Saturday 10 November 2018

The Sussexes Attend Their First Festival of Remembrance

The Royal family were out in force for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.


Tonight marked Meghan's first royal appearance since the couple returned from their tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand just over a week ago. It also marks the Duchess's first Remembrance week engagement as a member of the Royal family.


The poignant and moving Festival of Remembrance is an important event on the royal calendar, and one we can expect to see the Sussexes attended regularly. This year marks 100 years since the First World War ended. The example and experience of those who lived through it shaped the world we live in today.


The event has been held at the Royal Albert Hall every year since 1927. Her Majesty has been patron of the Royal British Legion since 1952, only missing two festivals in the many years since.


The gathering of royals included Her Majesty, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.


Harry and Meghan watching the performance.


Charles and Camilla tonight.


The performance is put on by the Royal British Legion as part of their poppy appeal. It commemorates those who lost their lives in service of their country. It takes place on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, with two performances on the day - a matinée open to members of the public and an evening show for members of the Legion, their families, officials and royals.


Entertainers included Sir Tom Jones, Sheridan Smith, Sir Bryn Terfel, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones alongside the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the Band of HM Royal Marines. .


Harry and Meghan will have been reminded of their wedding in May as they watched Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the Kingdom Choir tonight, both acts performed at the Royal Wedding in May. Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason played a beautiful rendition of 'Hallelujah' as bereaved families held photos of loved ones.


A beautiful performance of 'Lord's Prayer' was sung by the Kingdom Choir.


2018 also marks the 100th anniversary of the RAF.


The Torch of Remembrance enters the hall. Veteran Colin Bell read: "They came because country called."


The audience stand to welcome bereaved families, led by Des and Maureen Feely, whose daughter Corporal Sarah Bryant was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 aged just 26.


On each seat in the Royal Albert Hall lay a photo of a fallen soldier.


Poppies fall from above during the two-minute silence.


Ahead of the arrival of the royals, the hanging of the hammercloth takes place. Archivist Suzanne Keyte said: "There are many things that an archivist expects to find as part of their job, but one of the most unusual and rather lovely jobs at the Royal Albert Hall is caring for the hammercloth and ensuring that it is hung from the balcony in the Royal Box whenever the reigning monarch visits the Hall. The hammercloth is a beautiful and very heavy velvet curtain bearing the Royal Coat of Arms and the initials of the reigning monarch of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. The origin of the word ‘hammercloth’ is rather vague but was usually meant to mean the heavily embroidered cloth that hung over a coachman’s seat on horse drawn coaches, often embroidered with a coat of arms."


This year, the hammercloth was hung out in preparation for the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen for the annual Festival of Remembrance and taken down immediately afterwards.


To mark the centenary of the end of the war, the Royal Albert Hall looked back on the role musical performances played there during a period of great uncertainty. Music is the life blood of the Royal Albert Hall and during the First World War music was incredibly important to the British public, not only on the Home Front but to those fighting on the Western Front. The type of music played at the Hall changed as the war progressed and reflected the mood of the nation: from the cheering and patriotic music in 1914 to the sombre and reflective music at the end of the war. The tone of music played at the Hall changed as soon as the war started in August 1914. The first concert to be held after the start of the war was held in October 1914 and it started with the National Anthems of all the Allied nations: Belgium, Russia, France and Great Britain. Patriotic songs and songs to encourage young men to fight were sung from the start. Two new songs were sung at that first concert, 'England’s Call' and 'The Rally Call', leaving no doubt as to their message.


At the Grand Patriotic Concert, held in October 1914, in front of the King and Queen, popular singer Clara Butt finished the concert with a rousing rendition of 'Land of Hope & Glory', conducted by Edward Elgar himself. The audience erupted waving their Union Jack flags in a way that had never been seen before.


The Poppy Appeal is the Legion's biggest fundraising campaign held every year in November, the period of Remembrance. Each year, an army of volunteers distribute the iconic paper poppies throughout the nation, collecting donations in return to help support the vital work done for the Armed Forces community. Members of the public wear the paper poppy on their chest as a symbol of Remembrance: to remember the fallen service men and women killed in conflict. A brief history of the appeal: it was first held in 1921, the founding year of the Royal British Legion. Red silk poppies, inspired by the famous First World War poem 'In Flanders Fields', sold out instantly and raised more than £106,000. The funds helped WW1 veterans find employment and housing after the war. If you would like to donate please click here.


This year, the Royal British Legion are leading the Nation in saying ‘Thank You’ to the First World War generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world.


Poppy red threads featuring messages from the First World War generation reach out from this central point and are positioned to face in the exact direction of poignant partner locations across the UK. One of the installations is located at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Harry and Meghan visited the pavilion during their visit to Sussex last month. The Thread Message reads: "Don’t be grieved at my death because I shall die arms in hand wearing the warrior’s clothes" – Jemadar Indar Singh, Indian Cavalry.


The Duchess repeated the black Stella McCartney coat she wore for a day of engagements in Cardiff in January.


The tie detail coat is described this way: "Looking to the traditional tuxedo for inspiration, this coat from Stella McCartney exudes androgyny. Distinguished with peak lapels and a suit jacket-style trio of pockets, the wool-blend design is punctuated with an exaggerated self-tie front. Partially lined for lightweight layering, the single hem vent ensures mobility in the longline profile."


Underneath, Meghan wore a chic black dress. Unfortunately we only saw a couple of photos. It appears to be a structured knee length piece with a V neck. Meghan also pinned a poppy brooch onto it.


And a closer look at the poppy on Meghan's coat.


Meghan carried her faux leather Stella McCartney clutch.


It appears Meghan wore her trusty Manolo Blahnik pumps.


And new earrings; we'll update when/if they are identified.


We'll see the Duke and Duchess in the morning for Remembrance Sunday!

90 comments:

  1. She looks amazing. Glowing.

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  2. Looks like the Stella McCartney coat, which I actually thought about because of the beautiful adjustable belt. No blazing diamond earrings, though, unfortunately. Is everyone noticing the recent nasty 'news" items about MM? "Shocking" news that an aide quit, reports of Queen refusing her a tiara and warning Harry about Meghan, and on and on? If the media doesn't stop their focus, I think Harry will get her to retreat.

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    1. I guess the announcement of their office splitting in the middle of the tour and now this, serves someone's interest...

      It's a lovely coat and serves her well with her growing tummy:)

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    2. Sounds like clickbait fake news from Kosovo, where lies are lucrative. None of it true.

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    4. Really? Who might you be speaking of Anett? Please enlighten us.

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    5. All these reports are garbage, I think. I don’t believe all this stuff about tantrums and whatnot.

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    6. Anon 23

      Better no to. Anyway, as you said, garbage.

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    7. I don't believe any of it but it makes me mad that people send out such garbage. It's not logical that a "friend' or "close person' would put out something negative, because it would bounce back onto them. I am enjoying all the positive fun stuff about Prince Charles and family.

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    8. Anon23, Daily Mail is notorious for "news" based on a "friend". Tabloids try and generate clicks with this type of stuff. They do it with most members of the BRF, celebrities, political figures etc.

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    9. ali,
      I’m aware. Thanks. I have been following the royals for a long time so I know of the Fail and the other tabloids.

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    10. Actually, the earrings may be mildly blazing.

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    11. Yes, there have been some unfortunate press surrounding the Sussexes recently. The most disconcerting is the write up the Meghan is difficult and that she and Harry do not listen to advice. I hope that isn't true, especially given their positions as ambassadors for the Commonwealth. I'm hoping that none of this is true.

      Glad to see the Sussexes back!

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    12. I wasn't even aware such bad press was even floating around -- I'm assuming because I'm American and don't see royal press on the daily? That's shocking to me, though, as I thought their tour had gotten such good coverage, even in the Mail.

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    13. If anyone cares to look, the Fab four certainly made their statement about trouble rumors. They coordinated their outfits, that is a message for anyone that cares to know the truth that those rumors are nonsense.
      Also, on the tiara issue, have people not considered the fact that it is weird that there is a report that Meghan was given options to choose from and that the choice of her tiara was deemed unavailable?
      It doesn't make sense at all. It is definitely fabricated/twisted.
      The Royal will not give her a list of tiaras to choose from and then tell her she cannot get what she wants. These are all lies. We are 21st century smart and should try and behave as such.
      As for the 3 aides 'quitting' maybe they had something to do with the rumors and using the word 'quit' was a considerate way of sending them off - if indeed anybody did 'quit'.

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    14. They are lies.
      How can they report that the Queen gave a tiaras to choose from and then the choice of tiara was deemed unavailable?
      Would she choose a tiara except it was in the list?
      Also, the Fab Four certainly wearing coordinated outfits is a clear show that they are in harmony. If people still choose to believe otherwise, they cannot be blamed.
      Any aide 'quitting' is probably a cordial title for flushing out blabbing staffs.
      Long live the Fab four.
      Well done MAM blog!

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    15. 3 aides didn't just quit. One of them quit a while ago, Harry's private secretary who had been with him for 10 years or so, he's number 1. Number 2 is Samantha who was provided as an interim private secretary by the Queen to help Meghan learn the ropes. She was said to stay 6 months or so, now the 6 months are over and she leaves as planned. The third one did quit but we don't know the reason. It could have been personal reasons or because, while a position in the royal household looks great on your resumé, they are not the most well paid jobs, which is why people often move on after a while.

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  3. Oh---she's wearing the poppy low so it can be seen. ;)

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  4. She looks Amazing!! Glowing & Beautiful!! Her smile lights up her face! Just beaming inside for Harry & Meghan! Seeing them is a Joy! xx

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  5. Is her makeup different today?

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    1. I thought so too, @19:21. It looks really harsh tonight. Maybe just the lighting? It's not her usual soft, natural makeup look.

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    2. Is it the light? She looks very tan. Did they take a little break somewhere after the tour?

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    3. Do not forget that this woman is pregnant and that the pregnancy mask exists.

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    4. Suzanne, I thought it was just me, but they both look very tan.

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    5. In saying that, W&K look just as tan so it might just be the lighting.

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    6. Hmm it might be the lighting because it one pic (facing forward) it looks like a tan (is that even allowed during a pregnancy?, I don' think it's a good idea to expose yourself to artificial UV light during a pregnancy) but when facing sideways in the same area of the hall she looks how she usually does. The other pics also don't make it seem like she has a tan. Eh who knows?

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    7. It looked to me like she had a bit more concealer under her eyes which can photograph white, that was the only difference I could see.

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    8. To me it looks like she used too much contouring makeup which somehow didn't blend in completely for the finished look. All I see are the contouring lines that look like a "before" in one of those YT or instagram contouring tutorials. I noticed this a few times in her tour photos too -- sometimes it was as if a contouring job was interrupted and you could unfortunately see all the lines.

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    9. She an Harry also may tan easily. So yes the recent trip might have tanned her and Harry up a bit:):). I have not looked the the photos of everyone to see if it is just the lighting.But????

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    10. She looked really tan - they for sure when on a little break after the tour :) at least that’s what I would have done ;)

      Was it raining in London? I was just wondering about the „stains“ on her tights?

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  6. I really enjoy this particular event and the way it fits into all of the Remembrance services.
    Meghan looks nice tonight. I like the Stella coat a lot.

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  7. Meghan looks great. Ilove she's wearing the poppy brooch.

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  8. Deanne from Canada10 November 2018 at 20:15

    I can’t get over their seating. Far back. Behind the curtain. Maybe for frequent bathroom breaks?

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    1. Anglophile in Ohio10 November 2018 at 22:42

      That was only the angle of the photos. Another photo clearly shows they are in the 2nd row with Tim, Ann, Edward and Sophie-right behind Camilla and Andrew.

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    2. Maybe I'm just not seeing what you are, Deanne. It looks like H&M are in the 2nd row. And except for Andrew, folks in the first row around the Queen are higher up in the order of succession than Harry. So their placement makes sense to me.

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    3. Agree. The angles are crazy.

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  9. Even splashed with rain, she looks lovely and poised, not sure about Harry. He seems a bit out of sorts. He and Wills chose the same color of suit. Perhaps a dark navy or black would have blended in better, but maybe his blue is traditional.

    Yes, the headlines for M&H are not as positive as they should be. I thought the tour was a success, some disagree. No report on why the aide left or who it was. The tiara story seems to conflict with M’s version. Will we ever know the truth?

    Now, QE is the headline — her brooch, her wrap, her smile. Hats off to her!
    Jane in TX

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    1. Her Majesty; one word - WOW! :)

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    2. Kiwi, Agree!!! My gosh she looks incredible for being in her nineties...what is her youth serum....OMgoodness.

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    3. HM is incredible!!! I love her.

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  10. Did she have some liquid spill on her foot? I hope this won't cause another dig on her by the media. She's had enough of 'nasty' news lately. I just ❤❤❤ this girl a lot!

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    1. I think it's raining. You can see the raindrops on Harry's suit in some pictures.

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    2. It’s the raindrops on her foot ☔️

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    3. Caroline in Montana12 November 2018 at 19:21

      I saw that and was thinking it was maybe just raining? Its funny how all these people are commenting on all the bad press she is getting. I guess I just come to charlottes blogs for my royal news because I don't like the negativity and therefore I don't see it. Its a neat trick:)

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  11. I was looking up WWI info online in UK newspapers and was truly appalled at the horrid things the press and commenters have to say about the Duchess of Sussex. What is wrong with people? I believe she and the Duchess of Cambridge are doing wonderful work.

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    1. Only nasty people make those comments.

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    2. There are an awful lot of nasty people about nowadays. It saddens me.

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    3. I like to think that Kate wearing one of Meghan's favorite designers, and Eugenie earlier wearing Meghan's exact shoes, is one way they are trying to signal that Meghan is one of them and completely accepted. I read today that threats and other vile comments are on the KP Instagram site and sometimes remaining there. That could account for Harry's solemn look. Just imagine---no one will take on his life demands and then this amazing woman does, and he even has a baby coming, and hate is being through at her. I'm sure his protective mode is in full force.


      On a positive side, the Queen is just beautiful!!!

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    4. Allison in the US:) that is sweet but I suspect like many of us with large families it is just a coincidence :):)
      I hope they are way above even thinking of stuff such as sending fashion messages...

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    5. Caroline in Montana12 November 2018 at 19:22

      Im with you Ali, I hope and think that these ladies have better things to do with their time and energy than focus on wearing the others Favorite Designers or shoes as if that signals total support. I think their actions of support speak louder than that.

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  12. They both look lovely & I’m glad she is “recycling” this Stella McCartney coat. As Allison mentioned above, it’s nice to see the poppy positioned lower so it is more visible.

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  13. I'm just happy to see them back in the spotlight

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  14. Im not a keen fan of this coat. It just looks way too bulky for her slight frame. But she looks pretty overall. Hopefully we get to see the dress too.

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    1. Caroline in Montana12 November 2018 at 19:23

      I agree with your comment on the coat and the one on her makeup that Ivy Lin made farther up. She does look pretty over all and I like the dress though.

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  15. She looks beautiful! Loving that coat!!!

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  16. It appears that Meghan is wearing panty hose, which she seems to do when the Queen is present. I wish she'd do it more often as it gives a more polished look.

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    1. Agree Laura, she looks very classy here and today


      Silvia

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  17. Meghan looks beautiful as always. After all these nasty stories in the British tabloids the past couple of days, I think it is no coincidence that Her Majesty tonight wore the same beautiful brooch she wore to Harry and Meghan's wedding :)

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    1. I had not noticed; that is very significant.

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  18. Lovely photos of a very moving event.

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  19. That is a very clever coat. It makes sure none of the gutter press is going to witter on about her baby bump. A phrase I loathe with all my heart.

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    1. Me too. It’s an appalling way to refer to a pregnant woman’s figure.

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    2. Hi there, Harry referred to the Bump in a speech on tour. H&M seem to be ok with it.

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  20. The duchess loook amazing. And beautiful in her outfit im glad she recycle or rewear the coat they looked. Lovely

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  21. I agree entirely with your kind thoughts about Meghan, but Kate has (also) worn Roland Mouret for several years. I like to think these two very different women both have dedicated their lives to serving the 1000 year-old monarchy; and that they have made a lifetime commitment to their marriages. Aren’t Diana’s boys lucky?

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    1. They really are extremely lucky! And I am feeling very mellow but think that all the members who married in are pretty good people.

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  22. Harry’s nose looked sunburned. Wondering if they flew somewhere or stayed in NZ extra days and that’s why we saw no exit photos? Wish we could see the dress better

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    1. Annette New Zealand11 November 2018 at 04:48

      They probably got a bit sunburned in Rotorua. The ozone layer is thinner over New Zealand in the spring. When the sun is shining we are warned to wear sunscreen and cover up if we are going to be outside for any length of time. Overseas visitors sometimes don't realise the danger because it is not as hot here as it is in the tropics. We also have a cleaner atmosphere which paradoxically makes it worse. I agree that they haven't been given much credit in the UK papers for their very successful tour. The criticisms are very mean and must be demoralizing for them.

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  23. I know this is a Meghan blog my goodness the Queen looks happy and beautiful tonight. I do love the coat Meghan is re using.

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    1. Queen does look beautiful, she is amazing!

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    2. I realize criticizing the Queen's outfit is not the done thing. However, to be perfectly frank, some of her outfits define the word "frumpy." In your heart you know I'm right. ;)
      Tonight she is glamorous, glowing, and just beautiful. The classic shawl and bright lip color, yes; but also a real, happy smile. I wonder if someone special prompted it.

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  24. Meghan was glowing tonight! I'm glad she pulled some repeats from her closet. I do like that coat and am glad to see she wore a cute, structured dress underneath. I think it was the lighting that made H&M look so tan.

    Also, the queen looks amazing!!

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  25. Royal đŸ‘‘ Watcher11 November 2018 at 02:22

    “Rain drops keep falling on my legs!” At first I thought it was champagne, but unfortunately not! Just another rainy November evening in London. Yes, our young royals look positively tanned, and it would not surprise me if they flew off to an undisclosed location for a well deserved rest after the taxing schedule during the tour!
    I see what Meghan is doing with the coat. Some of us thought it was initially too big, but she had a different goal in mind. To be able to invest in expensive but classic pieces to be used again when pregnant. Pretty clever really. This is a lovely royal family event with all present.

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  26. Everyone looked a little damp; I think the lighting made a few folks, Meghan included, look more bronze than usual. I'm glad for the coat recycle; one less thing for the press to pick on (I've seen some ugly stuff, ugh, the internet). Everyone looked great! Especially the Queen!

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  27. Too bad it had to rain. I enjoyed seeing the vintage posters, and hammercloth, as well as all the members of the royal family.

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  28. So good to see the Duke and Duchess at the Remebrance Service. They look refreshed and I agree, the Duchess is glowing. All the Royals appear to be a united front. Charlotte, I enjoyed the poppy info. Actually, I had no idea of the history of the poppy until I followed Diana, Princess of Wales. I knew of them; but because of your printed info, I have a better understanding of the ‘how’. I knew the ‘why’. Also interesting info re the hammercloth. Thank you.

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  29. I might be reading to much into it but The Queen is wearing the broach that was a part of Meghan's tiara to me seems to be a sign of support given how awful the UK media has been towards her. Also I find it interesting Kate is wearing a designer she has never worn and one who Meghan wears alot as another nod of support. I would like to believe that the family recognizes that the press is a common enemy and that they bond together against them.

    The recent report about that tiara story did not need to be released during Remembrance day. They only did it to destroy Meghan and her happiness.

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    1. Kate has worn RM designs several times before----once at an event at KP for SportsAid in summer 2016. That dress was a full length cobalt blue one.

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    2. The Queen is wearing the brooch she wore to the Sussex wedding, not part of Meghan's tiara. The brooch in the tiara is much smaller.

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  30. I just have to wonder if their advisers and courtiers are just high handed, I mean what if Harry and Meghan don’t ask for advice, perhaps they don’t need it and are capable of making their own way and the courtiers accuse them of being difficult. From what I understand Prince Charles does whatever his advisers tell him to do and they sort of rule the roost, I don’t see William and Harry allowing themselves to be bullied- I say good for them- if they are being difficult, it’s probably for good reason, if there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s an uppity know it all courtier.

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    1. Caroline in Montana12 November 2018 at 19:28

      LOL, I have a hard time believing that PC does whatever his advisers tell him to do but H&M don't! I think Charles rules his own roost. and I think the younger generation could use a hand and are not capable of making their own way without a little help from experienced people, what's the harm in that? If there is one thing I cant stand its an uppity know it all royal, born or married in.

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  31. Did anyone notice that Meghan was the only royal lady not to wear sleeves. Is there a succinct dress code that she wasn’t aware of I wonder, or just a coincidence?

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    1. I noticed it and was wondering too, Mrs D.

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    2. Meghan's dress is just more her style and preference, probably.

      And thinking about that tiara "report," Meghan may have been interested in the tiara with emeralds but the Queen might have known that Eugenie would want to use that when she married. I doubt there were harsh words seeing as how the Queen was riding with Guy later. Just like when the Queen and Meghan had their outing together---hard to believe there's anger when you see the photos! But it feeds into people who want unpleasant gossip.

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  32. I believe that Meghan "haters" (on both sides of the pond) are such due to her being American and/or mixed race. It's so easy to throw hateful comments about on social media and remain anonymous. Sadly in this day and age the "legit" media isn't really concerned with printing the truth - it's all about attracting readers. I find it difficult to believe that the Queen would plop a tiara on the table and then say 'oh, no dear, you can't wear that one'.

    As for Meghan's outfit tonight - lovely. I'm sure there will be noise made about not covering her arms but my only thought was 'she's going to get cold'. I thought all the ladies looked quite nice tonight and HM looked fabulous - belying her 92 years!

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    1. Caroline in Montana12 November 2018 at 19:29

      So tired of folks having to sully this blog with race baiting comments, folks can just not like her and it has nothing to do with race.

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    2. Caroline in Montana12 November 2018 at 19:33

      Really like her dress tonight! the coat is not my favorite but then someone above pointed out how it can "expand" to accommodate her pregnancy, genius!! Like her accessories as well, think its a shame that the photo had the water splotches on her feet:( hope she is not criticized for that.

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  33. She looks truly elegant if I ever look pregnant I hope to look half as good! lol

    thanks Charlotte for posting this important event.

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  34. the dress ided: https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/2018111564570/meghan-markle-black-dress-marks-and-spencer/

    Imke

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