Frances McDormand fascinator if she wants to make as big a splash as in 2011! Check it out.)

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  7. Can we talk about Thomas Markle and the photos tho?!

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  8. Charlotte, I quick question. I’m in the US and am planning on watching the live stream from the Royal Family’s Youtube channel, will they have commentary? Or is it just streaming the activities of the day? Thank you again! We’d all be lost without you!

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    1. Hello Jackie,

      If I recall correctly, William and Kate's Royal Family YouTube Live Stream didn't have commentary, but do not worry, I will have a comprehensive list live on the blog hours before guests arrive. I have a list of several streams in the post linked below :)

      https://madaboutmeghan.blogspot.com/p/watch-wedding.html

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  9. Big announcement---I have forgiven MM's father for those photos. :) They are all humorous, perhaps making fun of the press that announces when he goes to a 7-11 for some cheap wine. I think they are rather clever, and I don't think it's acceptable except he is of course an American and you know how we are. I can see him bragging to Charles, "Did the readers really think I was looking up images of Meg at an Internet cafe?"

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    1. Allison, where can I find these pictures I'm reading about, featuring Meghan's father? I have so much to catch up on. Thanks in advance. If there are any other tidbits that are not featured here, but that you think would be of interest? I'd be very grateful for any tips about where to find them. Any help will be much appreciated. :)

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  10. Claire in the U.S.13 May 2018 at 21:25

    Charlotte,

    Do you expect Meghan to have her own flag released before the wedding? If there is a design, would you expect Ms. Markle's mother to have a hand in the design as Kate's parents did before the wedding?

    Thanks,
    Claire in the U.S.

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    1. Emily Andrews thinks Harry and Meghan will have a joint one of their own. Nothing official yet :)

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    2. Claire in the U.S.14 May 2018 at 13:44

      Thank you!

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    3. Since I have arrived back home, to no obvious news of a Crest for Meghan? I was wondering if they would possibly not create one for Meghan directly (thus avoiding all the possibilities of misuse) but rather just jump ahead to creating one for H&M as a couple. I think this makes the most sense. It was crazy watching "Royal Rebels" after The Lifetime movie about H&M, & seeing Meghan's past manager/agent giving "inside scoop" about what Meghan "said" about Harry at the beginning of their relationship...... I just can't even imagine how it must feel to have so many people you used to trust, cashing in on you? So I can't even imagine what could happen if a crest were to be given to The Markle family..... Yikes! A Joint H&M Crest makes the most sense to me. We of course will only know when we know!

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    4. Hi Becca!

      I also loved seeing the Instrument of Consent, and I do believe that the design on the right of the document featuring California poppies, American rose, olive branches inspired by the American Great Seal, the Welsh leek, and Prince Harry's label, will constitute Meghan's heraldry. It features all of the iconography that would be logically associated with Meghan, especially since it's paired with the design featuring Harry's label and imagery that's associated with him on the left of the document.

      I listen to the royal reporters Omid Scobie and Emily Andrews' "On Heir" podcast, and they mentioned in the most recent episode that KP will have forthcoming news about Meghan's heraldry. They think it's likely that Meghan's dad won't be granted a coat of arms, but that Meghan and Harry will unveil a joint crest or image of heraldry.

      So exciting! Can't wait to learn more! It's a gorgeous document and I'm sure Meghan loved learning about the intricacies of its creation.

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  11. I love all the details on the instrument of consent. It’s gorgeous.

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  12. I’m wondering about the coat of arms situation. I wonder if she’s getting one since we haven’t heard anything yet. I hope she gets one and we see something this week.

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  13. 🌸 “Harry and Meghan A Royal Romance” the Lifetime channels movie is on tonight. Just a reminder.

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    1. Did anyone watch the Lifetime movie? I thought it was well done for what its worth. Of course, not all of it was factual but what stood out to me was how well the characters of Harry and Meghan were portrayed--particularly the actor playing Harry--he honestly looked and sounded just like him!!

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    2. Howdy SG! :) I made it back in time as I had hoped! The weather held & we made our ideal schedule! :) Yes, I watched it & since it was Mother's Day (& we had celebrated with the kids on Sat.).... Hubby even watched it with me. :) Well, I liked it. It was a little jumbled to me, as they mashed so many aspects of their relationship & events together (not in chronological order of course) but I think the casting of H&M & Doria was good. I hope some people who watched it will be prodded to have a good think about what all of the horrible circus has been like from Harry & Meghan's perspective!! My only complaint, is the casting & writing of William & Kate (especially)!! Why oh Why do movies or shows Insist on protraying Kate as So Vastly Vapid & Pretentious???? My husband & I also watched the Lifetime movie that was made yrs ago about W&K's Romance. The first thing my husband picked up on, when he saw the "Kate" in the H&M movie... was the difference! He said, "That's not the same girl at all" to which I replied.... "no, it's a different actress".... to which he responded.... "No, the girl in the W&K movie was strong, kind & self assured! The one here is a'Snotty Unkind B....'"! Kate's character did eventually warm up & was kind to Meghan's character.... but I really get upset, when I see Kate portrayed as limp & spineles & pretentious! :( Just my gripe. Otherwise I thought they did a good job showing the H&M story from potentially their perspective! What did you all think about the movie??

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    3. 🌸 no comment, Becca. Or actually my comment to USA Granny below @ 17:27. (I didn’t believe a minute of that movie.)

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  14. Howdy, Howdy, Howdy My Dear Charlotte & MAM Friends!!! :) I'm back from Out West & The On Location Film I was working on!! It was amazing, but it's Always nice to get home & I'm back not only in time to watch All The Wedding Festivities with you all, But I'm home in time to watch The Meghan & Harry Movie Tonight Live!!!! Yay!! Wow, do I have A Lot of Posts & Discussions to catch up on here!! It will be a Welcome Diversion, as I readjust my sleep (or lack there of....nothing like 19hr work days) schedule & a diversion from the new scripts I came home with & have to assess...... For now, it's all about shifting gears & enjoying All Things Royal Wedding!! It's Mothers Day, here in the States & Hubby is beyond confused that I do Not want to go out for dinner, but rather want it brought In so I don't miss a minute of The Royal Lifetime Movie!!!! lol lol lol :) Oh, as much fun as I had, I Truly missed you all & Charlotte's Blog!! I did have a few Royal/Blog related adventures while up in B.C. & thought of you all!! I'll definitely share them with you later. So I just wanted to pop in to tell you I made it back in time & that I'm beyond excited to be back to share it all with you!!!
    Lots & Lots of Hugs,
    Becca USA

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    1. Eve from Germany14 May 2018 at 12:40

      Becca!! So good to have you back with us!!! Hugs from Germany!

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    2. Concerning the Lifetime movie event last evening. I think the fact finder and checker did a terrible job. Yes, its TV but I thought on many levels really not well done. Anyone who contributes regularly to Mad About Meghan could have written a more accurate and better script.

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    3. I thought it was inaccurate--and cheesy, too.

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    4. Hi There Eve!!! Oh I missed you! It's funny, when away doing what one loves it's great & hard to leave. Tho, once home it feels so lovely to be back! I've connected with friends & family & coming back here was something I was Really looking forward to! After so many years together, you all are a wonderful part of my life & with all the Wedding Excitement, there is no other place I'd rather be & with no other people!! We can all Geek Out together with out having to explain our Excitement!!! I have so much to catch up on! :)

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    5. 🌸 Amen, USA Granny. I thought that movie was yucko. I don’t think they portrayed Meghan accurately AT ALL. Meghan said herself when asked how she and Rachel Zane are similar, “I am ambitious, driven. I take the bull by the horns.” (I will give the reference on that in my next text.) That Meghan was not portrayed in that movie at all. The movie had an ineptness, a darkness to it that greatly belied the joy and effervescence of the relationship that is Harry and Meghan. And, as you said, their research was sadly lacking.

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    6. 🌸 P.S. That reference is “Meghan Markle on the Struggles of Getting into the TV Industry”, Marie Claire, Maura Brannigan, May 1, 2018.

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    7. SG, now I found where you posted about the movie! I Absolutely Agree with you all!! I was a bit dumbfounded & you all are right! Anyone from MAM could have written a Much Better Script! I admit to getting caught up in the emotional cheesiness & I loved how they ended it with the real H&M getting out of the car in Nottingham! :) Otherwise, it's like it was written in a vacuum & while the casting for Harry, Meghan & Doria wasn't as bad as I had feared it might be? It was vastly lacking in authenticity, both the casting & the portrayals! It was a 1 & Done for me. I've watched the W&K one multiple times over the years as it was more Happy! This was not a Happy movie, definitely lacking in the Joy & Magic that is Meghan & Harry!! Plus, as already mentioned, I hated the way they vapidly cast & wrote for Kate & Will!! It was such a jumble of bits of knowledge with no base or foundation layer upon which to build the story! So that was my take & seems many here have felt the same!

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    8. I also spent much of the time pointing out to my husband, all the inaccuracies!! lol :)

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  15. Jessica in Los Angeles14 May 2018 at 00:58

    I wonder if her dad will still walk her down the aisle given the evidence that seems to show him working with a paparrazo. I feel so bad for her. It seems like everyone except her mom is trying to use her.

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    1. I can't even imagine how that must feel! :( No wonder she has chosen to create her own family filled with her loyal & loving True Friends!!

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  16. I really want to watch the wedding, but I don't know which US network to watch, or should I just go with online. I want to know what networks are going to feature the Markle step-siblings' commentary so I can avoid them.

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    1. 🌸 Casey. Charlotte already gave a thorough list about all that a page or two ago. Just look for those pages. :)

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  17. Hello, I am a long time DKB reader and now MAM reader! I recently attended an event where Martyn Lucas was performing and promoting himself as a wedding singer. He announced that he was performing for Harry and Meghan a few days after the wedding in Nottingham. He explained that the royal wedding is actually more than a day and that there are several smaller receptions held for the couple throughout the country. This one is hosted by Charles for his friends. I thought it was interested Mr. Lucas shared this but wonder if it is a private engagement? I thought he said it was Tuesday or Wednesday after the wedding.

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  18. The days are going to fly by! Would any MadaboutMeghan followers like to get together on Friday, somewhere near KP? (Maybe there is an unobtrusive/better way to message about gatherings?)

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  19. Is Meghan's father still expected to receive a coat of arms? Kate's father received his 10 days before her wedding. Just wondering. Excited for all that's to come!

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  20. Om barely excited. Cant wait to see princess charlotte as bridemaid and prince george as a pageboy Is harry and meghan Lifetime tv special Movie is available in youtube

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  21. After counting down for months, it's difficult to believe that we are just DAYS away from the wedding. OMG. I realize that I have shared some concerns during the past year, but I truly hope they will enjoy many, many years of "happily ever after..." I want to see Harry as happy and settled as William is with Kate. To me, they will always be "Diana's boys" and I remember how important it was to her that they have the happiness, love and support that was missing from her own private life. May she look down and smile with a heart overflowing with joy, pride and a mother's sense of relief.

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  22. I’ve got my Harney & Sons Royal Wedding tea and lemon/elderflower scones all ready to go on Saturday morning! Also very excited to see what the remainder of 2018 has in store for H&M! Thank you again for all your hard work on this blog, Charlotte!

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    1. Pam from Boston14 May 2018 at 16:27

      My two oldest daughters just brought back the Harney & Sons Royal Wedding Tea from London and we have the same plans for Saturday morning - tea (well, coffee for me), scones and probably a breakfast casserole. Will probably be joined by all 4 daughters for the viewing. They have all just been to Windsor which will make it more special for them.

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    2. That sounds like so much fun, Pam! Enjoy the Royal Wedding celebration with your family on Saturday; it won’t be long now!

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  23. Welcome back to town, Becca!!!! Glad you put aside such foolishness as work for the next less than a week.

    I think the father should receive a book on etiquette rather than a coat of arms, but as one story said, the Markles are a family that just keeps giving. We should have figured out that his images were setups when we first saw them, so shame on us. I'm not convinced he thinks he is using his daughter but rather being "clever."

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    1. Hmmmm...clever? Allison, I cannot agree. "Clever" at his daughter's expense, perhaps. Even if he had been a "victim" of the paparazzi, at the very least he looked rather pathetic as he appeared to engage in a crash course on Harry, Meghan and England ahead of his own trip to walk his daughter down the aisle. And did he honestly believe that the truth wouldn't come out? Especially since he worked in Hollywood? No, sorry. In my mind, this whole episode points to character... and not in a good way.

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    2. I'm sure he did not think this would be exposed, otherwise, why on earth would he do it? He may have worked in Hollywood but still he is of the generation that forgets there is security surveillance almost everywhere. Also, he may have underestimated the interest in the photos and the motivation for the media to go to the trouble of looking into the origin of the pictures.

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    3. Samantha is now taking credit for arranging the photo deal, and making him out to be some doddering old man who the media took advantage of. BS. He did it, he posed for them, and Samantha took the money -- or at least a cut. I feel so badly for Meghan, to have her family agitating the way they are. And Samantha was on some show saying she wasn't invited because of her wheelchair. Seriously? She's not invited because she's toxic.

      Thomas is no victim, and neither is his daughter.

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    4. It wasn't the best idea for sure, but do remember that Diana more than once agreed to quite similar "candid" photo ops (often with the boys) in a deal to keep the paps at bay. The last one, in fact,was only days before she died when she did the jet ski pictures with the boys off the Fayed yacht. His error in judgement under doubtless relentless pressure is nothing like what the siblings have done IMO. I have not heard a single inappropriate word come from his mouth. Hopefully he'll be left alone after the wedding... well at least until it's baby time. Methinks his happy secluded retirement in Rosarita is a thing of the past. Reminds me of the Emily Dickinson poem "I'm nobody! Who are you?" ending with
      "How dreary to be somebody!How public like a frog To tell your name the lifelong day To an admiring bog!" Whereas the siblings seem to me eager to use every bit of attention they can attract for financial gain, Dad just wants to be left alone it seems to me.

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    5. Oh Allison, Ohhh You Cracked Me Up!! What a Wonderful Welcome Back! :) xoxo
      I also love the "Book of Etiquette" comment! lol :) I still have to do my research & find out what these bits are all about re: the Mr. Markle photos?? So much to catch up on & stay on top of & so little time! :) xoxo

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  24. I love the Cowshed products so I'm very happy to see that Meghan and Harry love them too!! And, wow! the countdown is nearing its end! I am looking forward to enjoying an afternoon tea spread (albeit quite early in the morning!) whilst watching Harry and Meghan tie the knot!!

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  25. Royalfan, I agree with you. I really can't imagine what he was thinking but I'm allowing him to have thought he was being clever as opposed to harming Meghan. The nutty siblings are putting in their comments---brother blames MM for putting them all in the spotlight and sister says the shoots were her idea, without further explaining why a grown man would listen to her. I hate that it came out so close to the wedding, which sounds like sabotage by the media, but at least the cascading events of this week will push the incident back into history. Just confirms my theory that Doria is responsible for the wonderfulness of Meghan.

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    1. I agree with you regarding Doria. I only hope that the rumors about her doing an interview with Oprah are incorrect. Especially now! I don't think there's anything that she could say that would serve Meghan better than dignified silence.

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    2. 🌸 I agree, rf. Doria doesn’t need to do interviews.

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  26. Sarah Virginia14 May 2018 at 15:18

    In the middle of our royal wedding excitement and anticipation, I want to recognize that this is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK and May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the US. I long for the day when "awareness" weeks and months are no longer needed, and that there is a permanent end to the stigma and ignorance surrounding mental illness. But, I could write a dissertation on that, and I'll refrain from doing so here. As someone who has lived experience with mental illness and is also a counselor and therapist, increasing awareness, education, and literacy around mental illness/health is deeply important to me. It is my life's work and one of my greatest passions, born from personal experience and from helping/treating/supporting those who also have lived experience with mental illness. During this week of anticipatory excitement, especially with the constant barrage of true and false media reports, I hope that everyone will remember to take a deep breath, practice self-care, turn off the media for a period of time each day, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. Listen to some relaxing music and go for a walk. Or bake something special for the weekend (cake, cookies/biscuits, or some bread - working with dough can be very calming and therapeutic). Several of the coping mechanisms/self-care strategies I use with children in my practice are blowing bubbles (bottles of bubbles are great for kids and adults!), creating things with Play-Doh/Modeling Clay, and drawing/painting pictures or coloring. Often, my adult clients will see the children's area in my office and ask if they can do one of those activities for relaxation while we talk. They truly help.
    I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable few days leading up to our exciting Saturday!

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  27. Wonderful post! The consent document is beautiful. A work of art. What a wonderful thing to maybe pass down to their children and grandchildren and so on.

    Sounds like the rest of the year will be super busy with many visits. The Netherlands sounds like a great choice. Maxima & Meghan have much I’m common. Not especially with the latter having spent time in Argentina working with the US Embassy. I confess to hoping it’s formal enough to warrant a tiara 😬

    I cop to being one of the ones to watch the lifetime movie. I told a Twitter friend that it was cheesy, cute & overdramatized. It had its cute moments but plenty of the other 2 as well. Probably the most accurate scenes were the paparazzi hounding Doria and Meghan at their houses. Granted I don’t think any of us really know what it was like but it’s not a stretch to think it happened exactly as portrayed. Bottom line: it wasn’t the worst movie I’ve seen.

    As for Meghan’s dad and those now infamous pics. Siiiiigh. I’m gonna be in the minority here but I feel sorry for him. Something similar-ish happened in my family with an older relative getting talked into & manipulated by a few of her grown children & grandchildren. The end goal: money of course. It’s always money. Love of money brings out the worst in people. With this in mind I’m inclined to believe Samantha pushed & prodded & manipulated her dad into doing those pics. She said it wasn’t about money but please. I’d be very surprised if Thomas saw much of any of that money. I’d bet he feels embarrassed especially now that he’s due to fly in and meet PH & his family. Should he have known better? Absolutely. Was it mistake? No question. But I really feel like it was a mistake. The pics were of him. Not of Meghan. He still hasn’t given any interviews about her and that says a lot. If he’d wanted to sell her out he’s had plenty of opportunity the last 6+ months. What happens in the future will say a lot as well. Maybe I’m wrong. For Meghan and PH’s sakes, I hope not.

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  28. I may have defended Thomas sr too soon if current reports are true. I’m absolutely floored. If true Meghan has her mom and Harry to help her through this and she’ll come out stronger for it. No wonder Harry said RF was the family Meghan never had. Who knew how true those words would be. I hope the reports are wrong but...

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  29. Annette New Zealand14 May 2018 at 22:06

    It does seem that Meghan's dad had ongoing problems anyway and had withdrawn from both family and friends well before her relationship with Harry began. So it would be very difficult for Meghan to say anything about his behavior without embarrassing him further. Perhaps we should just feel sorry for him, as he apparently is not attending the wedding now. That will be a blow for both him and Meghan. His other two children apparently have no compunction in exposing him to ridicule!

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  30. Interesting info. Thanks, Charlotte.

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  31. When I saw Charlotte’s post of Prince Charles arriving at KP, it crossed my mind, what if he takes TM Sr. role for the wedding? It will be wrong unfortunately. Not only tradition, for all practical purposes, none of Harry’s family side should take the role of the father especially under the circumstances. Weather royal or not, it will create enormous animosity expressed or otherwise, even bitterness, somewhere and somehow. It will be adding gasoline to the fire.

    Ultimately we all come to this earth alone, and we leave alone. The under estimated representatives are faith fathers who perform sacraments for baptism, birth, death and the rest. I think MM had formed some bonding with the Anglican bishop who baptized her. That is one possibility, but may be awkward. He will have his own duty that day. I hope she had formed and/or started a trusting and “familial” like fellowship with an Episcopalian bishop from USA (Chicago, California etc.). All priests are not the same, between KP and the couple’s research, the right one may be, will be meant to be. There is a reason for every season. It is time to make the family drama behind them. One can only hope there will be some healing and mending at least between TM Sr. and MM. At 73, and the life he had chosen to live, the sudden drama of his other children, the publicity, his daughter’s destiny, lack of privacy, and what had been in the workings in solitude and to suddenly be “forced” global has its own insanity. In fact they should soften the matter and look out for his health; there is much worse circumstance than this. I don’t think her mother should walk her down the aisle, or MM walk by herself. I wish and hope a bishop or a priest will walk her down the aisle and close this case!

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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 :)