Saturday 29 June 2019

Radiant Meghan Makes Surprise Appearance for Red Sox v Yankees Game

In a surprise appearance, the Duchess of Sussex joined her husband at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this evening for the first game of the Major League Baseball (MLB) London Series at London Stadium which saw the Boston Red Sox take on the New York Yankees.


Although the Duchess is on maternity leave until the autumn, palace aides informed reporters we would see her attend several events over the summer. The event is Meghan's second official appearance since Archie's birth. We first saw her at Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade, earlier this month. The new mother looked absolutely radiant, and she and Harry looked incredibly excited upon arrival.


This was an ideal event for Meghan, who has been a longtime fan of the game; we've seen her sporting Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees baseball caps. In more recent years during her time in Toronto, she cheered on the Toronto Blue Jays and was pictured attending games on several occasions.


There's another very special reason Meghan's present tonight: this is the first time that Major League Baseball are hosting two regular season games in Europe. Major League Baseball recently announced that the Invictus Games Foundation is an Official Charity Partner of the Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2019. Invictus is at the very heart of Harry's work and fundraising is a very important element for its foundation. During the closing ceremony in Sydney last October, the Duchess said: "It is such an honour to be here tonight celebrating all of you, and supporting my husband in the Invictus Games, which he founded four years ago. In that short span of time, the Games have evolved into an international platform of some of the best athletics and sportsmanship you could ever witness, coupled with a camaraderie and close-knit sense of community which can only be defined as the Invictus Spirit. With that said, and on a very personal note, I just wanted to thank all of you for welcoming me into the Invictus family. I am truly so grateful to be a part of this with each and every one of you."


Buckingham Palace added: "The Invictus Games Foundation is the international charity that oversees the development of the Invictus Games, an international adaptive multi-sport event in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans participate. It celebrates the power of sport in recovery and how it can help, physically or psychologically, those suffering from injuries or illness. As part of the partnership, the Invictus Games Foundation have a team participating in London’s Softball60, the social softball series built for the city and targeted to introduce the sport to new audiences and demonstrate that it is an inclusive sport."


Following their arrival it was time to visit the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees in their clubhouses.


The couple received several gifts for Baby Archie including this darling jersey from the New York Yankees.


One can safely say Meghan was thrilled with the present :)


I suspect Archie will be sporting a baseball jersey or two in the near future.


Time for a group shot.


Whilst meeting Red Sox player Mookie Betts, the outfielder told the Duchess he understands they are in fact distant cousins. Speaking about the meeting, Betts said: "Yes, I'm related to Meghan Markle. I did get to meet her; she gave me a hug." In 2018 Mookie became the first player in Major League history to win the Most Valuable Player, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, batting title, and World Series in the same season.


More from 12Up:

'According to Jim McNiff, an amateur genealogist from Massachusetts, it's entirely possible that the two are related. Betts and Markle apparently had ancestors that lived side-by-side in Alabama in the 1870s who shared the surname of "Betts." Though there's no definitive answer as to whether or not they're properly related, all signs point to that being the case.'

Hello! reports:

'Meghan hugged Red Sox's Mookie Betts after he told the Duchess that they are distant relatives. According to The Boston Globe, their ancestors are from the same part of Alabama.
Mookie began telling Meghan about his family, saying, "my great, great, great...." before the Duchess broke in jokingly, adding, "great, great, great..." 
Mookie gave up trying to explain and said, laughing, "We're family somehow!" Players around them cheered and Harry asked, "does anyone else here want to claim to be family?"

Harry joked "if you're in need of a bowler" much to the amusement of the team.


From there, the couple joined a reception with UK and US former Invictus Games competitors and their families and friends. Guests included many participants the couple met before. They chatted about preparations and the road ahead to Invictus 2020 which will take place in the Netherlands.


Harry and Meghan accompanied several Invictus Games competitors onto the pitch as they made the first pitch.


During the Invictus reception Harry revealed he and Meghan had a "sleepless night". Meghan later joked she was relieved not to be asked to throw the first pitch after the late night.


Hello! reports:

'After meeting both teams, the couple moved across to a reception of Invictus athletes where the couple met adorable nine-month old Raphaella, who was making a lot of noise. Her mother, Bianca Rainbow-Jones, later revealed that Harry had confessed they had had "a sleepless night." Bianca was there to support her husband, Nathan Jones, who is in the Air Force.'

I think we have a very strong contender for photo of the day.


A video from BT Sport.


Invictus Games Foundation Chief Executive Dominic Reid said told ITV News: "The support from these groundbreaking games will significantly enhance the Foundation’s ability to provide recovery opportunities for international wounded, injured, or sick serving or veteran armed forces personnel."


Before the game, Maya, the daughter of one of the Invictus competitors placed the game ball upon the pitchers mound in front of 60,000 spectators.


The Kingdom Choir, who performed so beautifully at Harry and Meghan's wedding, sang the national anthems of both nations.



Enjoying the game.


More from Sussex Royal Instagram: "On this Armed Forces Day, tonight’s event was also a chance for Their Royal Highnesses to shine a light on the men and women here in the UK and around the world who have sacrificed so much for their country."


Sussex Royal made its Instagram Stories debut with a behind-the-scenes video.



It was a great night for Yankee's fans as the New York team won the first game of the series.


It's a real treat to see these two together again. They are both clearly relishing every moment of parenthood and despite the sleepless nights, they've never looked happier.


A 4 minute video from the event including Meghan's meeting with Mookie Beets.


Meghan looked effortlessly chic in the Stella McCartney Belted Keyhole Dress (with thanks to Innominate). The relaxed style of the dress paired with the flats and Meghan's long hair made for a gorgeous look. Meghan and Harry were impeccably coordinated, with the Prince wearing his black Invictus shirt.


The dress is described as "featuring a round neck, short sleeves, belt loops, a rear zip fastening, a belted waist, a flared skirt". Meghan's piece was customised to remove the keyhole detail. Stella McCartney is one of Meghan's go-to designers ever since the queen of sustainable fashion created her timeless halterneck wedding reception gown.


Meghan teamed the dress with the Aquazzura Deneuve Pointy Bow flats. They are currently available at Nordstrom. The Duchess owns several pairs of the 'Deneuve' high-heel style; they are very much a signature we see her choose time and time again.


The Duchess accessorised with a new pair of turquoise and gold earrings. Anne suggests they are a style by Jennifer Meyer. The $395 earrings are described as: "Jennifer Meyer's pieces are the perfect way to celebrate life events or mark important milestones. Handcrafted from polished 18-karat gold, these dainty earrings have a sleek rectangular shape that's inlaid with brilliant turquoise stones." They are available at Net-A-Porter.


And Meghan's Mirror notes Meghan wore her WWAKE Three Stone Opal Cuff.

Meanwhile, there's been quite a bit of talk about alterations to Meghan's engagement ring of late. It turns out it was all part of a very special anniversary surprise from Harry. Much like the engagement ring, Harry was hands-on every step of the way with Meghan's eternity ring.


Omid Scobie exclusively reports:

'While creating the bespoke conflict-free diamond eternity band, Harry paid tribute by having Schwartz add birthstones for Meghan, Archie, and himself on the underside of the delicate piece.
“Meghan was touched,” a source says of the May 19 anniversary surprise, which features a flawless green emerald for Archie, a blue sapphire for Harry, and an olive-green peridot stone for the duchess. “A lot of thought went into it," the source reveals.
Each birthstone is said to have its own meaning and significance, with sapphires believed to protect those close to you from harm, peridots said to instill power in the wearer, and emeralds considered a symbol of rebirth and love.
While working closely with the famous Los Angeles-based jeweller, the prince also took the opportunity to have Meghan’s engagement ring—which features two stones that once belonged to Princess Diana—resized and reset with a new delicate diamond band.'

Do we have any Red Sox or Yankees fans on the blog?

127 comments:

  1. I'm so excited to see her! Was getting tired of seeing just happy Harry. I wouldn't say anything if she didn't, but she looks just wonderful!!! And I love her hair -- it's really long and just gorgeous. So happy to see her out! I'm an old Red Sox fan so love the pictures!

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    1. She looks fabulous and her hair is stunningly beautiful!! I love surprise appearances and we have gotten two this week, from Kate and now Meghan. I love a double duchess week!!

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    2. I used to think I am a Red Sox fun. The kind of excitement people had whenever there was a Red Sox game in Boston is memorable. I am becoming a sort of NY Yankees fun presently.

      RS vs NYY game in London / video

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpGUJod3b64

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  2. Susan In Florida29 June 2019 at 18:24

    Red Sox fan here, I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I’m thrilled for this, one of baseball’s oldest rivalry’s. I’d say both teams have the very , very best players for London to see. It was sweet for Mookie to hug the Duchess. I do love the pinstripes the Yankees gave to Archie. It counts as a real league game too, it’s not just for show. The seats looked packed, and it’s a win for Invictus !

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    1. Apparently the Duchess and Mookie are related, what a small world!

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  3. Love seeing them!

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  4. A surprise indeed! A lovely (yet unexpected) event for Meghan to attend spontaneously and doesn't she look beautiful?! She certainly has a new-mama glow and I think she looks gorgeous, happy and relaxed. No signs of sleep deprivation from either Harry or Meghan :)

    I'm also loving this look on Meghan. The dress and flats give her a very youthful and fresh appearance. Personally I think that she looks about 10 years younger :)

    Love Avee in SA

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    1. Absolutely!!! She looks Adorable!! :)

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    2. It looks like a fun event and I agree that she looks beautiful and very happy. But I have to disagree about the dress. It doesn’t seem to fit her regular style. It’s very romantic/girly and that is not what I have to come to expect from her. Maybe she is unsure about how to make her old style work right now being postpartum (even though I say go for it). Or maybe she just liked the dress who knows. But I don’t think it makes her look younger to be honest. That comes very much from the last puffiness after pregnancy- which I personally absolutely adore. I think „rounder“ faces are very flattering and beautiful.
      C.

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    3. Meghan used to wear dresses like this before she met Harry just because people didn't see the style on her after Engagement and wedding doesn't mean she doesn't like this kind of style. I would say after having followed her instagram and the Tig blog, Meghan is romantic and a girlie type of girl. She really looked adorable with her cute dress and flat shoes on this baseball outing.

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  5. Yay! I had a feeling she might make an appearance today! She looks great!

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  6. WOW! What a surprise! This is wonderful. Okay M and H, now it’s time to come to L.A. for some Dodger swag!

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  7. Meghan looks beautiful. I had a feeling she would accompany Harry as it is a little touch of home. So far it is quite a game. Love the Red Sox and Yankee swag. I’m routing for my Sox, but the Yankees are on fire this year.

    Hope from USA

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  8. I don't normally like short dresses, but worn with those shoes this works so well - so pretty and youthful.
    Sarah UK

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  9. As a Boston gal, I am SO happy to see Meg show up! Go Sox!

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  10. The dress is very cute, but the belt and buckle are too big, though, I think. I like the shoes too.

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  11. Yankee fan checking in here. I'm really surprised Meghan or Harry didn't do a fun pinstripe or red color coordinated outfit, considering how iconic both the Sox and Yankees uniforms are. Actually it would have been cute if one wore pinstripes (Yankees) and one wore red (Sox). But Meghan's black dress is cute and I love the flare skirt and belt and her flat shoes and it's great to see them again. Meghan looks more relaxed here than she did at Trooping the Colour, where she did look tired.

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    1. Maybe Royal Protocol does not permit them to wear those teams' uniforms. I'm not sure.

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    2. There’s very little actual official royal protocol. Harry wore a Mets Uniform top when he threw the first pitch in New York ten or so years ago. I highly doubt anyone cares one way or the other if they had decided to be cute with the uniform colors. It’s two teams from a country not connected to the UK at all and event was meant to be fun.

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    3. That sounds really cute on Charlotte and George. It’s an Invictus charity event, that happens to be a baseball game, and they both seem appropriately dressed for adult senior Royals.

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    4. They were attending as patrons of Invictus, not baseball fans.
      So naturally, Harry wore an Invictus T-Shirt and Meghan wore the Invictus colour - black.

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  12. Boston Kristen29 June 2019 at 20:43

    Yay! I was hoping Meghan would attend this special event. She looked radiant and that dress is an extremely flattering fit. Go Red Sox!

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  13. Pam from Bosron29 June 2019 at 20:56

    Go Red Sox! Meghan looks really happy.

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  14. Duchess Meghan looks beautiful! I love her hair down, and it looks longer. Yay! The dress is cute and I love the flats; it's perfect for this event. She and Harry both look happy and relaxed, despite a sleepless night. LOL.

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  15. Meghan looks great and these two are just adorable together.

    I love the story behind the eternity band. Now I'm curious to see the ring details close up! Lol. I never understood the outrage and whining over Meghan (so everyone thought) changing the band of her engagement ring.

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    1. It's another one of those substanceless things that gets into a headline with complete disregard for any facts but makes terrific clickbait. Then it get spun across the media networks. By the time it's run its course and the truth comes out it's too late. The Duchess is perceived as difficult.

      Resizing a ring and romantic touches to the eternity band don't make for polarizing headlines. The sad state of (so-called) journalism on the Internet.

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    2. I don’t think changing her engagement ring band is a big deal at all (look into centuries of history of royal ladies altering jewellery!) but I do think the solid band was nicer and more classic.

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    3. Ingrid Sewar d was quite critical of Meghan changing her ring. Apparently despite being a self described royal expert and writing several books about the royals, she thinks that it's unroyal to change royal jewels. SMH. There are literally dozens of examples of royal ladies altering jewels. But when it comes to criticising Meghan, some ppl lose all sense and logic.

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    4. Do we know if Meghan changed her band or of harry did it as a gift?

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    5. I don’t think it matters if Meghan did it or Harry did it. People have taken a really strange interest into what the conversation probably was. But I think most likely answer is they discussed it together. They are a married couple after all.

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    6. Anonymous30 June 2019 at 22:01...makes sense to me, thank you

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  16. Jessica in Los Angeles29 June 2019 at 21:13

    I love her outfit. It seemed a bit formal for a baseball game, but then i realized it was actually a perfect choice with the flats considering the Invictus engagement they did today. As a mom of two, I have to smile at her clearly tired face. There’s just a look that parents have during the first few months when they’re not getting much sleep. But their smiles are radiant as always! They clearly are enjoying this phase of life and the work they get to do for important causes.

    As for baseball, I guess I’m a Los Angeles Dodger fan since I’ve lived in the area almost half my life now. We’re hoping to take the kids to a game this summer! I love the little Archie outfit.

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  17. Megan looks wonderful- happy and perky. Love the short dress with flared skirt, and pockets (I love a dress with pockets) and her flirty little flats. I knew that the pave diamonds on the ring would be Harry's doing because Meghan said at the engagement interview that her ring was "perfect" and I don't think she is the sort to make changes to something her husband designed. I think he had it done to match the eternity band. Personally, though, I too think the original ring was perfect as it was. Harry is truly a romantic. I think one of the other "romantic" things Harry did was choose the Handel's music for the processional at the wedding. Who would have thought that of good old Harry!

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    1. I suspect the wedding music very likely had Prince Charles's fingerprints on it. He has wonderful taste in classical music fitting for the occasion. We've seen it before.

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    2. I agree that the wedding music probably had major input from Charles, Philly, but Harry himself said that he chose the Handel in the commentary accompanying the wedding dress exhibition. He said that wherever they are, together or alone, the thought of that music brings them back to their wedding day. I thought that was so romantic of Harry!

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  18. Meghan and Harry's love story continues to be one that speaks to the magic of Fairy Tails.

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  19. I think Meghan and Stella is a match made in heaven. And this specific dress is one that can easily make its way into my cupboard (if only I could afford it). It is a really pretty cut, even in black it looks perfect for a summers afternoon at a sports event.
    Good to see Meghan out and about again, even if it is only for a couple events over the summer.

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  20. “I’m in a New York State of mind”. Born and raised there, and a Yankees fan.
    Harry and Meghan look wonderful. Love her outfit and Archie’s jersey!

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  21. Die hard Yankees fan. My grandfather grew up in New York watching Babe Ruth. Love the Yankees jersey. I wondered if Meghan would make an appearance being born in the USA and baseball being America’s pastime, plus having seen her wear a Yankees ball cap.

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    1. I also expected her to be there (Archie depended of course). I couldn’t imagine her sitting at home while Harry attend a sport event thay is so quintessentially American.

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  22. Love everything about this event, MH together and Meghan’s outfit!
    A dress with pockets! And gorgeous flats.
    I hope she will wear flats much more often.
    With her energy and engagement in all her causes, flats just make sense.
    Love how she and Harry stride across the field !
    RG

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  23. A Red Sox fan by family in Boston. I watched most of the game today. Meghan looks marvelous, effortlessly chic. They both look happy.
    Young Master Archie has the double honor of having been born on the birthday of the immortal Willie Mays; and he’s got his name on that Yankees shirt, when any baseball fan can tell you, Yankee players are known on the field only by their number. What a day for the Invictus Games and the Sussexes.

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  24. Lived in Brooklyn and was a Mets fan. Moved to Boston and became a Red Sox fan during the golden time of Pudge and Yaz.

    On seeing more photos, she certainly does look youthful!! Almost like a teenager. And just as cute as she can be. So happy to see them holding hands again and laughing. Great event, with all the nuances like the choir. I'm glad the ring was explained because it was just too ridiculous to consider anything else. I figured that Harry was ordering the eternity ring and the suggestion was made to change the engagement ring, and he liked that idea.

    This outing is giving me high hopes for Wimbledon and even the Lion King.

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  25. Oh, fun! Smart choice wearing black just weeks after giving birth. She looks good despite the lack of sleep. I remember I felt awful at her stage with my baby. I bet it was not announced bc she wanted to see how she felt today. That's how I would do it at this stage. I imagine she will get some flack for coming to this but not to President Trump's dinner, but that was just weeks post-partum & we must remember she wouldn't have felt as well as now.

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    1. Well, black may give a slimming look, but it is after all summer and the temperature in the UK is very high. A lighter, breezier, dress would been more seasonably appropriate. But she does look cute. Love the flat shoes and wish she'd wear them more often.

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    2. Some women still have postpartum bleeding at seven weeks after giving birth, so her favorite black might have a practical aspect. Black is a year-round color in most sophisticated cities, and although I wish Meghan would choose lighter neutrals more, at this point in her life, her favorite black and navy seem appropriate.

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    3. Gone are the days when black was only for funerals. As was mentioned it’s a year round color now. Always looks good. Light and breezy isn’t always the safest to wear postpartum.

      Veronica

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    4. Right. Well, I don't love black too much either but with possible post-partum bleeding, breasts leaking, and the entire world critiquing your figure, I think black is a very wise and acceptable choice. (Sorry for the graphic details, but that's the reality of a new mom.) As pretty as she looks and as easy going she is seeming, it took a whole lot for her to make this appearance so we should commend her for her efforts.
      Great to see them so happy together. Love how sweet & protective Harry is of her.

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  26. I am loving all the comments today just befitting of a wonderful, vibrant Duchess. Thank you Charlotte and everyone here. I am a Texas Rangers fan if ever I got to be in a stadium where Meghan is and I see her I know I will scream like crazy. But I heard they got a rousing applause so waiting for my chance, Lol! Am happy invictus gets to benefit from the proceeds from this series :)

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  27. Wow, what a nice surprise. She looks amazing! Very youthful and healthy.

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  28. Tammy from California30 June 2019 at 01:15

    Great dress! Great cut for a post-partum body!

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  29. I am a Mets gal at heart but I do admire the Yankees and their winning ways! Great post and thank you for the update on Meghan's new eternity band. I would love to see a photo of the underside that features the three birthstones. I bet I am not the only one who'd like to see it ha ha!

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  30. It's good to see Meghan out with Harry again. She looks great. Their happiness, despite lack of sleep, is ecstatic. They each waited so long to be parents, and are obviously so thrilled. I'm very happy for them.

    R

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  31. Baseball bores me to tears, but I'm glad Meghan got to get out of the house so we could see her! She looks great, both her and Harry really happy. Thanks for the details on the ring re-design Charlotte - sweet. The dress was fine but it seemed too tight and the belt too big in some photos. Love the earrings.

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  32. What a surprise outing she looks good despite of lack of sleep i love them both they look fantastoc pair

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  33. I am a Red Sox fan living in Boston! My boyfriend and I went to a game at Fenway last week. Its so surreal to see them playing in London and meeting Meghan and Harry!!! I absolutely loved this event :)

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  34. Thanks, Charlotte. I enjoyed the post. The Duke and Duchess are looking good and I’m glad they have not stopped working for the good of those who have sacrificed so much for our countries.

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  35. Rita in Florida30 June 2019 at 03:38

    Go Sox (pronounced Sahx)!!!!! Thrilled to see them out and both looking happy and engaged. Love this dress on her. Glad she canned the keyhole! Great night all around.

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  36. Oh, what a perfect place to be today. She really is an MLB fan having attended games in many major cities including Toronto. Lots of photos of her wearing MLB baseball caps. She looks so happy and fabulous. This is a true American pastime that she's always enjoyed and now tied in with Harry's Invictus Games. I'm a huge baseball fan and this had to have been a blast for both of them today. Archie has his own Yankee uni. Happy, happy, happy!

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  37. I agree completely Charlotte, that photo is definitely the "photo of the day"! I must say that even with a sleepless night Meghan looks radiant and Harry looks bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! What a great event for the Duchess to make an appearance at, a blending of her old world and her new world. And how exciting to find a relation halfway around the world!!

    I really like Meghan's outfit tonight! The dress is youthful, flirty and fun and the flats are the perfect shoe to wear for this event! Whenever I see Meghan next to Harry while wearing flats I'm struck at how peite she is. Her hair looks a bit longer than before, probably due to the pregnancy/post pregnancy hormones, but wow it's so shiny and lush!

    I wonder how long it will take the press to print the truth about Meghan's engagement ring? Yeah, I'm looking at you Ingrid Steward.

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    1. Lauri (and anyone else) - I could Google this but why not crowd source among you lovely folks: what exactly happens to a woman's hair during and after pregnancy? I've heard it gets thicker but also falls out? Andy clarity appreciated! :) -op

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    2. Hi Anon, every woman is different so some will experience a surge of hair growth but then lose some after the birth, I know I did. Hormones can do odd things to ones hair, my stick straight and baby fine hair developed waves and a wiry texture as I’ve aged.

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    3. Yes. During pregnancy high levels of estrogen and progesterone prolong the hairs growth phase, which equals thicker and longer hair for some women. The bad news is that when your hormones go back to normal many women shed a lot of hair. Mine actually came out in clumps!

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  38. I think the engaement ring band was changed to allow the beautiful Welsh gold wedding band to shine....and be the only gold band. Before the bands might have been slightly different colors. Looks nicer to have enegagement ring “match “ the eternity band on the other side of the gold wedding ring.
    Yvette Massachusetts

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    1. I think the new engagement ring band looks too thin and delicate to support the heavy centre diamond. To my eye the original, thicker, gold band created a much better balance.

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    2. I agree Lucinida. I figured the new band was maybe due to getting the ring resized and it seems that was in part the reason. But why make it thinner? It seems such a small band would cause those hefty diamonds an imbalance as to weight and therefore keep twisting like Kate's does. I'm also curious as to how and why would one put jewels on the underside of the band of a ring? Seems like stuff would get caught in there as well as not very comfortable.

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    3. Denise, an eternity ring has diamonds all around - that is where the name comes from, no start or end - the only difference here is that instead of only diamonds they inserted the three birthstones. My guess is she wanted on the “inside” because it is personal. Although technically an eternity ring does not have an inside, so it actually just means in the photos we have seen, the coloured stones are on the inside.

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    4. Maybe a jeweler can chime in about the reasons for a thinner band, or if it is strong enough. I see many engagement rings with thin bands right niw, it seems to be the style. Might also be more comfortable when wearing 3 rings at once?
      Yvette Massachusetts

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    5. But I too think the original ring was beautiful!
      Yvette Massachusetts

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  39. She looks radiant and fulfilled. Her joy in receiving the gift for Archie is communicative ! Love her dress, her hair, her bracelet. Beautiful engagement for the couple.

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  40. Reading the blog and routing for the Red Sox from NH, USA.

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  41. Dear Charlotte, I'm hearing reports that we won't see the family arriving at Archie's christening, photos will be released after the event only. Have you heard anything about that?

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    1. Hello Lauri,

      Hello! reports the christening is next Saturday and The Times reports it will be completely private and the couple will release official photographs afterwards. Archie is not going to be a working royal, I suspect he won't ever have a royal title either. So, I expect things are going to be done differently. We should hear an official announcement confirming very soon.

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    2. Darn, I so enjoy watching the video of the families arriving! Thanks for taking the time to answer this, I just don't trust anything the press writes about Meghan anymore until I see it here. So thank you for being the only trustworthy source for news about the Sussexs.

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    3. I do hope he will have a title when Prince Charles comes to the throne...

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    4. Lauri, this blog is an excellent and trustworthy source for correct information. But you say, it is the ONLY trustworthy source. You are not being fair. There are many sources that provide accurate and factual information about Harry and Meghan. For instance, Charlotte is quoting from The Times.

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    5. This is what I was expecting for the christening. The Sussexes seem to be modeling their decisions on the Wessexes -wedding, titles of children, living in Windsor, etc, with some modifications, so this seems to be in line with that.

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    6. Thank you for the correction Laura.

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    7. I think it may be a little hypocritical and misleading if they emphasize his status as a private citizen so much now, only to have him be styled as Prince Archie upon Charles' ascension. That seems too unfairly like having your cake and eating it too-like giving him all the benefits of being a private citizen but then the perks of a royal title later when it's more convenient.

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    8. Just popping in before signing off for the night. I'm seeing conflicting reports on the christening, and much like Archie's introduction at Windsor, there's a lot of misinformation. Definitely best to wait for the official announcement which should hopefully be over the next couple of days.

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  42. On another note, I have just read that Archie will be baptized next week in private. While I appreciate the intentions of Harry and Meghan to hold firm to their intentions of raising him away from the public spotlight the christening ceremony is a wonderful affirmation of faith for those who believe and wish to grow up in a particular religion. If in fact we will not be invited in to mark this special time it will be interesting to understand our seeing him when they travel in the fall as their tour has been described as a "family" trip. I question which event is the more important. Additionally, without a doubt we will see a photo released on their personal Instagram account under the supervision of Meghan I'm sure. Just won't be the same for me.

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    1. USA Granny, Obviously the media often is intrusive into the lives of the Royals. Harry and Meghan seem to want to do things their way. They sometimes misinterpret public interest, for public nosiness. The Cambridge Family seems to have stuck a good balance between not over exposing their children, but recognizing that people have interest in seeing their progress. Perhaps we will be surprised. After keeping details fo the birth hush hush, Harry later came out and made an announcement, Then the first time they showed off Archie, they answered questions and allowed a close up photo of him. So perhaps we might get to see more of the christening than we currently think.

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    2. British christenings are always private, we never see the event itself. All we got with the Cambridges was the family arriving and leaving the church. And then later the official photos are released.
      Other royals, like Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, etc, actually show the whole ceremony live, but we have never gotten that from the Brits.

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  43. If it's true that official photos will be released of the christening, presumably of the whole family like for George, Charlotte, and Louis, I can live with that. They need to walk a fine line between private and mystery. If no one sees Archie, it will just make the media more crazed. I think W&K did the smart thing in letting photos out of their children, etc, so that there was no need for people to stalk them.

    I wonder if they will announce the godparents? And will it truly be possible for people to arrive without any photos being taken?

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  44. The British Royal Family christenings are always private. Even with the other Royal Babies. All we see are the arrivals and Departments from the Church or Chapel, and in a day or two - some official photographs.

    So Archie's private christening is normal for British Royals.
    I

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  45. Thank you for the news about the christening, Charlotte. Meghan and Harry are doing exactly what the royal family does for christenings- they are private, and official pictures are released. William and Kate allowed photographers and reporters to cover the coming and goings, which appears Harry and Meghan will not. William and Kate's children are now direct heirs to the throne; Harry and Meghan's children are not. Also, allowing the press is also a security issue. By not doing the Lindo Wing walk, Harry and Meghan probably saved a bit in security costs. The press is basically saying they own Harry and Meghan because their home and work is supported by the tax payers. Well, Harry and Meghan are working royals; and their children will not be. Williams children will probably be all working royals, but perhaps not. Meghan and Harry allow as much press as is necessary for their work to be effective. On one hand, Harry is belittled as only the 6th in line to the throne; on the other hand, their is an insatiable desire for access to him, Meghan, and little Archie. As far as I can see, we are seeing as much of Archie as we did of George, Charlotte, and Louis. How much of the babies, beyond the top of their heads, did anyone see during the Lindo walk? Meghan and Harry actually in the end gave more than anyone was expecting by directly speaking to the press twice. If they let the press cover every little thing, they would probably be accused of being too Kardashian, which currently appears to be the ultimate insult. Meanwhile, of course, the press fills the vacuum by speculating, and simply making up stuff about them, and virtually always in a negative light. It seems they can't win. All they can do is put their heart and soul into their work in their usual professional and dedicated approach to everything they touch. Nacho Figueras recently made of spirited defence of Harry, and amazingly there seemed to be no blowback re a friend speaking up, as there had been about Meghan. In my opinion, she is far above all the viciousness, jealousy, resentment, racism, and mysogyny that drive her many critics. We just have to keep in mind that the British Press is not the world.

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  46. Coco, What is being proposed for the christening of baby Archie, is not normal for British Royals, as you suggest. Yes, the actual church service is private, but nothing else.

    According to Town and Country: "Harry and Meghan 'are determined to raise Archie as a 'private citizen,' and that means that press won't be there to capture photos of the Christening or the royals going in and out of the church. The move is in contrast to the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to let cameras capture their children at their christenings, together with the arrivals of family members and godparents, before holding private services."

    The Sussexes' choice is opening them up to controversy and more negative press, which they certainly don't need. The Sun reports, "Despite having funded the couples wedding, reportedly costing as much as $75 million, as well as the $4.5 million revamp of Frogmore cottage, British taxpayers - and the rest of the world - will be kept in the dark when it comes to the event." Royal author Penny Juror told The Times: “They can’t have it both ways. Either they are totally private, pay for their own house and disappear out of view or play the game the way it is played. Seeing Archie and his godparents arriving at the christening is what people are interested in.”

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    1. The Cambridges are going to be King and Queen so the have to do that. Harry and Meghan won't so are not required to do that re the Wessexes.

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    2. Laura your comment is chock full of misinformation and misdirection. In fact all Royal Christenings are private only exception was Princess Eugenie's. For the Cambridge children christenings we saw arrivals and departures, not the actual ceremony(which have all been private)

      There have been no released figure as to how much the wedding cost as it was privately funded by Charles. Also Frogmore Cottage renovation so far has cost £2.4mil, which converts to $3mil NOT $4.5mil as you mentioned. Their renovation btw is the lowest of any housing renovations among all the royals.
      The Sun has proven to be very untruthful when it come to Sussex stories.

      If the Sussexes want to raise Archie as the Wessexes raise theirs, then I don't think that any of their decisions have been so out of the ordinary.

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    3. I find this sentiment really problematic. Because a child’s parents have public taxpayer funded jobs the child must be paraded at the demand of the public? Also their wedding was nowhere in the vicinity of 75 million and the cottage renovations were scheduled to happen anyway and were mostly structural in nature. It has been reported at this point that Harry and Meghan privately paid for any luxury furnishings.

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    4. To be abundantly clear, the thoughts expressed in my comments above were NOT mine. I was merely quoting sources to which I gave credit. The words that were mine are these, "The Sussexes' choice is opening them up to controversy and more negative press, which they certainly don't need." I stand by that statement. There have been far too many nasty and negative things written about Harry and Meghan. Unfortunately perception can become reality in people's minds. Therefore it is vitally important that the Sussexes, don't do things that make them vulnerable for additional poor press.

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    5. Laura1 July 2019 at 14:27, I think Rhoda1 July 2019 at 06:48 is just providing facts to counter that quoted info YOU on this site. Maybe think before you quote from others and then expect Harry & Meghan to do all they can to thwart off bad press....and to quote you Laura...'Therefore it is vitally important that the Sussexes, don't do things that make them vulnerable for additional poor press.' Harry and Meghan are simply living their lives and people are spinning lies...how do you protect yourself from that?

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    6. I appreciate your comment Rhoda and I like your name! It is the same as mine!
      I agree that Harry & Meghan should decide how much public exposure Archie gets. And I understand why the Cambridge’s and Sussexes can seem a little stingy with pictures. But these are their children and deserve protection from a public and (yes I am including myself) from a public that would never be satisfied. It could also quickly turn into a Dionne Quintuplets fiasco; which happened in my province of Ontario. Very good for the economy but detrimental to the children and family at the centre of it.

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    7. NovemberNanny1 July 2019 at 20:05 Hi Namesake! Thank you. :)

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  47. Apologies, I did not expect to see the actual Christening itself. In my mind I was making reference to the family and guests arriving and departing as we have seen with the Cambridge children. I took away from the announcement of a private Christening for Archie that there would be no photos at all of the participants. Seeing H&M arriving with Archie would be more then satisfying for me. Fingers crossed!

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    1. USA granny I think your initial comment spoke highly of affirmation of faith and ceremony which is where some commenter s were confused by what you meant. The religious and ceremonial aspect is never public for any royal christening. I don’t thing Meghan and Harry are doing anything wrong. I don’t think there’s much public value in seeing the royals for a few brief minutes walking into the building. I’m not sure what purpose that serves. I think if the Queen were there it would be a little different but as she won’t be attending it is truly a family affair more akin to Zara or Peter’s children.

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  48. At the rate some of the media takes advantage of “throwing off some meat to the trolls”, and the way this couple gets attacked, they might as well keep their son’s young life reasonably private. He doesn’t have a title except similar to James Wessex. The couple is a contributing, active working member of BRF. Whatever life’s accommodation they receive in return for their work is one thing. There has to be a fine line with the media and the British public in their expectation of Archie’s privacy rights. H&M are a great asset to complement the work and status the Cambridge’s role continues to be. Comparison is out of the question as far as expectation of the children’s of both couples in public exposure. To state the obvious, George and Charlotte will be king and POS respectively. Archie’s future can be anywhere from a support to his parents role as a member of BRF, a scientist, an artist, or POTUS. I wonder if he will be allowed to be MP of UK if he will want to. This is my take on it. Charlotte and some commenters know the rules.

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    1. Anon15, Archie cannot be POTUS. One has to be born in the USA to even consider being President of the United States. But the other options you offer for Archie's future are most certainly possibilities.

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    2. Laura, Most likely he will be able to have dual citizenship of US and UK. I know about the rule which requires to be born in US for the POTUS job. There may be some flexiblity depending on circumstances, and some laws may work in some favour. There is such a thing as a misplaced child. If most of his inclination is more of America, his future may have a different turn as an American by choice of citizenship if it comes to that.

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    3. To clarify: Archie will qualify to be president of the United States unless he rejects US citizenship. The child of a US citizen born abroad is considered "natural born." This was determined during the candidacy of John McCain, born in Panama, and re-stated during the candidacy of Ted Cruz, born in Canada. If Barak Obama had been born in Kenya (he wasn't), he would still have been a natural born citizen because his mother was a citizen.

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    4. To clarify: Archie could be President of the United States someday unless he rejects US citizenship. A "natural born" citizen is someone who has been a citizen since birth. The child of a US citizen born abroad is a US citizen from birth. This was addressed during the candidacy of John McCain, born in Panama, and re-stated during the candidacy of Ted Cruz, born in Canada. If Barak Obama had been born in Kenya (he wasn't), he would still have been natural born because his mother was a US citizen.

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    5. Anon15, I understand much of what you say. I'm not sure, however, that having dual citizenship would allow Archie to be POTUS. The constitution uses the wording, "Natural Born Citizen." That is the law...unless the law can be changed or open to interpretation.

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    6. Laura – It is good you were probing into the subject.
      ByrdBrain- Your clarification makes a difference. Those are very good and recent examples.

      In Archie’s case the future of his parents’ marriage, and the citizenship Meghan chooses will have some significance at least for a number of years ( most likely she is in the process of becoming British citizen / it takes a long time). If she continues to retain her US citizenship, reporting taxes will be complicated.

      “The term natural born citizen applies to the child of at least one parent who is an American citizen. Children whose parents are American citizens are not required to be naturalized because they are natural born citizens. Therefore, they are eligible to serve as president, even if they are born in a foreign country.”

      Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/presidents-not-born-in-the-us-3368103

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    7. Anon 15 & Laura: The US courts have already addressed this, as I said. "Natural born citizen" means citizen from birth. Archie's mother is a US citizen. Therefore, Archie, under US law, is a citizen from birth. It does not matter that he is also a citizen of another country under its own laws, although Archie would likely reject his UK citizenship if he decided to go into US politics. It is true that a child born to foreign nationals on US soil is a "natural born citizen" of the US under US law. The opposite situation (child of US national(s) born on foreign soil) does not deprive the foreign-born child of the status of "natural born citizen" of the US.

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    8. ByrdBrian, Thank you for clarifying all this. What an education we get by reading this blog...far more than just a fashion discussion. I believe that I and many others take the wording "natural born" to mean "native born" and as you point out, there is a difference. Whatever Archie decides to do with his life, let's wish this precious child a world a happiness.

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    9. Laura: Fun facts - I went to college with the offspring of wealthy, international jet-setters, many of whom had dual citizenship. Since not all countries recognize dual citizenship, some of my classmates had to choose as they reached voting age. My boyfriend, for example, was born in Norway, adopted as an infant in Sweden, raised in Chile, and educated in the US. For technical reasons, he was eligible for citizenship in all four countries. He chose Sweden.

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    10. ByrdBrain2 July 2019 at 20:21...I find your boyfriends life fascinating

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    11. Whew glad we solved this, now decisions,decisions.... Being Royal vs POTUS....

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    12. ByrdBrain, sorry for the typo I made in your name above. My what an interesting story you tell about your boyfriend. Sweden was a good choice. It is lovely country with standard health care and education available to all.

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    13. ByrdBrain- - Thank you for sharing it.
      This is another great and real life example; the information is very important.
      What is most interesting, is whatever his reasons for choosing Sweden, at least as an observer, it is touching he chose the country where his life was established by parents who chose him.

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  49. Little Archie made out like a bandit. Hope we see him in is full Red Sox and or Yankee uniform someday. Did any one notice the gaffe? Harry asked if they needed a "bowler" when he meant to say "pitcher". I know it gets a tad confusing being from a Commonwealth country where I am used to the terms used in Cricket, I too confuse the titles of the positions since for all intents and purposes they perform the same function all be it on a different field with different rules etc.

    Cool event -- The Duchess teaching her husband about American culture and the America's favorite Pass Time, Baseball.

    RW.

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  50. I would like to know why everyone is so determined to believe everything that is written in a low brow paper such as the Sun. Anyone who can read knows that the "taxpayers" did not pay for Harry and Meghan's wedding and it did not cost 75 million dollars. How deluded are the masses? The wedding was paid for by the family and only security was paid for by taxpayers. Also it has been shown that the renovations to Frogmore are 2.4 million, another exaggeration.

    They are not courting bad press. They could give them everything they want and would still be treated like this. The problem comes from those who cannot read anything without believing it all. Harry and Meghan have never given an interview or said any of the millions of things attributed to them on how they want to live to anyone personally. They are not owned by the people of Britain, they are not chattel to be treated any old way and then expected to perform. Maybe the "fans" need to get a grip and stop listening to the speculation and wait for confirmation from one of the palaces. You do remember that the Times said they were being sent to Africa for 3 years on Easter, then changed the story the next week to they want to go.

    I do not trust any papers in London at this point because they all have an agenda. And the agenda seems to be to belittle and humiliate Harry and Meghan as much and as often as they can. That includes the so-called reputable papers who run the same nonsense stories as the tabloids. I do not see any difference since the reporters seem to just move from one to the other and they all use gossip and innuendo to write their stories as well as quote each other. Where exactly is the reporting going on? Even though some things actually happen that they predict, even a broke clock is right twice a day, and that is the case here.

    Their baby, their call. They do not have to jump through hoops for anyone. Since you have all decided that Archie is going to be nothing then stop clamoring to see him. He is still royal with or without a title simply by virtue of his birth. Them not giving him a title now means nothing since the only thing I think is that they want him to realize he is a person before anything else. Stop comparing them to the Cambridge's who have been able to do things as they wish without being compared to anyone else. Harry is probably tired of always being compared to a brother who will always be looked on more favorably than he is.

    I love coming here because it is a mostly positive place that does not cause my stomach and heart to hurt. But stop blaming the victims for the bad behavior of the press. The press lost a lot of their "sources" when they left Kensington Palace. Most of what they write now is simply anti-American propaganda with a hint of bigotry, sexism and classism.

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    1. Bravo Jazzmom, your post is thoughtful, mature and objective. Conjunctures can kill especially when used to defame. That’s why I just digest the official news. And I want to say thank you to Charlotte for her work, her good heart and her prudence. Charlotte’s better than the Sun and the Times and all. And the Sussex will never be perfect, but so far they are loves and I admire their work and devotion. God watch over beautiful Archie Harrison.

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  51. The same Penny Junor who was Most emphatic that Charles and Camilla were NOT having an affair and that Diana was mad to make any such accusation? That Penny Junor? Forgive me if I don’t rate her opinions very highly. As per Anon at 20.07 : “the British press is not the world”. Amen to that.

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    1. Carrie, I was the one who quoted the comment made by Penny Junor. I was not saying she was correct in her statement, I was merely presenting what she said. My comments seemed to be misinterpreted. The thoughts were not mine, they were made by others. My point was that Harry and Meghan need to do all they can to counteract the perception much of the public have, due to bad press.

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    2. Laura,You think they don’t do everything? It must be understood in the end that good or bad will never be enough and those who want to harm them will always find something to invent even if it is false and stupid. So it’s up to the public not to be alienated.

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    3. But Laura it won’t matter what they do. The tabloid press has it out for Meghan. If they did a more formal arrival at the Christening she’d be painted as diva and showy Meghan trying to elevate Archie to a role like the Cambridge children. Which he doesn’t and won’t in the future have. It’s quite clear to me Meghan is Media savvy and all of the decisions about their image have been deliberate. They know they face backlash whatever they do so they’re going to elevate their causes and stick to their decisions about their baby. I actually think it’s the smart choice as it relates to their image.

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    4. Anon, I agree with you that it doesn't matter what they do. While Meghan was on maternity leave, and doing "nothing," an amazing array of lies came out. I think they should do exactly what they wish to do and never read the press and forget about them.

      And while Archie is "supported" now, but when William is king, he won't support Archie, just like Charles is not supporting the children of his siblings. Archie is lucky to be a royal who gets to do anything he wants in his life. (I suspect that Kate's kids may find doors opening to them, too, as they grow up.)

      And no one mentioned that lovely bracelet! I think we are getting used to Meghan having an assortment of fun pieces of jewelry, but I love fire opals and this is something I wish she would gift to me.

      Looking forward to seeing who arrives for the christening. I consider Markus to be her acquired brother and Jessica to be her acquired sister, so I expect them, to start.

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    5. Anon, I agree with you that it doesn't matter what they do. While Meghan was on maternity leave, and doing "nothing," an amazing array of lies came out. I think they should do exactly what they wish to do and never read the press and forget about them.

      And while Archie is "supported" now, but when William is king, he won't support Archie, just like Charles is not supporting the children of his siblings. Archie is lucky to be a royal who gets to do anything he wants in his life. (I suspect that Kate's kids may find doors opening to them, too, as they grow up.)

      And no one mentioned that lovely bracelet! I think we are getting used to Meghan having an assortment of fun pieces of jewelry, but I love fire opals and this is something I wish she would gift to me.

      Looking forward to seeing who arrives for the christening. I consider Markus to be her acquired brother and Jessica to be her acquired sister, so I expect them, to start.

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  52. I have enjoyed reading all the comments; and I'm giggling at the discussion of why Meghan wore black. Have you all forgotten that black seems to be her favorite color? I haven't kept track, but I'm sure someone could; since she became engaged to Harry, it seems to me that she wears black or navy blue more than any other colors. Of course she wore black!

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    1. Hi Everyone. Meghan wore black because BLACK IS THE OFFICIAL COLOUR OF THE INVICTUS GAMES! To wear black is her way of publically showing her support for the games. It's very typical for a royal to wear the colour of the charity or country they support or visit. Hope this clears up the wearing of black. I thought she looked fantastic! But then I always do! This lady epitomises thoughfulness, class, elegance and style in everything she does!

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  53. Charlotte, and for those who are interested, I stumbled upon the official Twitter account for Harry and Meghan today. The existence of it has not been mentioned, to my knowledge, in any press reporting, but it was created in May. They are using it in the same way they use their Instagram account.

    Their Twitter handle is: @TheRoyalSussex



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    1. Hello Sarah,

      There's several accounts duplicating the Instagram content on Twitter and Tumblr. Harry and Meghan haven't opened any other social media yet, but I think it's possible we'll see a Twitter account in the future.

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    2. Thanks for telling me that. It looked legitimate as I took the time to scroll through. There ought to be something that can be done about use of the word "official" on such an account. I noticed that the Diana Award retweeted a post from @TheRoyalSussex and that is how I came across it today.

      It actually would not surprise me if the Sussexes never create a Twitter account. Harry has commented before on his dislike of Twitter and I think they really want to compartmentalize their social media presence and involvement. I certainly understand that, given how divisive and vitriolic social media has become. I've stopped using Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for that reason.

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  54. I didn't realize how much shorter she is than Harry! :) I love her in flats! She is just cute as a button!! :)

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  55. Black for Invictus, perfect "little black dress" for the occasion, fantastic post - Radiant is the watchword! Duchess Meghan looks great. I especially like seeing the Deneuve style shoes as flats - ideal for walking on turf and as elegant as ever. This couple radiates love.

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  56. she looks lovely and i thought it was so cute when one of the members of the red sox said he was related to her and she handled it so well

    loved it thanks for sharing another great post
    you can feel the love between her and harry

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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 :)