Wednesday 25 September 2019

Duchess Meghan Meets Ladies Who Launch & Mothers2Mothers in Cape Town

Following Archie's surprise appearance this morning during a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Prince Harry said goodbye to his wife and son before departing for Botswana. It was a quick change for the Duchess as she carried out two solo engagements in Cape Town. 


Meghan's first stop was The Woodstock Exchange where she met female entrepreneurs and investors working in technology. Buckingham Palace said the Duchess wanted to "highlight the benefits of young aspiring businesswomen working with mentors and role models." Private secretary Samantha Cohen said meeting inspirational women was particularly important to her. Meghan's support for women has been evident since they arrived in Nyanga on Monday where she delivered a powerful speech "On one personal note, may I just say that while I am here with my husband as a member of the Royal family, I want you to know that I am here as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour, and as your sister."


Meghan was met by UK in South Africa tech hub director Shirley Gilbey who told reporter Omid Scobie their work supports the country's technology ecosystem "in ways that reduce poverty and support gender inclusion, whilst also hopefully creating secondary benefits to the UK."


Simon Perry reports:

“I don’t want to have tea with the royals for the sake of having tea with the royals,” says Matsi Modise, founder of skills training company Simodisa. Adds Modise: “She’s somebody who means what she wants to do. The role that she holds in society in the U.K. and globally is a beacon of hope. She is not born into nobility or born royal, so she can relate to the struggles of the normal person in the street who’s trying to make something of herself.”
Naadiya Moosajee, co-founder of Womhub and WomEng, which delivers more programs to get women and girls into engineering and technology, says, “She’s coming at a tough time for our country.” She adds, “Women in our country just kind of have had enough. There has been more spotlight on feminist side — where husbands or partners had murdered their wives. In one week, four women were killed. People are so tired of not being able to live in society and the fear that goes with every move that we make.'

Launched in 2011, The Woodstock Exchange is a multi-purpose space affectionately known as WEX. It strives to serve as "an incubator for young fledgling businesses as well as a home to international market makers and acclaimed artisans. The common thread throughout is - and always has been - creativity and inspirational exchange."


The event, Ladies Who Launch, saw Meghan join a panel group who shared their successes, struggles and experiences.


Meghan discussed motherhood and how much it means to her to have an impact.


More from The Telegraph:

'Speaking to mum-of-two Lara Rosmarin, CEO of Cape Innovation and Technology, Meghan said: “It must be a lot to juggle. We're only five months in right now.
"Being a working mum and travelling as well with a baby, my goodness it's a lot, but it's all so exciting. There are days when it’s a lot to juggle but then you meet someone and you have an impact on them and you say ‘ah-ha’, and it’s so rewarding.”
Lara said: “I think the Duchess really understood to pressures on working women which was so appreciated. She is a working mother herself and mixing that in with all the travelling and projects she has, it’s inspiring for other women and young people to see that she is making such a success out of her life and helping others with her charitably endeavours.” The Duchess, 38, said she found the concept of a company called Relate, founded by Lauren Gills “fascinating”.  
The non-profit NGO which employs women from disadvantaged backgrounds across South Africa to make bracelets for good causes was inspired by the Lance Armstrong cancer awareness armband and how it connected people both to a cause and each other. '

The video below includes excellent footage from the engagement and the panel discussion.


Earlier on, we shared a quote from Matsi Modise. How did her meeting with the Duchess go? Channel 24 has the scoop:

'When I asked Matsi what it was like shaking hands with Duchess Meghan, she said, "I still can’t believe it, I’m not going to wash this hand for a very long time. "Phenomenal human being, flawless," she gushed.
"She has an African heart, and she has the power of influence. Her roots come from Africa. I believe this is a time in our lives where we’re going to see real impact." HRH Matsi, as she saved her name on my phone, spoke about one of the many profound things the duchess spoke about.
She recalled her saying, "Usually when you’re the first one to climb a mountain, the fall is normally harder, the push back is normally harder. She really looked at us and said, well, you just need to keep on going, keep on pushing because this vision is beyond ourselves."
Before we said our goodbyes I asked Matsi what it was she said that left Her Royal Highness in stitches. She threw her head back and laughed once more as she explained the one thing you wouldn’t find on her LinkedIn profile. "I love fast cars and I smoke cigars."
"What did she say when you said that?" I asked, unable to contain myself either at that point. "She was just like, 'My goodness. This is interesting.' She was quite shocked because it’s definitely not something you’d expect," Matsi said. But she was like, 'Keep on going, girl.'" 

Before departing, Meghan received flowers and met a group of well-wishers. She was very taken with one little girl named Amara who was overwhelmed by meeting the Duchess.


Amara said she told Meghan she wants to be a pediatrician when she grows up. Meghan replied: "You can be anything you want". Amara added "I've never met such an amazing person like her". You can heard Amara speak about the meeting at 2.30 in the news report below.


These are the moments and interactions that mean so much on tours. 


Next, Meghan visited Mothers2Mothers and heard about their incredible work "to create health, hope, and an HIV-free generation across the African continent." 

Embed from Getty Images

Over the last five years, the organisation has achieved virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV for enrolled clients.


Mothers2Mothers have saved hundreds of thousands of lives, created thousands of jobs, and given health and hope to some of the most marginalised in communities across ten African countries.

'mothers2mothers (m2m) is bolstering African healthcare systems, while delivering empowerment opportunities for women. We train and employ women living with HIV as community health workers. These “Mentor Mothers” work in local communities and at understaffed health facilities to ensure that women and their families get the health advice and medication they need, are linked to the right clinical services, and are supported on their treatment journey.
The employment enables Mentor Mothers to gain financial security for themselves and their families. By virtue of being professionalised, Mentor Mothers become role models, putting a face to empowered, strong, and healthy HIV-positive women, and thereby helping to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
Started in Cape Town, South Africa in 2001 with an initial focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, m2m has innovated and built on our strengths to address HIV’s causes and effects, delivering benefits at almost all stages of life. m2m Mentors now provide family-centred support for a range of related health and social issues spanning pregnancy, birth, childhood, and adolescence.'

The Duchess met a group of staff, clients and mothers and their children to discuss their work.

Embed from Getty Images

Meghan encouraged the group to sit on the floor and play with the children during the visit. "I just think if Archie were here with all those toys on the floor and I made him sit in the chair, it would be so unfair".


Meghan donated two large bags of Archie's clothing "in the spirit of community". It's understood Harry and Meghan felt they had received so much for their son, they wanted to give something back. Meghan also brought items from friends with children and colouring books and pencils. She said: "It’s so important we’re able to share what’s worked for our family and know that we’re all in this together with each other. So we wanted to share something from our home to each of yours."

Embed from Getty Images

Meghan joked Archie has grown out of his Invictus outfit.


People reports:

'She sat on the ground with us. She pulled us down and she just engaged with the children,” says Frank Beadle de Palomo, President and CEO of the charity.
“She played ball with them, she caught their eye, never forgetting the attention she had with the mentor mothers who were speaking to her. She asked questions and engaged with individuals and at the end she spoke with one of our adolescent clients. Her comment to her, ‘My gosh, to meet someone who at your age is so empowered – this is the future.’ You have that feeling that this is a person who is very real. She left everyone touched and extremely motivated by her energy and presence.”
Catherine Arzul, 23, a potter from Cape Town, says, “She hugged us all and then she took the flowers from the guy standing next to me and said, ‘I’ll hug you too.’ I said, ‘Can I have another one?’ and she said, ‘How about a group hug?’ It was so amazing.”
“I told her that what she said the other day — about being a being here as a mother and sister and woman — was such an amazing thing to say. How she’s using her impact to spread love and positivity.” She said, ‘Thank you. You’re going to make me cry.’ She was so gracious and humble.”

Meghan was chic in her Everlane Japanese Go Weave Jumpsuit for the day. We saw a glimpse of the piece in a behind-the-scenes video shared by British Vogue in late July. 


The $120 piece is described as: "Your one-and-done outfit—fit for any occasion. This versatile jumpsuit has an elegant double-V neckline neck, easy wide legs, and a removable tie belt to create a more feminine silhouette. Made of our drapey, wrinkle-resistant Japanese GoWeave fabric that’s perfect for warm weather and travel." It's available in several colours on Everlane's website.


Meghan accessorised with her Gas Bijoux earrings. The Duchess debuted the statement pair in Morocco. The $200 pair are currently in stock at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.


Meghan wore her Zofia Day cuff. 






I said earlier I was struck by how expressive he is. He's a darling baby!


I leave you with this video from Sussex Royal. Watch until the very end :)



Tomorrow, the Duchess will attend a "Women in Public Service" breakfast at the High Commission in Cape Town. Invited guests will all have played a role in the development of South Africa's institutions, and continue to advocate for women's rights, education and healthcare.

64 comments:

  1. What an amazing event!. The work being done there to help working mothers is heartwarming

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  2. Shantel (@FashionandFaith)25 September 2019 at 16:49

    This tour has been absolutely amazing. I am so proud of the Duke and Duchess. They are truly leaning in, and walking in their purpose undeterred. They're unstoppable, and the global community will get to reap the benefits. How cool is that?!
    The photo of Meghan kissing little Amara's hand says it all: she was born for this role. The grit, grace, intelligence and kindness that it requires comes naturally to her. I am bursting with pride.
    Charlotte, as always, thank you for your coverage. I know the amount of work that you put into each post and am so grateful to you for it.
    Take care, everyone!
    Shantel
    Minnesota, USA

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    1. Me too. I've never felt this much about someone from afar. She is exceptional in every way and brings out the emotions in me.

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  4. Little Amara is so pretty and well-spoken. It's adorable to see Meghan interacting with children. And wow...just wow...she looked absolutely amazing on this engagement: her outfit, her skin, her earrings...just everything goals!

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  5. Two very important and successful groups. Ending HIV transmission is doable and obviously so important. And empowering women through education and careers is vital.

    It looks like Meghan has just a few events from now until Oct 2 -- do you think that is to allow Harry's to be prominent? And I wonder if she's doing things behind the scenes or might add some meetings. This is the woman who brought us the Vogue issue and the Smart Set while on maternity leave, after all!

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  6. This is a perfect Working Royal look, polished and urbane. It also works great for sitting on the floor with kids. Win-win. She looks gorgeous. Her warmth and engagement with those around her is uplifting and genuine. What an asset she is to the monarchy. The work she does with Harry is important and substantive. Bless their commitment to others.

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    1. Agree greybirdk, this look is a perfect Working Royal look and Meghan does look polished. While she has been knocking it out of the park on the tour with regard to substance and issues, I have not been a fan of her other looks on this tour as she, IMO has not seemed as polished as I would like to see her. Not a criticism, but feel she has had issues with fit and mixing items that give IMO a messy, fussy look. This look definitely hits the mark of simple, refined elegance. The cut, the fabric, her sleek chignon and minimal accessorizing make this my favorite of the tour so far.

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    2. I like the Club Monaco Dremah dress very much, and the Grant striped maxi looks very well on her. The only look I thought completely overwhelmed her was the bronze dress she chose for their mosque visit. That skirt swamped her. She’s tiny, short-waisted, and needs expert fitting off the rack, most of the time. She wants to wear clothes that won’t suit her because it’s a stunning piece of fashion.
      Eventually, like her sister-in-law, she will find a perfect style and stick to it. She will always be more Manhattan than posh English rose. There are examples of that 50s Grace Kelly shirtwaist look to do her justice, properly modified. She’ll get there.

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  7. I was reflecting on William and Harry and thinking what good people they are. They both chose amazing women as wives, and they appear to be excellent husbands. They are also excellent fathers. With all the faults of the people who brought them up, the good attributes must have outnumbered the bad. Certainly Diana had an influence, but I think Charles and the Queen were very influential as well, and they all did a good job. I just loved when Harry said that as a man, his job was to honor his wife and to protect her. We're just so lucky that Meghan finally found him at just the right time.

    If anything, I think Meghan is even closer to children now that she has Archie. I wish little Amara (and her family) could live with her to ensure she reaches her goal. That is a very articulate and endearing child.

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    1. So well said Allison & I couldn't agree more with your observations! :)xx

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  8. Another amazing event that is right up Meghan's alley. It must be that much more meaningful for her, now that she can relate to being a mother. Meghan is always good at striking a balance between conversing with everyone present, kids and adults alike. Also, what an incredible organization!

    Love this jumpsuit on her -- I have one very similar and it's one of my favorite summer outfits. I seriously want to know how Meghan is always so glowing. She's beautiful inside and out. And it seems like she has calmed down a bit, by which I mean she's settled into her role a bit more, as we knew she would. She's still so engaged, one of her trademark characteristics, but there doesn't seem to be the little bit of nervous energy she had on her first tour last October. She's my role model, too, Amara!

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  9. Proud to say I own this jumpsuit and I LOVE it! The GoWeave fabric feels great on the skin and as Meghan shows, it allows you a lot of flexibility to move around yet still look polished. Plus Everlane's model of manufacturing transparency is so refreshing.

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    1. Completely agree with you Lacy, I own the jumpsuit as well as a pair of their GoWeave pants and black loafers. Ditto on how the GoWeave fabric feels..amazing and a great travel piece. Everlane is a unique company, with the pants I had the option of choosing between two different price points for the same pant. When you receive the product the packaging is well done and they explain the expense of the product to the consumer. Refreshing indeed.

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  10. This tour is so wonderful because I’m learning so much about the POSITIVE things happening in South Africa. Getting close-ups of Master Archie
    is also a BIG +. Thank you, Charlotte.

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  11. Another wonderful event. I applaud Meghan for donating clothes but wonder how that works. It’s been mentioned that some items were gifts. I thought all Royal gifts were logged by the palace and had to be categorized, used and then stored. I realize it’s baby clothes and not a ruby necklace but just wondered if anyone knows how it works.

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    1. I think that only applies to official gifts they receive. The little things they receive on walk-abouts or that gets send to them like baby clothes or soft toys they will chose some to use themselves (or give as gifts to the kids) and the rest gets quietly redistributed to hospitals, children’s homes etc. The same goes for all the flowers Meghan/Kate receives.

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  12. Charlotte, thank you so much for highlighting all the wonderful work Meghan is undertaking. It’s so much more important than the clothes. I love those too but I enjoy the history and backstory you include for each engagement. Job well done once again!

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  13. Wow. Normally I hate this kind of pants but this outfit is amazing. Meghan looks incredible.
    C.

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    1. I’m with you, C. Personally, I wouldn’t select this type of outfit but Meghan looks so fantastic I feel I’ve been too quick to judge the (dreaded) jumpsuit.

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    2. After seeing Meghan in this jumpsuit I almost considered trying one on today. If it wasn’t for logistical nightmare of going to the bathroom in a jumpsuit, I might be converted.

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  14. Wow, I am just in awe of Meghan at the moment!
    I have to say- not to be negative or rude- that the last few months I was a bit disillusioned with Meghan's work and some of her and Harry's choices. To me, it was a little too celebrity, a little out of touch.
    But man, how loud can I scream that my faith has been utterly restored! Their work, their passion, their ability to connect and work to make positive impact...just amazing. I also really appreciate that she's re-wearing pieces- to me, it shows that she's listening to criticism and making an effort to appeal to the average woman and simply let her work shine through. Bravo to her and Harry, I am gobbling up and loving every minute of this tour!

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    1. Anne-Sophie de Paris25 September 2019 at 23:10

      Je suis d'accord avec vous Laura en ce qui concerne le fait qu'elle recycle ses tenues.il me semble néanmoins que pour recycler, il faut déjà avoir une garde robe conséquente. Je n'aime pas opposer les deux duchesses car je les apprécie toutes les deux.
      Meghan est mariée seulement depuis un an.Kate est sortie plusieurs années avec William avant de se marier et elle est mariée pendant 7ans avant l'arrivée de Meghan.elle connaît donc les tenues adaptées à son rang.
      Pendant les premières années de Kate,elle a fait la même chose exactement que Meghan. Elle a acheté des tenues de grandes valeurs mais plus britanniques certainement que Meghan qui elle est ouverte sur l'extérieur.
      Les britanniques en n' ont voulu à Meghan car elle n'achetait pas britannique. Son côté actrice, divorcée et biraciale lui était aussi reprochée. Le prix de Tout ce qu'elle portait était dit même si les bijoux ,les sacs et chaussures n'étaient pas neufs ,ils les incluaient dedans pour gonfler la facture.
      C'est une chasse à l'homme.
      Comparons donc ce qui l'est. je trouve qu'on ne lui facilite pas la tâche. On ne peut pas demander à Meghan de renier ses amies .Harry l'a connue dans ce milieu. La Monarchie n'est pas un couvent même s'il y des protocoles.Harry n'est qu'en 6ème position et ne s'y est jamais senti à l'aise. Pour preuve son mariage avec Meghan.
      Sa belle-mère Lady Diana ne s'habillait pas en haillons.
      Je l'avais suivie depuis ses fiançailles et j'ai vu son évolution. Meghan avait les moyens de s'habiller avant son entrée dans la famille. Elles ont à disposition un budget qui leur est attribué par le prince Charles et non les contribuables. Le reste n'est que méchanceté gratuite.
      Tout leur travail est balayé d'un revers de main.
      J'espère que l'avenir leur donnera raison.

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    2. Laura, I made a very similar comment recently. I also feel that now at this tour we can fully see Meghan doing what she loves and does the best. I am very impressed by the tour. So far it is excellent. I applaud the planning, there must have been tremendous effort to prepare all this. And once again I have to say I love her outfit and especially given the occasion. Polished, practical, elegant, not overly pricey. A hit.
      Ella

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    3. Laura, I echo everything you shared & feel, but you said it so much better than I could have!! :)

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    4. Anne-Sophie de Paris-
      Oui, d'accord!

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    5. Peut être, Anne Sophie, mais je suis comme Laura, le coût exorbitant et le côté célébrité superficiel me rebutaient. Elle monte dans mon estime depuis ce voyage et j'espère que ce changement est dû au fait qu'elle a fait attention aux critiques. C'est une preuve d'intelligence que de rectifier.

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  15. Anne-Sophie de Paris25 September 2019 at 22:38

    Meghan est rayonnante.C'est une femme élégante, sublime. Chacune de ses tenues raconte une histoire. Définir Meghan uniquement par la tenue quiclui va ou pas est insuffisante. Tout ce qu'elle met et fait ont une profondeur.
    Je comprends pourquoi on essaie de la dénigrer systématiquement. C'est une femme qui a beaucoup d'aura comme son mari.
    Pour ceux qui lui reprochaient de ne pas porter des tenues adéquates ,je trouve qu'elle représente merveilleusement la monarchie.
    C'est une royale des temps modernes et toutes les jeunes femmes peuvent s'identifier à elle.
    Elle est en phase avec son temps,alliant vie professionnelle ( ses différents patronages ) et sa vie familiale. Certes ,elle a du personnel pour l'aider mais d'autres en n'ont mais n'en font pas pour autant.
    C'est vraiment une working girl.la monarchie a de la chance d'avoir le couple président et vice-président de la jeunesse du Commonwealth. Ils feront un travail formidable surtout pour la jeunesse, pour le rayonnement de la monarchie et du Royaume-Uni

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  16. She has all the right skills for this important royal roll - intelligent, caring, gracious and elegant too.

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  17. She looks gorgeous. What’s up with the ring? I get that she wouldn’t want to wear big diamonds on the trip, but this looks like it has turquoise on it??

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    1. She has basically been wearing the same set of turquoise jewelry the whole week. Just swopping the earrings here and there.

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  18. Caroline in Montana25 September 2019 at 23:11

    love this jumpsuit! and I love that she got on the floor!! great visits highlighting great things, love the women taking charge. love seeing her with the kids, she's a natural.

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  19. If Harry looked any happier, I think his smile would meet behind his head! That Archie reallie is adorable, and I love the genuine joy of the archbishop and his family in seeing him. He is SO lucky to have Meghan and Archie. And he seems devoted to keeping them happy.

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  20. I am watching this tour with so many mixed emotions. In 1976, just after the Soweto Riots, I went to South Africa to meet a man I thought I was in love with. I had met him in Montreal when he was touring. He was a white South African, part Afrikaans and part "English" from Cape Town. When I told him my concerns about marrying and moving to South Africa, he told me I should come to his country on a visit to see what it was really like. What it was "really like" was horrifying to me. From the moment I touched down in Johannesburg to be met with lines for whites, for coloreds, etc., to when we were camping in the Transkei, one of the black homelands created by the apartheid government, and I saw that the women and children were living in poverty while their men went to work in places like Durban (families were not allowed to go with the men), to being threatened by the (white) South African Police because I protested about their shooting an unarmed man . . . I realized how incredibly naive I had been in my comfortable Canadian identity. Watching M & H's tour seems almost surreal to me. South Africa still has incredible issues to overcome but what Mandela managed to accomplish after his release from Robin Island is truly amazing. That he united all of the tribes and that mass bloodshed was avoided.... I visited a hospital in Natal on my trip where most of the casualties were from knife fights between the Pongo and the Xhosa. Tribal enmity was an issue and an excuse by the white Afrikaaners for their domination. Which of course has been the excuse of most imperialist powers. But Mandela blew that excuse out of the water. And now people of color, women of color, can stand side by side with women that, 40-odd years ago, they would have been maids for. It's amazing and a lesson in history. We shouldn't condone what was done, but I believe that Mandela's attitude of moving forward and reconciliation is a model for the world.

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    1. THIS is what the royal tour is about! Thank you SO much for sharing, Valerie, you describe the young woman's experience so well.

      Heidi

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    2. Thanks for sharing, Valerie!

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    3. Wow Valerie, Thank you for sharing!! So well expressed & a true lesson for us all!! #Blessings

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    4. Thank you Valerie! When I was teaching English at university in the early 1980s (one of my several careers) I had a white South African student argue and argue with the entire class the day we talked about logic in the context of examining a passage from Hitler's "Mein Kampf" about racial differences. She refused to back down and continued to maintain that blacks in her country definitely were not as intelligent or capable of anything compared to whites. It was an awful, awful day. We had to somehow get past her stubbornness and go on . . . I wonder what she thought ten years later, and twenty years later? I'm so glad for South Africa and how far it has come. Now if we could just improve race relations in the USA. Well, one person at a time, as Meghan and Harry are demonstrating.

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    5. Thanks for the insight! Did you get married eventually? I guess not.

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    6. No, I didn't marry him. But the memory of that visit has stayed with me and affected so much of the way I viewed things going forward. I was never the same person again.

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  21. Royal 👑 Watcher26 September 2019 at 02:10

    Excellent initiative! I love this outfit too, very simple and classy. I would have loved to see Harry hold his son, maybe next time! I hope he is a hands on Dad, it’s so important.

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    1. I hope we get to see Harry hold his son next time, too :) But it’s also sweet to see Archie’s close bond with his mother.

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    2. Royal 👑 Watcher26 September 2019 at 13:43

      That is very true, Kiwi Gal!

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    3. He held him for the first appearance after birth.

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    4. Anne-Sophie de Paris27 September 2019 at 07:22

      Je crois que dans ces sorties officielles, ce serait mal venu que Harry porte Archie.
      Le monde reste mysogine et tout le monde dira que Meghan n'a aucune fibre maternelle.
      Au Royaume-Uni des tabloïds disent déjà que Harry a "épousé " sa "mère " en Meghan et qu'il est sous sa coupe.
      Dans les sorties privées, c'est toujours Harry qui porte Archie.
      On voit d'ailleurs une grande complicité entre le père et le fils.
      Archie répond quand son père lui parle. C'est vraiment un bébé éveillé avide de découvrir tout ce qui se passe autour de lui.
      Pendant la grossesse, on reprochait à Meghan d'avoir toujours ses mains sur son ventre.je dirai moi qu'elle était en connexion permanente avec le bébé in utero.
      Aujourd'hui nous voyons le résultat.
      Baby Archie est éveillé et semble confiant et surtout pas effrayé par la caméra ni par des visages nouveaux.
      Il mérite son prénom Archie qui signifie " courageux ,authentique et audacieux !
      J'espère que le Baby no 2 sera à l'image du grand frère aussi craquantet aussi confiant.
      Merci Charlotte pour le bonheur que vous nous donnez au quotidien durant cette tournée.
      Bonjour à tous.

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  22. The jumpsuit today works so much better on her ten yesterday's outfits. The midi length is so much more flattering on her shorter stature. She always looks so out together in black.

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  23. Oh man I cried seeing the beautiful baby archie with Rev. Desmond Tutu and one of my fave gospel songs "Oh Happy Day"!

    Oh happy day indeed thank you Charlotte.
    blessings to this beautiful multicultural family

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  24. Hello,

    Meghan's engagement this morning was a private one. Several reporters said we would hear more about it with photos "later this week". I expect they want to keep the focus on Harry in Botswana.

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    1. Thank you, Charlotte. I've been looking for photos of the event. Thanks you for all your great coverage.
      R

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    2. Anne-Sophie de Paris27 September 2019 at 07:32

      Vous avez raison Charlotte, c'est effectivement plus judicieux de couvrir le voyage de Harry au Bostwana. Ce voyage est un pèlerinage pour lui car il marche dans les pas de sa maman.
      Aujourd'hui avec sa petite famille, Harry semble plus apaisé et plus mature.
      Ce qui est certain c'est que les Sussex deviendront l'un des plus grands philanthropes après le prince Charles au sein de la monarchie britannique.
      Meghan reprendra avec son mari le flambeau de Diana tout en mettant les pas dans ceux du prince Charles.
      Leur fondation l'année prochaine nous réservera des surprises agréables.
      Je leur souhaite beaucoup de courage

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    3. I'm glad you posted this note. I was looking and looking, and finally decided I'd better check the comments here!

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  25. On unrelated topics...I just received my John Lewis Smart Set tote yesterday and wow, it is gorgeous!! I'm using it today and it's such good construction that with care, I'll be using it for years to come.

    Congratulations to Beatrice and Edoardo! I wish for nothing but love and happiness for you both now and for many, many years to come!

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  26. I am not one for jumpsuits but this looks great on the Duchess, combined with the lovely earrings and perfect choice of shoes she looks fantastic, my favourite look so far.

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  27. I want to add that I never worried about Meghan's "celebrity" actions. She has shown that she has remained a loyal friend to people she knew in college as well as celebrities she met later. Remember that this girl has no one except her mother to call family. IHer friends are like her sisters or brothers -- real ones. If her "real" sister was a top tennis player, no one would question her support. And while on maternity leave, she managed to work on that Vogue issue and Smart Set capsule.

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    1. I absolutely agree, the too Hollywood criticism is getting too much now, a lot of these people are Meghan's friends and have been more supportive of her than her actual family. Just because she's now married into the royal family doesn't mean she has to strip away her entire identity, sense of self and the people that have been her constant support to appease the British tabloids. She's been working constantly despite the vitriol that has been thrown at her from every side. The only reason this tour is being lauded so much is because we are barely seeing Meghan at all - and that's really sad.

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  28. Tammy from California27 September 2019 at 00:33

    I honestly don't know who is cuter: Archie or Archbishop Tutu. Absolutely adorable.

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    1. Right?! Is it me or is Archie a mini-Harry with darker eyes and hair? What a beautiful boy.

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  29. I roll my eyes every time someone mentions Meghan and Harry being too much celebrity for goodness sake she was in this industry for half of her life why should she forget about her celebrity friends most of which I believe is important to her how would any of us feel if we are told we cannot have certain/maintain some friendships we certainly wouldn’t like it. Another roll comes with this narrative that both Harry and Meghan generate negative headlines which they did not the tabloids did generate the headlines because H and M did nothing different from the others and some of us as supporters (if we really are) buy into the nonsense and keep repeating it. Thanks to Admin for a lovely piece and I did enjoy her response regarding us not focusing on M work only her clothes

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    1. Anne-Sophie de Paris28 September 2019 at 08:08

      Inconnu 27/9 3:13
      Voilà un commentaire sensé .Je partage entièrement votre point de vue
      Heureusement que Meghan ne se laisse pas abattre .
      C'est sa personnalité qui dérange, elle a confiance en elle et travaille beaucoup.
      Heureusement que Charlotte fait un travail formidable.

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  30. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN!! :)

    Thank you Charlotte for another great post.

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  31. I don't know if this is appropriate to post, but I am one of Meghan's biggest fans. I will defend anything she does. And I like Eugenie but have no real thoughts about Beatrice. But I hate that there is criticism about Beatrice announcing her engagement during the tour. Sure, it could have waited -- but why should it? She and her family are super happy, and any royal watcher can handle looking at the tour with Harry AND looking at K&W's event details AND seeing Beatrice's engagement photos. It's just yet another attempt to pretend the cousins aren't supportive of each other. It seems that Beatrice's ring came from the jewelers who made the bracelet and earrings that Markus gave Meghan, so there is even a family connection. :)

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    1. Agree, I also think it was planned to announce the engagement during the time when Meghan had only private visits.

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    2. And Harry’s wedding was the first big royal event that Fergie attended after many years, it was his idea. I think they are close and all these things are well planned. I can see that Beatrice’s fiancé is not very well accepted by the public and I feel that while they wanted to announce the engagement they didn’t want it to be the only big news about the royal family. Anyway, that’s my theory, lol.

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  32. Charlotte, quoting your quote above:

    "Matsi Modise, founder of skills training company Simodisa. Adds Modise: “She’s somebody who means what she wants to do. The role that she holds in society in the U.K. and globally is a beacon of hope. She is not born into nobility or born royal, so she can relate to the struggles of the normal person in the street who’s trying to make something of herself.”

    Modise touches on a very important fact of Meghan's life that makes her work impactful to many. Her background makes her a stronger asset to the Royal family than those born into it.

    R



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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 :)