Harry and Meghan Debacle

[RosesandIris]

Following on from Harry and Meghan Biography

It's suitable for older children, I'd say 3+. It's certainly not a book I'd read to a one-year-old, the child clearly isn't engaged with it at all, frankly it's awkward to watch.

The language is too complex for a one year old. Apparently it was read at the White House for a public occasion.
Meghans just pushing on with the book regardless of whether Archie is enjoying it

He starts fussing because she's pulling the book away from him to show "us"
The viewer is the intended audience (and potential donor). The reading was done for the charity's Instagram page. I'm sure Archie gets plenty of reading time, interaction, etc otherwise.

@ALovelyBitOfSquirrel this what what I thought, and articulated badly up thread. He obviously isn’t unhappy reading, but it’s obvious he’s been sat down to read so they could film this video, and not the other way round. The reading is happening because it makes a nice video, and in this instance that is the priority. I think a video where Archie is not aware anything is different to his normal reading session (ie no interaction with the camera) would be nicer for Archie’s sake, but may not be so good for Save the Children's campaign.

So she’s using her child to promote an Instagram page? Even for charity this is a bit off.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1278605/meghan-markle-prince-harry-book-finding-freedom-pre-order-amazon-royal-news/amp

Info on cancelled orders of the book

Even for charity this is a bit off.
How? It's free for the charity to put it on Instagram and it has global reach, how much would a TV advert slot cost?
So she’s using her child to promote an Instagram page?
The charity is putting them on the Instagram page, so what?

The Duchess chose to read one of Archie’s favourite stories, 'Duck! Rabbit!”

Because it’s using your child to promote yourself and your brand. Something Harry has claimed not to want for his children.

Sorry, but I thought the video came across really awkward and I wonder what the motivation was to post it. Overtly it is to ask for donations for charity of course, but I feel so cynical towards them at the moment, I can't help but suspect promotion of Meghan once again. It's Archie's Birthday, not about her. Their assumption in posting it is that they feel they have sufficient relevance, prominence and importance.
Personally, I think it would have been more dignified to publish a photo of the baby, like the other royals do.

I think it’s a nice video, apart from when he’s fussing at the start. And I’m really not a fan of theirs.

I think it would have been more dignified to publish a photo
I don't think the video was not dignified and don't think a photo is more dignified, especially if an overly posed one.

I can't help but suspect promotion of Meghan once again. It's Archie's Birthday, not about her. Their assumption in posting it is that they feel they have sufficient relevance, prominence and importance

Absolutely!

I liked the video, but would have liked to see both parents when the occasion is the DC's birthday.

Even when it's done via the (DC's great aunt as patron) charity

I like the image Clarence House chose for their birthday wish on Instagram...

I’d have liked a photo of Archie smiling, he looks lovely in the video thumbnail.
Not bothering with the video.

Now, about the book. What if there was never a book, nor an intention to write one, and this is all blackmail/games between HAM and the RF?

Lol, PC cut off Megs from the photo

Royal blood only, nothing personal

They didn’t want to post any photos of Archie when they were part of the RF - no photos when he was born, christening etc.

Now they are using his birthday as an excuse to show a video of MM reading about ducks (not elephants). Archie is relegated to a b part. It just seems like a publicity thing for her rather than his birthday. If it was just a photo opportunity for him they would have released a photo or two like all of the other royals - some family ones, some of Archie alone

I don't think it's an accident that PC chose a picture without MM. Under normal circumstances, that picture would be the natural choice- showing three generations. However, the RF know everything they do is scrutinised. If there's no rift with MM, he would have included her to show his support.

Yes those were my thoughts too. Or ‘look, my children aren’t dressed as though they’re in an Enid Blyton novel like Kate’s, we’re the MODERN RF don’t ya know’.

He’s dressed the way children dress in hot climates when it’s not hot enough to have the air on on but it’s too hot to be dressed normally.

She is pretty terrible at reading a story !
Archie is a mix of Harry and Meghan’s father. He looks tall for a one year old.

@TheClootieDumplin I grew up in a hot climate and don’t agree with what you say. Obviously everyone dresses up their babies how they want, especially at home. But that outfit isn’t a very usual one for a one year old who is crawling and starting to walk. A bit more coverage is more comfortable and hygienic for toddling around. Meghan is in long sleeves. Do you really think it’s that boiling that he couldn’t wear some bloomers? It’s clearly a statement!

And do you think they would only turn on the air-con when it is so hot that their baby would be uncomfortable in normal clothes? Would they not switch it on a bit before that?

I must admit I thought it looked like a audition for MM

My kids have grown up in a hot country and they absolutely lived their baby days in those short sleeved vests with poppers on the bum and nothing else. I only ever popped a pair of shorts over the top if we were going out. And we had the aircon on all the time, 24/7.

The less they wear, the better, in terms of crawling around. Especially on slippy tiled floors - clothes make the tiles even slippier.