June
Following Archie's official introduction at Windsor, we next saw the Duchess for Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade, on 8 June. During those first weeks, Meghan was ensconced with her newborn son at Frogmore cottage and relishing being a new mother. This is undoubtedly one of the happiest times in life yet it was marred by a barrage of abusive commentary and a slew of hit pieces in the media. It was overwhelming to watch online, let alone live in reality. We would learn in the autumn of the true toll this had exacted on Meghan. Back in June, the Sussexes were very much putting on a brave face. Over the years, I've often chatted about the Windsors and an enduring sense of duty embedded within the family. Harry and Meghan exemplified that as they carried on as usual under tremendous strain and pressure.
In a surprise appearance in late June, the Duchess joined her husband at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 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.
Meghan has been a baseball fan throughout her life, supporting the Blue Jays during her time in Toronto, so this was a very fun engagement to see her attend, and even better, it was all in aid of the Invictus Games Foundation.
July
Meghan celebrated 4th of July cheering on close friend Serena Williams in the second round of the Wimbledon championships. Meghan was joined by two of her closest friends from Northwestern University, Lindsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis, for an afternoon of tennis. Just two days before Archie's christening, it was believed Genevieve had been chosen as one of Archie's godparents. It's easy to look back on the day as a fairly innocuous outing, and perhaps preferable to forget it led to days of negative headlines, with all manner of fantastical stories emerging, from "diva privacy requests" to tales royal officials were left crimson by having to refuse the Duchess entry to the Royal Box because she was wearing jeans. Quite the story considering Serena played on Court No 1. Again, this sticks out for me as another layer of unnecessary and nasty media coverage whipping up just enough indignation and anger toward Meghan right before the christening. All of those layers were adding up behind-the-scenes and weighing heavily.
Two-month-old Archie was baptised in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby on 6 July. The intimate christening reportedly saw less than twenty-five guests in attendance and included Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, Diana's sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and the chosen godparents and their spouses. It was deeply important to Harry to include his late mother in the event, and both he and Meghan have discussed how welcoming the Spencer side of the family has been.
Afterwards, they shared two official photographs including this beautiful black and white image of the family of three taken by Chris Allerton. Meghan looked regal in a stunning ivory Dior ensemble.
Four days later we saw another glimpse of little Archie as Meghan brought him to cheer on dad for the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Polo Trophy at Billingbear Polo Club.
It was a Duchess duo for the women's Wimbledon final as Meghan joined Kate and her sister Pippa Matthews to watch Serena Williams compete against Simona Halep. We saw some great shots and interaction on the day. Meghan opted for a crisp white shirt and a printed Hugo Boss skirt.
Meghan was elegant in a classic little black dress by Jason Wu for the London premiere of The Lion King.
As hoped for, Meghan met Beyoncé, greeting the superstar and her husband Jay Z. Rebecca English said Beyoncé "seemed genuinely emotional" about meeting Meghan and couldn't stop smiling.
There had been whispers for months regarding the possibility Meghan would appear on the cover of the September issue of British Vogue. When editor-in-chief Edward Enninful approached Meghan about appearing on the cover, the Duchess had something else in mind: using the opportunity to highlight a group of inspirational women, working across a wide range of sectors and devoting their lives to effecting positive change. The concept of 'Forces for Change' was born. With that in mind, fifteen incredible women graced the cover. For Meghan, the role of guest-editor allowed her to shine a spotlight on these outstanding women. Meghan had been working on the issue for months and in late July we saw the project come to fruition.
The Duchess shared her excitement: 'Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has been rewarding, educational and inspiring. To deep dive into this process, working quietly behind the scenes for so many months, I am happy to now be able to share what we have created. A huge thanks to all of the friends who supported me in this endeavour, lending their time and energy to help within these pages and on the cover. Thank you for saying “Yes!” - and to Edward, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”
It was without doubt a labour of love for Meghan who used the opportunity to highlight her patronage Smart Works, introduce us to non-profits empowering women such as Luminary Bakery, highlight issues such as conservation and climate change with a conversation between Harry and Jane Goodall. We also saw former First Lady Michelle Obama participate in addition to a range of women effecting change from New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern to Greta Thunberg. This quote from Edward Enninful beautifully summed up the effort:
'When you only know someone by their public persona, all too often you find yourself disappointed by the reality. But, once in a while, someone comes along who exceeds all of your expectations. Let me say this for The Duchess of Sussex: she is the real deal – and an ultimate force for change. - Edward Enninful'August
August is the royals' summer month and members of the family traditionally take most of it off and enjoy a holiday either in the Scottish Highlands or abroad. The Sussexes spent several days in Ibiza and Nice with Archie. Preparations and finishing touches for The Smart Set capsule collection were underway too, with Meghan making a surprise visit on the day of the shoot. The project saw Meghan collaborate with British retailers and close friend Misha Nonoo to equip the women supported by the organisation with the essentials they needed to look and feel their best before their interview.
September
In September, the Duchess officially launched The Smart Set on the roof garden of partner John Lewis, wearing a crisp white shirt and black trousers from the collection. It all began eight months earlier when Jo Bennett, head of womenswear at John Lewis, received a call out of the blue from Meghan. A source told Omid Scobie: "She brought it to life immediately. After consulting with Smart Works about their needs, she contacted bosses from each of the brands directly - cold calls!" Meghan has spent a great deal of time at Smart Works, donating items from her closet and assisting in interview coaching and sitting down with the team to find out what they really need for their clients. That rapport was evident on the day.
Meghan is an eloquent orator, who has already delivered a number of outstanding speeches in her role. Her words on that day were compelling, effective and invited the listener to truly understand the ethos of Smart Works.
From the speech:
"For most women, when you’re going in there and you want to have a job interview, and you want to feel your very best, and you want to feel confident, you want to be wearing the pieces of clothing that make you feel that way and not the leftovers that didn’t sell from the end of the season. 'And I kept thinking about it as I went home, and it didn’t track for me, and I said, We have to do something to change this.
And a big piece of this is trying to transform the idea of charity to community. And the way that we do that, I think, is people is when we go into our closet as a woman, and you say, "I’m going to make a donation," you don’t go through your closet and just toss in a box whatever you don’t care about anymore. That’s charity, as we know it today. Community is going through your closet and saying, "This is the blazer I wore when I nailed my first job interview and got my dream job. And I don’t need that anymore because I’m where I want to be. But if I’m able to share that blazer and be part of another woman’s success story, then that’s community."
And so when I thought about it in that personal space, I said, on a bigger level, what can we do with brands? And what companies would be able to help us convene and come together to really build a collection for the women of Smart Works that could be the pieces that they need to feel confidence going into those rooms?" She continued "As women, it is 100 percent our responsibility I think to support and uplift each other; to champion each other as we aim to succeed, to not set each other up for failure but instead to really be there rallying around each other and say, 'I want to help you."
Just one week later the collection would reach its goal of equipping Smart Works with enough units for a year. The Duchess said: "I think it’s really key in this day and age that we remember that it’s not just about the people that you know that you’re supporting. It’s about the people that you don’t know, that you may never know, you may never meet."
A week later Harry and Meghan travelled to the eternal city of Rome for the wedding of Meghan's close friend Misha Nonoo and Mikey Hess. Meghan wore a divine Valentino puffed-sleeve gown.
— Christin Zi (@PackhamGown) September 20, 2019
On Monday, 23 September, Harry and Meghan began their first official joint tour of South Africa with Baby Archie. Harry and Meghan's first engagement of the tour took them to Nyanga, known as the murder capital of the country. They were warmly welcomed with music and dancing by a host of locals. So many factors and elements come into play with ensuring a royal tour is successful. For Harry and Meghan, they exude a natural warmth and watching them interact is a joy.
This was an opportunity to connect, to capture the attention of those who had gathered, and to address issues which could not be ignored. South Africa is one of the most violent places in the world for women and girls. The statistics make for horrifying reading: the South African Police Service revealed 80% of sexual offences reported in recent years were rape. Meghan didn't shy away from this fact in her powerful first speech or in offering her support to the women of the country. "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."
Sartorially, Meghan opted for a low-key wardrobe, supporting local designers, wearing a plethora of repeats and understated items. On the first day she chose the £69 Dalitso Maxi Wrap Dress by Malawi based brand Mayamiko teamed with her Castaner wedges and understated jewellery. Months of preparation went into this tour and it was an opportunity for her to introduce herself to the country not only as a member of the Royal family but as a women working to support other women. Meghan would have known the cost of each item would be analysed and she would be excoriated in the press if her wardrobe was expensive. I think this again highlights the impossible terrain she's had to navigate. Of course, other royals are criticised over the cost of their clothing, but the relentless obsession with using everything Meghan did, said and wore for negative clickbait had become utterly insane.
Meghan repeated her blue Veronica Beard shirtdress for a visit to District Six Museum to learn about their work reuniting community members forcibly relocated during the apartheid era. The museum opened its doors twenty-five years ago as a memorial to the forced movement of 60,000 people in the district during apartheid in South Africa during the 1970s.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began day two in South Africa by visiting Monwabisi beach to see the work of Waves for Change in action. They talked about becoming parents as their greatest strength and saw the work of the Lunchbox Fund - a charity supported by the Global Sussex Baby Shower - in action. Meghan was casual in her Madewell denim jacket and Mother denim jeans.
Harry and Meghan showed their willingness to work with the press by offering brief interviews and sound bites throughout the tour. When asked about the most pressing issue when addressing the stigma of mental health, Meghan said: "It's just getting people to talk about it, and talk to each other right. You see that no matter where you are in the world. If you're in a small community or a township, if you're in a big city, everyone is dealing with a different version of the same thing. Globally, I think there's a bit of a consciousness crisis and so the fact we are able to be here together and see on the ground so much good work that's being done just because people are willing to talk to each other about it, and someone's willing to listen is huge. And that can apply to being here. It certainly can apply to London, LA, it doesn't matter where you are, we're all sort of trying to power through and find some optimism."
Next, the pair travelled to the Bo Kaap area to mark Heritage Day, a celebration of great diversity, belief and traditions that make up the rainbow nation of South Africa.
Meghan brought back her striped Martin Grant maxi dress for a reception at the British High Commissioner's Residence where they met young leaders and inspiring opinion-formers underpinning the rich and diverse nature of the UK's partnership with Africa.
The following morning brought something very special indeed. Not only were Harry and Meghan meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, but they had chosen it as the event to bring Archie on his very first official tour appearance.
It was fantastic to see Archie in action with his parents. He's such an expressive baby, very lively and appeared to enjoy meeting the Archbishop and his daughter immensely. We also learned Meghan affectionately calls him "Bubba".
Another look at the little cutie? Definitely :)
The Duchess was chic in her Everlane Go Weave jumpsuit for engagements that afternoon which included The Woodstock Exchange where she met female entrepreneurs and investors working in technology. She told the group: "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." Meghan also met mothers and their babies at Mothers2Mothers where she brought two large bags of Archie's clothing "in the spirit of community".
Before departing, Meghan received flowers and met a group of well-wishers. She was very taken with one little girl named Amara. 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."
As Harry travelled to Malawi, Angola and Botswana, Meghan attended a private breakfast meeting at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Bishopscourt with an inspiring group of female leaders. Meghan said: "I have been so moved by what I have heard. The leadership and strength shown by these women are remarkable, and at a time when the issue of gender and gender-based violence is at the forefront of people’s minds, I hope their voices will resonate and not only give comfort but also create change. This is not just a South African issue, this is a global problem that can only find solutions with the attention and work of everyone, regardless of gender, status, politics, race or nationality." Meghan sported a Misha Nonoo tank top and midi textured J Crew skirt for the event.
Later that day, the Duchess made a poignant trip to tie a ribbon at the site where 19-year-old Uyinene Mrwetyana was brutally murdered last month, to pay her respects with those who have taken a stand against gender-based violence and femicide. Uyinene's senseless death sparked outrage and protests across South Africa. Meghan spoke privately with her mother and only last month recorded a video message for the launch of a foundation in the student's name.
It was an afternoon filled with artistic delights, inspiring causes and a host of exciting meetings for the Duchess of Sussex in Victoria Yards. The Duchess spent time with the founders, and also children supported by Timbuktu in the Valley, an incredible programme for children's development. She personally picked up a pair of jeans she ordered by local designer Tshepo Mohlala who was over the moon when he received a call from the British Embassy before the tour.
October
In Johannesburg, Meghan continued her focus on education and supporting women and girls with a visit to the University of Johannesburg in her role as patron of the ACU. Meghan touched on her visit to Victoria Yards the previous day before announcing new grants: "Yesterday I had a really interesting conversation about the economy and well-being. I think so much of what we should be talking about and energies should be focused on, specifically with the ACU is supporting people to know if you don't have the support that is necessary, that you feel you can keep taking the next step, then you're stumbling in growth. I went to University. It takes a village doesn't it?"
From there, Meghan visited ActionAid where she privately spent time with a group of girls aged 12 to 16 who had suffered domestic and sexual violence.
Afterwards, Meghan spoke to media covering the tour. During the informal chat, the Duchess who was reunited with Harry after several days apart said: "I miss him so much." When asked about taking Archie on tour, she replied: "On my goodness, well, we’re doing well. I think the schedule - they have been very kind to me, because everything is based around Archie’s feed times. So it’s a full plate, but we’re making it work. It’s worth it." The Duchess also said she takes her role within the Royal family "incredibly seriously".
Later that night, a powerful and deeply personal statement laid bare the extent of the pain Harry and Meghan had endured at the hands of the British press. Harry revealed they had initiated legal proceedings against The Mail on Sunday and its parent company, Associated Newspapers. It bears re-reading now to fully understand the extent of the anguish the couple dealt with on a daily basis.
'As a couple, we believe in media freedom and objective, truthful reporting. We regard it as a cornerstone of democracy and in the current state of the world – on every level – we have never needed responsible media more.
Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences – a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son.
There is a human cost to this relentless propaganda, specifically when it is knowingly false and malicious, and though we have continued to put on a brave face – as so many of you can relate to – I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been. Because in today’s digital age, press fabrications are repurposed as truth across the globe. One day’s coverage is no longer tomorrow’s chip-paper.
Up to now, we have been unable to correct the continual misrepresentations - something that these select media outlets have been aware of and have therefore exploited on a daily and sometimes hourly basis.
It is for this reason we are taking legal action, a process that has been many months in the making. The positive coverage of the past week from these same publications exposes the double standards of this specific press pack that has vilified her almost daily for the past nine months; they have been able to create lie after lie at her expense simply because she has not been visible while on maternity leave. She is the same woman she was a year ago on our wedding day, just as she is the same woman you’ve seen on this Africa tour.
For these select media this is a game, and one that we have been unwilling to play from the start. I have been a silent witness to her private suffering for too long. To stand back and do nothing would be contrary to everything we believe in.
This particular legal action hinges on one incident in a long and disturbing pattern of behaviour by British tabloid media. The contents of a private letter were published unlawfully in an intentionally destructive manner to manipulate you, the reader, and further the divisive agenda of the media group in question. In addition to their unlawful publication of this private document, they purposely misled you by strategically omitting select paragraphs, specific sentences, and even singular words to mask the lies they had perpetuated for over a year.
There comes a point when the only thing to do is to stand up to this behaviour, because it destroys people and destroys lives. Put simply, it is bullying, which scares and silences people. We all know this isn’t acceptable, at any level. We won’t and can’t believe in a world where there is no accountability for this.
Though this action may not be the safe one, it is the right one. Because my deepest fear is history repeating itself. I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.
We thank you, the public, for your continued support. It is hugely appreciated. Although it may not seem like it, we really need it.'
The following morning, the final day of the tour, Harry and Meghan arrived for engagements united and holding hands. It was very much business as usual as they kept the focus on their work despite the media storm which circulated in the hours following the statement. Harry told those present: "We believe in you, and we intend to spend our entire lives making sure you have the opportunity to succeed and change the world."
The tour concluded with a special meeting with Graca Machal, widow of the late Nelson Mandela and a prominent humanitarian and politician in her own right. Afterwards, they attended a reception celebrating the UK and South Africa's business and investment relationship. Guests included South African investors and entrepreneurs. They also met representatives from Meghan's patronage the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
We heard several powerful and inspiring speeches from both Harry and Meghan throughout the tour. In some ways, I think Meghan saved the best for last, delivering deeply moving words on how heavily the death of Uyinene weighed on her, feeling powerless and sharing hope for the future: "I have learned from the people I’ve met here, that whether it’s about society’s expectations of masculinity or femininity, or how we divide ourselves by race or faith or class or status- everyone has value, and everyone deserves to be heard and respected." It was a fitting close to a successful and memorable tour.
Back in the UK, the Sussexes and the Cambridges worked with Notting Hill director Richard Curtis on a landmark three-minute film, Every Mind Matters, which was broadcast across several leading UK networks.
Meghan brought back her green engagement dress by P.A.R.O.S.H. for the moving and inspiring WellChild Awards.
As Harry addressed the audience, he was visibly emotional as he discussed becoming a parent and attending the awards last year knowing Meghan was expecting: "Last year when my wife and I attended we knew we were expecting our first child - no one else did at the time, but we did - and I remember squeezing Meghan’s hand so tight during the awards - both of us thinking what it would be like to be parents one day and more so, what it would be like to do everything we could to protect and help our child should they be born with immediate challenges or become unwell over time. And now, as parents, being here and speaking to all of you pulls at my heart strings in a way I could have never understood until I had a child of my own." As I watched the video I teared up and I imagine there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
In their own words, Harry and Meghan shared their private battle as they spoke to Tom Bradby for ITV'S Harry and Meghan: An African Journey. In addition to promoting their work in the Commonwealth, this was an opportunity to speak directly to the public. It was particularly harrowing to hear Meghan detail her experience as a member of the Royal family: "I never thought it would be easy, but I thought it would be fair." She added she's more than happy to put her hand up and apologise for a mistake, but what do you do when the media are being told stories that are categorically untrue and they publish them anyway? How do you fight a narrative with no interest in facts? "It’s not enough just to survive something, right? That’s not the point of life. When people are saying things that are just untrue - they've been told they're untrue but they're still allowed to say them...I don’t know anyone in the world that would feel like that's okay."
Harry touched on his relationship with William. "Part of this role and part of this job, this family, being under the pressure that it's under, inevitably stuff happens. But look, we're brothers, we'll always be brothers. We're certainly on different paths at the moment but I'll always be there for him and as I know he'll always be there for me. We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we're so busy, but I love him dearly. The majority of this stuff in the press is created out of nothing, but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days." Toward the end, Tom Bradby asked Meghan what the future holds. She took a moment before replying they are taking it "one day at a time".
Meghan shone in purple Artizia for the One Young World Summit in London. She had worked closely with the organisation since her time on Suits and was greeted with an incredible welcome as she joined youth counsellors on stage.
Lady in Red Meghan attended a round table discussion on gender equality with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle. Harry spontaneously decided to join her. Meghan addressed the group telling them: "I think we're all aware that One Young World has been very important to me for several years and now being vice president of QCT - it just felt like the perfect medley. What you're all capable of doing independently is incredible but then when you work collectively, our intention today is to try to create somewhat of a task force to see what we can do within our communities and then use that knowledge to apply it to whatever is happening in all these other communities. In terms of gender equality, which is something I have championed for a long time, I think that conversation can't happen without men being a part of it."
The combination of a fitted Joseph sweater, leather Hugo Boss skirt and Sarah Flint heels made for one of her best looks of the year.
November
When Meghan chose to highlight the inspiring efforts of Luminary Bakery - a non-profit bakery empowering women into employment by providing skills, work experience and support every step of the way - for the September issue of British Vogue, I knew it would not be the least of her involvement. On 1 November, the Duchess paid a visit to mark the opening of their second branch in Camden.
The Duchess was joined by the Telegraph's Bryony Gordon, one of the young royals' most-trusted journalists, who covered the Heads Together campaign extensively. When Harry decided to share his own mental health struggles and the journey he's been through, he chose Bryony. Indeed, Meghan told Bryony she encouraged Harry to do the podcast. Bryony first met Meghan during a lunch before the wedding, where the journalist found she and the future duchess "were on the same wave length". They've kept in touch since. Bryony recalled also seeing Meghan a couple of weeks before the Tom Bradby documentary aired. More from the Telegraph: "Then, as in the interview, her eyes glistened when I asked her how she was. But if I have learnt anything about Meghan in the time I have known her, it is that she is a doer, not a wallower. She lives in the solution, not the problem. She told me that she didn’t want people to love her - she just wanted them to be able to hear her. I have found that this is what the Duchess of Sussex stands for: using her voice to help give one to people less privileged than her."
For a pre-Christmas engagement, the Sussexes spent time with the families of deployed personnel at the Broom Farm Community Centre in Windsor. It was a fitting engagement for Remembrance week and great to see Harry and Meghan supporting those close to their home. Around that time, it was revealed they had started taking Archie to a local playgroup.
Meanwhile, this little one stole Harry's heart. Yes, I know you're all thinking about a little sister for Archie :)
The Duchess looked regal in Sentaler and Philip Treacy for the poignant 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Ex-servicemen and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a cross carrying a personal message in memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of others.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the Queen and a host of royals at the Royal Albert Hall for the annual Festival of Remembrance. The period in November marks one of the rare occasions we see the family together in large numbers.
On Remembrance Sunday, the Duchess joined the Countess of Wessex and Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne's husband, on the balcony at Whitehall. It was Meghan's last official engagement of 2019. Tim O Donovan's annual Court Circular report put Meghan at 83 engagements for the year. A few events she attended during maternity leave and the tour were not recorded in the CC. Nor any mention for Forces For Change and the many visits to Smart Works ahead of the collection launch. In fact, I think only seven or eight of Meghan's private meetings and engagements were recorded for the CC in 2019. It's essentially up to each household to submit the list of engagements (usually done each working day). I presume at this point Harry and Meghan don't want to list much of their private work as much of it is leading to their foundation and initiatives in the planning stages.
Shortly after Remembrance Sunday, the Sussexes departed London to spend six weeks in Meghan's former home of Canada. They did an excellent job of keeping their location under wraps. Once it was revealed, to avoid endless speculation, the Queen's deputy communications secretary released a statement confirming the report: "The decision to base themselves in Canada reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both. They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son." On Vancouver Island, they have enjoyed runs together, hikes, explored with Archie, welcomed friends and, most of all, taken time to regroup and focus on what matters to them most.
During their time away, a genuine and damaging scandal hit the Royal family with full force as Prince Andrew gave a damning interview about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Questions about his association with the predator have lingered for years in addition to accusations regarding his involvement with young girls and women including Virginia Roberts. Andrew's supreme arrogance and lack of sympathy for the victims in addition to displaying a complete lack of regret over his involvement with Epstein saw him ousted from royal duties. There are multiple other scandals involving Andrew which are beginning to come to light, namely abuses of his role as UK trade envoy and using his role for personal gain. This is what a royal scandal looks like. Not Meghan wearing black nail polish or writing a message on a banana. As I read an article on this, I couldn't help but be reminded of the gratitude Meghan showed when she was announced vice-president of the QCT, all the while being battered for breathing, whilst in the background Andrew was getting away scot-free with abhorrent behaviour.
To celebrate Christmas, the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, of which Harry and Meghan are president and vice-president, shared their Christmas card showing the family of three smiling and sitting by the tree as darling Archie made a beeline for Meghan's longtime friend Janina Gavankar who took the photo.
As Harry and Meghan enjoyed their first Christmas with their little boy, they will no doubt have seen the vindictive reaction to their Christmas card amid the first peaceful time they've had since their wedding. It will have served as a searing reminder of exactly the impossible situation they are up against when they return to Frogmore Cottage, as soon as next week. It would seem nothing has changed. They return to face ferocious legal battles, internal family struggles, aides leaking like sieves, and a media who simply refuse to stop bullying Meghan. As they unwrapped presents with Archie and enjoyed family time with Doria against the backdrop of the scenic Vancouver Island, I imagine they've had conversations about the future and what's best for their family. Whatever they choose to do eventually, and whatever 2020 brings for the Sussexes, I hope they make their choice on that alone. Make no mistake, I believe they are both dedicated to the monarchy and willing to devote their lives in service of the Crown. They've already demonstrated that under tremendous pressure from the day they became engaged. To lose them would be an enormous loss to the UK and Commonwealth, not to mention the message this sends globally about how the first bi-racial member of the Royal family was treated. If they cannot go about their work as the other royals do, if the treatment of the past two years is indicative of the next two, then simply put, their happiness is worth more than this. We shall wait and see what the next twelve months bring; I only hope they are fairer than the last.
I really enjoyed this post- you have been one of the very few who has covered Meghan fairly and I agreed with everything you wrote! Thank you for all your work on this wonderful blog!
ReplyDelete-JF
Terrific article! Meghan & Harry had a wonderfully blessed year with many accomplishments! It’s awful that too many had no consideration for Meghan’s mental and physical health during crucial times, while she was pregnant & postpartum. The bullying & abuse was relentless and unfortunately continues. Only by God’s grace did she deliver a healthy baby, I pray Archie continues to thrive & be well!
ReplyDeleteI do hope the Sussexes win all of the lawsuits against the press, and large compensation is also awarded to Baby Archie. Time is well overdue for better press standards to protect everyone.
Whatever decisions the Sussexes make for their well-being, I fully support. I hope the new year will be happy & successful for the Sussexes & their supporters! Happy New Year!
Dena
That was a heavy one! You put it so well together, there is hardly any words left to utter. How the press could turn that lovely card into something sinister is beyond me, also what kind of people sitting there and doing this, is just absolutely unimaginable.
ReplyDeleteIt won't end well, I can't imagine how long one can take it, and it certainly does not help if someone discloses their whereabouts, risking their security. It could not come from BP then where?
Beautiful! I hope they get the rest and rejuvenation they need as a family.
ReplyDeleteSmall correction: they’re staying on Vancouver Island near Victoria, BC.
Victoria Island is far north and covered in ice.
Thank you very much indeed!
DeleteI'm from Detroit, and believe me when I say, I know what the two of you are going through. Stay strong! We (America), got your back!
DeleteCorrection to Anonymous @19:10: The city of Victoria, B.C. is on Vancouver Island and it is the capital of the province of British Columbia. It is certainly not covered in ice. The climate is very moderate. The city of Vancouver is on mainland
DeleteBritish Columbia, the most western province of Canada. Confusing, I know. It makes good sense for the Sussexes to base themselves on Vancouver Island as it is easily accessible from California, and is not as busy as say Vancouver. The area where they are reported to be staying is very scenic and lends itself to great outdoor life. Vancouver Island is the largest of the islands around B.C. and is a very popular vacation destination for Canadians. The Sussexes have picked an absolutely wonderful location for their break from royal duties.
No, Victoria ISLAND, as the poster said, is in the Canadian Arctic. Charlotte’s original post, which has since been corrected, referenced Victoria Island instead of Vancouver Island. You are the one who is confused.
DeleteOh way to go Charlotte!! Thank you for this posting...your last paragraphs are especially thought provoking. I am Canadian and so happy that the Sussexes have found some peace here on our west coast. Yes, we get a lot of celebrities here and they can usually wander into cafes, walk and hike in parks and trails unimpeded with the "media hoard". Your year in review really shows the incredible amount of work that they have both done. Couple this with the wedding and birth of their son, the absolutely horrendous media attack from the UK on every single breath they take....I'm surprised that they haven't just thrown in the towel. Most would. I hope that your msg gets out far and wide ...show a little kindness. Stop picking on every single detail. Step back and look at the big picture. Kudos for this today Charlotte. :)
ReplyDeleteOh charlotte. One of your best recaps ever.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, Andrew is a royal scandal!!!!
Oh my goodness Charlotte what an article! I am in awe of how you can highlight both the good and the bad with such fairness and grace!
ReplyDeleteWhile 2019 has certainly been a year of ups and downs for the Sussex's, it has been the same for this royal watcher and I'm sure for other royal watchers as well. I have been watching the BRF since William and Kate's wedding and have long admired the Queen and other family members sense of duty and of service to others. However, the family's continued silence and lack of public support for both Meghan and Harry as left quite a sour taste in my mouth. Now, before anyone says that the royal family rarely comments on these issues, and you would be correct, they have all found subtle and not subtle ways of signaling support for various family members. My particular sourness is focused on the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William. As Charlotte mentioned in the end of this article, the Prince Andrew scandal is a True Royal Scandal but the Queen has knighted Andrew as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (in 2011, when his friendship with Epstein was becoming known) and has been seen many times with Andrew recently. Now I'm certainly not suggesting that she completely abandon her son but if she can show so much support for Andrew, why can't she be bothered to show a bit of support for her grandson and his wife?
Prince Charles who has been dragged over the coals for his past behavior, which many are loath to forget, would certainly have empathy and sympathy for his son and daughter-in-law but somehow hasn't found the time to leak any tidbit of support. Lastly, Prince William who is an Anti-Bullying advocate could certainly make it known that the abuse his brother and sister-in-law have endured is unacceptable. Instead he made sure that he and his family were photographed on the tarmac taking a commercial flight right in the midst of H&M's private jet crucifixion.
As Charlotte stated above, I believe that Harry & Meghan truly want to be of service to others, to use their royal platform as a way to give a voice to those whose voices would otherwise go unheard but imho, the Royal Family needs to start acting more like a Family whose members actually care about each other and less Royal, otherwise I don't think the Sussex's will continue on.
Lauri
DeleteBeautifully said. I agree every word you wrote.
I agree; the BRF needs to step up and stick up for H&M, outwardly. And thank you Charlotte for your wonderful blogs.
DeleteCouldn't agree more, Lauri
DeleteLauri I agree 1000% !
DeleteJe n'ai rien à rajouter à votre commentaire .
Je prends tout ce que vous avez écrit et je me l'approprie si vous me le permettez .
Vous êtes une personne très éclairée et bienveillante.
Quant à Charlotte que serions nous sans votre travail si juste,si empathique ?
De tout ce que je lis, votre post est le plus complet, le plus véridique.
Je vous suis très reconnaissante.
J'espère que l'année à venir sera plus apaisée pour les Sussex même si ,je sais que c'est un voeu pieux.
Je n'arriverai jamais à comprendre le fonctionnement de la royauté britannique.
On protège certains ,on sacrifie d'autres.
Pourquoi la Reine a accepté l'union de Meghan et de Harry au départ ?
Ne savait elle pas que Meghan est une femme engagée et qu'elle est loin d'avoir le profil de la femme "lisse "? qui ne doit rester que dans l'ombre de son mari ?
Harry ne régnera jamais et sur ce point ,il est plutôt satisfait.
N'avait il pas dit lors d'un interview qu'aucun d'eux n'est heureux d'être souverain mais qu'ils assument leurs rôles par devoir ?
Harry faisait la une des tabloïds , pas pour forcément de bonnes causes.
La maturité acquise depuis sa rencontre avec Meghan, n'arrange nullement l'affaire des tabloïds.
Les futurs monarques sont protégés .
Le couple formé par le petit frère est harcelé pour les sublimer.
Je souhaite aux deux néanmoins la réussite, une excellente santé pour que l'année 2020 soit sous de meilleurs auspices..!
Bon week-end à tous et continuer à soutenir la famille Sussex avec tous les moyens dont vous disposez.
Ils n'ont personne. Ils n'ont que nous la communauté du post de Charlotte entre autres.
Vive la justice vive l'équité, la justice vaincra un jour tant qu'il y aura la vie.
Je vous aime car l'amour fini toujours par triompher et c'est ce que je souhaite aux Sussex.
Anne -Sophie
While your comments are very kind, I disagree. As this recap of all the wonderful things H&M have done in a short time proves that they are strong, committed and caring. I believe that comments or actions of protection from other members of the BRF will only make matters worse. Can you imagine the comments from the press if it is perceived that they need "coddling" and pampered? They should remain dedicated and focused on their work and family and ignore the negative comments from those who rarely print the truth on anyone. I have faith that they will forge ahead in their own strengths and talents.
DeleteFamily support means a disgraced member of the royal family is protected by her mother by travelling and smiling to church with her in the same car, many times during the scandal. Is it not pampering or coddling?
DeleteIf, they can do it for him, why not doing for the young couple?
How can the Queen be seen smiling and waving in a car with Harry and Meghan (as she did with Andrew) when Harry and Meghan have not gone to Balmoral or Sandringham with the rest of the family this year? I am a huge supporter of Harry and Meghan, and believe they had every right to spend time away and/or with Doria, but I also think it is unfair to blame the BRF for not showing the usual subtle support when it seems that Harry and Meghan’s own decisions have made that challenging. I have no doubt that, had they gone to Balmoral or Sandringham, we would have seen them riding to church with a smiling Queen.
Delete—MSDC
Come on! So they did not go, so the Queen remains silent. Andrew went and she supported his favourite son during those serious allegations. She showed her colours and it is not unfair.
DeleteAnother family support comes to my mind. Meghan goes for a Christmas party for the first time and one member of the family wears a racist brooch. Must have been an acccident too and nobody to blame.
Anon 13:44 and Sheila US, I share your viewpoint. I seriously do not believe that the BRF is turning their back on Harry and Meghan and how do we know that they haven't given them moral support? We don't, and Lauri, are you insinuating that William and Kate purposefully took a commercial flight to show up Harry and Meghan?? Maybe I misinterpreted your meaning, but it felt ike you thought it was a spiteful thing they did purposefully.
DeleteIsa, I remember the appalling incident with the brooch very well. A lot of people commented on how disgusted they were by that person's conduct. It did not go unnoticed and no-one thought it an accident. I'm sure there were people inside the RF who told the person so.
DeleteThe Queen included the photo of Harry, Meghan, Archie, Doria, herself and Prince Philip in her Christmas Message. If that is not an obvious sign of support, I don't know what is. Of course she would have mentioned it just like she had mentioned the births of other great-grandchildren, but she emphasised this birth in a very distinct way and she chose this particular photograph, not just a photo of the 3 of them (H,M,A).
While I am saddened by the current situation, I try not to forget one thing: what the tabloid press brings is abhorrent and shameless; what people who meet and greet H+M say and do is another thing! They have been shown a lot of support from the general public (and they have repeatedly thanked the people for it which shows they have felt and appreciated it), they have received a lot of encouragement and appreciation. I hope they will draw strength from that too.
Well said Zora. The Queen distinctly mentioned the birth of Archie which felt very much to me like a subtle sign of support. I don't know what more you would want, the BRF doesn't make public statements everday about every slight, nor should they. Harry and Meghan have a very loyal (and protective) fan base who shows them appreciate for their initiatives. There will always be people who don't support Harry and Meghan, no matter what they do. I would much rather surround myself with people who saw my vision and supported it, and slowly, hope that those people on the fringe would come to see the importance of my work and the sincere effort I put into it. I would rather gain their support by showing them what I am capable of achieving. I think there was more to the Queen's message about small steps than we might really know.
DeleteApparently I missed something with the racist brooch?? can someone please tell me what it was?
DeleteMy husband is in the military and people constantly tell me I knew what I was getting into. Well I didn’t. Nor did any other army wife I’ve come across. So I agree that Meghan didn’t really know what she was getting into. But she’s in it and I’d suggest ignoring the media as much as possible and going about your own life. There are actors and actresses who never read about themselves intentionally. As harsh as it sounds getting upset provides more news. I wish her the very best and I’m sure things will settle down eventually but in the meantime she should just keep her head up and moving forward. And try to avoid reading what is written or said about her.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy! As Meghan has said in the past she tends to not read her press but on occasion her staff needs to verify with her the accuracy of the various reports and I’ve heard that Harry does read the press so I don’t think there’s a way that she can avoid it completely.
DeleteThe first thing I notice as I read this recap is how much Meghan has accomplished in her first two years! She has done so much in her own unique way-cookbooks, clothing lines, and speeches. I highly respect her intellect, creativity, and work ethic. As far as the press goes I am horrified by their lack of respect and integrity. I could not work for someone who hounded a specific person and knowingly published lies. It is unconscionable. I hope there is a change for the positive immediately.
DeleteI agree. The only thing Meghan could have known is that perhaps everyone would want to know what she way wearing or doing, or perhaps that her job now would be charity work and lunches for the Queen. She could never have known just how hateful some people and the media would be. How could she? Even when the media was leaking topless photos of Kate in general she was not being vilified. I'm sure she expected some of the bs that comes with people not liking what you wear or how you cut your hair but good lord what she has received is way over the top.
DeleteYes, Andrew is the real scandal - and yet I still have not seen the level of hate and vitriol being spewed his way that Meghan gets for breathing.
Fair and quality commentary as always, Charlotte, thank you. I would not be surprised in the slightest if the Sussexes chose, if possible, to base themselves in another part of the Commonwealth. The incessant vindictive tabloid press coverage with no regard for the facts is a disgrace to this country. I would be very sad to see them relocate but could not blame them in the slightest and they would be able to focus fully on their work across the Commonwealth.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy! I agree that generally ignoring the media is best and I believe that Meghan tries to from what she has said before. However I think with this situation that is very hard to just ignore. I am a South African (commonwealth country) not British so this is my perspective.
ReplyDeleteHarry and Meghan from the beginning have attracted a very global interest. A lot of people want to see what this interracial, intercultural young couple (what was said to be a symbol of progression in Britain) could do in an institution that is the Royal family. The BRF has always had global interest especially with the Queen, Diana and her boys and one did hear bits and pieces of what was being said but not many paid as much attention. Now with this intense global attention what is being said in tabloid media and British tv networks seems to be taken as truth and reliable information. Then that information is being absorbed by countries like Australia, America, Canada and etc and discussed quite heavily. Countries like America and Britain are big media influences globally (as we know western culture influences the world stage). So this idea of Meghan that is being spread; is being pushed onto people globally whether people are looking for it or not. Now from what I understand the British people know that they tabloids are trash but the rest of world doesn’t fully understand that. Now on the one hand this young couple/family have to deal with the media pushing this ugly narrative and in the process of use Meghan’s name as a commodity. On the other hand it just gives the world an impression of a Britain being socially intolerable.
Now we know the media won’t stop because Meghan’s name sells but what bringing attention to it and the lawsuit does for me is that it would force a lot of people to realize how unreliable the tabloids are and that there is a serious journalist problem at play here. Yeah talking about it has added to the intensity but it has also showed quite a few people that the tabloids don’t speak for everyone. I hope this all makes sense.
Unfortunately, a negative story sells more than a good story. The media are always on the hunt for the black sheep in the family. And pretty much every public member of the BRF has felt the sting of bad press. I just thought the wedding and baby news, would prolong a good vibe surrounding Meghan. But that has not proven to be the case. And that's really sad. She's authentic, she's hard-working, she's smart, she's not shy about dealing with the media in a forthright manner- what's not to like? Plus she's pretty and looks great in designer clothes- good pictures galore. An editor's dream... I can only surmise that Meghan just engenders the xenophobic response that is in our culture right now. She's too "American", too "divorced", too "black" for the British establishment. That's a shame. I look to the Brits for more civility than us Americans. I hate to say it, but I was glad that Prince Andrew took the heat off of them. Here's hoping Meghan, Harry and Archie have a joyous New Year, and that we're allowed to watch! Best wishes to Charlotte and our community of fans for a great 2020. I am so ready to be rid of 2019- as I am sure Meghan is too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for your continued fair and respectful coverage of the royals. I am a fan of both Kate and Meghan and I am so sad to see this crazy media. I completely agree that Andrew is the real royal scandal. I hope Meghan and Harry continue to make a difference in the monarchy but COMPLETELY understand if they chose a different path.
ReplyDeleteThis was quite the year, wasn’t it? Meghan’s treatment vs Andrew’s true scandal(s) has left me shaking my head. I do think the Sussexes will try to find a way to continue, at least for awhile. If nothing changes and the next two years are the same as the last two, as you say, I think we’ll likely see them reconsider in some way. I’m both excited and anxious for 2020 royal watching.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful job, Charlotte. Thank you for all your work. May the Sussexes have a peaceful time together in Canada.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy! I agree that generally ignoring the media is best and I believe that Meghan tries to from what she has said before. However I think with this situation that is very hard to just ignore. I am a South African (commonwealth country) not British so this is my perspective.
ReplyDeleteHarry and Meghan from the beginning have attracted a very global interest. A lot of people want to see what this interracial, intercultural young couple (what was said to be a symbol of progression in Britain) could do in an institution that is the Royal family. The BRF has always had global interest especially with the Queen, Diana and her boys and one did hear bits and pieces of what was being said but not many paid as much attention. Now with this intense global attention what is being said in tabloid media and British tv networks seems to be taken as truth and reliable information. Then that information is being absorbed by countries like Australia, America, Canada and etc and discussed quite heavily. Countries like America and Britain are big media influences globally (as we know western culture influences the world stage). So this idea of Meghan that is being spread; is being pushed onto people globally whether people are looking for it or not. Now from what I understand the British people know that they tabloids are trash but the rest of world doesn’t fully understand that. Now on the one hand this young couple/family have to deal with the media pushing this ugly narrative and in the process use Meghan’s name as a commodity. On the other hand it just gives the world an impression of a Britain being socially intolerable.
Now we know the media won’t stop because Meghan’s name sells but what bringing attention to it and the lawsuit does for me is that it would force a lot of people to realize how unreliable the tabloids are and that there is a serious journalist problem at play here. Yeah talking about it has added to the intensity but it has also showed quite a few people that the tabloids don’t speak for everyone. I hope this all makes sense
Tatz, thank you for your thoughts. Unfortunately, it is the ignorant, uneducated and acid tongue population who thrive on mis truths. Can you imagine being a reporter who chooses to work for these rag papers knowing each day they rise to hurt good people through their words. Obviously, not one has ever dreamed of winning a Pulitzer.
DeleteThank you so much for these year-in-review posts!
ReplyDeleteWhat I wondered back then and I am still curious now: Where was Harry's maternal uncle Charles, the Earl of Spencer, for Archie's Christening? It is always emphasized that Harry is especially close to his mum's relatives and both his aunts, Jane and Sarah, are in the Christening picture, but he is notably absent. Is it known why he wasn't there for the Christening?
The first thing I thought when I read your post mentioning Vancouver Island & saw the stock photo you shared.... it reminded me of the time W&K spent in Anglesey! Everyone was so supportive of their time there, in the early years of their marriage. I can envision a similar scenario where H&M could be able to have a home base there in Canada, a Commonwealth Country, to do their Commonwealth Work whilst still being in touch with The Palace & traveling back to the UK for important BRF Events.... at least for a year or so, just as W&K were able to do from Anglesey. Makes sense to me.... but of course no one in the BRF has asked for my input! lol :) xx Praying for a peaceful resolution to all this!
ReplyDeleteI think it’s a little disingenuous to suggest that Harry and Meghan could base themselves on Vancouver Island, a distance of 7,600 km from London, and that that would be comparable to William and Kate’s living in Anglesey (560 km from London). It’s hardly the same. And certainly the Cambridges took a lot of criticism for it. I don’t know what H and M should do-maybe living outside the UK would be best for them. But there’s no precedent for something like that.
DeleteI will say, William and Kate were far less engaged in Royal work early in their marriage than Harry and Meghan have been, so it’s really strange that H and M receive so much more negative press. It seems the press will push whatever narrative they decide on, regardless of what’s really happening.
CJ
Becca USA - I too have thought the same. I think H&M could quite happily to move to a Commonwealth country, and still be able to do their duty to the Crown. I think we'll see their future unfold once their foundation is up and running. For me, I think they should be placed where they feel the most happy and comfortable. Bel.
DeleteWhile I'd love to see Harry and Meghan base themselves anywhere outside of England, I believe they would have to wait for Meghan's citizenship to be finalized first.
DeleteThank you very much for this excellent recap of this most eventful year, Charlotte. Wish for good things for the Sussexes. Happy new year!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing too recap pretty charlotte the duchess of sussex is a great and wonderful year as a part brf she and catherine are the example of young royals to be simple and good
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte, for posting all the wonderful things the Duchess has done in the last year. Any fair-minded person would have to be filled with admiration for her big heart, her dedication to helping others, and her warm and energetic personality. Her treatment at the hands of the press breaks my heart. I also wonder how British law allows this continuous persecution of someone with one false story after the another. Daily Mail is particularly vicious in turning every story into something that paints Meghan in the worst light possible with false claims. Their readers believe every lie and use it to fuel their hate. Personally, I've never seen anything like it.
ReplyDeleteIt would be tragic if the BRF lost these two stars. But I hope Meghan and Harry will put their personal and their family health and happiness above all other concerns.
Thank you so much for your wonderful coverage of this wonderful woman. I pray they will find a way to enjoy their lives without this constant barrage of hate.
R
Charlotte, I am curious - do you think that Meghan made any missteps at all? Or is she completely blameless in the debacle with the press?
ReplyDeleteNone of the royals are perfect, including Meghan. They all make errors and missteps because they are all only human.
DeleteI think because I started this blog so early and was documenting events, appearances and background from the beginning of her "royal life" that I see she's held to a completely different standard. All royals go through difficult periods with the press, but this is unprecedented and unwarranted bullying. She must be the first royal in history to be attacked for wanting to use her role for good. There is no scandal, yet even the Christmas card is blown so drastically out of proportion.
I honestly believe whether you like or dislike her, this is about the setting of a very dangerous precedent. Are we going to accept this as standard treatment from here on in? Will it be George's wife next or Princess Charlotte when she grows up? We have to remember there's no scandal here. No divorce or explosive affairs like Charles and Diana, no exploitation of the role and abhorrent conduct like Andrew. The big crimes are wearing nail polish, taking private jets over the summer, and a whole host of lies which they are taking legal action on.
I've always said on both blogs, we have the right to expect duty and work on behalf of the Queen, UK and Commonwealth from our royals. That is their obligation. They don't owe us anymore than that.
Brilliantly said, Charlotte, and 100% credible because you have been there since day one. I was there a little ahead of you in the Tig days because I serendipitously stumbled onto the blog and found its content inspirational. I also followed the DK at the time and was thrilled that you started MAM. Many thanks for that (and your splendid coverage of both duchesses) because we lost the Tig when Harry met Meghan.
DeleteH&M's luxe bolt hole in Victoria is very near my cousin's home at the foot of North Hill Park where the royals and their security personnel were spotted by the general public. The publisher of the local paper, getting significant flack for printing that information responded saying that they reported only sightings in the general public. They knew their address and other details they would not reveal private information, merely the information received from a couple of blabby locals. Alas, as I feared, the international press did get wind of that, but generally, those headlines didn't make the global papers until several days later.
As celebs are regularly spotted in Victoria and on the Saanich Peninsula environs, most locals leave them alone and respect their privacy. We are like that. For example: Christmas Day my cousin recounted a call from a friend asking in jest whether H&M were joining us for dinner. Her answer was, "I'm sorry. I cannot confirm or deny that fact." Tight lipped even when joking.
I hope H&M return to their duties refreshed and renewed. I hope they find the strength to carry on in spite of the abuse hurled their way and continue to improve the lives of the many their foundation will serve. How the rancour in the press will eventually play out or how that might be best mitigated is too difficult to predict.
From my point of view, there really is a distorted approach to Meghan from the British media. I just wrote a comment about the double standard for her below. I believe the process is unfair to her and most if all, for some reason, she was left alone for that battle on her own (apart from Harry).
DeleteWhat I saw as unfortunate on the PR side (NOT on Meghan's side) were these moments: 1) marketing the "fab four" by the palace (including The Royal Foundation and its forum etc.) and then abruptly ending it. It left a bitter aftertaste. 2) very badly handling Meghan's paternal family and its issues. 3) breaking the previously announced scheme about Archie's birth's coverage. I think this really enraged the media and as much as I understand it was for privacy's sake, I did not like being given false information on that day. 4) I think Meghan's friends talk too much - especially some of them. I think letting her friends speak for her never brought Meghan anything good, those who like her already "know" her and those who want to see the bad things...won't get their opinions changed by Daniel Martin and others.
A lot of damage was done by three people: Samantha Markle (horrendous, apparently broken woman), Tom Markle (broken man, possibly very ill) and Piers Morgan (I am lacking words).
I think these were the moments that made it even more tough for Meghan, but again, I am not saying she is the guilty part. Quite certainly she was trying her best and still is, and for the most part I blame the Palace PR. I agree that the harshness of coverage against Meghan is quite unprecedented. So just my two cents.
Ella
I understand your point, but if the royals don't owe the public anymore than duty and work on behalf of the Queen, by those standards Andrew was a very hardworking member of the RF, who did his duty consistently, in fact he worked much more than many younger royals.
DeleteWhy would his private life and his character matter?
I believe the question is more complicated than just doing one's duty.
Nicely said Charlotte!
DeleteCharlotte, your last paragraph says it all . To my eyes, Meghan and , more especially Harry (because he had to suffer from the press since a very young age) have done a very good and very good willed job with the press , e.g. Harry coming to announce Archie’s birth , he was absolutely sincere and not at all reluctant to speak with the journalists (of course it was not the big affair as for W and K children ...), and when working it seems they always do the job with the press .
DeleteLooking at the BRF situation , we do not actually know a lot about their private life .... I did not know much about my boss private life when I was a working person ! So ....
it would be a great loss should H and M give up their royal position , and imo a loss for Charles and then William ,from the day the Queen won’t be there anymore , because the amount’ of work is still the same, and there are less people to do it , mainly due to Charles decision , if I understand well . Loosing the help of his younger brother would not do any good to William, because of the work load, but also because Harry , now with the help of Meghan , gives a more modern twist to the BRF work . Possibly William does not like it that much, however ...
All that to say that some support from the family would be most welcome , the Queen is so good at showing support by small paint touches such as quoting Archi’s birth in her Christmas speech !
I do not know if Harry could give up his role in the firm , but I am quite sure he is not the man to stand that sort of painful situation for long .....
@ H, His friendship with Epstein and the charges leveled by Ms. Roberts have been floating around for years and the royal family did nothing until how he funded his lifestyle was being questioned and then out the door he went. The royals certainly don't want anyone looking into their various friends and the "gifts" they receive from them.
DeleteH, I know what you mean. We do expect a certain level of conduct and decorum from the royals in their lives outside of their work.
DeleteI think Andrew was derelict in his duty by using his position, representing the crown and the UK, as trade envoy for personal gain. Just before he was sacked from the position, he was on the cusp of getting millions for brokering a deal - not supporting the UK but himself. It's come to light the Grenadier Guards were forced to pass Philip's role to him against the wishes of senior personnel. He used a pseudonym to set up a business with a tycoon, he was financially profiting from Pitch at the Palace, there have been accusations of racism from aides at Downing Street. I could go on quite a bit as these are just a few examples of his gross misuse of his role. It certainly seems Andrew was working for personal interest and not the monarchy. And that's all before we even mention Epstein.
What I meant by they owe us duty is that we don't have the right to invade their personal lives. Obviously if they were behaving disgracefully by befriending and staying at the residence of a paedophile that would be different. They are not pocketing from the sales of the Smart Set or the Invictus Foundation nor abusing their roles. It's sort of incredible to me they are even mentioned in the same sentence as Andrew, and that's pretty much what we've been seeing in the media.
Anon 16:44 I agree with most of your points however I disagree with your criticism of how Archies birth announcement was handled. There wasn’t false information even though many interpreted that way. And due respect it’s not about what information you personally would have appreciated. You aren’t owed anything related to Archie. They said from before his birth their child would be private. His birth, his life etc. and they have not deviated from this. He is an untitled non hrh 7th in line to the throne and will not be a working royal. They could have announced his birth months later and it would have been perfectly fair. They’ve been more than generous in what they have shared and are STILL attacked for it. The entitlement to this private infant boy is frankly shocking.
DeleteAnon 00:47, personally I don't require any information about Archie, and I wouldn't have minded if they announced his birth a week or a month later. I think he is a beutiful baby but if they decided never to photograph him again, I wouldn't be mad, it is their parental right. BUT the mishap was - the couple's spokespeople said the press will be informed as soon as Meghan goes into labor. They indeed released the "she is in labor" information, only to deny it a few hours later. In fact, Archie was already born when they said that Meghan is in labor.
DeleteHonestly, I couldn't care less about if poor girl was in labor since midnight or 6 am (this really is incredibly private and sensitive information and I don't really understand why they said they'd release it in the first place), but they released information that was not true. That was the sole thing I criticised. I hope this clarifies my point a bit more.
Ella
I agree with Anon 16:44 regarding how the announcement of Archie’s birth was handled. H&M released a statement and said the press would be notified when Meghan was taken to the hospital. This did not happen. They notified the press hours after Archie had been born. The issue is don’t announce you are going to do it one way and then do something completely different. This is what annoyed the press about the birth. I support their right to do whatever they want to do concerning the birth of their son but I think they opened themselves up to criticism the way it was handled. Don’t release a statement giving specific details of what would be released and then do the opposite. I agree whole heartedly that H & M have either received bad PR advice or are not listening. The Markle debacle and Meghan’s friends speaking to the media did not help them. I can’t imagine why H&M would ever sanction her friends to talk about her to the media because I can’t believe the friends would talk without her knowledge. Hopefully, they will be able to close the door on 2019 and not look back. I can’t help but feeling they should also reflect on some of their decisions which fed the media frenzy. I understand they are not at fault and am not blaming them, however, when you are a member of the BRF you do have to consider things differently than most people even celebrities.
DeleteI still think you’re speaking with a sense of entitlement and sour grapes about what was shared about Archies birth. I think they envisioned it going a certain way, and were trying to manage expectations about what would be shared and then due to all sorts of unpredictable and frankly private aspects of a woman giving birth, it didn’t happen exactly that way. It was overnight, it was fast, perhaps there was a minor complication no one was the wiser to that caused them to pause in what had been released. I just don’t see it as an epic misstep on anyone’s part and I frankly find ALL the interest in royal women’s bodies, pregnancies, labors, births, and appearances before the press really disturbing in this day and age. Including the HRH styled Cambridge children. The fact that we are even discussing timelines of when what are essentially private medical details are publicly shared is just wild to me. I wish they would all shift to delayed announcements and allow new mothers and new infants a brief period of private adjustment. It also appears to me Harry and Meghan seem to wish to do their own thing with regards to their PR. And maybe their staff who works for them, needs to pay better attention to their communication wishes. It may have been their plan all along for Harry to informally chat with the press as he did, and I thought was quite genuine, but press releases were still issued without them fully realizing what was happening, as one would assume with their attention on the labor and birth. I maintain this is less of a pr “scandal” than it was spun into.
DeleteFabulous post, Charlotte. I look forward to seeing more of the Sussex family and the great work they do (despite the negatives) in 2020; hope they got some well-deserved R&R in Canada. -op
ReplyDeleteCharlotte what an incredible re-cap. I was rolling at your comment “this is what a royal family scandal looks like”. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThe Sussex’s will not leave the Royal Family, not now, not ever. Unlike William and Kate, who were also younger when first married, these 2 started with a bang on Day One. Hopefully this break has been rejuvenating, reflective, and filled with great memories!! Happy New Year all.
I don't know Rita, Harry's mentioned before that he has thought about leaving and becoming a guide in Africa. Really what's the advantage to them staying? They'd still have the same global reach, perhaps even more because they wouldn't have to worry about pleasing this person or that person. They would have the ability to fund their own lifestyle instead of relying on the financial support from family members that might not be interested in keeping them in a certain style. I do believe that H&M will continue to try it the Royal way for a while longer but in the end their personal well being and the wellbeing of their son is much more important.
DeleteI've been reading your blogs for a few years now and though I have enjoyed all of them (read: live for them), this one prompted me to comment (and I've actually never commented on a blog). It was not only a wonderful encapsulation of their year, the closing was beautifully written. I feel such compassion for the two of them, especially Megan, so it's heartwarming to read the empathy in your words. If your blog was the only media they read, they would be immensely better for it. Thank you for your kindness and fairness in a world that sorely lacks both.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting Maureen, I hope to hear from you again :)
DeleteThank you, Charlotte - this is a wonderful recap. Let’s hope that 2020 is a good year for the Sussex family and everyone on this blog.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of Harry and Meghan. I do however wonder why Meghan thought it would be fair? From Princess Margaret to Princess Diana including the Duchess of Cambridge and many other members of the royalfmaily (male and female), the press was having a field day being unfair. Over and over again, as we all know. Whilst I believe that fairness SHOULD be a given, I unfortunately do not think that it was ever part of this package. I do also think that Meghan has copped it hard because she has defended the weak, promoted equality and supported girls, women and the climate. This is unfortunate also, but it attracts more attention than visiting hospitals and cutting ribbons. I wish all the strength in the world to Harry and Meghan, so that they can continue on their important work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for an impressive round up of a momentous year. Life is never fair nor easy as many of us can attest to. I commend the young Canadian poet Rupi Kaur to you all. Her poems are easy to read and deal with many issues some very much dear to Meghan.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for a fabulous article. I just read an interview with Zara and as much as I like her and her family, I couldn't not notice how some things she said would be heavily criticised if Meghan said/did them, while Zara gets away with it and even gets a "down-to-earth" label. E.g. talking about having a nanny & staff, possibly moving away from the UK, buying quite unnecessary stuff for kids etc. I was very sorry to read another example if unfairness. For those interested and to properly mention the source - it was Now To Love.
ReplyDeleteElla
Zara is not a senior working royal, nor does she have a title. That's a big difference.
DeleteZara is not a good comparsion. She is not a working royal and is not funded by the Civil list. As a private citizen, she earns her own money and can spend it on what she chooses.
DeleteAnonymous 14:32 the only persons who is funded by the civil list is the Queen and Prince Charles and I think Prince Phillip not the Sussex’s nor the Cambridges
DeleteI know Zara and Meghan can't be 100 % compared, but I wanted to say that similar things appear when Zara's and Meghan's (Tindalls' and Sussexes') lives and lifestyles are described. And whereas Zara is being applauded for them, Meghan gets dragged. Of course there is the "working royal" aspect, but not to the extent not to see the double measure for Meghan vs any other royal.
DeleteElla
As usual, your analysis is emotionally intelligent and insightful. Thank you for a great 2019 on this blog and many more! Thank you, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteVancouver Island is my idea of heaven on Earth. Aren’t they lucky? I cherish every moment spent there. So glad they have this time to themselves.
ReplyDeletebeautiful
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. Thank you, Charlotte. Everyone enjoy a safe, prosperous and happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, you said it perfectly. Just perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI remember a few years ago Sarah was caught trying to sell an audience with andrew for a half-million. I thought how understanding Andrew was for continuing his relationship with her. Now I know why. But I don't know why someone like the Queen or Charles didn't stop Andrew's profiteering years ago.
This is so well researched and written. It should be required reading for all members of the British royal press corps. Thank you for articulating how NOT NORMAL the treatment of Meghan has been compared to other members of the Royal Family. The bullying is appalling and needs to stop. As a Canadian, I would love it if they continue to spend more time in our country.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for this wonderfully put together review. What an amazing body of work was carried out by Meghan and the Sussexes as a duo in 2019. I know that the later part of the year brought it anger, worries and stress and I am glad they are taking time out. I am so glad they have been able to rest and connect with themselves and I pray they return rejuvenated. Thank you for making the later part of last year as bearable as could be for us Sussex and royal watchers.
ReplyDeleteI hope they are successful with the actions they have taken against the press. I also wish them success with starting their foundation this year. I am positive that 2020 will be good for them and us all. I hope as the Sussexes have taken time to reflect the RF as a whole have done the same and come to the conclusion that more success is had by all when they all work together, present a untied front (and are as united as can be) and stop letting the courtiers brief against one of their own their own to the press.
I want us to have less of the leaks on all sides to the press. I don't fully agree with some comments that Meghan's friends shouldn't have defended her. It is not uncommon within the RF for friends of the royals to offer simple sound bites to the press from time to time. when others do it we lap it up as it is a way of getting to know more about them without it coming directly from the royals so we shouldn't begrudge friends who see unfair treatment of someone they love go out to bat for her. They never reveal anything too private and never have a bad word to say against any other person in the RF. We cannot blame the friends for the way the press frames their intervention, although i pray we have less interventions in 2020 as it means there is a fairer treatment of H and M.
I am looking forward to the projects, tours, visits , meetings and joy all their engagements will bring this year. I pray we all have joy and success in our lives and as royal watchers.
its good too see thw sussex family beautiful and growing
ReplyDeleteOh Charlotte - this just an outstanding recap of the Sussex’s year! Thank you so much for keeping us up-to-date on this blog - it is one of the most enjoyable reads ever. Happy new year to you and all the other folks who read and comment here!
ReplyDeleteSpot on..... awesome and heartfelt recap.... wishing only happiness and joy to the young family ..something every parent deserves...
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