Monday 8 March 2021

New Clips from Harry & Meghan with Oprah & The Sussexes Celebrate International Women's Day

Following last night's interview with Oprah, several additional clips from the conversation have been shared by CBS -- items of interest which didn't make the final cut in the two-hour special. First, today is International Women's Day and the couple will be welcoming a baby girl to their family this summer. To mark the news, Misan Harriman shared a beautiful photo of Harry holding Meghan while Archie snuggles to his mom.

New York based brand La Ligne confirmed the Duchess wore their flowing pyper dress in sage

Archewell has highlighted a number of organisations and actions people can take to support women this month. "We know the world is asking more and more of women every day—as wage earners, leaders, educators, carers, and more. In recognition of International Women’s Day, let’s unleash a groundswell of real acts of compassion for the women in your life and in your community." The page highlights a number of organisations Meghan has worked with, from her patronage Smart Works to CAMFED, UN Women, The Loveland Foundation and, close to Harry's heart, the Mission Continues' Women Veterans Leadership Program.

Suggested acts of kindness include making a meal to help out a woman you know, support a women's shelter, like the Genesis shelter in Dallas Harry and Meghan donated to; or Downtown Eastside Women's Centre in Vancouver - a place Meghan visited during the Sussexes' time in Canada. Committed to sharing in these acts, today, Harry and Meghan ordered delicious treats from Luminary Bakery for the women of Hubb Community Kitchen. I love the connection between the female bakery -- a non-profit empowering women into employment by providing skills, work experience and support every step of the way, and women whose lives were torn apart by the Grenfell tragedy bringing their community together through food. Both supported by the Duchess during her time in the UK and now from across the pond.

The Duchess highlighted Luminary Bakery when she guest-edited British Vogue. During a visit in November 2019, I'm reminded of Bryony Gordon's poignant words as she reflected on the engagement. They seem especially important following last night's interview. "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." As Meghan met with women who had been abused, trafficked and through unimaginable trauma, one lady, Tanya, apologised for crying. Meghan reassured her and said she was talking to someone the other day about today's "culture of instant gratification". The Duchess added, "We aren't mechanical objects that need to be fixed. You're a wounded creature that needs to be healed, and that takes time."

Today, Bryony reflected on that time in her piece Meghan told me about her problems – this is a storm that could have been avoided:

'Almost 18 months ago I sat on a sofa with a woman as she told me about the moment she had asked for help for her mental health, only to be denied it. I remember quite clearly the visceral feeling I had in my stomach as she explained to me what she had been told: and that was to suck it up, essentially. No can do. The feeling was visceral because, like many people who have experienced mental illness, I know what a colossal task it is to admit you are in trouble with your mental health. I also know what an absolute kick in the teeth it is to then be dismissed, shut down and denied that help.

I had a hug with Archie. Harry gave me a lift to my Uber, which was waiting at the gates of Windsor Castle, and we spoke about their recent tour of South Africa. Harry spoke lovingly of the impression that his wife made on the young girls they met, and how she didn’t understand the impact she had. 

It’s hard to underline how amenable and human I find the two of them, because every time I do this, I am met with eye rolls and pre-judgements that no amount of defending will ever be able to cut through. But my only job is to speak as I find, and what I have always found – from the moment I started working with Harry on the Heads Together campaign back in 2016, up until today – are two convivial, good-natured humans who are trying to do their best… however ill-timed that may look to a public who has perhaps learnt more about the Royal Family in the past 24 hours than in the past 24 years. '

In a letter to the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen, they wrote, "We are honoured to know such an amazing and inspiring group of women. And we're thinking of you often. In our conversations together, we frequently talk about how much we miss all of you - how much we miss your spirit, your commitment to serving others. We are overwhelmed by your kindness and optimism and have been delighted to learn of the volunteer work you continue to fulfil and develop."

*************

As noted, CBS shared several clips which didn't make the final cut of the interview on Sunday. In the clip below, Harry elaborates on the difficult process of returning to the UK from Canada before announcing they were stepping down, outlining how difficult it was to see his grandmother due to intervention from courtiers.

Harry speaks of the "toxic environment" due to the level of fear the press imposes over the family. On William, he said, "I will always be there for him, I will always be there for my family." Meghan discussed the coverage she received, explaining it was different due to racism. She recalled a member of the family telling her "we've all had to deal with rude coverage". Meghan continued, "Rude and racist are not the same." Harry said it would "make a huge difference" if his family acknowledged it.

Asked if family members have reached out to apologise, Harry replied, "No, sadly not."

Meghan was asked about her half-sister Samantha.

On the events which unfolded with her father before the wedding, Meghan recalled asking him if he was working with the tabloids. "'I just need you to tell me. And if you tell me the truth, we can help. And he wasn't able to do that." Meghan noted the tabloids were aware Thomas Markle was working with the media for several weeks, but chose not to realise until a week before the wedding.

Oprah in conversation with Gayle King this morning.

Tweeter Best of Diana shared a very sweet video from the end of the video - the Sussexes at the beach near their home with their dogs.

The interview has been the talking point both in the UK and US today, extending to the highest political office. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was asked about it. "I have always had the highest admiration for the Queen and the unifying role that she plays in our country and across the Commonwealth. As for all other matters to do with the Royal family, I have spent a long time now not commenting on Royal family matters and I don't intend to depart from that today." President Biden's press secretary Pen Psaki commented saying, "Meghan Markle is a private citizen, and so is Harry. At this point, for anyone to come forward and speak about their own struggles with mental health and tell their own personal story takes courage - that's certainly something the president believes in." Psaki added, "We aren’t going to provide additional commentary from here on behalf of the president or others, given these are private citizens sharing their own story and their own struggles. Let me just reiterate that we have a strong and abiding relationship with the British people and a special partnership with the government of the United Kingdom on a range of issues, and that will continue."

Embed from Getty Images

It was notable to see First Lady Jill Biden in the same lemon print Oscar de la Renta dress Meghan recently wore. The First Lady has already proved herself a masterful dresser, deploying sartorial diplomacy with aplomb. There's been no official word or suggestion the choice is related to Meghan, but I thought it interesting to note. The first lady was speaking at the virtual International Women of Courage awards.

Embed from Getty Images

Meanwhile, former First Lady Hillary Clinton condemned the "cruelty" of the British tabloids toward Meghan. Speaking on a Washington Post Live she continued, "The fact she did not get more support, that the reaction was, you know, ‘let’s just paper it over and pretend it didn’t happen or it will go away, just keep your head down’—well, this young woman was not going to keep her head down. This is 2021 and she wanted to live her life and be fully engaged and she had every right to hope for that."

I also wanted to briefly touch on the symbolism of Meghan's dress and jewellery. There was significance in Meghan's dress and jewellery for the interview. As previously noted the Duchess' dress is the Armani's Long Triple Silk Georgette Dress.

Victoria Murphy reported, "Town & Country understands Meghan specifically chose a dress with a lotus flower for her landmark interview with Oprah because of the symbolism behind the bloom." The flower is associated with rebirth, resilience and the ability to flourish amidst challenging conditions.



The Duchess accessorised with Princess Diana's shimmering tennis bracelet - a piece she's worn on several occasions. The bracelet is an incredibly special piece for the couple, not only because it was Harry's mother's, but two stones from the bracelet were used to craft Meghan's three-stone engagement ring. People magazine learned Meghan chose the bracelet "so Diana could be with them" during the interview.

Diana wearing the bracelet in 1997 for one of her final public appearances.

Embed from Getty Images

Meghan wore her Pippa Small Aquamarine Collette Pendant. The jeweller told Town & Country"I am so honored she chose to wear this piece. It has brought us attention at a time when work has been challenging for us all this past year, and this certainly gives us a boost. Meghan is again showing her solidarity with ethical brands." Pippa added, "We wrote to Meghan a few years ago and told her about the work we do with many charities, communities, and also ethical projects with fair trade and fair-mined gold all over the world."


Meghan also wore her Cartier Love bracelet, a piece she's had since she was dating Harry.




It looks like Meghan wore her Birks Bee Chic Blue Topaz earrings.


These too, are memorable pieces from Meghan's collection; she wore them for a Sentebale polo march shortly after the wedding.


You might remember this photo from the day!


Separately, the Duchess was filmed with Oprah and Harry visiting their rescue chickens in 'Archie's Chick Inn'.


Meghan's casual look was very much reminiscent of her Suits days, describing their life now as "peace", adding how happy she is to be living "authentically".


Meghan wore a dark moss lightweight J Crew jacket and Hunter wellington boots (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).


I want to close with a word on comments surrounding mental health. Absolutely no person has the right to decide if another is struggling with their mental health or not. If we have learned anything societally, in our communities, our families, it is that we never truly know what anyone else is going through behind closed doors. Unkind comments will not be tolerated in this space. The past 24 hours have amplified how much needs to be learned when discussing mental health.  It was encouraging to see this statement from one of the UK's leading mental health charities, Mind, tonight.

The charity has encouraged anyone impacted or struggling with their mental health to contact Samaritans at 116 123. For those in the US, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis centre.

Admin Note: Comments on this post are now closed.

69 comments:

  1. It's going to be hard to top that photo! At least until Ms Baby Sussex is born. I can't imagine how much Harry is enjoying his freedom, with his amazing wife and son ... and dogs and chickens! I love chickens; they are wonderful animals and very soothing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for this wonderful post. I watched the entire interview on Sunday night and was happy to hear Harry and Meghan's own words and see them together. Meghan's dress draped around her nicely and was a fantastic choice for a seated interview. Oprah Winfrey did an excellent job.

    ReplyDelete
  3. https://static.ok.co.uk/media/images/625x938_ct/1222836_GettyImages_1083374596_7a628a945b4b6aa9e4032c84a153fb29.jpg
    This is a woman in torment. I don’t care how you slice up the rest of the interview, she needed help here. I can’t fathom why both Harry and William could get therapy but not her. It’s unconscionable. I do think Harry needs to own his part for being embarrassed that she needed help though. But this institution clearly needs to have a default mental health strategy for newcomers. They all need it. It’s a terrible shock and transition. As someone who’s been suicidal myself and lost an uncle to suicide this past summer, I am just appalled. I keep hoping there is some terrible misunderstanding or something.
    The best quote I saw today was “the DoS will never see you doubting her struggles and cries for help but your friends who have struggled with suicidal thoughts will.” -PB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. It seems some people are talking about Meghan’s mental health struggle like she was too weak to join the royal family. No! I keep thinking of Empress Masako who, after marrying into Japan’s imperial family, had a huge struggle with depression. (She’s overcome it in recent years). She is highly educated, accomplished, etc, just like Meghan. It just goes to show how much of a gilded cage monarchies are. And Megan had to deal with racism, too. I can imagine how lonely that would’ve felt. I’m so glad she’s still here!
      -Victoria in Oregon

      Delete
  4. This is a calming image after yesterday’s bombshell.
    “I lost my baby” March 7 interview
    “As I held my first child, I was losing the second one” November NY times on the July loss.
    As you hold your first child, gratitude for the miracle child who showed up there after.
    Accept what is meant to be.
    I hope yesterday’s interview has the most meaning for the couple and gives them a closure.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Charlotte, I just want to say Archwell Foundation is partnered with The Loveland Foundation which gives affordable and accessible health care to black women and girls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is an excellent partnership!

      Delete
  6. Tammy from California9 March 2021 at 00:23

    I think there might have been a time for Piers Morgan in journalism, but perhaps that time is over.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol. Someone tweeted that he counted 55 tweets in one week by Piers Morgan ranting on Meghan.

      Honestly though I find it a bit unnerving to see anyone be the object of that much hate from a TV host.

      Delete
    2. Piers Morgan is a disgusting scumbag.

      Delete
    3. Absolutely right!! That man has targeted Meghan with his vitriol ever since she distanced herself from this "journalist" after discovering his true intentions. His giant ego was bruised and his shameful rhetoric ever since then has brought nothing but shame to his already battered reputation.

      Delete
    4. ILoveElephants9 March 2021 at 14:29

      @2:43, a disgusting scumbag is nicer than the term I would use to call him.

      Delete
  7. Dear Charlotte I found a bit of a mix up that I wanted to point out, when Harry talks about the "toxic environment" and the level of fear Royal family members impose upon the press, I think you meant to say the level of fear that the press imposes on the royal family members.

    ReplyDelete
  8. As someone who has suffered with severe depression and suicidal thoughts, it’s very upsetting that someone like Piers Morgan is allowed to be on public television and call someone a liar. It takes true courage to speak up about your own failing mental health. Piers Morgan’s comments, are a huge part of the problem. To belittle someones feelings in such a way, is truly horrible. Charlotte- I also don’t understand something, wasn’t the Heads Together program intended to help those with mental illness? How could the system have failed Meghan so much? My heart truly hurts for them & all they have been through. I hope that they are able to find true peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He’s just been taken off the show, finally, after 41,000 complaints! Phew...
      -Victoria in Oregon

      Delete
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c
      His hateful speech has been beyond the pale since Meghan wisely "ghosted" him. No doubt Harry warned her of that much at least.

      Delete
    3. I volunteer with an ending generational poverty effort in my town. We all had a 1-day mental health training. One stark reality is that what might appear to the individual as a cry or plea for help is often confused with the average person's complaint of a "bad day" or "I'm done". We were trained to really look for any changes of behavior that a person exhibited. The only way to see changes of behavior is to spend time with people and actively observe. One grieving parent spoke with us. It was gut wrenching for her to admit that she missed all the signs. She thought her teen was just going through a "rough' time. Mental health is so misunderstood. Hat's off to those who dedicate their life to mental health. Your job although rewarding is likely exhausting.

      Delete
  9. Denise in Virginia9 March 2021 at 01:56

    I love this picture of Harry & Meghan & Archie! I'm so happy they've made it through the dark times, that they have each other and Archie and the new baby on the way (a girl!). hope they know that they have all kinds of people, all over the world thinking of them, praying for them, hoping for all good things for them. hate doesn't get to win.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the lovely photo and of course always impressed by your writing, Charlotte. My comment on the last post didn't post, but I'll sum: this interview was illuminating and I hope that Harry, Meghan, Archie & baby girl stay happy and keep moving in a positive direction. I'm aghast that the BRF didn't do better, that Meghan's dad didn't do better, and that Meghan suffered in silence. But I think the Sussexes are better off without the Firm. -op

    ReplyDelete
  11. The new picture is so beautiful.

    I can't stop thinking of Diana through all of this; not only about the parallels to her own life and struggles, but about the immense loss her absence continues to be. Having endured the same kind of pain, isolation, and subsequent emancipation, she would have been such an incredible advocate and support for Harry and Meghan during this time. I can't imagine she ever would've stood by in silence while they suffered, either.

    And it's just really, really sad that Charles hasn't learned to step up and be that person for his loved ones, even after all this time.

    Hoping Harry and Meghan can continue to find joy and peace moving forward.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes... it is sad that Prince Charles hasn't learned to step up as he should. But as they say... "you can't teach an old dog new tricks".

      Delete
    2. Some of their accusations are just unfair. Charles didn't cut off funding for their security in Canada and there is a lot of evidence to the contrary. Charles had never paid for their police protection in Britain and in Canada initially that continued to be provided by the Royal Protection Squad which is funded by the British taxpayer. They received this because they were part of the senior Royal Family and performed royal duties on the Queen's behalf. Commonwealth Countries supplement these forces when royals travel to their country on official visits. Remember when the couple stepped down they issued a statement to say they were not going to accept money from the British taxpayer in future and would repay the money spent on Frogmore Cottage. At that stage it looked as if they were intending to live in Canada longterm but then the Canadian Government announced that while they welcomed them there, their government would not continue to cover any security costs. When Harry says his father put pressure on them by cutting off their security in Canada we must remember that the Police Commander at that time has since issued a statement to say that there is no legal right for British police forces to operate longterm in other countries and that is why they are always supplemented by local Police bodyguards on short visits. But maybe Harry was referring to the withdrawal of Charles' financial support in general apart from security costs? We know that he has always been very generous to his family and extended this to Meghan by giving her a substantial dress allowance just as he had with Catherine after her marriage. I should imagine that he made a substantial contribution to their wedding costs and increased Harry's personal allowance. This was of course in the expectation they would be performing public duties on the Queen's behalf. It is well known that the Royal Protection Squad does not provide their services to non working Royals eg Beatrice and Eugenie. Harry and Meghan are no different once they stepped down. Comments have already been made that Harry had been left quite a few million by both his mother and the Queen Mother so he is not destitute. There is no evidence they have had to live more frugally in California so the implication that they were desperate for money is hard to fathom. Charles definitely has his faults but not caring for his family is not one of them.

      Delete
  12. PS I also wanted to add thank you Charlotte for talking about suicidal ideation and mental wellness. I am sorry to hear you are dealing with nasty comments like this. My cousin committed suicide and it is very horrific. I went to youtube to watch Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain and I was horrified how he spoke about Meghan. He didn't believe her suicide or words and belittled her on air not truly surprised I guess but thought he would at least not call her a liar. He was screaming at a Black woman defending her too. Also I went to the program called "This Morning" to get their take and the royal commentator also implied Meghan was lying about the story of Kate making her cry. The reporter Camilla Tominey who wrote the article claimed her sources were air tight and that Meghan did make Kate cry. The whole reporting on these two programs was really sad many on air tore her down.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Charlotte,

    Thank you for this quick Update. That’s the Sussex family -already contributing to what is important for them.
    The First Lady looks so good in that beautiful Oscar de la Renta Style.
    I like Meghans California style very much. Even her very long hair. The lotus flower is a beautiful symbolism. It grows out of the mud to blossom into these pure and wonderful shape.
    I am glad they have done this interview. It has freed them - no matter what the reactions are in the different sectors.
    It has shattered glass ceilings - lots of them. It will not lead to abrupt reactions and change, this can build up lots of resistance, defense and aggression from the other sides now.
    But they have placed an energy that will continuously progress and mark that things will never be the same.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Can you believe that Thomas Markle is going to come on Good Morning Britain tomorrow? You can watch it on Youtube if you are from America... I can't believe after the CBS interview Thomas couldn't give it a rest why can't he ever keep quiet poor Meg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thomas's appearance on Good Morning Britain was absolutely appalling. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He admitted that not only did he lie to Meghan about his collusion with the paparazzi, he apparently regularly blackmails Meghan and Harry by threatening to talk to the media every 30 days unless they contact him. That's downright abusive behavior.

      Not even mentioning the way he denied that the Royal Family/the UK in general could be racist. And he seemed more concerned about his own image than his daughter being suicidal.

      Delete
  15. Here perhaps we have perhaps an explanation why the palace is so keen on having an investigation about the alleged bullying by Meghan
    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/09/lawyer-accuses-palace-using-meghan-take-focus-off-prince-andrew
    I hope it doesn't work out.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love the Chick Inn!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I truly hope all those detectives who are trying to prove that Meghan did not lack for mental health assistance will just stand down. Stop trying to analyze, rationalize the situation. We were not there, we do not know much except what we are told. Meghan is smart, her mother and friends are smart -- if it was a problem, then I believe her. I'm just horrified that such a bright light was dimmed and am grateful that they found freedom. It feels increasingly like the RF members are used like dolls; I have long felt sympathy for William in this area and hope things change by the time his children are grown such that they can control their lives. I believe it is possible to continue the monarchy without keeping the key players from having their own lives.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This photo of Meghan, Harry and Archie in an embrace was healing for me. The courage that Meghan and Harry have shown in choosing to tell their truth, and the dignity they displayed in choosing not to name names are inspirational. Thank you, Charlotte, for this post, not only for the photo, but for the comments and clips that deepen the narrative.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Both Thomas and Charles put themselves before their children. The war waged on Meghan demonstrates how women, and minority women in particular, are targeted every day. Bravo to Harry for protecting his family.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gosh the Sussexes are the cutest! Love love love them!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm going to add another post. I realized that I am still shocked by the interview, so I fluctuate between enjoying the images, etc and reeling from what H&M said. It occurred to me that it seems that Charles has not been visiting Archie via zoom. That makes me so mad -- and not concerned for his safety. I'm sure Harry wants to get a relationship back with his father but he knows now that he cannot count on him; the relationship will have to be a lot different. I can't get some of what they said out of my head, though.

    Back to the incredible images posted -- I love that Jill Biden also has a lemon dress! I do think it was planned to show her friendship with Harry. Things are feeling very "The Tig" like with Meghan and I hope she continues to recover and be the person Harry first met. I hope to see more of her humor in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Becca in Colorado9 March 2021 at 18:00

    I think Omid Scobie summed up this new statement from Buckingham Palace best: "A statement that took two days to put together, lacking the vim and vigour showcased last week when the Palace announced to every media organisation in the world that they would be conducting an HR investigation into bullying claims."

    Far too little too late in my opinion, Buckingham Palace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since they made it clear that there is a difference between the firm and the family I’m thinking last weeks was from the firm and this week was the queen telling them all to get lost and she was taking control back to resolve the issues with her much loved members of the family.

      Delete
    2. The programme was shown Monday evening in the UK, the Queen needed to investigate and speak with members of the family including Harry (8hours behind UK time) before saying anything. The Queen never issues long, in depth statements.

      Delete
    3. Becca in Colorado9 March 2021 at 21:36

      Erin, that may be, but I still question why they didn't directly denounce racism? Why even include "while some recollections may vary" when they didn't offer that in the statement targeting Meghan's alleged bullying?

      Anon 20:13 - the palace responded to allegations of Meghan bullying staff within hours. Also, nobody is mentioning an in depth statement. They could just as easily have denounced racism or offered a more heartfelt sentiment in just as few lines.

      Delete
  23. I really like the palace response and I was shocked but quite giddy at the GMB news.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yess piers Morgan is out!!!

      Delete
    2. Becca in Colorado9 March 2021 at 20:14

      I think the palace response was lackluster and merely put out to save face. Remember the vitriol in the statement they put out about the alleged bullying a handful of days ago? Where was that same vitriol denouncing the racism their *own* family members experienced? Instead, they further gaslight Harry and Meghan by including that little dig about "recollections being different" oh come on.

      The palace isn't fooling anyone at this point. I guarantee that if they didn't feel such a push back from around the world, that if Harry and Meghan weren't receiving shows of support, that the palace wouldn't have said a word.

      Delete
    3. Susan in Florida9 March 2021 at 22:11

      I agree , Becca .

      Delete
  24. An aside here, but I am quite impressed with Dr. Biden. Even before she became FLOTUS, she was known for her work in education, women empowerment, and with military families. These areas overlapped with Meghan and Harry’s interests so perhaps we’ll see some joint projects and appearances?????

    Maddy

    ReplyDelete
  25. This article was forwarded to me. One thing this interview has done is it has made UK journalists examine the racism within their own institution and I’m hoping the sexism too, and hopefully do something about it. This came about when the SOE, Society of Editors, denied that UK media was racist in response to the Oprah interview. There are now 167 journalists, many of them of color, who signed an open letter rebutting that view.

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/mar/09/society-of-editors-claim-uk-media-not-racist-laughable

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becca in Colorado9 March 2021 at 21:37

      I hope this is a moment of reckoning for the UK press, after all. Wouldn't that be nice?

      Delete
  26. Susan in Florida9 March 2021 at 22:08

    Thank you, thank you , thank you for supporting those who have mental health issues , Charlotte
    BP’s response is a way to weasel out of the situation . By saying they would deal with it “in private “ means they aren’t holding themselves accountable for what was said.

    ReplyDelete
  27. one good thing that has come out of this is that Piers Morgan has been fired from Good Morning Britain for his vile comments calling Meghan's suicidal ideation a lie.

    The Queen has released an official statement on Harry and Meghan's interview

    https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1369342020905537538?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

    ReplyDelete
  28. The new photo they've released is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  29. The palace response was as expected. Though in private, I hope Prince Charles would set aside pride and call his son.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I rather like this reaction to the Palace's statement regarding the interview:

    https://www.laineygossip.com/buckingham-palace-releases-short-insulting-statement-behalf-queen-elizabeth-addressing-harry-meghan-oprah-interview/68200

    R

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becca in Colorado10 March 2021 at 16:22

      I wish there were more articles like that being written!

      Delete
  31. The future - what Harry said matters. He wants his family, and he wants to continue to be of service. He concluded his father and brother are trapped in the “institution”. He had consistently denounced “British media”.

    At worst, this interview is scandalous for some, and may backfire against the
    couple in the future. At best, much of what they revealed will be judged in what the couple will do in the future. If they become the change makers and revolutionize the UK media and institution even from where they are, it will make a difference. If they accomplish this in a long-term gradual increment of change through Books, documentaries, selfless actions, philanthropy, and much more, with genuine conviction, they may be able to turn around what they distanced / denounced into a cause for a better change for the future. The Queen’s brief and diplomatic response calms matters for now. The fire is, and will burn for some time though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becca in Colorado10 March 2021 at 16:24

      How is that statement diplomatic when the palace put out a much more scathing statement addressing the alleged bullying? As the article that R posted above said, the palace aren't going to hold themselves responsible for racism in their own family and business, no they'll handle that privately, but accusations from the same people who leaked defamatory stories will get a full scale investigation? Ridiculous.

      Delete
  32. Dear Charlotte and friends, like many who watched the Oprah interview with Meghan and Harry a couple of nights ago I was stunned by what Meghan and Harry revealed about how the last 3 years has been for them.

    Like many others I was completely unprepared to hear Meghan speak about the thoughts she had about suicide. I was shocked and distressed to hear that she had suffered in this way but it wasn't until the next day that I realized how much hearing her thoughts brought back memories of thoughts and actions that I thought were long forgotten. It's been for me a rough 48 or so hours but I'm getting through. What has made it even more painful and difficult is hearing and/or reading from commentators here who are questioning Meghan's struggle, Harry's response, etc. Listen we all know that Piers Morgan is an ass and while he has said some truly disgusting things, it can be easy to block him out. But here in a community of what I thought were like minded people, bound together by our love and respect for Meghan Markle, to hear people saying "why didn't she just go to a therapist", "why didn't they do this or that" and trying to cram this horrible situation into a neat, little manageable box to, what I can only think, make themselves comfortable has been unbearable.

    I've seen this written elsewhere but I think it bears repeating "Meghan probably will never read what your wrote or hear what you said, but your sister, your daughter, your best friend or a stranger on the internet will and it will hurt them".

    Please, please when someone, anyone says that they are in pain and that they have suffered give them compassion and care. You never know when that someone could be you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becca in Colorado10 March 2021 at 16:28

      Yes, you're so right. Those kinds of comments are just as vile as Piers Morgan's, in my opinion. Meghan stated she was suicidal and to never assume you know what's going on behind closed doors, and yet these people are doing just that by assuming Meghan didn't try hard enough. It makes me sick. I've never been suicidal, but I do have depression and when it's bad, you feel like you can't even lift a finger.

      Delete
  33. It occurred to me that we saw a few years of "horrible Meghan" news, what she was like and the terrible things she did. The "news" about Harry was always how happy he had been before he met Meghan, how she controlled him, how she ruined his friendships, etc. Harry remained the "hostage."

    ReplyDelete
  34. I listened to a Times podcast this morning. Valentine Low was being interviewed about the Oprah revelations and he admitted knowing in 2019 that Meghan was having a difficult time and had gone to HR about it. That is independent verification of Meghan’s story. Also, if the Times reporter knew, it is impossible to believe the family and staff were not aware of it. Of course since he didn’t report it until now, no one outside the palace bubbles knew about these issues until now. Just think, if he reported it, she might have gotten help much earlier. Why didn’t he report that?

    He is also the one who broke the bullying story last week and he spent more time talking about that than Meghan’s bullying by the British press. He kept mentioning that she made people cry and her behavior is still affecting the people involved. The fact that Meghan was bullied to the point of considering suicide just didn’t seem to be of equal concern to him.

    I am afraid Meghan and Harry will be made to pay dearly for this interview but hope that the discussions in the British media will lead to some change in how they are covered in the future. Their interview was courageous but the backlash is going to hurt. The police are already mocking them about their security concerns saying they aren’t at high risk and don’t need security. The tabloids are mocking them (especially Meghan) about her mental health revelations. They deserve much better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know that old adage about how controversy sells. Well there is truth to that. Good and bad attentions keep the monarchy in the limelight.

      For Meghan and Harry, things weren’t improving by staying inside the Firm. If she did stay, Meghan may well have acted on her suicide ideation because the press attack was escalating, not decreasing. The attack went after Archie. That’s pretty low and I can’t imagine as a parent how I could standby and watch that.

      So all in all, just like the Firm will weather this, so will M&H and their young family. There’s a world of new opportunities. Lots of young people, many of them happy to have a relatable face. I think it’s far better and healthier to make new careers for themselves.

      It was inevitable anyway. I find there’s something rather sad and awkward watching the older members, more distant members of the family relying on leftover inheritance and the Firm for some of its housing and financial arrangements. It’s a bit like putting up with the poorer relations.

      Think about if being in the direct line of the throne means you can’t study and go work as a lawyer or a financial manager or a PR person because the company you want to work for doesn’t have the required neutrality. Then what are you going to do at age 40 or 50 when your sibling become the monarch and has children. You are no longer the spare. You are told sorry we can’t finance you on taxpayers’ pence. You move even more down the line, hoping for some stipend to cover your family upkeep and find a job that will pay and still meet palace approval.

      This way their children can grow up and chose a career or life path for themselves without being limited by the strict confine of the Firm.

      Delete
    2. This is an addition to my post above. The more I think about Valentine Low admitting he knew Meghan was having problems serious enough to send her to HR for help, the madder I get.

      I will admit this is speculation but if he had disclosed this information two years ago, perhaps things wouldn’t have gotten so bad for Meghan and Harry. He deliberately withheld that news. Who in the Palace asked him not to report it? This was too juicy a potential story to keep quiet without a powerful incentive. He and all the other journalists who knew, left a woman to suffer and let the tabloid bullies continue to beat her down when they could have done something to stop the abuse. Why?

      The answers to those questions deserve to be known. Valentine Low’s silence makes him an accessory to abuse.

      Delete
  35. The person that controlled that interview was Harry! I know it’s been Meghan Meghan Meghan, but she only spoke of her pain. She wanted to be institutionalized because she was afraid of harming herself and the baby. Yes she could get counseling but no way they would let her check into a hospital. The world would have gone Bonkers. She has receipts showing her requests, that’s why the Palace has not denied it. She would have been pilloried if she had taken matters in hand! The fact that Harry said he was ashamed and she was ashamed, I cried. You think and look at them as being strong, resourceful, intelligent, but they are really young adults trying to navigate marriage, pregnancy, family duty, family disloyalty, and constant media pressure! Yes Meghan was an independent woman but she had managers, financial advisors, a job. Harry has been managed since birth, even in the military. When he speaks of Charles cutting him off both financially and with security people laughed. Harry had no concept of being head of a household. Charles used this as a tool to get Harry to choose safety and security or the unknown. This manipulation saddens me. I had come to respect Charles because of the Prince’s Trust, Duchy projects, teenager gangs etc. His main priority is to be king at any cost. Harry could have been an asset but he’s made him a competitor. I said many times, the Queen is not running that show, that’s a media myth.
    People question President Biden at 78, 95 is questionable.
    Harry became a Man in this crisis. He got Diana’s friend to help Meghan, he went into his inheritance for security and living expenses, he determined when to leave Canada. Harry accepted help from Tyler Perry for a temporary home and security. He made Man moves when he could have folded. People talk about Meghan’s intelligence, strength, kindness, but like she said “Harry saved them all”.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I submitted without completing an earlier comment. I think the narrative, no doubt preferred by the "aides," is that Harry is as wonderful as ever but he has been bewitched by a person who does not fit in. I think they are very glad she left and are hoping that dear Harry will come to his senses and leave his wife and children to return to the fold. I don't think things will changes until after William is king -- I don't see them firing all the staff. I remember that Camilla was supposed to have a joint outing with Meghan but instead visited a classroom -- I wonder if that was after H&M started to cause "trouble"? Harry looks so very happy now, and I believe he will be a devoted father. I realize why his previous girlfriends found the situation too awful to commit to him.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I found this article to be very enlightening. I include a few paragraphs from the article.

    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/meghan-harry-royal-family-racism-oprah-b1815242.html

    The Equality Act, introduced in 2010, protects people from discrimination within the workplace and across wider society.

    All organisations within the public sector have a legal obligation to adhere to this legislation, from the government and charities to major companies and political parties. However, the royal household, which is funded by the taxpayer through the sovereign grant, is exempt from those rules.

    Patrick Vernon OBE, a prominent equalities campaigner, told The Independent that this needs to change.

    “We need to consider changing race equality legislation to ensure that royal family and also private members’ clubs are brought in line with the rest of society so that the Equality and Human Rights Commission could investigate the allegations raised by Meghan and Harry in the Oprah interview or at least undertake an independent review on race equality,” he said.

    “It was quite clear from hearing Meghan that she had at least had three protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act where she experienced discrimination as a pregnant, mixed-race woman with mental health problems. If Meghan was working for the NHS or the Met Police, she would have the right to take forward action.

    “It feeds to wider discourse around white fragility and the to need to include Afriphobia as another ground for discrimination, which pertains to people of African descent and heritage. We recognise antisemitism and Islamophobia – but society and major institutions do not acknowledge anti-blackness, which is a major factor in how black people are discriminated against in the workplace, receiving healthcare, at school and the criminal justice system.”
    ...
    “There must be no immunity from race relations legislation for the monarchy; it’s crucial legislation that gives a legal duty to public bodies to actively promote anti-racism,” Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co-convenor, told The Independent.

    R

    ReplyDelete
  38. "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it — always." – Gandhi

    "A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim." -Maya Angelou

    Meghan Markle has been bullied, harassed, and vilified. She didn't set out to become anyone's enemy, but she wasn't going to remain a victim. When all is laid bare (I hope), the balance will be in her favor. We shouldn't be done with this conversation because it has exposed many deeply held prejudices by powerful institutions whose actions and practices have become outdated, outmoded, and wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I agree with the views quoted below from this article.

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/10/queen-missed-chance-to-condemn-racism-say-equality-campaigners-meghan-harry

    The Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy said: “There should be a public condemnation of racism. They did it with bullying, why not do it with racism? The Sussexes went to great lengths to make the point that the Queen was not the issue. There needs to be a response from the institution.

    “The monarchy is a public institution that receives public money, and any criticism of the institution should really be met with a forceful response from the institution about what they are going to do. We expect it of any institution, why not the monarchy? Why not the palace?” she said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

    Tyrek Morris, a co-founder of the student protest group All Black Lives, said: “It could have been a perfect opportunity to clearly condemn racism. We’ve had a whole summer of protests that have highlighted racism within establishments. So I am quite disappointed. But then I didn’t expect anything more.”

    By dealing with the matter privately, he said, “it means we the public have no way of knowing, of seeing, what the outcome is. It’s not enough.”

    He said it “100%” led to concerns matters could be swept under the carpet. “The fact they have said it will be investigated in private, within the grounds of Buckingham Palace, that means nothing. It doesn’t give any hope it is an issue that will be sorted, it gives no confidence at all.”

    R

    ReplyDelete
  40. this interview on "this morning" with meghan's best friend Janina is well worth a watch

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4HakpnFvKE&ab_channel=ThisMorning

    ReplyDelete
  41. Well glad that meghan was happy and now I love the palace statement oh good for piers morgan it's hard and brave to tell what she going through and tell everyone what going on

    ReplyDelete
  42. Religion, race, hierarchy/title, money especially under an emergency, safety/security, media, family relations, blame, and grievances were revealed by one side in this interview. It will be a fair balance if the following people will be interviewed by the very Ms. Oprah Winfrey.

    The Archbishop of Canterbury: What does it mean to be married three days before the wedding?
    Does it mean they exchanged their personal promise, and you gave them a blessing? Or does it mean them there were two wedding vows?

    Prince Charles and Prince William: They will have to respond the way they experienced, perceived, and/or actions they took.

    One highly reputable and impartial British monarchy expert, and/or a collective voice of how the institution operates.

    It is reasonable to interview at minimum the above four people for the sake of The Queen’s future
    legacy, and for the sake of an innocent child who had become the center of subject matter, while his almost two tears old self is clueless what is going around him. This interview will be a part of his future. It will be just to hear from his uncle and grand father. The world is saved by one person and team, or the world is destroyed by one person and team. To plant a seed of doubt, "hate", rejection, some division, and intentional, or unintentional hostility has a potential for unpredictability.

    ReplyDelete

  43. dear Charlotte, I want to add how grateful I am to have your wonderful blog. There has been such an intensity and such an enormous amount of news to cover now, and you always provide so much extra. In addition to your never failing fair reporting, the extra images and details, such as the treats from the Luminary bakery and Jill Biden's dress, must have been so much extra work and I know we all appreciate it so much. I can't imagine having to just rely on what's put online for our Meghan and Harry news. So thank you very much!

    ReplyDelete