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The royal family

Harry and Meghan, more news!

999 replies

callmeadoctor · 20/06/2020 08:24

New thread following on old one: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_royal_family/3932323-Harry-and-Meghan-news?msgid=97617755

OP posts:
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20
LaMarschallin · 01/07/2020 10:09

[EthelMayFergus

there are plenty of reasons to read

Sorry, me-railing again. Hence the brackets.
You're so right! I've posted elsethread that during a recent stay in hospital I wasn't expecting to be admitted so didn't take any reading matter.
I was climbing the walls with boredom until a kind nurse found me a pile of "Take a Break" magazines in the day room.

I couldn't have read my university textbooks more carefully and avidly...

I've discovered that I'll read pretty much anything if I've no choice.

And I suspect that, compared with "TAB", "Royals at War" would have seemed an absolute literary treat Smile]

mrscampbellblackagain · 01/07/2020 10:12

I reckon between us we could rush out a book on HandM in about a day Wink And it would be more balanced than the sounds of the recent ones.

StartupRepair · 01/07/2020 10:13

I have an awful fascination with royal books, the dodgier the better. Bottom of the barrell was a book written by the steward of Dodi's yacht, detailing every moment of his holiday with Diana including every meal served. Worst of all was Paul Burrell's book which was one of the neediest pieces of writing I have ever come across.
I am very much missing DS and don't know when I will see him.

ajandjjmum · 01/07/2020 10:28

Nomatter where we are, what our thoughts on H & M, we all have challenges to deal with in these times. Feel for everyone missing their adult DC - DD stayed with us for 3 months but is now back in London. DS is in Sydney - had to cancel our April trip, he had to cancel his July trip back home and our family Christmas in Sydney is looking decidedly dodgy. Everyone is well, so we have to be thankful for that, but I feel myself tearing up everytime I wonder how long it will be before I get a hug from him.

We are SO LUCKY compared to many other families - have to remember that. Take care everyone, and do whatever is necessary to get through this - even if it's reading rubbish! Grin Gin

LaMarschallin · 01/07/2020 10:28

mrscampbellblackagain

I reckon between us we could rush out a book on HandM in about a day wink

I'm in!

StartupRepair

I read (and bought!) Patrick Jephson's "Shadows of a Princess"* which I found interesting. Maybe that's partly because it seemed to confirm some of my prejudices.

I am very much missing DS and don't know when I will see him

I'm really sorry; I know it's hard Flowers

*Bought for £1.25 at a nearby outlet which sells new books at a huge discount. Wasn't sure I'd enjoy it (but I did) so wouldn't have paid nearly £10.
The outlet also does fabulous lunches. Used to be a favourite day out in the Olden Days.

SunbathingDragon · 01/07/2020 11:48

@Samcro

oh hugs....I miss them. sitting what seems a mile away from dd who is severely disabled is beyond hard. we normally sit so close. now she is unwell and I can't even go in to see her. sorry for me rail.

I think people just like what they like. dh only likes Biographies. I am more old lady fiction. I don't judge people for what they read.
but I do judge people who write some of these "royal" books.

That must be so difficult for you both. I hope you two can resume hugs very soon.
SunbathingDragon · 01/07/2020 11:52

I haven’t read any books of any of the more recent members of the Royal Family (Victoria’s reign is the most recent). However, I am very happy to read excerpts here and in papers but I do often feel that can give me an unbalanced view of the book since I’m reading just what someone has wanted me to. I do love reading though although small children often scupper my chances of doing much these days.

LaMarschallin · 01/07/2020 12:07

ajandjjmum

We are SO LUCKY compared to many other families - have to remember that. Take care everyone, and do whatever is necessary to get through this - even if it's reading rubbish! grin gin

Really sorry!

Actually meant to (and thought I had - my memory is tragic) reply to this.

But: Yes!
Very much how I feel.

Maybe it would help and cheer up H&M to count their blessings too?

Blueroses99 · 01/07/2020 12:33

I agree with Rousette that historical figures are more interesting to read about than current living figures. Books seem unfinished because well, it’s someone’s actual life. Timing is a bit odd because H&M’s lives are almost too topical, too fast moving to make a book that won’t feel dated very quickly. And then there are just so many of them.

The LCC book was interesting in the way that it compared and contrasted UK and US perspectives, and royal protocols and expectations of a modern woman. I’m not going to believe everything I read but like I said, it was an interesting perspective.

I feel some judgment on my choice of reading matter mentioning Royals at War! In my defence, my book club has got me reading much wider sphere of books than I would normally, I had some downtime and was curious.

SunbathingDragon · 01/07/2020 13:07

@Blueroses99

I agree with Rousette that historical figures are more interesting to read about than current living figures. Books seem unfinished because well, it’s someone’s actual life. Timing is a bit odd because H&M’s lives are almost too topical, too fast moving to make a book that won’t feel dated very quickly. And then there are just so many of them.

The LCC book was interesting in the way that it compared and contrasted UK and US perspectives, and royal protocols and expectations of a modern woman. I’m not going to believe everything I read but like I said, it was an interesting perspective.

I feel some judgment on my choice of reading matter mentioning Royals at War! In my defence, my book club has got me reading much wider sphere of books than I would normally, I had some downtime and was curious.

I’m pleased you are reading it so you can give an update on here. I’ve read all spectrums of literature in my time so no judgement from me, purely refusal to spend money on something I’m not going to have any opportunity to read.
TheNavigator · 01/07/2020 14:47

I think reading about historical figures feels less salacious and judgy than speculative fiction about people trying to live their lives. The benefit of time means it is easier to weigh up the evidence and sift the facts from the gossip at the time.

LaMarschallin · 01/07/2020 15:20

Well, it's always interesting to hear what people think.

Adante · 01/07/2020 15:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sittingontheveranda · 01/07/2020 17:01

Well, it's always interesting to hear what people think.

Otherwise called gossip and I disagree that it is interesting. Empty vessels make most noise....

Adante · 01/07/2020 17:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Nanasueathome · 01/07/2020 17:32

New DM article regarding the upcoming court case

ArriettyJones · 01/07/2020 17:39

I agree with Rousette that historical figures are more interesting to read about than current living figures. Books seem unfinished because well, it’s someone’s actual life. Timing is a bit odd because H&M’s lives are almost too topical, too fast moving to make a book that won’t feel dated very quickly. And then there are just so many of them.

Which is why we are getting the tabloid kind of books now, mainly to cash in on the interest, and the more scholarly or literary works will come 20+ years down the line.

Oldbutstillgotit · 01/07/2020 17:42

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8478955/Meghan-Markle-names-five-friends-People-article.html
The friends aren’t named in the DM but there are some stinging allegations

Sittingontheveranda · 01/07/2020 17:47

Whereas closed ears and eyes equal closed minds

What you don’t see with your eyes, don’t witness with your mouth.

Adante · 01/07/2020 18:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EthelMayFergus · 01/07/2020 18:28

Imagine only believing what we've seen with our own eyes Shock - we'd all still think the world was flat and answer most questions with 'I don't know'.

Sittingontheveranda · 01/07/2020 18:29

“A gossip’s mouth is the devil’s postbag”

derxa · 01/07/2020 18:30

A gossip’s mouth is the devil’s postbag Shock

ARoseInHarlem · 01/07/2020 18:46

I just read the DM article. It all sounds very confused/confusing. It's so difficult to work out who is accusing who of what, who is defending which allegation, who is interested in having which allegation proven false or true.

The only part that does make sense is the judge's ruling throwing out various claims for being vague, unsubstantiated, irrelevant (this could be deliberate on the part of the DM as a party in the case). I understand from the select parts the DM has chosen to print of that ruling, that MM (or H&M, whoever is pulling the petitioner's strings) has a general feeling of receiving unfair coverage, and generally felt attacked and targeted. As a result, her complaints in the court case are general, which is why they were thrown out. Her point seems to be that she didn't like the spin certain parts of the media had on her (obviously not talking about the objectively racist stuff that was written, but that doesn't seem to appear in her allegations in this court case - maybe they didn't come from this publisher/defendent).

It also sounds like she felt the RF should have protected her from that negative spin, partly because she, via her wedding, brought in so much money for brand UK.

Bottom line, aside from the specific points relating to the letter which will be argued in court, this case seems to be about the claim that she made in that TV interview in S Africa about expecting things to be fair, if not easy. The case is, basically, "it's not fair". Which is in line with the sources/friends/SussexRoyal IG posts/etc about how she's misunderstood and wants to set the record straight, she's not a bad person, everyone is treating her unfairly.

IMO it's fair enough to object to negative press coverage. There's a real conversation to be had about how the media is capable of spin and manipulation, and the more worrying question of what this or that publisher stands to gain from doing so. In this case we're only talking about a wealthy, privileged woman (arguably one who is capable of managing/manipulating her media image herself, and is now in a tizzy that that image is tarnished - thinking about The Tig and her pre-RF Instagram page). In other cases, it could be something incredibly serious that could jeopardize the entire nation's interests (eg Brexit, government cover-ups, national security etc).

In my opinion, the way H&M have gone about handling this problem of their portrayal in the press has done so much more damage to them than the false reputation itself might have done. This court case is so aggressive and short-sighted, and I think will ultimately prove to be futile. The courts aren't interested in protecting MM's feelings of unfairness. They're there to apply the law, and there's no law saying MM should at all times receive a positive or even fair spin (there are laws on defamation and libel which are different). They're using the wrong tool.

Like the legal filings themselves, and arguably the swift engagement/marriage/hitting the ground running/leaving the RF/setting up a foundation/not setting up a foundation/moving from this home to that home/supporting this cause or that charity - it's all flitting about, shooting from the hip. All emotions and hearts-on-sleeves, and less considered thought and reflection.

It's so Instagram.

EthelMayFergus · 01/07/2020 18:46

How do you know there's a devil Sitting? Have you seen him with your own eyes?