Friday 22 June 2018

Commonwealth Engagements Confirmed: Another Outing with the Queen & Celebrating Youth!

The Duchess of Sussex will team up with the Queen again on Tuesday 26 June, when she and Harry join the monarch for a reception at Buckingham Palace to present awards to the Queen's Young Leaders for 2018.


The Queen's Young Leaders programme was launched in recognition of Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. It is now in its fourth and final year, and celebrates the achievements of exciting young change-makers from across the Commonwealth. This year's cohort, from across thirty-eight countries, are working to improve the lives of people across a diverse range of issues, including supporting people living with mental health problems, access to education, promoting gender equality, food scarcity and climate change. Guests at the reception will include former prime minister Sir John Major and David Beckham OBE. Below, a video from the 2017 awards ceremony which was hosted by Her Majesty and Prince Harry.


The appearance follows the Queen and Meghan's hugely successful day of engagements in Chester. Below, the Chester Chronicle souvenir special.


In April, Prince Harry was appointed a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by the Queen, and the couple plan to focus plenty of attention on Commonwealth countries in the coming years. It comes as it's been revealed the Sussexes have a number of trips overseas planned, with the Foreign Office keen to deploy them abroad to strengthen ties as Brexit unfolds.


The Mail Online reports:

'Both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will work both in the UK and abroad to highlight the value of the Commonwealth, and are understood to be planning a number of foreign tours to member states.
The Commonwealth will take on an increasingly important role as regards trade and diplomacy when Britain exits the EU.'

It's a fascinating programme which I look forward to writing about in detail for Tuesday's engagement. As it's an evening event, we can expect to see Meghan in a sophisticated dress or perhaps a trouser suit. A Roland Mouret number, such as Meghan's Barwick dress, would be a fabulous choice; his designs marry professional sophistication with feminine cuts and silhouettes perfectly.


Meghan and Harry will attend the 'Your Commonwealth' Youth Challenge reception on Thursday, 5th July at Marlborough House in London, marking the culmination of the Commonwealth Secretariat's Youth Leadership workshop.


More from the official press release:

'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will meet young leaders from across the Commonwealth at a reception hosted by the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, marking the culmination of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Leadership Workshop at Marlborough House in London.
The event marks an opportunity for the Duke, who was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador earlier this year, to learn more about how the Commonwealth Youth Forum is supporting inspiring young people to shape the future. The Duke and Duchess will also meet youth representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga ahead of their tour this autumn.
The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) provides an opportunity for the young people of the Commonwealth to build cross-cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing its young people, agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision makers and ensure young people have a voice in its future. The Youth Leadership Workshop brings together the newly elected Commonwealth Youth Council Executive and leaders of the Commonwealth Youth Networks, with the aim of empowering these young leaders to think about the future, and their role in shaping it.'

The Palace also confirmed Prince Louis will be christened at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace on Monday, 9 July. We can expect to see Meghan and Harry there :)

69 comments:

  1. Eve from Germany22 June 2018 at 17:55

    More & more engagements - I like it!! Great to see both Meghan&Harry accompany HM!! Keep the good news coming!!!

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    1. I agree, Eve. I'm glad to see them both stepping up. It's only been a month since they got married.

      I suppose we could have the discussion about how much work they really are doing, but at this point I'm a really happy royal watcher.

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    2. I think it may seem like more because the activities are heavily promoted- before, during, and after the event. I imagine that is a common PR mechanism.

      This is not another solo Meghan engagement with HM. It is primarily a Harry engagement with Meghan along as his wife--same as with other RF wives. Harry has appeared alone with the Queen previously at this event.
      I think we ultimately do Meghan an injustice by magnifying situations. She has done enough on her own to warrant admiration. No need to make this look like an Elizabeth/Meghan bonding event, although any appearance around the Queen would be a valuable learning experience. I worry that Meghan is being built up into an icon that it is difficult, if not impossible, to live up to. That scenario has been the downfall of many in the public eye. People become disenchanted when someone does not live up to expectations, which were often a creation of the media and over-enthusiastic fans to begin with.
      I think any conscientious person begins an endeavour with many plans and high hopes. Once into the reality of the situation sometimes plans and visions must be revised. What one sees as a realistic goal from the outside becomes unfeasible in practice, once seen in context.

      Then, again--isn't greatness being able to make the impossible Possible?

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    3. Eve from Germany23 June 2018 at 20:42

      @bluhare: I think at the moment it´s still about learning all about the royal work. And accompanying HM, attending ceremonies & conferences is a good way to learn. You can make a ton of new contacts and learn an awful lot just by listening...

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    4. @meghanfan - I completely understand you and I have some of the same concerns. I want Meghan to do well, but sometimes worry that she’s being built up too much and if she doesn’t meet everyone’s high expectations then the “fall” will be even worse.
      Not saying she should be torn to shreds for everything as her detractors are wont to do, but the excessive praise and unrealistic goals being placed on her are worrisome too.
      I just hope the best for her and want her to have a fair chance to succeeed.

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    5. I think that's what most of us want for her, Anon23. And for Harry, too.

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  2. I look forward to seeing the work Harry and Meghan will do in the UK and the Commonwealth.

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  3. 🌸 Aside from spending girltime together, I see the Queen’s time spent with Meghan as the Queen
    giving strong visuals of unity between she and Meghan to further endorse and credential Meghan’s
    ambassadorship roles in the Queen’s name.
    I mean, they can spend time together out of the public arena and probably do. These girltime outings, obviously, are politically strategic and effective. That they have fun doing it is just icing on the cake.🍰🥂

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    1. I agree, Surfer Girl. Every step by any member of the Royal Family is done with good PR strategies in place. There is obviously a good rapport between Her Majesty and Meghan. But this is Meghan accompanying her husband, who is partnered with the Queen for the event. Let's not make it all about Meghan, who is there are Harry's wife.

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  4. 🌸 And you have a world-status, talented designer like Roland Mouret, tell you, as a stranger, out-of-the blue one day, on an elevator, that he would like to dress you, even before you became really famous? I hope she wears a lot of Roland Mouret. 😊

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    1. Me too. Because that blue dress is one of the best I have seen her wearing!:)
      Totally gorgeous!

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    2. I love Mouret[s designs and I'd have a whole closet full if I could!

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    3. I didn't know he said that to her. She does look good in his aesthetic, it's true!

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    4. Yes please, more Roland Mouret! He seems to understand Meghan’s body shape perfecttly. The blue dress is just lovely!
      Royal 👑 Watcher

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    5. 🌸 yep. and to make Roland’s comment to Meghan even funnier, Meghan said that Roland was in a bathrobe at the time. On the elevator.😳(It must have been a beachfront hotel, lol. I don’t remember where it was at the moment.)
      She said that after she realized that he wasn’t some weirdo, they quickly became bff’s.

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    6. They were at the Soho House in Istanbul and he was coming back from having a massage.

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  5. So glad HM is taking advantage (in a good way) of Meghan for so many events. It's clear they get along great and I love seeing their rapport time and again.

    A quick look of Mouret designs on the Neiman Marcus website.. . . just about every outfit would look smashing on the DoS. I see a number of beautiful dresses / pants ensembles that would work great for the YL reception. The clothes look like they were designed just for her!

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    1. I would love if she wore more RM instead of Givenchy.

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    2. Anon23, I heartily agree! While I loved the simplicity of the wedding dress there is just 'something' lacking, I can't put my finger on it, in CWK designs. Everything I have see from Mouret so far has a classic simplicity with a modern flair. I see Meghan in all his designs - like he designed them just for her. She would do well by choosing RM from time to time.

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    3. I agree that Meghan shines more when wearing Mouret. Givenchy is understatedly elegant, but so far their clothing, to include the wedding gown, lack pizazz. Mouret seems to speak to Meghan's desire to keep the lines simple and uncluttered, but his clothing has a certain something that lends a WOW factor!

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  6. I'm coming up with some theories regarding MM's choices of outfits. I was looking at Beatrice's outfits and they looked just horrible, but when I saw closeups and imagined being there,next to her they seemed a lot prettier. I think that, first, MM chooses outfits that can be viewed at a distance and look good. Second, the simplicity serves to highlight her very beautiful face. The wedding dress and tiara with its center huge diamond acted as frames for her face. We focus on the clothes because it's interesting, but I think she focuses on the overall one-shot image.

    Kate, Camilla, and the Queen also present unified images, but I often have to dissect what Sophie, Eugenie, and Beatrice are wearing. Just a thought. While we wait. :)

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    1. Allison that is a great thought.

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    2. Well said. I adore her wedding day looks, both of them. Her wedding gown is sophisticated and elegant for a mature woman of the world. I trust as she branches out from Givenchy that Mouret will feature often.

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    3. Allison.... are you sure you are not a Cinematographer? It's all about what's in the frame. You have a wonderful intuitive gift!:)

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  7. Great news,Her Majesty is the best teacher for Meghan!!

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  8. I love seeing Her Majesty and Meghan together! The Queen appears to greatly enjoy Meghan's company for herself, not just as Harry's bride. Meghan is described by all as being a charming and warm and outgoing person, and the Queen's visible fondness for her really speaks to that. And I assume the corgis' enjoyment of Meghan helps -- I know I prefer anyone my dogs are especially fond of!

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    1. Laura, if my dog(s) like someone that instantly rachets up my opinion. Interestingly, in my house, it's the cat who likes everybody!

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    2. Susan in Florida23 June 2018 at 04:24

      I agree with you, Laura47. The Queen looks very happy to be with the DoS. Pets and small children know a good person when they see one.

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    3. I wonder if part of Meghan's appeal, is that she looks upon HM first as Harry's grandmother and secondly as the Monarch? Meaning that she isn't overawed by Elizabeth's rank and titles but sees the woman behind all the pomp and circumstance. I imagine that would be very refreshing for HM.

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    4. bluehare - not the cats we used to have in my house. My husband has a calmer disposition. Each and every cat we had over the years used to go to him and find comfort; they all favored him. May be they could hear my complaint about their hair shading on my clothes, also about the debate who should clean their litter. Easy to feed them, but clean after them? No, they liked him, why did I have to. Rabbits were easier and my kids love them, but it got my heart they had to be caged may be most of the time. There is nothing like well trained dogs; they have a sharp sense of people for the most part. Sometimes they even seem to pick up their owners personalities / characters. I love birds and horses. They amaze me.

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    5. Our current cat is the only one we've ever had who is this friendly. When people come inside she immediately comes to see who would be the best person to shed on.

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    6. May be her friendly welcome outweighs the shading. She sounds like a fun cat. Shading? well, they may notice after they leave your home and say, "That was one friendly cat worth the shading".

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    7. That should be a saying handing in each home! Our eight kitties agree.

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    8. Allison - how on earth can you keep eight kitties? By the way cats are some characters; sometimes proud, other times restless, and they make their own choice of where they get their stretching, napping e.t.c. In a way they are the spirit of a home, while dogs are protectors. I liked cats as a kid. As an adult,I like to tease them by mimicking them where ever I find them I go "meow" they stop, turn and what they see is a different species. They give me a good look and march on about their business.

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  9. Great to hear - thanks for your update Charlotte. I’m so looking forward to how they will shape their roles in the commonwealth over the next few years and how they’re becoming a big part in the Brexit

    I do agree that Roland Mouret dresses a woman beautifully - and with a edge that suits Meghan. I think it’s maybe a worthy counterpart to the Givenchy relationship. It was interesting to see The Duchess of York even wearing him today at Ascot.

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    1. 🌸 Givency as a “worthy counterpart” to Roland Mouret is a wardrobe worth pursuing for sure.

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    2. Actually Surfer Girl, I much prefer his designs over some of the Givenchy, I think they’re much more suited (excuse the pun) for her 😀

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    3. https://www.rolandmouret.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/bancroft-dress-pw18-f0164-c1082

      ....and I think Charlotte's right - there's a lot of beautiful new frocks that would suit DoS soo much!

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    4. 🌸 “frocks”. Sooo British. I love it.🤗
      Mr.D. Meghan wearing Mouret is a delight. Wearing him in exclusion might be tedious after awhile. Givenchy can get the kinks out as they come to know Meghan better. Their tailoring can take them far. And then there are other designers also. To me, it can be an emotional roller coaster sometimes for the Duchesses, sartorially speaking. I never cared for Stella McCartney, to be honest, yet Meghan’s Frogmore reception dress is one of my all-time very favorites. That dress was perfection. Iconic. Unforgettable.
      Whereas a designer like Wickstead stiil is not a favorite of mine though. Not after Eugenie and Beatrice’s 2011 Royal wedding outfits. Nothing before then or since then has changed my mind about Wickstead.
      I would like to see Meghan in some as yet unknown designers also. Not fond of Prada or Versace either. But that’s just me.
      Being optimistic though, I am eager to see her new “frocks”🤗 in the upcoming weeks.

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    5. "Frocks" is such a happy word! I also did not like Stella, I thought, but I loved that black coat with the ribbon-like belt, in addition to the reception dress that did such wonderful things to MM's shoulders!

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  10. You make a great point, Allison in US. Going back to Meghan's wedding dress, in all full shots of her, from front or back, you can see line and shape of the garment, and the picture is just stunningly beautiful. The long and elegant lines of the gown, and the waist are clearly defined, and there an hour-glass shape. On the odd close-up of the top, when Meghan has her arms slightly elevated, or her hands are folded, there seems to be a small amount of creasing. Everything I have seen Meghan wear looks elegant and stylish in motion, even the printed dress she wore to the country wedding. Also, her beautiful carriage always shows her garments to great effect.

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    1. You hit on my favorite subject Anon, Meghan's wedding dress! The more I see it the more I love it, especially in motion. I can't believe that the flow of this dress was accomplished with a mere 6 seams! After the bateau neckline my favorite part of the dress was the train, the fold of the train that stayed in place perfectly just amazes me. I truly could go on and on about the train of this dress but I'll spare you all! lol

      I agree that Meghan's clothes do tend to show their best side while in motion. I've noticed that in some still shots items might appear to be a bit too big or not fitted properly but once you see them in a video that perception disappears. I might be in the minority here but I prefer clothes that skim the surface of the skin rather than be form fitting or body con.

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    2. I agree with you Lauri

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  11. another private engagement with the queen again she very fond of her grand daughter looking forward too see them

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  12. As a team Meghan and Harry are truly hitting the ground running. I believe they will be a fantastic team working on behalf of HM. We are so lucky that through Charlottes work we are able to join them on their sprint! The fashions needless to say are a bonus.

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  13. Susan in Florida23 June 2018 at 04:22

    I think their trip in October would be a perfect time to try for a baby !

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    1. 🌸 Susan in Florida. 😊 We will send them a memo. 😉

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    2. ILoveElephants23 June 2018 at 15:21

      Oh I don’t know about that, there have been some cases of Zika virus in Fiji.

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  14. Great to see so many engagemnts, it’s fun to have posts while Kate is on maternity leave. I’m back with my fashion predictions and hopes after a short break. Although I expect Meghan will stay true to from and not wear any real colours, I have high hopes for colours on tours.
    This time I’m doing the next 3 engagements and posting things I would like to see.

    26 June - the Queen’s Young Leaders reception
    https://cdnc.lystit.com/photos/2013/06/20/givenchy-red-open-sleeve-midi-dress-product-2-11039347-697689810.jpeg
    https://www.blushboutique.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/M0000013960008.jpg
    http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kaley+Cuoco+CBS+Carol+Burnett+Show+50th+Anniversary+gyxVDsS70PBl.jpg

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  15. Continued - looks 2 and 3

    5 July - the ‘Your Commonwealth’ Youth Challenge Reception
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1wbKKSVXXXXbKXXXXq6xXFXXXx/High-Quality-Women-Loose-Flared-Red-Jumpsuits-For-Women-2017-Black-Army-Green-Jumpsuit-Jumpsuit-Loose.jpg_640x640.jpg
    https://dimg.dillards.com/is/image/DillardsZoom/nav/adrianna-papell-crepe-one-shoulder-jumpsuit/04924371_zi_antique_blue.jpg
    https://assets.vogue.com/photos/55c6511508298d8be21b3c14/master/pass/dior_03.1366x2048.JPG

    9 July - christening of Prince Louis
    https://theladysmaiddotcom.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/sophie.png?w=678
    http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/06/17/article-0-1ED9411200000578-583_634x925.jpg
    https://theladysmaiddotcom.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/screenshot-37.png?w=696

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    1. sofy
      Love the royal blue two-piece suit,it's so beautiful!!!

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    2. Sofy, those are terrific looks!! I wonder if she would go so "bold" as to use color for the christening? Would she try to be in the background? I would love to see her especially in the pink ensemble and in the yellow. And that red jumpsuit looks like it was made for her!

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    3. I would consider neon green or scarlet red too bold for the christening, but light blue or pink seems to be right on target with what The Queen and Camilla have worn previously.

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  16. The “blue dress” by Roland Mouret is a favorite for me as well. Thanks, Charlotte for keeping us very well informed with ACCURATE info.

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  17. Thank you Charlotte we are spoiled with an appearance every week very happy to see Meghan and the Queen and see her again with Harry but I admit that I look forward to seeing her with his own patronages

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  18. You are so right about Mouret, he seems to be the perfect fit. I am excited about how easily the Firm has taken to Meghan and how committed she is to a life of service of a different kind.

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  19. Mouret for MM is a favorite of mine, too. I wonder how he would style a white suit. And I wonder how he would have done the wedding dress--probably with a little edge, which I guess she didn't want then. But he should be enjoying seeing his other creations on MM.

    I read that the Duchess of York was dressed in Mouret for her day at Ascot!

    And why can't anyone wear a $100 dress like Kate used to? :)

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    1. I saw a closeup and the DoY also wore earrings that looked like MM's rose earrings with a pearl attached. Very pretty.

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  20. This is not meant as a slight or comparison against Kate but I think Meghan is more comfortable and more visible so early on because she comes from a career where that was her job. She’s comfortable public speaking and representing herself and those she works with and for. Also, William was still working for the air ambulance in the early days of their marriage - Meghan married Harry when he was already a working royal.

    Also, right now, Meghan is available - Kate’s on maternity and this is a good time for the Queen to spend time with Meghan and to get the younger royals prepared for the future. I’m sure she is thinking that once Kate is back, their Royal Foundation will continue to grow and once Meghan’s patronages are announced, the Queen will have less time with her granddaughters-in-law.

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  21. Whilst I love all this talk about the Queen taking her under her wing and being fond of her - just to balance all this, the Queen does make time for all the other royal ladies too. This week has shown at Ascot - Autumn Philips, p Alexandra , Sophie and even DoY - all have been interacting / caught in similiar intimate shots to Meghan. As we saw at the polo with DoC, relationships with other family members are probably very strong, we just don’t get to see them interact that much. I think it’s just part of the queens natural way of including everyone in her family and building relationships with them. I’ve often thought how as a family they have to appear at many functions together so keeping relationships good between everyone must take hard work. There must be family rifts over the years but some how they all seem to put a stiff upper lip on when needed. I think this is more to the Queen as Matriarch rather than Monarch taking everyone under her wing once in a while and ensuring a bit of harmony at least.

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  22. Mr , I agree wholeheartedly. The papers make it seem like MM showed the Queen how to laugh! I have not seen the Queen that often over the years being in the US and before the Internet, but she always seemed stern. I realize now that was her "job" look and she has been having fun with her family her whole life. She is showing her true self most of the time now an seems to really enjoy being with her children and grandchildren.

    And the papers love to spin things---I imagine she waited some months before taking Kate to a function because although Kate was "used" to William, she was not used to handling media attention. Everyone had thoughts of Diana and did not want to make Kate unhappy in any way. MM does not have that issue.

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    1. 🌸 Allison.😊 Right. The Queen would not look as good as she does at 92 or have the respect and admiration of her large family if she wasn’t fun, warm and sincere. Come to think of it, I don’t know of a world leader who has ever met her that doesn’t like her. Even leaders who haven’t met her seem to highly esteem her, all politics aside.

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  23. Zora from Prague25 June 2018 at 08:17

    I agree, Mr D and Allison. I have often seen photos/videos of HM smiling and laughing and from what I've read about her, she's got a great sense of humour. And I really like your comment about HM as Matriarch/Monarch, Mr D.

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  24. The Queen has worn the most amazing outfits this week! They were just beautiful at Ascot, with the most interesting brooches, and she looked lovely in her Windsor Cup outfit, too, and it was so great to see PP with her! This is a very very good year.

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  25. Hey anybody in USA who isn't working, or is working at home like me..... Meghan is on TV in The Hallmark Movie "Dater's Handbook" & she's in an adorable Wedding Scene! :) So it's on right now on The Hallmark Channel! :)

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  26. I do get a kick out of seeing Meghan in her 2 Hallmark Movies, because when I tried to watch her in Suits... her character was so serious & it didn't interest me that much. (sorry Suits fans) But she's super cute, adorable & funny in these 2 movies. Especially "Dater's Handbook"! :) I love seeing her laugh & be silly! :)

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  27. thanks charlotte for another great post.

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  28. I like the way Meghan is wearing so many women designers. I wonder if this is a conscious choice? Great if it is. But, I would love to see her concentrate on more British designers. I think one of the purposes of the royal family is to promote British products, frankly. I love seeing the high-end clothing she is wearing, but hope that she can mix up the price ranges a little more. I know she wore a M&S hat last week, but possibly a little more of that price range would be great. I do think the world and the royal family have changed, and the $5000+ outfits look a little out of place in the modern world, at least as a constant diet.

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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 :)