In a thoughtful message, the Duchess of Sussex recorded a short video in support of America's Got Talent finalist Archie Williams after his harrowing story touched hearts all over the country. Archie was wrongfully imprisoned for 36 years, and throughout unimaginable difficulty, singing gave him hope and offered a lifeline in the darkest days.
The Duchess said: "I just wanted to let you know that we have been so moved by your story and we have been cheering you on every week - and it's not just because we are partial to the name."
Meghan added: "So a very special message to you that I'll probably be saying all of my life, but on this night it is specifically for you. Archie, we are proud of you, and we are rooting for you, and we can't wait to see what you do. We are in your corner. Have a good night!"
More from CNN:
'The singer moved judges during his audition when he told them he had spent 36 years in prison for a rape he did not commit. He said he had watched "America's Got Talent" while incarcerated and hoped to audition for the show one day.
After Williams spent more than a decade in Louisiana State Penitentiary, a maximum security prison with a violent reputation, the Innocence Project took up his case.
The legal nonprofit worked with Williams over the next 24 years and repeatedly requested DNA testing and fingerprint comparisons that could prove his innocence. Finally, in March 2019, he was cleared of the crime after his fingerprints were submitted into a powerful fingerprint ID system.'
An emotional rendition of 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' by Archie.
'Meghan and Prince Harry have been “watching the series and loved him from the moment they first saw him,” a source tells PEOPLE.
When asked by host Terry Crews how he persevered, he said, “Freedom is of the mind. I went to prison, but I never let my mind go to prison. When you’re faced with dark times, what I would do was pray and sing. This is how I got peace.”'
You'll notice we saw another peek inside Harry and Meghan's beautiful Montecito home.
We can see a Diptyque Tuberose Candle (with thanks to the Royal Home Style team). The scented candle is the brand's best selling fragrance. It's made using a blend of vegetable and paraffin waxes and poured in a hand-blown glass vessel. It's available in various sizes at Net-A-Porter and Harrods.
We also saw several books including Women: The National Geographic Image Collection. You may remember Harry took over the National Geographic's feed last September to share inspiring photos to encourage people to save our forests.
Annie Leibovitz's A Photographer's Life.
The Black Godfather by Clarence Avant tells the incredible tale of the music executive. The book inspired a Netflix documentary of the same name.
And Wood and Iron by Macarena Abascal. "Industrial style has become one of the most influential interior design trends of recent years. Following the second industrial revolution, strong developments in industry resulted in a change in the concept of furniture design in the same way as it transformed society. Its nostalgic aesthetic and the sincerity and crudeness of its materials and functionality made it popular in working-class neighbourhoods in the United States, giving birth to the loft living concept. The advent of new materials and the possibilities for bulk manufacturing gave rise to pieces that have today become icons of modern design. This book is intended as a source of inspiration and guidance for those making their foray into the world of industrial style, presenting the most influential names in the genre, anonymous pieces salvaged from junk shops and carefully selected interior design projects."
The Duchess chose a shirt by Victoria Beckham for her appearance on Time 100 earlier this week. For last night's video message, it was another style by the designer in camel (with many thanks to Meghan's Fashion). The piece features a pointed collar, a concealed front button placket, long sleeves, button cuffs and a straight hem. It's available in limited sizes at FarFetch. Meghan also wore black leather trousers.
And possibly her Cartier Love bangle.
It was a great look for Meghan and a very sweet gesture. Afterwards, Archie said he was "so surprised" and "it touched my heart".
Could Meghan’s earrings also be a piece from Princess Diana’s collection? They’re quite large and remind me of the large gold round button earrings Princess Diana often wore. 🤔
ReplyDeleteLove the black with brown/copper, taupe combinations Meghan is wearing. Seems to be a key part of her colour palette for the rest of the year. She looks just beautiful and seems full of energy. Archie's story is so tragic, and unfortunately, it is not singular.
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out the color palette Anon! It's one that I've been working on during the lead up to fall and know I have some more inspiration!
DeleteShe looks so amazingly happy and gorgeous! Love the black leather pants.
ReplyDeleteWhat an extraordinary story. Shocking. How brave to come out of that and move on. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteOn a more superficial note, I do like Meghan in the Victoria Beckham blouses, they look good.
As most of your posts cover rather serious issues that Meghan is highlighting I always feel a bit shallow wanting to talk about her clothes or decor but now, with this post I just can't help myself! I squealed when I saw the decor of this room!! This reminds me so much of photos we've seen of Meghan's townhouse in Toronto, the cozy but elegant decor, the neutral tones with pops of color from the flowers. Since the paint color is different from the color of the walls in other photos, I wonder if this is perhaps Meghan's office?
ReplyDeleteOn to fashion, I just noticed that she's wearing her "A" necklace!! How sweet and such a nice touch to honor her Archie as well as this Archie! I love this blouse just as much as I loved the one she wore the other night, both colors look fabulous on her. And leather pants that appear to have pockets! I've never seen such a thing but how great to know that they're out there.
Lastly, I want to say Thank You Charlotte! Given the nature of the last post and others like it, I can only imagine the vitriol filled and hateful comments you've had to read (and delete). You always select such positive and uplifting comments and for that I am truly grateful.
Thank you Lauri. I also noticed that much of what we see belonged to Meghan prior to her marriage. Lovely neutral taste. I do not recognize the pillows, they may be new or perhaps not. Meghan has always displayed a very admirable collection of coffee table books. I do recall that one of her first purchases when signing on with Suits was a Cartier Tank. I read that she had it engraved To Me From Me if my memory serves me correctly. The article mentioned at the time she intended to pass it down to her daughter one day as a reminder of what she could provide for herself. I may be wrong. I recall it catching my attention as I had passed my Cartier Tank to my daughter on the occasion of her 18th. birthday. I love seeing it on her wrist to this day.
DeleteI too wondered about the Cartier Tank watch and as you said USA Granny i thought I had read that Meghan had gifted herself one. But in the video it does look like a gold tank and I think Meghan bought herself a 2 tone gold strap and could the one she is wearing in the video be Diana's?? I love these little mysteries that we may never know the real story. Someone else may know more of the one Meghan bought for herself.
DeleteMeghan glow, shine shine my dear!. The word of God says we are the light of the word. The haters should know that. Meghan you are blessed keep on shining the the light of God
ReplyDeleteJust noticed the red high-lights in Meghan's tendrils. A lovely look, and a change up for the fall along with warm autumn colour palette? It's time for all of us to start pulling cooler weather clothes from our closets! I must say, though, that autumn is such a beautiful season in nature, and its my favourite! As always, thank you Charlotte for your newsy coverage. I always enjoy your meaty reports, and reading the comments. Thanks a million for curating the comments and discussion to keep them positive and thoughtful and fair.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great look! The lipstick is lovely! She looks so youthful and happy! Harry may have seemed happy to us in years past, but he also seemed lost. He must be enjoying this time so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post. A special message from a glowing Duchess for what looks like a sun filled comfy home! And the haters are again all over it..... for me it is an appropriate style for a young couple which have been able to buy a gorgeous house at a bargain setting up a family home in sunny CA. I don’t understand the jealousy surrounding every move of H&M yet the negativity fills lots of space and ensures some media high readership - MONEY! Some hate commenters from the press earn their high living with just this! I wish them all strength to do what they wish to do and succeed! And this home looks like a real home rather than some oldfashioned British royal homes at least the state rooms for guest hosting.
ReplyDeleteIn the UK, if you are brown and black solicitors or barristers, you are mistaken for being the defendant by members of the court and police. It’s a frequent experience. But nope, there’s no such thing as systemic racism here so say the righteous.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/dozens-of-asian-lawyers-say-they-have-been-mistaken-for-defendants
Of course there's racism in the UK, sadly. It's prevelant everywhere. It would be foolish to deny it.
ReplyDeleteI’m wondering if Meghan and Harry are researching The Innocence Project, with Archie William’s story included, for one of their Netflix productions. Would make sense.
ReplyDeleteRenee