The British Royal Family - news, views, clothes & shoes! #10

[AllyBeeUK]

From what I've read, MM has gotten very good coverage from the news media both in theUK and the US. I'm not sure what the whinging is about. With some very rare exceptions, the news media, even the tabloids, have been very considerate and extremely careful about covering Harry, MM and their baby. JMO, because she's mixed race, everyone has been walking on eggshells, being very careful not to say anything negative.

Maybe what she's upset about is social media discussion. There's really not much she can do about that as those are the views of real people out in the real world. Because its anonymous talk, people sometimes say cruel things or start rumors.

But that's social media. Probably the best she and Harry can do is to stop reading social media. Trying to drown it out by spending a fortune on PR firms to get dozens of news stories printed every day isn't helping.

This 6 week break might really help them, especially if they avoid social media. They'll feel much happier and relaxed. JMO, I also think H&M would be much happier if they stopped trying to compete with the Cambridges. Also, if what the news is reporting is accurate, they really need to stop with the talk of their single handed efforts to rescue the BRF from tainted obscurity. Oy, that's an awful thing to say. I hope that's just a rumor.

BBM : I can't find these examples of unfair press either, certainly not any with racist undertones. Some may think that printing the letter to her father was unfair but why should he not defend himself? He also has been subject to attack from press and social media and very publicly by Prince Harry! Nobody knows what has really gone on inside the family but it doesn't stop everyone from judging him and calling him names. By all accounts, it seems as though Meghan was very close with her father and regularly posted gushing tributes to him on her social media. Everyone is so gung ho about never judging Meghan and Harry because we don't know what they are going through. Well, the same goes for Thomas Markle. We don't really know what's happened other than what we have been told which could be all PR spin. People should practice what they preach.

Meghan was heavily involved with social media before marrying Harry, I would be surprised if she didn't have an anonymous or private account that she still uses and this is where she is finding all of this negativity. Reading social media about yourself is like listening to people talk about you behind your back. What you hear is never going to be flattering so it's best not to bother.

Does anyone know what "modernising" the monarchy means in this context. What have they done that hasn't been done before?

Nothing. Princess Charlotte is the first Princess who will come before her younger brother in the line of succession, that is what I would call modernising. The Monarchy must and will move with the times, but it has to happen organically. They need to stop trying to force the issue and turn it into their idea of how it should be.

Their PR does them no favours and I think it's because they are using US firms and ignoring palace advisors. They are being portrayed as saviour of not just the monarchy but of Britain in general and they need to drop it. They have no impact on my life whatsoever, or on anyone else's. I feel as though Meghan and her PR have an old fashioned, stereotypical view of British people as uptight, emotionally repressed and "internally damaged" people who are necking anti-depressants for breakfast (I'm sorry but, what??!) A family member of mine married an American girl who came trotting over here thinking we all lived in stately homes and took high tea while our kids were at boarding school. It's the same as Brits thinking that Americans are shooting each other all day, every day. It's not true, it has no basis in reality and it's downright offensive. We have yoga here too, sometimes we even talk to each other about how we feel!

It might seem really cool and edgy to ignore palace protocols but they don't seem to realise that those protocols are actually in place to protect them.

 

[Mrs Marple]

I think they are upset about social media comments too. Harry's statement almost gave the message 'stop saying mean things about my wife' as though he thought he could control it. This really isn't good. I think it would be better for everyone if he renounced his claim and title and disappeared.

 

[AllyBeeUK]

I also found the stunt that Beyonce and her husband pulled at the Brit Awards really offensive. The message was 'we don't respect your monarchy or it's traditions and we don't like your existing Heads of State, so we're going to push the person we do like for all we are worth and you will bow down because we say so.' No thank you.

 

[Mrs Marple]

I also found the stunt that Beyonce and her husband pulled at the Brit Awards really offensive. The message was 'we don't respect your monarchy or it's traditions and we don't like your existing Heads of State, so we're going to push the person we do like for all we are worth and you will bow down because we say so.' No thank you.

I thought that episode was very odd. Not offensive to me but certainly offensive to the royal family.

 

[AllyBeeUK]

I thought that episode was very odd. Not offensive to me but certainly offensive to the royal family.

I'm just as annoyed when British celebrities comment on politics and traditions of other countries including the US. It's important to have respect for other cultures whether you understand them and agree with them or not.

I'm so bored of celebrities pushing their own agenda, telling us what we can and can't think and how we should all live our lives. Harry and Meghan seem to be caught up in this aswell and it's causing them problems.

 

[Betty P]

I think they are upset about social media comments too. Harry's statement almost gave the message 'stop saying mean things about my wife' as though he thought he could control it. This really isn't good. I think it would be better for everyone if he renounced his claim and title and disappeared.

Yes, or just disappear for a while and stay out of public life. Their expectations of the public and news media are beyond unrealistic. Both are older, have married a little later in life and are struggling to adapt as people who are very much set in their ways. That's understandable, but stop blaming it on the public. I'm tired of reading and hearing about this every time I turn on the tv news or try to read it online. It's not news, it's not important in the bigger scheme of things happening in the world today.

 

[Lilibet]

Yes, or just disappear for a while and stay out of public life. Their expectations of the public and news media are beyond unrealistic. <rsbm>
It's not news, it's not important in the bigger scheme of things happening in the world today.

Your two statements put together made me think to myself “Harry and Meghan are taking themselves entirely too seriously.” None of this is a big deal when you pull back and think about people being killed, or being sick or hungry, etc.

In fairness to them, they started out in a bubble of admiration and being put on a pedestal. They must have whiplash seeing the press and public turn around and speak of them negatively in such a short span of time.

But they really aren’t all that important in the grand scheme of things. They’re just people in the public eye who have made a few wrong steps. It’s happened to others. The more they fuss, the worse it will get. They need to take a break, laugh about it, and move on...and to get there they need to deal with their inner struggles in private. There’s a lot of good they can do, but not if they get bogged down in self importance and hurt feelings. I say that as an affectionate and somewhat wise old grandma.

 

[Herat]

I also found the stunt that Beyonce and her husband pulled at the Brit Awards really offensive. The message was 'we don't respect your monarchy or it's traditions and we don't like your existing Heads of State, so we're going to push the person we do like for all we are worth and you will bow down because we say so.' No thank you.

And Harry chose this celebrity appearance over a long-scheduled celebration of 50 years of a Disabled Veterans association that he heads!

That just speaks volumes about who sets the priorities and why

 

[AllyBeeUK]

And Harry chose this celebrity appearance over a long-scheduled celebration of 50 years of a Disabled Veterans association that he heads!

That just speaks volumes about who sets the priorities and why

Yes, the Lion King Premiere. This didn't pass me by at the time. I felt sympathy after watching the documentary and I was genuinely concerned for Harry but they seem to have recovered remarkably quickly and are right back on form briefing CNN how about how incredible they are and sashay-ing on stage like a game-show contestant. I'm left with the distinct feeling of being had!

 

[AllyBeeUK]

Your two statements put together made me think to myself “Harry and Meghan are taking themselves entirely too seriously.” None of this is a big deal when you pull back and think about people being killed, or being sick or hungry, etc.

In fairness to them, they started out in a bubble of admiration and being put on a pedestal. They must have whiplash seeing the press and public turn around and speak of them negatively in such a short span of time.

But they really aren’t all that important in the grand scheme of things. They’re just people in the public eye who have made a few wrong steps. It’s happened to others. The more they fuss, the worse it will get. They need to take a break, laugh about it, and move on...and to get there they need to deal with their inner struggles in private. There’s a lot of good they can do, but not if they get bogged down in self importance and hurt feelings. I say that as an affectionate and somewhat wise old grandma.

Very wise advice. You must be an excellent Grandma

 

[rosemadderlake]

I also found the stunt that Beyonce and her husband pulled at the Brit Awards really offensive. The message was 'we don't respect your monarchy or it's traditions and we don't like your existing Heads of State, so we're going to push the person we do like for all we are worth and you will bow down because we say so.' No thank you.

Bbm: Ohhhh, ok... I googled that. —I’m from a different era so not a fan of Bae & JZ music.

They are very big in the USA though. Their success and entrepreneurship is admirable. It’s not the first time they’ve stirred things up... google her NFL Super Bowl halftime show. Very heavily ladened with the political symbolism of the panther movement from the 60’s. It caused an uproar. Because there are two sides to that history.

Beyoncé is referred to as Queen Bae. So, I suspect through the American lens, the symbolism of the portrait of Meghan wearing a crown is an acknowledgement of power? For AA women especially. The visual medium is so powerful, yet, it is quite misplaced mashing it up using the Monarchy as a backdrop... Awkward! And yes, confusing and offensive. Because it was thoughtless of history.

It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve thought what are they thinking?

As many know, we’re having quite a divisive time here in the USA lately. Meghan's political leaning is known. And with it comes a cultural divide, too. Celebrity is associated with that divide. And the internet is a war zone because of it and so many other things.

So the cultural becomes political by its very association. These are the times. And maybe if H&M understood this a bit better they’d understand that a “woke” driven instagram page is going to receive a lot of blow back in an already overcrowded, noisy, angry SM environment.

They are not going to change the world or modernize the monarchy through Instagram or slick branding. At least not within the BRF. Imo.

The beauty of the current monarchy is that it is apolitical. It stands for something else entirely.

So, I’m starting to see how in these highly charged times that H&M coming from two completely different backgrounds and countries ARE both naive and splashing around in the weeds of trying to find their place, their niche, their meaning. And it’s all backfiring.

I’m glad they visited Bishop Tutu. I could recommend a couple of historians that would be really helpful, too.

A break from it all and a regroup will hopefully do a lot of good.

All jmo.

 

[maggieg]

The BRF is no stranger to drama. They’ll be fine. But I also don’t think QE is going to have the monarchy turned into a reality show.

Its becoming a bit reality TVish with the Sussex documentary last weekend and then Prince Charles (William etc will be featured also) is doing a 2 part documentary (I think tomorrow and next Thursday also) about his estate in the Duchy of Cornwall since its 50 years since he took it over and is getting ready to hand it over to William when he becomes POW.
Thats a lot of TV in a fortnight for a family that usually doesn't do much TV

 

[Betty P]

Yes, the Lion King Premiere. This didn't pass me by at the time. I felt sympathy after watching the documentary and I was genuinely concerned for Harry but they seem to have recovered remarkably quickly and are right back on form briefing CNN how about how incredible they are and sashay-ing on stage like a game-show contestant. I'm left with the distinct feeling of being had!

Yes, I'm tired of having to hear about them every time I turn on CNN or the Today Show, etc. Everyone likes to watch royal weddings, births and other special events, but the daily media dose of how unhappy, angry, sad, special, brilliant, etc. these two people are is tiresome.

ETA: The social media addiction is a problem, too. Had a friend whose child was experiencing a lot of emotional problems, depression, agitation, suicidal thoughts, etc. When they took them to the hospital for treatment, the first thing the docs and nurses did was take away their cell phones/computers. They make people in this situation stay away from those devices for weeks until they've gone through therapy.

Texting and Social Media Have Proven to Negatively Impact Mental Health - Thriveworks

It's not getting the coverage it needs because, obviously, there's a lot of pressure to not speak out publicly or discourage people from using all these SM sites and apps, etc.

Social Media Anxiety Disorder - ETEC 510


If Harry and Meghan are big into mental health advocacy, they should be aware of this problem and beging setting a good example by staying off SM. I'm surprised someone at one of their charities hasn't mentioned this to them.

 

[AllyBeeUK]

Bbm: Ohhhh, ok... I googled that. —I’m from a different era so not a fan of Bae & JZ music.

They are very big in the USA though. Their success and entrepreneurship is admirable. It’s not the first time they’ve stirred things up... google her NFL Super Bowl halftime show. Very heavily ladened with the political symbolism of the panther movement from the 60’s. It caused an uproar. Because there are two sides to that history.

Beyoncé is referred to as Queen Bae. So, I suspect through the American lens, the symbolism of the portrait of Meghan wearing a crown is an acknowledgement of power? For AA women especially. The visual medium is so powerful, yet, it is quite misplaced mashing it up using the Monarchy as a backdrop... Awkward! And yes, confusing and offensive. Because it was thoughtless of history.

It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve thought what are they thinking?

As many know, we’re having quite a divisive time here in the USA lately. Meghan's political leaning is known. And with it comes a cultural divide, too. Celebrity is associated with that divide. And the internet is a war zone because of it and so many other things.

So the cultural becomes political by its very association. These are the times. And maybe if H&M understood this a bit better they’d understand that a “woke” driven instagram page is going to receive a lot of blow back in an already overcrowded, noisy, angry SM environment.

They are not going to change the world or modernize the monarchy through Instagram or slick branding. At least not within the BRF. Imo.

The beauty of the current monarchy is that it is apolitical. It stands for something else entirely.

So, I’m starting to see how in these highly charged times that H&M coming from two completely different backgrounds and countries ARE both naive and splashing around in the weeds of trying to find their place, their niche, their meaning. And it’s all backfiring.

I’m glad they visited Bishop Tutu. I could recommend a couple of historians that would be really helpful, too.

A break from it all and a regroup will hopefully do a lot of good.

All jmo.

I'm around the same age as Beyonce, I used to be a big fan but I've outgrown her. I was going to say a lot more about the political side of this but I've thought better of it because I don't think we are supposed to do that here! I agree with all of what you say.

The Monarchy has always been apolitical and it has to remain that way. They represent the whole of the UK regardless of who or what they vote for. The Queen has always been excellent at remaining apolitical but at the same time seeming to know exactly what to say and when to say it. She always strikes exactly the correct tone.

Yes, I'm tired of having to hear about them every time I turn on CNN or the Today Show, etc. Everyone likes to watch royal weddings, births and other special events, but the daily media dose of how unhappy, angry, sad, special, brilliant, etc. these two people are is tiresome.

I'm very tired of it too and I am aware of the irony given that we are here and talking about them My son is asleep and it's either this or hoovering, so...

 

[rosemadderlake]

^^ It’s a great discussion, though.

H&M have become a touchstone for some more complicated underlying realities. It’s bigger than them. Hope they can realize that too.

Hopefully I’ve expressed some things in a neutral way, and as an observer.

I agree whole heartedly, QE is rather a beacon especially in troubled times. She’s a shining star!

 

[Gardenista]

Queen's photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is mysteriously GONE | Daily Mail Online

 

[human]

Look how few people are commenting on here re the Royals. I doubt if many are that enthralled in the world. I imagine it’s a bit of an interest then onto the hundreds of other time suckers out there.

I find that people are far more interested in their own selves. So many selfies, pics of where they have been. Pics of food they have eaten . So on.

 

[AllyBeeUK]

^^ It’s a great discussion, though.

H&M have become a touchstone for some more complicated underlying realities. It’s bigger than them. Hope they can realize that too.

Hopefully I’ve expressed some things in a neutral way, and as an observer.

I agree whole heartedly, QE is rather a beacon especially in troubled times. She’s a shining star!

It is yes, and it's fascinating to find out what other people think. That's one of the positive things about the internet, being able to converse in real time with people from all over the world and learn something about each other

 

[oviedo]

Raising awareness of mental health is part of the modernising of the monarchy. The royal family never discussed issues like mental health or their own personal struggles before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did. Personal matters were thought to be private you just got on with your public duty and never let on to the public how you were feeling.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also seem to be more engaged with the public when meeting them than other members of the royal family have been over the years.

I always considered princess Diana's discussion of her bulimia part of bringing awareness to mental health but maybe that's not considered here?

 

[Kakidoll]

IMO MM doesn't like NOT being the STAR getting ALL the attention and people kissing up to her. She was a B actress, not A List. Yes, she was on a TV show, I'd never heard of her. I think she thought she'd be more like Princess Grace, leaving acting to be a royal. That was a different time and different place.. and Grace had CLASS. MM comes off to me as a 'me me me' person. I think she married H to further HER agenda, to use the publicity to fund/promote HER charities , but without doing the 'rest' of what comes with being a royal. She wanted the GOOD/Royal Treatment, but didn't want to take the 'everyday' with it. Now she's become a complainer, a whiner and keeps pushing HER agenda. Its not about HER any longer. She has a ROYAL baby (good move, btw) and works for her HUSBANDS country. If they move to the US, Harry will go back to partying, Megan will drop baby with mom or nannies, and it will be a 'hollywood' marriage. Then he'll get tired of it, and go back home... ALONE. JMO...