Saturday 7 September 2019

Duchess Meghan's Stateside in J Crew for US Open Final

A last-minute decision led the Duchess of Sussex to travel to New York yesterday morning to cheer on her close friend Serena Williams in the US Open Final at Flushing Meadows. The Times reports Meghan stayed up until 1 am Thursday night to watch Serena win her place in the final, and made a spur of the moment decision to travel to the Big Apple and spend the weekend with friends.

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Omid Scobie reports: "I’m told she’s 'super excited' to be in NYC to cheer Williams on. It wasn’t originally in the diary, a last minute trip, but you support your friends no matter what."


People reports, shortly after the Duchess arrived, she joined a friend for a yoga class at one of her old haunts, Modo Yoga, in the West Village neighbourhood. A source told the outlet, there were "lots of knowing smiles" as she joined the class of sixty. "She has been going to Modo Yoga for many years and tries to do so whenever she is in New York. It was the perfect remedy for jet lag." Meghan's love of yoga was passed down to her from her mother Doria who is a qualified instructor. During the Sussexes' time in Australia last October, Meghan revealed she had woken at 4.30 am and enjoyed an early yoga session.

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The appearance comes one day after Buckingham Palace confirmed details of the Sussexes' southern Africa tour. A meticulously planned itinerary will see the couple utilise their roles as overseas ambassadors for Britain, and focus on conservation, young people, education, health and grassroots organisations (click here to read the full itinerary). Earlier this week the Palace also confirmed Meghan will launch her Smart Works capsule collection in collaboration with several British brands on Thursday.


Meghan cheered Serena on twice at Wimbledon over the summer; once on the 4th of July and again for the women's final, which saw the tennis champion fall at the final hurdle of the tournament. The two have a very strong bond - one which has grown over the years. In a piece for her lifestyle blog the Tig, Meghan shared the following on their friendship: "We hit it off immediately, taking pictures, laughing through the flag football game we were both playing in, and chatting not about tennis or acting, but about all the good old fashioned girly stuff. So began our friendship. She quickly became a confidante I would text when I was traveling, the friend I would rally around for her tennis matches, and the down to earth chick I was able to grab lunch with just a couple weeks ago in Toronto. We are both the same age, have a penchant for hot sauces and adore fashion, but what connects us more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations – our endless ambition. Serena is undoubtedly one of the best tennis players the world has ever seen."

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The US Open tweeted it's "a final fit for royalty".



Meghan was seated in Serena's box beside her mother Oracene Price.

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The Duchess was very warmly greeted by Serena's husband Alexis Ohanian.

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The two enjoyed chatting before the match; no doubt nerves and anticipation were high ahead of play.

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Seated behind Meghan? None other than Vogue's US editor Anna Wintour. Anna is a huge fan of Meghan; the pair likely discussed Meghan's work with British Vogue and her successful efforts editing the September issue.

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It's a poignant match for Serena, who won her first major title at the US Open twenty years ago aged just 17. She would go on to win six women's singles titles at the tournament. A win today would make it another history-making day in her career; and see the American tennis star secure her 24th Grand Slam singles title, tying with Margaret Court, the only other player to have reached that number.


Serena's opponent is Canadian player Bianca Andreescu. The nineteen-year-old is a strong up-and-coming talent in the game. Today she's fighting for her first major title. Bianca's coach, Sylvain Bruneau, told WTA Tennis: "Tomorrow is a tough task, the toughest ask she's had this year in her young career, but she's a warrior and she's a street fighter. She strives to compete. I strongly hope and I'm pretty confident she's going to step in the arena tomorrow, both feet in, and going at it."


When the camera turned to Meghan, there was quite a bit of cheering for the Duchess.


The match began with a number of terrific shots on display.


Bianca Andreescu quickly took the lead in the first set and dominated the second taking her first grand slam title.


Bianca in her player's box celebrating.


Serena was gracious in defeat.


Meghan looked radiant and effortlessly chic in J Crew for the event.

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Meghan wore J Crew's $118 Denim Shirtdress with tie belt (with many thanks to Meghan's Mirror for their ID work on this look). The piece is fitted at the waist and comes in a bright medium wash. At the moment, it's available in sizes 00-16. The piece is discounted with the code SHOPMORE.


Draped over her shoulders, J Crew's Juliette Collarless Sweater. The heather dove grey piece is described: "This multitasking layer features a mid-length cut, an open cascading front and cozy knit fabric that toes the line between a cardigan and a jacket. Indoors or outdoors, we bet you won't want to take this one off." It's currently on sale at Nordstrom.


It's also available in a selection of colours at J Crew.


The Duchess accessorised with her Jennifer Meyer turquoise bar earrings.

Meghan's necklace appears to have a "H" and "M". Hilary suggest it's the Mini Mini Jewel Diamond pendant.

Meghan carried her Carolina Herrera Mariola Matryoshka Locked L shopping bag.


And Meghan's sunglasses are by Victoria Beckham.

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It turns out there was another reason for Meghan's surprise trip: she surprised close friend and make-up artist Daniel Martin for his birthday.


Did many of you watch the match?

61 comments:

  1. Serena is killing it so far!

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  2. She looks great! I always like when her hair is down. And her dress is really cute. It's great seeing her support her friend and be part of Serena's group. Funny that wintour is there. :)

    It also makes it clear that Harry is completely capable of taking care of little Archie. When one of your best friends is a tennis superstar, you have to go the extra few miles to meet. I hope she wins!!

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  3. This is a nice dress, very casual and doesn't draw attention away from Serena. However sometimes I wish Meghan would just wear a pop of color every now and then ... like her friend Serena. Serena's lavender outfit for the finals is aces.
    In other news good to see Meghan again! It's also a pretty chilly weekend here in NYC so the gray cardigan is very necessary,

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    1. I think J Crew line is also involved in the up coming engagement (Smart Works participant designers). It displays a nice alternative to casual jeans pants.

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  4. I adore that cardigan, I might have to get it!

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    1. Make sure you read the negative reviews first. It's nice looking and comes in some nice colors for Fall, but doesn't sound like it is worth the price. I'm petite and have always been thin, so have been buying my clothes online for years, (it's hard to find petite clothes in stores) but I'm really having a hard time lately. The quality of even the more expensive clothes I used to buy, has really gone down the last few years. Poor fabric quality, poorly made, no quality control, so the sizes are all over the place. It makes shopping online such a hassle. I always start by reading the negative reviews first.

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    2. US Open is very casual compared to wimdeldon. IMO this is a great off duty look for HRH. I will agree with you though Jcrew is not the best quality. Regular tops (not sweaters) are consistently on the sheer side. I miss early 2000s Jcrew.

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  5. The dress is cute! I don't think I've ever once just slung a coat or cardigan over my shoulders without putting my arms through the sleeves. I don't understand how or why this ever became a "look."

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    1. I agree. Every time I see it (no matter who it is) I think “put it on or carry the darn thing”...

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    2. Women photographed with a cardigan tossed over their shoulders have included Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Onassis, Princess Margaret, and yes, Anna Wintour. So it is a look that only the effortlessly chic and supremely confident can pull off. As a practical matter, it saves wriggling out of the garment if one becomes too warm in our changeable autumn weather on the American East Coast. Meghan looks wonderful.

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    3. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions as well as taste. As I said, it’s not a look I appreciate and a list of offers who have been photographed doing it doesn’t change that :)

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    4. I love the look, and frankly, carrying a cardigan or coat is less convenient than just slinging it over your shoulders.

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    5. Well said Greybirdk and Vittoria

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    6. It's the style now. I actually just bought one that doesn't even have sleeves, it just drapes over. I think it looks dressier than if her arms were through sleeves.

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    7. Well, a cardigan or jacket over the shoulders is a look and thankful fashion is fluid and guided by people with vision

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    8. Caroline in Montana9 September 2019 at 15:50

      funny how things come back in fashion, I remember grandmothers used to wear sweaters this way. I don't think its a good look. a bit too frumpy for me! like the dress and always love her hair down.

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  6. Just bought the dress and cardigan on sale at Jcrew! Wonder if there will be any shots of her shoes! Are her glasses classic Rayban aviators! Love Megs. Sad Serena lost. I’m the same age as her and definitely don’t have the same stamina as a person half my age. But glad she has such wonderful family and friends like Meghan!

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    1. In one of the photos she is wearing Carolina Herrera 'Matryoshka Locked L' Large Shoulder Bag in Light grey and her J Crew Juliette collarless sweater-blazer is in a light grey, I saw another picture that you can see a hint of the color shoe and it looked like a light grey, so she has Manolo Blahnik BB Pointy Toe Pump In Light Grey Suede, it is a possibility or it is a new light grey shoe.

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    2. Just out of interest Anonymous Meghan's sweater coat was Ivory if anyone is interested in purchasing. Meghan's version is more of a coat. The original when it came out was a tad shorter and more of a sweater-blazer. This item lives in my closet and a great go to for both indoor and outdoor ware.

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  7. Delighted to see Duchess M in Serena's box surrounded by mutual friends. She is so natural in settings like this and so sentimental about Serena's competitions. So sorry Serena lost, but hope she keeps fighting👍.

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  8. I’m glad she is still able to support her friend and get a little me time. Her life has changed so much in the last three years, getting a chance to spend time with your friends is sometimes just what is needed. She looks fabulous.

    Hope from USA

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  9. Great to see her supporting her friend through the wins and losses. On a superficial note, love the classy/casual vibe of the denim dress and cardigan. Also love that its J Crew! And her hair is luscious.

    Myra

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  10. I really admire Meghan for the way she continues to support the friends that she had well before her marriage. So many women lose friends once they start a romantic relationship and given that Meghan has moved overseas and married in the British Royal Family, being able to continue these friendships says so much about who Meghan is as a person.

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    1. Agree completely with Myra & Lauri. Great post Charlotte! -op

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  11. My heart hurt for Serena this afternoon. The crowd was 110% behind her in support. She was such a graceful looser, a true professional and role model for children looking up to her as the absolute queen of the sport, best of all times. I am confident that she will reach number "24". Meghan received thunderous support when the Jumbotron flashed her unsuspecting face across the screen. Her expression mirrored everyone who has ever had it happen to them at sporting events. It was great. The enormous crowd greeted her with great approval as if to say Meghan, welcome home! I thought she looked great in her relaxed J Crew denim dress and sweater jacket that is such a hit this season. It is both versatile and classic looking with a simple dress or slacks. I don't understand comments regarding wearing outer wear on your shoulders. It is such a common look when your not cold enough to put your arms through and just need something over your shoulders when sitting or running to and from a car into a building.

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    1. Caroline in Montana9 September 2019 at 15:53

      I am glad that this time serena was a graceful looser. she really is in a role model position, something that does not look good when she has a tantrum on court.

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  12. oh i love the outfit itself great she supporting friend

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  13. Nice surprise to see the Duchess at the match. She’s a loyal friend. Serena was gracious to Bianca after the match. I wonder if the dress is part of the capsule collection?

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  14. I am smiling because today I did my Saturday errands in a denim shirtdress and praline colored flats. I had been watching a British crime drama and thinking how dreary and gray it looked; and wondering how long a California girl like Meghan would take to adjust to the British climate. She picked a gorgeous weekend to visit. Glad she had some girlfriends time. She looks beautiful.

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  15. Glad Duchess Meghan was able to have a quick trip to see her friends. It’s unfortunate that Serena didn’t win, but awesome that she made it to another finals, she is an amazing athlete! Congratulations to terrific Bianca, outstanding play & history making win!
    I loved Meghan’s entire outfit, all items have sold out now. Wow, a precursor to September 12th. I’ll have to be a lot quicker.

    Dena

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  16. I love when she wears her coat or sweaters over her shoulders. My grandma did the same thing. It was the style in the 50s and 60s. I think it looks chic and elevated the look. But I know it turns some people off.

    I do it at movie theaters and planes etc. because it’s so awkward to have to take off a coat in a small seated public space and not awkwardly struggle out of it or hit the people seated next to you!

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    1. Such a chic, practical look!

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  17. Here comes Daniel Martin again. This man seems always ready to profit from Meghan's friendship. It seems very weird to me that out of all the people, she only names "Meg" in his birthday post. He should value Meghan's privacy just as she does. On the other hand, kudos to Meghan for not losing touch with her friends and managing to still hang out with them. Also it is good that she has shown women that it is important to make time for themselves - even when they're new mothers. That is excellent (although I am pretty sure it was not the point of her trip, haha).
    Ella

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    1. Great to see Duchess Meghan enjoying some time among friends. She looked great as usual. I have a denim dress that I paid quite a bit for that doesn't look as nice and comfortable as Duchess Meghan's JCrew dress.. oh well lol. So sorry that Serena didn't win but hard not to be happy for Bianca. Agree with Anon that Daniel is just a tad too thirsty. Wish he would zip it like her other friends have done.

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    2. Ella, I had the same thoughts about Daniel, but I think that's his personality. They were friends before she met Harry, and I believe he wants to share with the world how he feels about her. Possibly Meghan really did surprise him by appearing in NYC. Feel badly that Serena didn't win, but she said once that's it's a game. She has such a great family and set of friends. Meghan did look so happy and relaxed.

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    3. Allison in US, I agree. But there is one thing that particularly "bothers" (for lack of a better word) me throughout Daniel's posts/statements about Meghan - I don't feel as if he wanted to share how he feels about Meghan. It seems to me (and now I sincerely apologize for saying what is merely an observation/impression of mine) as if he wanted to share how Meghan feels about HIM. This is what always annoys me when he speaks out and what made me mention his "profit" from the friendship.
      Ella

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    4. Ella, I do cringe sometimes, like when he mentioned Meghan gave him the side-eye emoji regarding what Beyonce said. I guess he was a good enough friend before she was famous to be a keeper, but I know exactly what you mean.

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    5. Oh yes Allison, these are my thoughts exactly. Great point about him being a keeper from ages ago. I guess Meghan likes him as he is and maybe even feels kind of grateful for his friendship in times when she did not have a global profile of such extent. Let's hope he learns in time and he continues to be a source of personal support and joy for Meghan, regardless of his public presence.
      Ella

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    6. Daniel is doing the social media equivalent of name dropping...building himself up by showing he has a famous friend. Perhaps she will ask him to cool it, or perhaps she won't. Following Meghan's and Harry's quest for privacy, Daniel needs to be more discreet.

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    7. I totally agree -- I'm sure he's a good friend, but the constant not-so-subtle posts and name-dropping are just tacky. Even if he's grasping, it certainly makes him seem that way. It makes me think of those who have said that if you have to post a ton of photos about your relationship online making it seem amazing, it's likely not in real life. Now, I'm not saying Daniel and Meghan don't have a strong friendship, I just more-so agree with the sentiment. Especially with someone like Meghan, Daniel should be a good enough friend to know when it's not appropriate to post.

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    8. I feel like Daniel is just a little immature, rather than insincere. Started when he posted baby shower cookie picture -- I think he's decided not to change how he used to act, and I guess a lot of his success in his profession is based on "being out there." When you have a father like Meghan's, tiny indiscretions by real friends pale.

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  18. What was meghans handbag?

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  19. I literally only watched because it was widely reported that Meghan would be there and I have been missing her so much but yeah generally speaking I'm not into tennis at all. Either way Meghan looked flawless as usual, congratulations to Bianca on her big win and I'm sure Serena will have other chances to surpass the record and I wish her all the best with that.

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  20. Bianca looks serene, surprised and happy. There is a turn to win and lose in most cases. It is good you posted this image with her trophy. Serena has such a balanced outlook and accepted the loss graciously. “If any one wins other than Venus, I want Bianca to win”. I hope Serena will meet her goal; she is quite a fighter, persistent and inspiring. I loved table tennis in my youth and excelled at it. Although the idea with court tennis seems similar, the players’ stamina, discipline, energy and speedy movement is something to behold.

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  21. It's nice to see Meghan doing things she would have done had she not married into the royal family- such as flying somewhere to see her friend play tennis, like she did the summer she met Harry when she was at Wimbledon watching Serena win. It's good to see her nurturing her long time friendships, whether they be male or female, (although I wish Daniel would stop tweeting). Obviously friendships are very important to her. I felt torn about the tennis final. Being Canadian, of course I wanted Bianca to win, and being a Serena fan, I wanted her to get her 24th! Bianca played fearlessly, like a young Serena, and so deserved her win. I hope Serena will get her 24th, and 25th eventually, and soon. Even so, she still has more Grand Slams than anyone currently, male or female, and her greatness as an athlete is well-established. Obviously, Meghan took Serena's loss very much to heart, judging from her expressive face.

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  22. I think she is slightly underdressed. The sweater makes her look slightly more put together. But also, in general, I don’t like J Crew. Seems as they haven’t any particular style, but I suppose it’s one of those so-called ‘all American’ brands that people shop primarily for ‘patriotic’ reasons. Which is fine, not judging, just making an observation. Every time I enter a store I find myself shrugging my shoulders trying to figure out what their value proposition/differentiator is. Same thing happens in Massimo Dutti. Different target segment of client, still the same conundrum at my end.

    Liv

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    1. I don't know how one is expected to dress for a US Open final, but if Meghan is slightly underdressed on this occasion, I personally think it was a good call. Not trying to defend them, but I think J.Crew provides some pretty basic and preppy styles, so appeals to a fairly wide audience. I believe Michelle Obama has dressed in this brand, and if I'm not mistaken, even Duchess of Cambridge. Personally, I love a good crew neck sweater, a tailored shirt, and skinny jeans, and I've bought all of those at J.Crew.

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    2. I agree, every time I go to JCrew I think "do i really want to wear this?" and the answer is usually no. But JCrew clothes do tend to match Meghan's style -- she favors neutrals (check), baggier clothes post-pregnancy (check), and a sort of casual chic style (check).

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    3. Anonymous/Liv, I disagree with what you say about J. Crew. They are not high fashion, nor designer quality clothes...but then they don't pretend to be. I find their styles current, their workmanship well executed and their price point obtainable for many people. For the most part their clothes are practical, no fuss and easy to care for. Yes, Meghan could be more "dressed up" but this denim dress does the job quite nicely.

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  23. So cute! Love JCrew! I want that dress but it's already sold out. She really looks healthy & happy. Hope she gets some rest this weekend.

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  24. Anne-Sophie de Paris8 September 2019 at 22:24

    Très heureuse que Meghan ait pu faire le voyage pour soutenir l'une de ses meilleures amies. Cela montre la générosité de Meghan.Dommage que Serena n'ait pas gagné mais elle a retrouvé Meghan.
    Le voyage a dû faire du bien à Meghan
    avant qu'elle ne ne reprenne ses engagements royaux après ses congés de maternité.
    Merci Charlotte pour toutes ces infos.

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  25. I caught part of the match and it was hard to watch. I admire Serena, but it was a win for the Canadian Bianca (yay Canada!). So it was a win-win-win for me.

    Glad to see more affordable and good looking clothes on Meghan.

    - Martine

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  26. I watched the match and was happy for the young Canadian girl from my country!! She's amazing. Lovely to see Meghan out supporting Serena. Meghan looks great

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  27. Charlotte I laughed when I saw the DOS on a me trip. Best way to keep a husband focused and out of trouble, a weekend of baby watching duties. Go Harry

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  28. Wow, Meghan looked very effortlessly chic!! This is one of my favorite styles on her -- she's well put-together and polished, yet looks relaxed and comfortable. I also love her hair like this. It's very pre-wedding. I was surprised to see her, but in a good way! I know those out for blood are twisting this like they always do, but as others have said, it's healthy that she's keeping up with her old friendships. I think her appearance was low-key and very much about Serena.

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  29. Anne-Sophie de Paris9 September 2019 at 22:41

    Andrea wornum , complètement d'accord avec vous lol!
    Je pense que Harry devait être fier de se retrouver en tête avec baby Archie lui qui aime bien les enfants.
    Surtout qu'il n"a certainement pas eu l'occasion de vivre ce moment privilégié avec son propre père.
    Bravo Harry tu es le meilleur des papas royaux modernes. 😘

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  30. Once a Canadian….! I too was torn between wanting Serena and Bianca to win, but I did enjoy the little aftermath when Bianca actually apologized to the crowd for winning! She mentioned that she knew that the crowd was pulling for Serena and said, “I know you guys wanted Serena to win, so I’m so sorry.” Thought Meghan looked wonderful and it was lovely to see her with Serena’s mom. That woman (Meghan) just seems to be lit from within!

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  31. Great seeing Meghan Duchess of Sussex supporting her friend. Serena lost but she has played some AWESOME tennis in her career. I enjoyed this post. Thanks, Charlotte.

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