Monday 29 October 2018

For The Sister With A Bold And Brave Streak: Meghan Wears Earrings from the Prime Minister for Creative Arts Event

This evening, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Courtenay Creative for an event celebrating the city’s thriving creative arts scene.


The Duke and Duchess arriving.


The engagement was a nice nod to Meghan's acting career. For seven years filming in Toronto for legal drama Suits, time spent on set was a significant part of Meghan's life. Just a year ago she was saying goodbye to her character Rachel Zane and preparing to move to London ahead of the engagement announcement.


Courtney Creative runs programmes to give young people the tools and experience to excel in the film industry. Founders Kristy and Jamie describe how it works: "Courtenay Creative or CC as we call it, is actually 3 C’s in that it’s a place to Connect, Collaborate and Cultivate. Like everything we do, we believe in supporting hands on practical learning and interaction experiences that deliver versatile and transferable skill sets and viable career pathways into industry. Starting with the Roxy5 short film competition, where we work with intermediate and high school age Rangitahi across the Wellington region to channel their creativity and expression into a 5 minute film. We go to every school and talk face to face with each student and teacher involved in the project, giving them tips and advice how to prepare, shoot and produce their films"



Kristy has a marketing and education background and established the Roxy5 short film programme for Wellington High Schools students with Jamie in 2014. This was the starting point in the journey to set up the Miramar Creative Centre, a one stop shop facility that has become a destination for practical creative learning and production in Wellington and now Courtenay Creative - an exhibition, rehearsal, testing and event space in the centre of Wellington city. Jamie is an Oscar winning Editor and also Co-Founder and Owner of Weta Workshop with Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor. Jamie has been the driving force behind the building, expansion and development of screen facilities in Miramar that have housed the production of so many iconic films made in NZ.


Harry and Meghan met a number of young creatives demonstrating their skills in props, make-up, and costume.


A gift for the Duchess from an Orc (Lord of The Rings fans, you remember orcs right?).



The New Zealand Herald reports:

'They were greeted on the pavement by screaming fans, including Ryll Gormack, of Kapiti Coast, with her daughter Kate, 13, and son Joe, 8. They had yellow roses for Meghan and held signs saying, "We didn't get to see you yesterday. We love you!" and, "Harry & Meghan, please wave!" Ryll says, "We adore the royal family and we completely bombed out yesterday. We thought we'd give it another go today. Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Once through the doors of the centre — a training facility for the screen and creative industries which opens this month — the royals were welcomed by costumed Vikings and knights, and an orc from Lord of the Rings. The orc was played by Luke Hawker, 37, a film technician and stuntman from Weta, who says, "I wasn't sure if I was supposed to shake their hands. They seemed genuinely scared, but I was very nice." They did shake hands.
The couple then chatted with models wearing World of Wearable Arts costumes, including Lucy Aitchison and Nicola Provost, both 30 and from Wellington, before moving on to a body painter who was decorating model Letisha Rangi, 29, an artist from Aro Valley dressed in Day of the Dead paint, and her mum Carleen Murphy, in a red devil look.
Murphy said she was waiting for the Meghan to mention her past as an actress, "But she was so gracious and let others shine. She's even more beautiful than she is on screen. More lovely. An absolute beauty."

The Herald adds:

"Louis Baker, 29, a Newtown singer, and some students then performed his track Just a Memory for the royals, who applauded enthusiastically. Baker recalled, "It was such an honour to have an opportunity to play for royalty in my lifetime. I was nervous — I'm only human! We briefly talked about my music and the album I'll put out next year. Meghan said I had a great tone to my voice."

A comprehensive video from the event.


The Duchess wore a white tuxedo Maggie Marilyn dress.


The piece is a bespoke version of the Leap of Faith Blazer Dress. The 100% cotton dress is ethically made in New Zealand.


The brand confirmed the news on their Instagram page: "The name of this dress says it all - Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Sussex wearing our “Leap of Faith” Blazer Dress. It is an incredible honour to have this inspiring woman wear Maggie Marilyn."


Maggie Marilyn is a New Zealand based fashion brand that launched in September 2016. A combination of strong tailoring and youthful charm, the Maggie Marilyn collections are delivered with a sense of confidence and modern luxury, taking into consideration the ethical and environmental impact of contemporary fashion. The brand is determined to not only make clothes for living beautifully but to also make a change for good in an industry that itself is reflecting on constant speculation regarding its ethical and environmental footprint; considering a living wage and attention to the impact on the environment to be basic necessities of the fashion business. Below, the Maggie Marilyn team.


When Meghan arrived, she was wearing her Gillian Anderson for Winser London coat draped over her shoulders. The £395 Wool Swing Coat is designed with a soft construction in a double-faced specialist handcrafted wool fabric. When worn open the coat lays straight with a lovely swing detail in the back. Gillian added her signature pink piping details at the back of the neck loop and inside the pocket opening.


Meghan wore the coat for the Invictus Opening Ceremony.


The Duchess wore her Tattoo Diamond Pendant by Jessica McCormick again this evening. The $17,400 diamond pendant takes inspiration from the New Zealand Māori  Koru tattoo.


You may have noticed Meghan's been wearing a new pair of gold stud earrings all day.


It turns out the earrings were given to her by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday. The two appear to be getting along brilliantly. After Meghan's speech at the Suffrage 125 reception, the PM walked over to her and said "Perfect".


The Boh Runga gold discologo stud earrings feature the native Miromiro feather, reworked into a kiss motif. In Māori mythology the Miromiro feather was a magic token of devotion that would bring loved ones back to you.


More from the production description, I suspect quite a lot of thought went into this gift:

'For the sister with a bold and brave streak. Featuring the iconic feather kiss and droplet designs, reworked into modern silhouettes, and introducing Te Huia; a stylised modern take on the Huia feather. With the sad extinction of this unique New Zealand bird examples only exist in paintings, museums and private collections. Immortalised now in precious metals Te Huia and her Sister Boh Dangles friends live on with you.'

Meghan completed the look with her Manolo Blahnik BB navy suede pumps.


If you're just joining us, click here to read about Harry and Meghan's engagement with mental health youth representatives and key organisations this morning. The post on the couple's visit to Abel Tasman is here.


Tomorrow, Tuesday 30 October:

  • Harry and Meghan will travel to Auckland, where they will firstly visit the North Shore to dedicate a 20 hectare area of native bush to The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. After unveiling the plaque, The Duke and Duchess will hear more about the ecological importance of the native bush, before joining children from the 'Trees in Survival' group in a ‘welly-wanging’ contest.
  • The Duke and Duchess will then join the Prime Minister to visit Pillars, a charity operating across New Zealand that supports children who have a parent in prison through the provision of special mentoring schemes. As a wedding present to The Duke and Duchess, the Government of New Zealand gifted $5000 dollars to Pillars, and they will have the opportunity to meet some of the children who have directly benefitted from this funding.
  • Later that afternoon, The Duke and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet the people of Auckland on the Viaduct Harbour, before attending a Reception hosted by the Prime Minister at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This reception will include cultural performances and entertainment by members of the Pasifika community living in Auckland. The guests will be predominantly young people in the 17 to 25-year age group who are making significant contributions to the wellbeing of their communities, representing the future of New Zealand.

See you tomorrow for the penultimate day of the tour!

59 comments:

  1. I thought that was Sam Smith singing in the video for a moment (who I’m going to see in concert this weekend!). What a a nice voice he had & a great performance :) Such a cool engagement for the Royals to attend.

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  2. Un beau couple comme on en voit rarement. J'apprécie beaucoup la bonne volonté de Meghan. Je lui souhaite à son mari et à elle, beaucoup de bonheur. La duchesse est une jeune femme belle et très élégante. Chapeau encore Charlotte pour ce magnifique site très riche et prompt.

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    1. tout à fait d'accord un superbe site bravo

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    2. Je suis ravie de lire des commentaires en français!

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  3. such a relax and nice engagement

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  4. The dress is pretty but looks a little snug around the bump. Definitely needs maternity clothes soon

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  5. Not a fan. Especially as she is doing what annoys me to no end with Kate already: buying the (almost) same clothes in several colours. I didn’t like the tuxedo dress in black and I think the white one suits her even less. Maybe a white tuxedo would have looked better?
    C.

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    1. Ouch! All i can think, what a wonderful evening. I'm glad Meghan dresses as she pleases and gives no thought to others opinions. I can't imagine trying to please everyone

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    2. oh, i like it in white much better. but 1) it's a coat with no sleeves. and 2) she had to wear a coat over it. i wouldn't mind the sort of repetitive style of better pieces, but this one is odd to me.

      Annie,
      NY, USA

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    3. I agree to some extent. I like the idea of the tuxedo dress, but have seen enough for awhile. This white one is the least complementary. The hem shape stands out. She has her hands in the pockets too much. I don't like the length because of the shape.

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    4. I agree about the hands in the pocket, it did look rather odd to me. Like a casual stroll in the mall. But she still manages to look pretty :-)
      Siddhii

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  6. I believe the $17,400 is NZ Dollars not US. Would be good to notice.

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    1. $17,400 NZ = $ll,300 US on Oct. 25, 2018

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  7. I love this look. That pendant is stunning. The dress is beautiful too. I can just hear her when someone compliments her in the dress “thanks, it has pockets!” LOL

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  8. I haven‘t commentented until now. So far it is an amazing tour and they are doing great, I think. I liked most of HRH outfits, but not this white dress that looks like a nurses uniform - terrible. And she keeps her hands in her pockets too much. Ah well, one miss is not that bad ;)

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  9. Meghan wears exactly what suits her, as we all do. It is a way to look your very best all the time. She has acquired some really lovely personal jewelry gifts while on this tour. I loved that it was recognized that she favors small discreet earrings more often then not and that is exactly what she was gifted.

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  10. I'm so glad to see that their smiling faces have returned. They seem rejuvenated! What a fun engagement!

    I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but this is my absolute least favourite look of Meghan's since the tour began. I think her sartorial choices have been spot on, professional and classic, but this is a major miss for me.

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  11. Whether we like the style or not (and I do like it), everyone of us has to admit that Megan is doing more to promote sustainable and fair-practice fashion than anyone else - and the impact is tremendous. Small companies who care about fair sourcing and sustainable processes are the way of the future - and not those that aim for maximum profits at any cost to people who work for them or the environment. She is sending that message - and there isn't a better ambassador in the world at the moment. I love it that she (and Jessica M) are so dedicated to it. This is the main message from her tour wardrobe - and I m deeply convinced her Majesty is thrilled about that. She must be very happy for Harry - and the image of her family.

    JV

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    1. Agree! A hugely positive impact is made on the world when sustainable and fair practice companies are promoted on such a big stage.

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    2. She really is, and I thank you for pointing it out.

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    3. Yes, that is true and I think that is very important. And in her speeches she is very decidedly „on our side“ - we women should speek up for one another.

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  12. Well, considering I'm out of town immersed in a Big Film Studio Work Situation at the moment, I throughly enjoyed this event & thought the MUA & CD's had wonderful presentations! I have just loved every event with Meghan & Harry during this Tour! Each look she has, enthralls me! She is just radiant & they are all in, so interested & engaging with everyone they meet! For me it's been a feast for the eyes & the soul! With such appreciation for the two of them & who they are & for Charlotte & all of her hard work to bring us the pinnacle of detailed multi visual coverage... Thank you! :) xx

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  13. Looks to be a very enjoyable event for Meghan and Harry, and a nice change of pace to be entertained. Members of the collective attest to Meghan's grace in letting others shine. Meghan looks good in a tuxedo dress, and it has been noted that it's a staple in her wardrobe. Perhaps we will continue to see her in various versions throughout her engagements. She seems to like a good shirt-dress and sheaths as we've seen those silhouettes repeated. Like the A-line shape of this version of the tuxedo, and anything with pockets is a hit for me! Think that the earrings from the prime minister a hugely thoughtful gift; she seems to feel very warmly towards Meghan, and perhaps sees her as a kindred spirit?

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  14. I like the dress but probably would have gone with long sleeves as shown on the model in the pic; just a personal preferance. I agree BethW7372 @10:07, maternity clothes soon. Enjoyed the video showcasing the costumes and singing. Thanks, Charlotte.

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  15. I think she looks just beautiful.

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  16. Kind of an underwhelming dress. I actually like the original with the puffy sleeves better! Love the jewelry, though.

    This looks like it was a fun event!

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  17. Rhonda - Wisconsin29 October 2018 at 16:12

    The dress is pretty, but not for her at this stage of her pregnancy - just a wee bit snug around the middle. I have to agree - not liking all the Tuxedo style dresses. I really like how Harry is FINALLY getting away from all the blue suits. His tour wardrobe has really rocked this trip.

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  18. Meghan looks like a Bond girl in the best way. I like the white tuxedo dress better than the black tuxedo dress. The black one looked a mix of business-suit with dress, whereas the white one is clearly a fun dress.

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    1. Yes, a Bond girl indeed!! Funny that the Queen was one, too. And that photo Charlotte ran a few days ago of the Queen in a gown knighting someone was spectacular! My awareness of the Queen came when she was wearing sensible clothes---she was a real beauty!! And her clothes were also terrific---not unlike Kate or Meghan at all except maybe even better looking.

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    2. The Queen when she was young was very beautiful and very fashionable. I was surprised to see her wearing peep-toed shoes back in the day, and her hair coiffed like a movie star. And she always had an easy smile and sense of humor. I think as the duties mounted and the problems with her kids increased we saw a more closed-off Queen. Now that life has sorted itself out HM is oddly back to being who she was when she was young -- a fun, funny lady. And great dresser.

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  19. I really don't like this dress, just odd.

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  20. I think Meghan is knocking it out of the park on this tour. Noticing many differences between Kate & Meghan, but each has a unique role. Loving her!

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  21. Tammy from California29 October 2018 at 18:33

    OK, the wording that goes with these earrings gave me chills. Yes Charlotte, I think you’re correct. Much thought put into this gift. Just lovely.

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    1. Same!! I wholeheartedly thought this was one of those unfortunate mistakes that are culturally offensive only to specific nations. Clearly, in this sense it is an honor.

      I love that Meghan is completely different style wise from DOC. Both women are supremely suited for their future roles and responsibilities within the BRF.

      I also love that Charlotte is the absolute queen of blogging!!! Don’t change a thing!

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  22. Love this look! Love this dress!

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  23. I was under the impression that royals had to pay for everything they wore. That they weren’t allowed to wear gifted items as these would be a sort of paid advertisement for the brand versus a personal selection. How are the earrings an exception? Thanks in advance to anyone replying.

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    1. The royals can't wear gifts from businesses sent to promote their brand. But they often wear gifts from individuals (at least once) to be polite. For example, Kate wore a necklace given to her by the Queen of Bhutan when she and William visited that country.

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    2. Annette New Zealand29 October 2018 at 22:54

      My husband was a public servant and helped organize Royal tours in the past. Our Royals prefer to have gifts like donations to worthy causes on their behalf, but an exception is made for official gifts from governments or groups hosting them. In return they will give photographs and/or small monogrammed gift items to those closely involved with the Tour. They don't refuse small gifts given to them by the public on walkabouts but I suspect the flowers are usually given away like their wedding flowers were. We have a very nice handwritten thankyou letter written by Diana and for a while we were on the POW Christmas card list. Diana was noted for always writing lengthy thankyou notes. The Queen also gives senior official the Royal Victorian order depending on seniority and their level of service. That is her own personal order and the source of the Knighthood Prince Harry was given a couple of years ago.

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    3. I'm glad someone mentioned the earrings. What a thoughtful gift from Prime Minister Ardern. She's a woman Meghan may be emulating soon. She had her baby, took maternity leave, and is now back at work. It did look like she and Meghan were getting along wonderfully, and she could do a lot worse than forge a friendship with Jacinda Arderm. They are only a year apart in age too, so Ms. Arderm can speak to being pregnant at 37!

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    4. Queen of the Sun30 October 2018 at 04:02

      The way I understand it everything they receive while one tour is “official gifts” and technically nit their own property. She will be allowed to wear these gifts but they are the property of the crown.

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  24. I have been reading about the brothers' split and I think the tabloids are making it seem sinister. Will/Kate have to proceed as the King/Queen after Charles, and I need to be kinder to them because I feel sorry for them to have their road predestined. Harry/Meghan will, hopefully, never be the ones who must show up at state dinners and they can be free to do what they did on the tour. I have to keep realizing that the family members are all equal---Peter's kids can play rough with Will's kids; I seldom see Zara on the balcony but she is as loved as much as all the grandchildren are loved. The titles and responsibilities and houses and jewels relate to the business of the monarchy. Meghan's child will be equal as a person to all the other grandchildren, although I imagine Charles will think only of his grandchildren. :) I'm finding it hard to no longer think of Will and Harry as "the boys."

    Charlotte, do you know if there is any truth in that any residence was given to Harry? If not, does it seem to you that if anyone was to give a residence, it would be Charles, just like it appears Andrew may be buying something for Eugenie?

    Last, I find the quote in the latest tabloid headlines based on a new book, if you can believe it, by Harry that Meghan gets what she wants to be rather sweet! I can imagine the aides not wanting to accommodate her and continuing to ask Harry if requests are OK, and him just saying, Do what she asks!! I don't believe he was so stressed out, except maybe by the enormity of finding such an incredible person who loves him so much. I was so happy to see her personality retained on the tour and to see how happy she is about baby Sussex. I bet she has a field day with all the baby gifts.

    And another last comment -- someone in this post said that Meghan was even better looking in person! I find that very satisfying---I have found that when I didn't like an outfit yet I looked at a video of her walking in the outfit, it looked really good.

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    1. Annette New Zealand29 October 2018 at 23:09

      I think you're right. It is not a family split as some tabloids are implying. William is next in line after Charles and in the next few years he will succeed to the title of Prince of Wales - the direct heir to the throne. He is already involved in investitures and no doubt will take over the Duchy of Cornwall from his father eventually. Obviously when that happens it would be very difficult for him and Kate to run a joint office together with Harry and Meghan. it looks very much as if the latter two will be the main link with the Commonwealth. Things will be more relaxed for them.The Queen is very strict about protocol in Britain but it is more relaxed when the younger members travel overseas. I can't imagine the Queen ever taking off her shoes at the beach or wearing sneakers! That is just the way she was brought up.

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    2. From how I understand it, the "split" has nothing to do with the brothers having a falling out, or not loving and respecting each other. I see it as a "business" move. Through the years Will and Harry have had one staff, that did their PR, communications, appointments, agenda, correspondence and multiple other tasks towards their public life. Now we have two families and one is destined to be the next king and queen. The two families will have different duties and responsibilities. William and Kate's lives need to be more structured. So now there will be two teams, each representing the two families. The brothers are not cutting each other out of their lives. For goodness sakes, they will be living in adjoining apartments at Kensington Palace. The two families will be very close and I would imagine the children will enjoy their cousins. The tabloids love to make trouble where none exists.

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  25. Meghan wears the tuxedo style perfectly. I love this white version but my fave is the khaki style she wore at the Games Closing Ceremony. I think the colours we are drawn to are what we would wear ourselves.
    As a couple, these two, M and H are so photogenic!

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  26. Our Prime Minister is an extremely kind person. It does not surprise me she gave such a thoughtful gift. I am so proud that she represents our country.

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  27. I like the dress. It is a bit fun, to go with the atmosphere of the event. Wellington is a buzzy little city with a sense of fun. Personally I like that she is putting her hands in her pockets, a dress with pockets is always a winner!

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  28. I'm predicting I will have H&M withdrawal in a couple of days. They have a much deserved rest coming up, but since Harry & William will be separating offices, I predict H&M will be even more busy behind the scenes.....I can't wait to see what these 1 powerhouses come up with

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  29. repeatedly read here that the dress seem snug....snug would mean the buttons would be pulling against the fabric...I see none of that.

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  30. Ok, my 2 cents...
    Yes, H&M have met our expectations, created lots of goodwill, and have received enormous amount of publicity for themselves. I’m old enough to well remember another couple who did the same thing — Sarah and Andy. If I remember correctly and making sweeping generalisations, QE felt the need (pressure) to remind the public that Charles is indeed the heir, so he received Kensington Palace’s support,,, well, more or less. The result being that Sarah’s popularity floundered while Diana’s soared. I wonder if something similar is percolating behind the scenes with Will and Harry. Time will tell. Power does strange things to people. Good on Charlotte for an outstanding job. Thanks so much.
    Jane in TX

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    1. Ok this situation is very different. For one, Diana was extremely mentally fragile and her marriage to Charles was full of tension from the word go. HM has been criticized so much for the way she handled the situation with Diana but truth be told but she was stuck in an impossible position: she couldn't make her son and daughter-in-law compatible. So she did prop up Diana and her various charities.

      The situation with W/K and H/M is totally different. For instance W/K have been criticized for not wanting to work at all. It;s very different from how Diana and Charles despite their differences could only find common ground in their work. Also Harry and Will have a bond that no one can break, and no matter how their "roles" evolve behind the scenes they are brothers who love each other. It was different with Charles. He spoke of being a lonely child, of being isolated from his siblings, and the Queen I think also had to deal with her own failings as a parent as she saw her son very unhappy.

      The situations are just not the same. At all.

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    2. In my opinion this comment is not at all positive and better kept to oneself. This is a new day, a new time in history. Reference to past bad history is not necessary. The brothers have an excellent loving relationship from the perspective of what we see in the media. More importantly Charles embraces his sons and his new daughters. I believe he understands how important they are to his work as times change for the bette. Lets be positive in all things and simply say, a job well done.

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  31. The original dress that can still be purchased (at least when I checked) is sooo cute, I love the slightly puffed sleeves. But....that length, in my opinion works only in casual situations. Worn with flat sandals or flip flops or trainers, as the dress is styled with by the designers. Worn with high heels simply feels wrong, I am not a fan of the odd 3 inches above the knee length the the Duchess of Cambridge sticks to, it isn’t stylish,flattering or professional. It has nothing to do with how good with how good your legs are, it just doesn’t work. Also this dress has a nurse air to it. I noticed the same thing on myself when I wore a long white tunic top over shorts the other day. Having said all that of course she looked beautiful, healthy and I couldn’t be happier for her if I tried.

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  32. When I saw this dress, I thought - "oh now that fun!" - and given the creativity focused event I thought it was spot on for the evening. Marcia and Heather, I definitely like it without the sleeves. The dominate the dress and sleeveless is so much more simple. Plus given the color I would suspect it would be worn more in the Summer months than winter. I hope she wears this again and with some cute flats.

    It's great that she's been wearing the earrings gifted to her from the PM. And agree wtih the rest of you, the thought behind them is endearing. Given the PM just had a baby herself, I hope that she and Meghan establish a friendship in addition to doing great work for the Commonwealth.

    And I'm glad we got to see the Navy Swing coat again. Lovely.

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    1. I find these comments extremely funny, because I am a nurse HAHA. I can tell you, this is not what I wear to work and I'm pretty sure no where in Australia wears that kind of outfit 🙊

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    2. Me too. Most nurses wear trouser suits or scrubs, Chrystal.

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  34. she looks gorgeous in the face, hear, makeup and jewelery the dress isn't my fave but she still looks nice. i love how they hold hands they are so affectionate much more so than Kate and William

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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 :)