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The royal family

Discussing the things we liked about Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary series

1000 replies

MrsMaxDeWinter · 08/12/2022 14:22

There are so many threads on things posters hated about Harry and Meghan, the Netflix series, and fair play to those posters, so I thought I would have a go at stating a thread discussing some of the things that posters liked about the series.

I'll start.

I liked that this was supposed to be this bomb detonation, but has actually been a measured, warm, and loving look at H and M's relationship, and the pressures that the press put on them, and also on other royals. I genuinely did not notice anything incendiary. Maybe that is still to come.

I enjoyed the thoughtful insights shared on the invisible contract, especially, as Harry says, having to perform for a press that you know has said hurtful things about people you love.

I loved the warm memories of Sandringham, and meeting the Queen. And Meghan's memories of growing up. I think it was a wise, though sad, that they did not include Thomas. I really loved hearing Doria: my favourite bit is when a journalist offered her money, for an interview about Meghan and she said, "That's my child!"

I also learned for the first time about Meghan's relationship with her sister Samantha's daughter Ashleigh. I had no idea that she had been raised by her grandparents who adopted her, or that she had such a warm and caring relationship with Meghan. Along with Doria's, that was my favourite interview.

I enjoyed hearing from her childhood friends, as it is often said here that she had no friends who came to the wedding etc, just celebrities. They seem a tight nit grip who have been here fr years, and I am glad she has them.

I was gobsmacked that she needed security in Toronto after the relationship was announced.

I also thought the discussion on racism, in its wider context of colonialism and imperialism, was very well done, but then again it was led by David Olusoga and Afua Hirsch, who are always great, and I love their writing.

Most of all I love that Harry confronted head on the Nazi uniform debacle, and what he learned from it. And I loved, loved, loved, the segment on his life in Lesotho where they gave him the Sesotho name, "Mahale". A wonderful name.

“It was one of the biggest mistakes of my life,” Harry said. “I felt so ashamed afterwards. All I wanted to do was make it right. I sat down and spoke to the chief rabbi in London, which had a profound effect on me. I went to Berlin and spoke to a Holocaust survivor. I could have just ignored it and made the same mistakes over again in my life. But I learned from that.”

I predicted on another thread that Harry would address this and other episodes head on in his book. I was scoffed roundly for this. I expect him to say more in is book, and I am happy to be proved right.

If only for this, I am very glad they did this.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
kirinm · 18/12/2022 09:24

MarshaMelrose · 17/12/2022 23:11

They’ll all have to speak out now and condemn Clarkson who has proved himself to be a vile sexist pig. Did none of them have an inkling of who this man is before the luncheon?

Why? Why do people have to say anything? Where does this expectation that everyone has to comment on everything come from?
People get invited to a party. Go. Have a nice time. Go home. Why do they have to issue a press statement as well?

This isn't 'people' is it? This is her mother in law and his step mother.

MarshaMelrose · 18/12/2022 10:14

kirinm · 18/12/2022 09:24

This isn't 'people' is it? This is her mother in law and his step mother.

Er, no. The poster I quoted was referring to the guests, hence them using the word all..

EXCLUSIVE: Camilla's VERY glamorous private party: Dame Judi Dench, Piers Morgan, Claudia Winkleman and Jeremy Clarkson join Queen Consort at star-studded Mayfair lunch

Aspiringmatriarch · 18/12/2022 12:04

David Olusoga was so good in the documentary. I like how he has such a gentle and thoughtful way of saying really quite devastating things. He's spot on here about the harassment "It's what happens when you have a press that is devoid of journalism, that lives on outrage and monetizes anger."

I've been rewatching bits and Meghan saying how scary it was really got to me tbh.

You are making people want to kill me. You are making me scared.
Sad

Inkanta · 18/12/2022 12:56

I'm watching 4,5 and 6 again. The intro - at the point Archie is running on the beach gets me every time. I admire them for speaking out. I hope they're okay.

Xenia · 18/12/2022 13:00

It is interesting how we can all watch the same thing and feel so differently. MM is a good actress and I would take most of what she says with a pinch of salt.

Aspiringmatriarch · 18/12/2022 13:06

Xenia · 18/12/2022 13:00

It is interesting how we can all watch the same thing and feel so differently. MM is a good actress and I would take most of what she says with a pinch of salt.

Oh come on. You think she was faking crying? She's not Meryl Streep! I know there's that clip of her saying she can fake cry, but that was real emotion and you'd have to be wilfully blind not to see it IMO. I watched Suits and it was fluffy, fun stuff; I think that's about her level with acting really (and I don't say that as a criticism).

lollipoprainbow · 18/12/2022 13:10

I find the intro and music really melancholy and wistful. The music reminds me of downtown abbey!

Lampzade · 18/12/2022 14:01

Aspiringmatriarch · 18/12/2022 13:06

Oh come on. You think she was faking crying? She's not Meryl Streep! I know there's that clip of her saying she can fake cry, but that was real emotion and you'd have to be wilfully blind not to see it IMO. I watched Suits and it was fluffy, fun stuff; I think that's about her level with acting really (and I don't say that as a criticism).

I cannot understand why people who have seen what Meghan had to put up with can accuse her of ‘acting’. I watched that documentary and actually felt terrified. I am a tough cookie but if I had to go through half of what she had to go through I would want to end it all.
Some poster’s irrational hatred of Meghan has caused them to lose their empathy. I sincerely hope that no one in their family has to go through something similar and is then accused of ‘acting’.
Some people need to take a long hard loook at themselves
Very depressing

Lampzade · 18/12/2022 14:02

Aspiringmatriarch · 18/12/2022 12:04

David Olusoga was so good in the documentary. I like how he has such a gentle and thoughtful way of saying really quite devastating things. He's spot on here about the harassment "It's what happens when you have a press that is devoid of journalism, that lives on outrage and monetizes anger."

I've been rewatching bits and Meghan saying how scary it was really got to me tbh.

You are making people want to kill me. You are making me scared.
Sad

He was fantastic

Roussette · 18/12/2022 14:04

Lampzade · 18/12/2022 14:01

I cannot understand why people who have seen what Meghan had to put up with can accuse her of ‘acting’. I watched that documentary and actually felt terrified. I am a tough cookie but if I had to go through half of what she had to go through I would want to end it all.
Some poster’s irrational hatred of Meghan has caused them to lose their empathy. I sincerely hope that no one in their family has to go through something similar and is then accused of ‘acting’.
Some people need to take a long hard loook at themselves
Very depressing

I'm not sure they had empathy to start with to be honest

Inkanta · 18/12/2022 15:04

I'm not sure they had empathy to start with to be honest

Yes not everyone is blessed with empathy.

Inkanta · 18/12/2022 15:07

I find the intro and music really melancholy and wistful. The music reminds me of downtown abbey

Yes the intro gives me a similar feeling to Downton Abbey.

PreparationPreparationPrep · 18/12/2022 17:14

What struck me was watching them at home as a family - Archies birthday - during Covid just a few of them. Meghan putting the balloons together herself. A simple birthday cake.
Also how much Tyler Perry stepped in to help them even putting additional security up after they moved in because of the risk that was evident from the security camera footage.

I found Meghan's niece difficult to watch as she obviously found the whole thing painful - she had been very close to Meghan and they clearly cared for each other.

And I'm happy to see Dora finally speaking out even on MN those who were anti M would use Dora to score points as if what the media say must be true because even Dora hadn't said anything in support of M. Well she has now and she was distraught that her daughter had been treated like this.
They seem to have a genuine love for each other which has grown with having their family and carving out their careers and interests.

Harry has definitely moved more into Meghan's world but I don't see what is wrong with that - this happens with most marriages. And more to the point he seems far more happier and relaxed than I've ever seen him before. I'm sure he still has one or two friends from royal circles and he will make new ones within the circles he is in.
They could have stayed and carried the commonweal duties but that would still be within the RF and for them to ignore the abuse M was getting- add in their children and it's not an attractive offer is it? Especially if you have a option of making the life you want for your family elsewhere.

PreparationPreparationPrep · 18/12/2022 17:18

lollipoprainbow · 18/12/2022 13:10

I find the intro and music really melancholy and wistful. The music reminds me of downtown abbey!

Yes and I loved all the music too. The last one That went with or just before the credits I haven't heard in a long while

lollipoprainbow · 20/12/2022 06:30

I came away feeling really sad after watching the final episode. I hope he's happy but he doesn't seem to have any purpose any more.

MrsTag · 20/12/2022 08:59

Aspiringmatriarch · 18/12/2022 13:06

Oh come on. You think she was faking crying? She's not Meryl Streep! I know there's that clip of her saying she can fake cry, but that was real emotion and you'd have to be wilfully blind not to see it IMO. I watched Suits and it was fluffy, fun stuff; I think that's about her level with acting really (and I don't say that as a criticism).

I think that people can end up believing their own versions of events and can get themselves into such a state that they do believe that people are out to get them etc. It's not a sign of good mental health.

However I do think that Jeremy Clarkson was disgusting but then he has always been a Class A prick.

MrsTag · 20/12/2022 08:59

Inkanta · 18/12/2022 15:07

I find the intro and music really melancholy and wistful. The music reminds me of downtown abbey

Yes the intro gives me a similar feeling to Downton Abbey.

Of course it does.

Sigma33 · 20/12/2022 09:30

MrsTag · 20/12/2022 08:59

Of course it does.

Yes, isn't it a coincidence 😂

A heads up, every shot, every bit of music, the juxtaposition between one snippet and the next - all of them have been chosen to create unspoken meaning and associations. Not just in this series before anyone claims I am accusing H&M of doing something out of the ordinary.

It's just the day to day work of creating and selecting content, and telling a story from a particular angle in order to create the impact you want.

MrsTag · 20/12/2022 09:33

I agree @Sigma33 which is why I am surprised when people are blown away by how genuine these two are when it is a carefully managed piece of TV. Often too these same people decry the media - basically they are the same thing albeit one is gushy and slick. People are easily fooled.

MrsTag · 20/12/2022 09:33

SOME people

Elisabetty · 20/12/2022 10:43

It really makes me laugh when the same people that claim that Meghan is a really bad actress can at the same time claim that she can perform an oscar level perfornance that fools hundreds of thousands of people.

What I especially liked about the series that they had actual newspaper clips and real people giving statements. Not a single unnamed palace source is telling rumours but everyone speaks with their own name and face.

My opinions really did not change after watching the document. The british press is truly horrible and the royal family should have defended Harty and Meghan. Because parents need to support their children. When my sons grow up, they will marry the girl (or the boy ) they want, do what they want for their living and don't need to come to any occasion to represent the family that they do not want to. I will continue to love and support them regardless of their choices. Because a parents love should be unconditional. And it should be that in every social class.

Sigma33 · 20/12/2022 11:01

I will continue to love and support them regardless of their choices. Because a parents love should be unconditional.

Funnily, a lot of posters (especially those supporting H&M) have criticised the Queen for only getting Andrew to step out of official life, and not cutting him off altogether.

Weren't H&M offered the opportunity for a quiet wedding and a life outside of being a working royal? Or was that misreported? My recollection is that they chose to be working royals, until they chose to leave. They wanted to 'hit the ground running' as well, and not take time to settle into their new life and role.

No reason why they shouldn't change their mind, of course.

Lampzade · 20/12/2022 12:04

Sigma33 · 20/12/2022 11:01

I will continue to love and support them regardless of their choices. Because a parents love should be unconditional.

Funnily, a lot of posters (especially those supporting H&M) have criticised the Queen for only getting Andrew to step out of official life, and not cutting him off altogether.

Weren't H&M offered the opportunity for a quiet wedding and a life outside of being a working royal? Or was that misreported? My recollection is that they chose to be working royals, until they chose to leave. They wanted to 'hit the ground running' as well, and not take time to settle into their new life and role.

No reason why they shouldn't change their mind, of course.

There is no way that Harry and Meghan were offered a quiet wedding. In fact , in the documentary Harry said that everyone including the public wanted to see Diana’s son achieve his happily ever after .

BellePeppa · 20/12/2022 12:06

Morestrangethings · 15/12/2022 22:08

Belle Pepper, I’m sorry your son is feeling so bad. I hope you are getting plenty of support as you support your son. It is indeed a frightening thing.

—————————-

When someone says they are suicidal, I believe them. Doria’s distress was evident and I felt for her.

———————————

Lets start believing women, rather than trying to pick them apart. I despair for the world when people have such strong impulses to pick apart every thing a woman says about her life and decide she’s a dissembler, a liar, inauthentic etc.. When women do this they are in service to misogyny. And, as has become very apparent, the traditional media - some of which has proven itself to be rotten to the core. I’d be absolutely ashamed to be part of an industry which sees cruelty and abuse towards women as fair play.

I just think she’s a nasty spiteful person and I think her husband is worse. I am not of the school of supporting every woman for no other reason than that they are female. I’ve met, worked with, crossed paths with some horrible horrible women.

Not sure who wrote the nice text of support for my son but it is much appreciated. It breaks my heart in two to see my son unable to feel joy in anything.

Lampzade · 20/12/2022 12:07

Elisabetty · 20/12/2022 10:43

It really makes me laugh when the same people that claim that Meghan is a really bad actress can at the same time claim that she can perform an oscar level perfornance that fools hundreds of thousands of people.

What I especially liked about the series that they had actual newspaper clips and real people giving statements. Not a single unnamed palace source is telling rumours but everyone speaks with their own name and face.

My opinions really did not change after watching the document. The british press is truly horrible and the royal family should have defended Harty and Meghan. Because parents need to support their children. When my sons grow up, they will marry the girl (or the boy ) they want, do what they want for their living and don't need to come to any occasion to represent the family that they do not want to. I will continue to love and support them regardless of their choices. Because a parents love should be unconditional. And it should be that in every social class.

Exactly
On one hand her detractors say she is a two bit , mediocre actress
The next day her detractors say she acted her way through the six hour documentary -Meryl Streep worthy

Make it make sense

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