Hello, dearest readers, it is good to be back!
Before we delve into an abundance of news, updates and appearances, my sincerest apologies for my lengthy absence from the blog. I've been simultaneously dealing with health issues (very much on the mend now, a heartfelt thank you all for your very kind wishes) and multiple issues with the Blogger platform. The latter may lead to some changes moving forward, but for now, I'm very happy to be back as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex kick off a three-day visit to Canada, marking 'One Year To Go' until the Invictus 2025.
It seems quite fitting for Harry and Meghan to spend Valentine's Day in Canada.
They enjoyed so many joyful times there during the first months of their relationship when Meghan was filming Suits. It's always lovely to return to a place filled with happy memories.
The Canadian thread not only runs through their relationship; it also has close ties to Invictus. In 2017, Harry and Meghan made their first official public appearance at the games in Toronto. I think Harry's incredibly excited to bring the games back and hugely excited for the potential of expanding possibilities in Vancouver and Whistler.
This week's training camp was planned with the goal of supporting participating nations to build year-round adaptive sports programmes.
'Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will host more than 500 competitors from 23 nations and is scheduled to take place Feb. 8 to 16, 2025.
It will be the first Invictus Games to feature winter sports, including alpine skiing, nordic skiing, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, but will also host indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball as it has previously.
Next year's event will mark the seventh Invictus Games, which were created in 2014 after Prince Harry returned from his deployment in Afghanistan'.
Harry was eager to get straight into the spirit on a sit-ski.
Before he set off, Meghan took the opportunity to capture the moment. Hello! reports Meghan told those present she wanted to take a photo for Archie and Lili.
How did the Prince do? The Province reports: "The prince donned a helmet and successfully snaked his way down the bunny hill on a sit-ski, which allows athletes to ski in a bucket seat suspended above one or more blades."
People reports: 'The couple's presence on the slopes caught the attention of a family skiing nearby. "It's Harry and Meghan, Dad!" a teen boy yelled when he realized who was there.'
More from People's insightful story:
'Ivan Morera, who represented Team U.S.A. in Germany last year and will compete again in Canada, tells PEOPLE that he's learning how to ski and snowboard.
"I love to challenge myself just to build resilience and show that I'm still capable of being physically active even with my adaptation. I've had a great time here," he says.
Morera, who is a single-arm amputee following an incident while he was serving Afghanistan, says, "I look forward to meeting Prince Harry, just shaking his hand and, 'Hey, thank you for your service and thank you for this opportunity."
"I have a lot of respect for Prince Harry," he says. "I believe he understands the military personnel very well because of his experience in Afghanistan and his willingness to put his life on the line for his country. He has shown that to us by creating the Invictus Games, taking inspiration from the Warrior Games in the United States and creating an international competition."
The couple departing to cheers.
Harry and Meghan leaving Whistler BC #InvictusGames2025 #IG25OneYearToGo pic.twitter.com/iZLwFMuM85
— Ange Andrews (@andrews_ange) February 15, 2024
The Duchess wrapped up in winter whites and neutrals. Below, Meghan sporting a past season Burberry beanie.
Meghan was cosy in Calvin Klein's Quilted Puffer Jacket. The piece was on sale for $118 before selling out (with thanks to Pearl).
Meghan's boots are the Sorel 'Joan of Arctic' style. They are available in several colours for $156 at Zappos and the official Sorel website.
With thanks to Meghan's Closet Chronicles, Meghan's sunglasses are the Blenders Eyewear Grove Polarized Sunglasses in 'midnight drama'. They are available £59 here.
The Duchess teamed the look with her white Frame jeans (another Invictus Germany throwback).
After the event wrapped up, the Duke and Duchess shared the following statement on Sussex.com, "Today, Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 One Year to Go events at the top of Whistler Blackcomb. The couple met with competitors from around the world who are part of the Participating Nation’s Training Camp, where they are learning adaptive winter sports. Alongside competitors, The Duke tried adaptive sit ski for the first time. The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to spending an incredible couple of days in British Columbia as they prepare for the first ever Winter hybrid games. The couple would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the event organizers, sponsors, the Invictus Games Foundation, True Patriot Love, volunteers, and the Four Host First Nations for welcoming the Games onto their land."
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I also want to catch up on several of the most recent pertinent news updates beginning with news Meghan plans to continue in the podcasting space and has signed a new deal with Lemonada Media - "a podcast network that shared the unfiltered version of the human experience." In short, their ethos is to "make life suck less, one podcast at a time" :) I wasn't familiar with the company, but like many of you, have seen multiple recommendations for Julia Louis- Dreyfus's 'Wiser Than Me' series. The announcement was accompanied by a beautiful new portrait of Meghan taken by their close friend, the incredibly talented Misan Harriman.
A statement on Harry and Meghan's new website Sussex.com read:
'As part of their new deal, Lemonada will distribute the first season of the award-winning and critically acclaimed “Archetypes” for all audio platforms and also develop a new original podcast series as yet untitled hosted by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.
“Archetypes,” a record-breaking podcast exploring the labels that try to hold women back, will be available across all podcast platforms for the first time — with Lemonada overseeing ad sales and distribution. “Archetypes” has seen over 10 million downloads, averaging nearly a million listens per episode and debuted as Spotify’s No.1 podcast in 47 countries around the world.
Listeners tuned in as: Mariah Carey spoke about the definition of being a diva; Mindy Kaling celebrated the choice to be single; Pamela Adlon lifted the lid on the pressure to be a wife and a mother; Issa Rae and Ziwe Fumudoh unpacked the loaded misconception that often comes with being a woman of color; and Jameela Jamil and Shohreh Agdashloo spoke about the courage that it takes to step up and speak out, even when it puts everything on the line.
These singular discussions – with notable women, friends, comedians, activists, historians, and experts – transcend individual episodes for a dynamic cultural conversation about how women can reject, reclaim, and redefine these archetypes, on their own terms.
“We are beyond honored that Meghan has trusted us to help democratize access to ‘Archetypes,’ and that so many more people around the world will have access to the series soon. Meghan’s talent as host, creator and conversationalist is unparalleled and we are thrilled to co-create a new series with her that fosters her approach to creating art that matters,” shares Lemonada’s CEO and co-founder, Jessica Cordova Kramer. “As we’ve started development with The Duchess of Sussex, we are blown away by her collaborative spirit and clear vision, along with her deep desire to build compassion and community through this work. The Lemonada team felt immediate kinship with Meghan and the Archewell Productions team, and we are delighted to be working together,” adds Lemonada’s Chief Creative Officer and co-founder, Stephanie Wittels Wachs.
“I’m proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting,” said Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex. “Being able to support a female founded company with a roster of thought provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024. Our plan to re-release Archetypes so that more people can now have access to it, as well as launching a dynamic new podcast are well in the works. I’m so eager to be able to share it soon, and am overjoyed to be joining the Lemonada family.”
Variety adds more on the female-led platform:
“Archetypes” joins Lemonada’s lineup of podcasts including “Wiser Than Me With Julia Louis-Dreyfus,” which was named the 2023 show of the year by Apple; Jennette McCurdy’s “Hard Feelings”; “Funny Cuz It’s True With Elyse Myers”; Gracie award-winners “Last Day” and “Believe Her”; “Choice Words With Samantha Bee”; “In the Bubble With Andy Slavitt”; “Add to Cart With Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak”; and reality show “Being Trans.”
Archewell Productions was founded in 2020 by Prince Harry and Meghan to produce programming that “informs, elevates and inspires.” The company, which is repped by WME, also has a partnership with Netflix.'
If Meghan's dress looks familiar, you'll recognise the piece from a reception for the Invictus Games in Germany. The TOTEME Wool Midi Dress is described as "a minimalist design with this knitted dress. Spun from wool, this soft garment boasts a sophisticated high-neck silhouette, reflecting the brand's timeless style." It's currently discounted by 50% to $220 on FarFetch (here).
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While the Lemonada news and the launch of the new website dominated headlines, I was most excited to read about Meghan's latest Archewell Foundation effort. The Duchess, in collaboration with non-profit Mina's List, gathered over the weekend with a group of fifteen Afghan women to cook traditional dishes, sit down and share personal stories.
On the outstanding work achieved by Mina's List, the Archewell Foundation statement notes: "Since 2014, Mina’s List has been working with women activists and political leaders in Afghanistan to push for greater gender equality. In 2021, Mina’s List helped evacuate and resettle over 2,000 Afghan women and families through independent and coalition efforts. With many women resettling in Southern California, Mina’s List and The Archewell Foundation joined forces to provide community and support to these remarkable women as they begin to rebuild their lives in the U.S."
"Late last year, the Sussexes unveiled The Welcome Project—a new key initiative of their Archewell Foundation inspired by the Hubb Community Kitchen that Meghan supported in the UK. According to the Archewell Initiative report, the program supports "women-led programming for recently resettled Afghan women to help build more inclusive and connected communities." There are currently 11 active Welcome Projects across the U.S., including the SoCal branch that Meghan visited."
The project continues the spirit of Meghan's work with the Hubb community kitchen, uplifting women and communities through food.
Meghan wore another piece debuted at the Invictus Games last year.
Welcome back. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. Your positive and detailed posts are my favorite place to look for updates about the couple.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
DeleteCharlotte it's so exciting to see a new post from you! As always you bring us a wealth of details. I don't comment often, but I read every post you make - you do a fabulous job and we are all lucky to have you ! I'm so glad you're on the mend and hopefully feeling better. Just wanted to say thanks for all the work you put into this blog and to let you know you were missed. I found myself rereading past posts during your absence, and enjoyed them all over again. Thank you again!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your comment Denise.
DeleteWelcome back Charlotte! You've been missed on this little corner of the blog world!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you back Charlotte and am very happy that you’re doing better!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Meghan is just so pretty!! Sometimes, when we haven’t seen her for a while and then when we do, I’m just struck by her beauty and poise! Her inner beauty is certainly reflected in all these photos.
I really enjoyed reading about her time spent with the ladies of the Mina List and Archewell’s Welcome Project. In these turbulent and divisive times, it’s inspiring to hear about and see others working together to be of service to others and Meghan and Harry are 2 very inspiring people!
I’m very much looking forward to the next couple of days!!
Charlotte, you made a lot of us H&M fans very happy. Grateful to have you back in good health! And thanks as always for your detailed updates on the events. They look healthy and happy doing their best work as always. Best wishes, Humaira.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you're back and feeling better! Thanks for another terrific and informative post. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte thanks for the great post and glad you are back to good health. They are here in my home province only a couple hours from my home and will be in my hometown on friday.
ReplyDeletefirst of all Meghan looks so beautiful and I am planning to try and get tickets to the winter invictus games when they come to Vancouver/whistler in 2025! Nice to see the Prince trying out sit-ski as well! The only thing I do criticize is that they flew from Vancouver to Victoria on a private jet that is totally unnecessary and yes bad for the environment it is an easy drive by ferry for 1.5 hours for us no need for that and only opens them up to more comments of hypocrisy and criticism by the press. Secondly I am sad about King Charles and was nice to see Harry fly home to be with his father. I know it was strange to the press that he only spent 45 mins with his dad but we don't know what went on inside the room. Also his father arranged full police protection for Harry so obviously he wanted him there unlike the british press is reporting.
Also I like the new website and see no reason why the press is calling it them cashing in on their royal titles. They are not using the term royal and they are not using their HRHs also they are not selling anything on the website.
I have never heard of the platform she is doing her new podcast but wish her well with it.
Philly here. I can't get that to function for some reason and only Anonymous shows up. I appreciate your concern for the environment. Truly. However, if you consider the constant threats to their lives and security, I imagine the few miles by road and brief time aboard a public ferry would pose a nightmare of security concerns for H&M and everyone traveling with them. All those passengers and crew would have to be vetted and the vessel cleared. Also, how would they avoid having to deal with the public for the entire time they were on board the vessel? People in the British Media are still openly calling for their dismemberment and other gross threats on mainstream media platforms without any censure whatsoever. Then there are the threats that only the intelligence community is cognizant of to consider.
DeleteFor ordinary folks like you and me, it's an "easy drive" but for H&M a private jet is not "totally unnecessary." We all saw what happened with the paps in New York when they left an awards ceremony. The paps were on the Island in full force during the time they were sequestered here before moving to California. They would pull the same stunts between Whistler, Vancouver and Victoria.
Private jets travel under much different regulations. Within airports H&M and their team can skirt the clearance procedures necessary for other travelers and save a great deal of time in addition to being better able to manage their security in transit. In addition, that choice avoids inconveniencing the general public--on vessels that sometimes have mechanical and staffing issues causing huge delays. It simply isn't practical. They're in Canada for a brief 3-day visit. Eating up that time by choosing public transportation over private options is simply unrealistic and impractical.
Hi Phill good point on the chaos on the ferry that would of been for them on bc ferries and a security nightmare thanks for bringing up that point. However they didn't need to fly by private jet from LA to Vancouver it is a short flight and they have flown commercial to england and bc before. It just gives the british press more spite to fight so why do it ?
DeleteHi Philly my comment may appear twice as it didn't seem to post the first time so apologies if it does. Thank you for making a good and true point about the nightmare it would be security wise to get on bc ferries for them that is true but they still could of hopped on a commercial flight it is very small airport and they do fly commercial quite a lot. For instance Harry flew commercial to England on British Airways to see his dad. They also could of taken a commercial flight from LAX to YVR why give the media more material to use against them as well?
Deletewhoops also forgot to say that is a great initiative she is doing for afghani women and in case you didn't see they also spent the evening with local First Nations https://sussex.com/evening-with-the-first-nations/
ReplyDeleteSo great to have you back… and thank you for all the catch ups. It is so difficult to find news of my favourite royals without having to deal with the hate filled comments, so I am glad this is such a positive place for the Sussex’s. Glad you are on the mend. LRB
ReplyDeleteLooking fresh and relax......
ReplyDeleteCharlotte thanks for giving us a sensible blog
ReplyDeleteYes to this! I missed this blog terribly with their other appearances in Jamaica etc. British journalism is quite biased (to say the least). I love your neutral and in depth reporting on their visits. Glad to hear you're feeling better!
DeleteSo happy to see you again Charlotte, like me, you've had health problems and thank God, we're getting over it. The work you do is not an easy task but you can count on our support and unwavering love for you because you deserve it. We can get information from anywhere but getting information from you has such a different and pleasant taste...Thank you Charlotte and may God bless us.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the very kind comments. It's looks like it should be another exciting day!
ReplyDeletePhilly again. Like many others, I'm delighted to see you back with your fabulous (the best anywhere) coverage of Meghan and Harry. Best wishes for your continued good health.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this newsy post. You are absolutely the best for reading up about Meghan. I was not aware that you have been ill, and am very glad you have recovered. Happy New Year, and be well.
ReplyDeleteThey both look good. I love Meghan's choice of neutrals. She does classic elegance with an updated twist well.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you back, Charlotte! I was hoping everything was okay when you weren't posting with your usual speed! I'm so glad that you're feeling much better now and on the mend, Im sorry to hear you weren't feeling well. Love your posts as always, and thank you for this wonderful space you've created over here to talk about all things H&M. I love to see them thriving and the great work they're doing!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
So glad you have you, Charlotte, & this blog back! You are very much appreciated for how you present things! I trust I’m among some like-minded people when I say I am a fan of Harry & Meghan AND William & Kate! The media pushes people to “take sides” but I don’t fall for that. I also acknowledge that both couples have great strengths & do good work and both couples haven’t always done things right….just like me and every other human on the planet.
ReplyDeleteI wish H & M’s bios on their new website included their work as royals. To me it was a glaring & intentional omission and made me sad as they should be proud of what they did during that season.
They certainly come alive with anything Invictus related and should be so proud of what this organization has achieved. Bless all the participants as they continue their physical & emotional recovery!
Donna if they put in they were royals it would cause even more uproar that they are using their royal titles to make money so I think it is wise they didn't as we know Prince Harry is a blood prince and both of them have HRH they are no longer permitted to use.
DeleteI loved your comment Donna!
DeleteHi Charlotte - I wish you and sincerely hope for your speedy recovery for good, and whatever affected your health never to return and bother you again. All best thoughts and wishes to you now and always. Please take good care.
ReplyDeleteWell thought to Charlotte was from Anon 15/ few seconds ago.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for continuing this blog. I’m so delighted to hear you are in better health.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite Meghan projects is the Hub and am happy to see her continuing the work with Mina’s List. Meghan’s looks here remind me of her time living in Toronto, her easy yet put-together casual style. She’s in her element and seems happy.
These two look very involved and energetic as they do their part for Invictus. It takes a lot of bridge building, goodwill, fundraising, and supportive logistics to make these Games a success. That so many nations and the service men and women, veterans and their families find meaning in IG tells us how much it’s needed. I think it’s a universal human trait that we look for meaning and connection in our work and in our lives.
I look forward to the next IG. Hopefully, nature will cooperate as this year thus far, our winter sporting season has been a bust with the rain and warmer temps. I’m also tickled because I have similar Sorel boots Meghan is wearing. They are classic Sorel winter boots and you see many women here wear some variation of them.
—Cheers everyone from the PNW.
why are they saying that their last name is sussex on their website when their last name is mountbatten-windsor? can you explain charlotte?
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I am glad you are healthy! I thought you were not on here because H& M weren’t out in public a lot . I love that they are there for an Invictus event and shared their thanks to Four First Nations.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Charlotte! I'm glad you're okay. Whatever happens with the future of the blog, I will follow. :) Excited to see M&H move into a new phase.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you and the blog are back—and with such sensational timing! Sussex.com and the couple’s new programs and appearances truly project a mature, dynamic, cutting-edge royal office leading the way to a better future on multiple key fronts. How wonderful to see the Sussexes command the narrative at last, in such a professional and positive way!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you're back, Charlotte - we missed you! Excellent post highlighting good news. Looked Meghan's look! -op
ReplyDeleteThis update was very informative, thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are well and haven't given up on this prescious couple!
ReplyDeleteI think this kind of event is where they are at their best and it's lovely to see them. I like what Meghan is wearing and she is very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte do you know what toque Meghan is wearing? I really like it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Wish you well on your recovery.
ReplyDeleteAlways great to see the Sussexes do what they do best.
I'm just loving this new era in their lives: (after explaining themselves as it was certainly necessary given all the misinformation out there regarding them) no more looking back as there is no going back. Let's put some positive and some beauty into the world instead through philanthropic work certainly but also via entertainment projects like movies, tv shows, podcasts.
I just wish the UK media and some in the public would understand that as well and just pay attention to those they like and approve of and not pay attention to those they don't. Personally that's exactly what I do: I've never been into royals before Meghan and I've never paid attention to the royals in the UK ever since the Sussexes were forced to make the decision to leave royal life behind.
Let's all move on, people!
What a pleasure to read new informations about Meghan on your blog, Charlotte ! 🙂
ReplyDeleteCanada suits Harry and Meghan well, I would have seen them settling there permanently rather than going to the United States (but perhaps security reasons prevented them).
It's good to see Meghan supporting Harry so much for the Invictus Games, it's a really great program that we talk about so little in France.
Meghan is in her element supporting Mina's List. Seeing the first photo I too immediately thought of her support for the Hubb community kitchen.
I hope that her return "to the front of the stage" will last, all these months where we hardly see her are too long.
So glad you are back Charlotte and wishing you well! It’s great to see H&M back at Invictus. They both seem most happy and relaxed at this event and I’m so happy H has continued his commitment.
ReplyDeleteI love love M’s snow boots, they are adorable. - celticgirl
Prince Harry dined with Michael Buble yesterday in Vancouver! https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/food-and-drink/prince-harry-and-meghan-dine-at-a-legendary-vancouvers-restaurant-during-visit-8319077
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see that Charlotte is back posting. I did not know about her being ill. I wish Charlotte well, and much good luck with any changes to this blog's platform. Thanks for all you do, Charlotte. Regarding the previous comment, I completely disagree that H&M should mention anything about the royal family in connection with the wonderful work they have achieved since leaving the firm. Yes, H&M did great work as senior royals within the firm, but they were not appreciated. Please read Harry's book and understand and accept why they found it necessary to leave. At this stage, the royal family needs the Sussexes more than the Sussexes need them. In that light, there is no need to mention either William or Kate in the same breath with the work H&M are doing independently of the royal firm.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you back Charlotte, you've been sorely missed. I'm feeling a bit greedy this week because we've had almost continuous coverage of all the events from Invictus training,....you are all in for a treat with the gorgeous apparel , dinners, events and speeches to come. The absolute best was Michael Buble singing a parody of I Did it My way, to Prince Harry. *giggle*
ReplyDeleteOh man, I was just at Whistler and missed them by only a couple of days! Excited to see them out an about.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte- I wish you well and I am sincerely concerned. I remember you mentioned your sister some years ago. I wish you designate a representative to let us know how you are doing. We have shared your Christmases and milestones on this site. You had been a constant in delivering your best to your readers and commenters. Yet, although some of us feel we know you, your private life is well guarded and that is respected if that is your choice. Thinking of you, wishing you the best of health, peace and happiness. You will bounce back soon incase you have had some flu or any other concern which we all experience as human beings. I look forward for your return. Gaps in posts and holding off comments dependent on your work load is not necessarily unusual. It is just that because you were not feeling well in recent times, my reasoning is more inclined to be concerned.
ReplyDeleteStay well and good.
Anon 15
My sincerest apologies to you all! In a case of terrible timing, I suffered a relapse hours after publishing this post. I'm thankfully recovering well now. I want to thank you all for your patience, support and understanding. I do hope to catch up on the events I missed.
ReplyDelete