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Harry and Meghan make surprise phone calls to young leaders in the US

496 replies

PrincessTigger · 02/08/2023 20:27

I actually really liked this video, it’s them doing what they have always done best. I want to see more things like this, hope it marks a change in tactics.

It also has a very “royal” feel: e.g. there have been recent reports about a split but they’re not arguing in the gutter they’re rising above it and proving them wrong, they’re using their spotlight to shine onto other people, etc.

Only criticism: why are they filming people on the phone?! Makes me think of The Apprentice 😂 use Zoom!!

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/harry-meghan-young-leaders-surprise-call-b2386408.html

Harry and Meghan make surprise phone calls to young leaders in the US

Royal couple congratulated the recipients of the first-ever Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund grants

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/harry-meghan-young-leaders-surprise-call-b2386408.html

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
IamSTARVING · 03/08/2023 14:57

WinnieTheW0rm · 03/08/2023 09:18

It's because they have over-egged it a bit there.

It's a newish organisation. There are 14 contributors. They should all be getting the credit.

I hope it's only the reporting (originally from US sources, repeated here) that is skewed. And that it's not an actual attempt to puff up Archewells's actual role (I saw one account that suggested they had provided the entire prize pot, and that is simply not true)

Had you heard of any of these people before this video?

If yes - how?

If not (like me)- job well done for them!

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 14:57

pinkgraffitirat

Even if you strip the title of Prince from Harry, he'll always be the King's son, and the world will always call him Prince Harry

He asked to call him 'Just Harry', I think we should respect that. Alternatively, Meghan calls him 'Haz', which also should be acceptable, shouldn't it?

Roussette · 03/08/2023 15:01

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 14:57

pinkgraffitirat

Even if you strip the title of Prince from Harry, he'll always be the King's son, and the world will always call him Prince Harry

He asked to call him 'Just Harry', I think we should respect that. Alternatively, Meghan calls him 'Haz', which also should be acceptable, shouldn't it?

A year or two ago he was at a function and someone asked what they should call him.
He answered "Just call me Harry"

On threads for weeks and weeks, he was mocked and insulted for saying that. Even to the point people were changing their names to variations of JCMH.
He can't win.

If he were to give up titles (which won't happen, read @pinkgraffitirat post as to why) he would be slagged off for it, because nothing, absolutely nothing, either of them do would be enough for the 'detractors'. They still ridicule them for no reason.

Wheresthebeach · 03/08/2023 15:04

Stripping the titles is indeed a massive issue but Anne’s children never had titles so it’s unlikely to be an issue if H&M simply stop using them. And nobody would have cared if their children didn’t have titles - but they cared hugely and accuses the RF of racism over the issue.

if they had an ounce of integrity they wouldn’t cling to the titles like a drowning man hanging into a raft.

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 15:04

Roussette · 03/08/2023 14:57

You said this "His disgraced Uncle never complained about hard life being a royal is" and I answered you.

Nice try though!

Harry has never been accused of dodgy deals with Middle Easter Oligarchs and arms dealers.
Unlike his Uncle.

@pinkgraffitirat Brilliant post. You've summed it up so well.

I see you conveniently miss my question 'Why doesn't Haz give up his title?'
Nice try to steer away to his Uncle
I know, Haz and Meghan are hypocrites, that's why

IamSTARVING · 03/08/2023 15:05

Serenster · 03/08/2023 11:04

I think this is a positive move for them rather than the victim status they have been chasing.

Shame it came out on exactly the same day as their PR pieces saying Spotify didn’t give them enough support and they are still waiting for an apology from the Royal Family, then! 🤣

Spotify has to change it's entire business model.

They are finding it hard to make money.

The Sussex are just a very high profile example of that.

Having said that Archtypes was number 1 for a number of weeks and did make money.

Bruce Springsteen and Barak Obama are other examples of high profile signings that Spotify could not make work. They both performed worse than Meghan Markle.

You can love them or hate them but facts are important.

MrsMaxDeWinter · 03/08/2023 15:07

@pinkgraffitirat

Fantastic posts from you on this thread. I especially like your observations about how the RF is viewed outside the UK.

Not many here are interested in discussing Lord Ashcroft's huge survey, which I posted on previous threads, looking at attitudes to the Royal Family in the Commonwealth, but one of the key findings was that in 10 of the 14 Commonwealth realms, Harry and Meghan are believed over other members of the Royal Family.

If you then remove the titles, either taking back the ducal title, which was a gift from the Queen, or the princely title, which is a "birthright", you begin to have a real issue in those countries, and beyond.

Roussette · 03/08/2023 15:07

Wheresthebeach · 03/08/2023 15:04

Stripping the titles is indeed a massive issue but Anne’s children never had titles so it’s unlikely to be an issue if H&M simply stop using them. And nobody would have cared if their children didn’t have titles - but they cared hugely and accuses the RF of racism over the issue.

if they had an ounce of integrity they wouldn’t cling to the titles like a drowning man hanging into a raft.

Rather dramatic!

From BBC News about Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund.
They were shown side by side, billed in a video as "Harry and Meghan" without any reference to their royal titles.

So hardly clinging to them like a life raft hahaha

They have done what you asked. Not used them. OK?!

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 15:07

Roussette · 03/08/2023 15:01

A year or two ago he was at a function and someone asked what they should call him.
He answered "Just call me Harry"

On threads for weeks and weeks, he was mocked and insulted for saying that. Even to the point people were changing their names to variations of JCMH.
He can't win.

If he were to give up titles (which won't happen, read @pinkgraffitirat post as to why) he would be slagged off for it, because nothing, absolutely nothing, either of them do would be enough for the 'detractors'. They still ridicule them for no reason.

Haz also was mocked and insulted for attacking RF (I am not fan of RF in the slightest), but that didn't stop him. did it? Why not stick to 'just Harry' then?

Roussette · 03/08/2023 15:10

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 15:04

I see you conveniently miss my question 'Why doesn't Haz give up his title?'
Nice try to steer away to his Uncle
I know, Haz and Meghan are hypocrites, that's why

I have answered your question! You keep asking me and I keep answering! The Uncle is very relevant!

Who knows... perhaps Charles has asked him not to? Maybe it would shine a light on Andrew? Why do you expect me to have a definitive answer as to why, I don't have a hotline to the Monarchy and/or Harry and Meghan!
'pinkgraffit's post so eloquently explained why it's not happening.

Good on them. Hope they hang on to those titles.

IamfeelingConfused · 03/08/2023 15:10

I don’t get why you don’t see this as a pr stunt for them. Calling is one thing, filming themselves calling and telling people they called is another. True generosity of spirit does not seek recognition

Roussette · 03/08/2023 15:11

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 15:07

Haz also was mocked and insulted for attacking RF (I am not fan of RF in the slightest), but that didn't stop him. did it? Why not stick to 'just Harry' then?

He did. And see my post above with BBC saying they were just Harry and Meghan.

IamSTARVING · 03/08/2023 15:12

FloofCloud · 03/08/2023 13:09

@Iwantcakeeveryday - I'm no fan of the royal family, but they're doing a job to support the country, bring in revenue to the country ... H&M care about themselves only - that's the difference!
They'd have absolutely ripped the guts out of the RF name had they been allowed to do what they wanted to do - all for their own gain. HMQ saw through them ... now they're desperate and look, frankly needy and pathetic

*but they're doing a job to support the country, bring in revenue to the country *

You have to be joking!

They have cost almost a billion pounds in the past 10 years with vaious weddings, funerals, conornations and jubilees.

That is without counting the hand outs they get in form of tax relieft, and the millions given in grants.

With that in mind - I would LOVE to see the accounting.

We kind of know what goes out - what comes in?

Roussette · 03/08/2023 15:16

IamfeelingConfused · 03/08/2023 15:10

I don’t get why you don’t see this as a pr stunt for them. Calling is one thing, filming themselves calling and telling people they called is another. True generosity of spirit does not seek recognition

So... if the initiative of Responsible Tech Youth Power wanted the PR (because believe me H&M bring that)... they wouldn't be allowed because you don't like it....

But it's OK for William to pretend to cook food in a burger van and be filmed to bring awareness to his initiative...

StrawberryWasp · 03/08/2023 15:17

I think spotify made a big mistake thinking prodcuing podcasts with famous people was a money spinner.

I'm a bog podcast consumer.
Podcasts are much more organic and have much more of a tribal clubby feel to them.

You discover podcasts, get recommnedations, form a realstionship with the ones you follow. They are based on the personality of the host over time.

Soptify seemed to try to commercialise the format and sell it to us, but I don't think that's what people want from podcasts.

I think MM or Barack Obama could have a succesful podcast but it would devlop over time with people saying, oh he's really natuarlly funny, or she has great chmeisrty with the guests, or listen to one with Bette Midler it's hilarious or whatever.
Not just because they're famous.

Also popuar podcasts produce 1000s of episodes it's hard slog, you don't just do a 10 epsode series and rake it in.

MrsMaxDeWinter · 03/08/2023 15:17

IamfeelingConfused · 03/08/2023 15:10

I don’t get why you don’t see this as a pr stunt for them. Calling is one thing, filming themselves calling and telling people they called is another. True generosity of spirit does not seek recognition

I have explained that there are thirteen foundations that are part of this initiative, that it is a new one, and this was clearly meant to garner positive publicity. Do you even know what the initiative is about, or care about the brilliant work the youngsters are doing?

How is this different from William highlighting the work of the Earthshot winners?

The strategy has worked, even the Daily Fail now has a big splash about the grant winners. One of the few stories from the DM that is about Harry and Meghan that actually pivots towards something good, the imaginative work of these deserving youngsters.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12366467/Meet-young-American-leaders-surprised-Harry-Meghan-united-display-congratulate-achievements-phone.html?ico=topics_pagination_desktop

Meet the young Americans surprised by Harry and Meghan on the phone

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised young Americans with a call to congratulate them for their accomplishments.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12366467/Meet-young-American-leaders-surprised-Harry-Meghan-united-display-congratulate-achievements-phone.html?ico=topics_pagination_desktop

IamSTARVING · 03/08/2023 15:18

Serenster · 03/08/2023 14:13

It is their job because Archwell are one of the partner organisations of RT Youth Power Fund, who give the awards to the awards recipients in the video. So it literally is their job.

Where are the other 13 partner organisations then - where are their calls and big press release about how bountiful they are? Or are they all slackers?

Where are the other 13 partner organisations then - where are their calls and big press release about how bountiful they are?

We have probably never heard of them.

Which is why you want a profile like H & M.

IamSTARVING · 03/08/2023 15:26

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 14:39

Why would he? He is happy to be part of RF, unlike Haz. So, why Haz doesn't give up his title?

So, why Haz doesn't give up his title?

This is asinine.

The whole house of cards will come tumbling down for the royal family if they start messing with his title.

It is predicated on bloodline.

If they decide that it is no longer based on blood but on behaviour then we could vote for our King.

Think it through ffs.

onlylarkin · 03/08/2023 15:31

IamfeelingConfused · 03/08/2023 15:10

I don’t get why you don’t see this as a pr stunt for them. Calling is one thing, filming themselves calling and telling people they called is another. True generosity of spirit does not seek recognition

Why did William have cameras at the food truck?

And why is him doing it ok, but Harry not ok?

IamSTARVING · 03/08/2023 15:39

Orangetreexherry · 03/08/2023 15:07

Haz also was mocked and insulted for attacking RF (I am not fan of RF in the slightest), but that didn't stop him. did it? Why not stick to 'just Harry' then?

I am curious about the word "attack".

I read his book.

What I read did not "attack". It gave an account of how he grew up and the trials and tribulations of his childhood.

I saw the Oprah interview. I also did not see an "attack".

A bit of hyperbole there imo.

IamSTARVING · 03/08/2023 15:46

StrawberryWasp · 03/08/2023 15:17

I think spotify made a big mistake thinking prodcuing podcasts with famous people was a money spinner.

I'm a bog podcast consumer.
Podcasts are much more organic and have much more of a tribal clubby feel to them.

You discover podcasts, get recommnedations, form a realstionship with the ones you follow. They are based on the personality of the host over time.

Soptify seemed to try to commercialise the format and sell it to us, but I don't think that's what people want from podcasts.

I think MM or Barack Obama could have a succesful podcast but it would devlop over time with people saying, oh he's really natuarlly funny, or she has great chmeisrty with the guests, or listen to one with Bette Midler it's hilarious or whatever.
Not just because they're famous.

Also popuar podcasts produce 1000s of episodes it's hard slog, you don't just do a 10 epsode series and rake it in.

Exactly right.

I think the payment structure is per million downloads.

With that in mind MM did brilliantly being #1 for as many weeks as she was.

For Spotify - the challange was to get a profit on the (claimed) $20 mill deal.

MM did better than Obama. She also did better that Springsteen.

I have a rule of thumb in life - credit where credit is due.

These two get it through the eyeballs no matter what they do.

ILikeDinosaurs · 03/08/2023 16:10

pinkgraffitirat · 03/08/2023 14:51

Re: titles.

They can't without royal permission.

Well they could, but if they did, it would completely destroy any possibility of having even a civil relationship and cause a firestorm of scandal. This is still Harry's dad and brother, and he clearly has a complex relationship with them.

First, if their Ducal titles were removed (which could be done pretty easily) they would automatically default to being Prince and Princess. I'm pretty sure the BRF and the media don't want a situation where Meghan's official title is Princess because that's a word with a lot of cultural weight, and would lead to increased comparisons with Kate now her official title is also Princess.

To strip them of all titles (ie to stop Harry from being Prince Harry) would require an Act of Parliament, and there's no way that wouldn't cause a huge worldwide scandal. Imaging being so vindictive to actually pass an Act of Parliament to remove your own son's birth title.

People would also ask why Harry was stripped when people who have done far worse were not stripped.

King Edward VIII abdicated and was a Nazi sympathiser and it's widely accepted that he was a Nazi collaborator who was actively a traitor to his country, he wasn't stripped of his titles. Prince Andrew was credibly accused of rape, continued a financial and social relationship with a convicted pedophile, had dodgy financial dealings, and was directly selling access to royals for money. He's still there and still a Prince.

The BRF's worldwide popularity right now is low, Will and Kate's last major foreign tour was rife with gaffe and accusations of racism, and countries around the world are either leaving or talking about leaving the Commonwealth. Outside the UK (especially in America) there's a lot of criticism a general perception that the BRF has a problem with racism. If you think "Being a Nazi collaborator or accused rapist with ties to paedophilia doesn't get you stripped of your titles, but marrying a black woman and leaving to ensure her safety does" wouldn't be a worldwide scandal, and wouldn't increase the perception of the BRF being racist, you're wrong.

Second, the royal family do not want them to lose their titles. They have an agenda and investment in them keeping their titles. Why? Because no child of a monarch has ever been stripped of a Prince/Princess title before in modern history, and doing so now would create a dangerous precedent that could end up being used to hurt Charlotte and Louis, or any of Will and Kate's future grandchildren. Will and Kate absolutely don't want to create a situation where if one of their kids goes through a sticky patch or struggles to find paid employment, or is perceived as a freeloader (and the media WILL be all guns blazing against the spares), the public's response is "well just strip them of their Prince/Princess title, you just did it to Harry."

If Harry and Meghan gave up their titles voluntarily it would be perceived as H&M snubbing and rejecting the RF's magnamity (which would be framed as, aren't the RF marvellous and gracious for letting those ingrates keep their titles after all the horrible things they've said, and those wicked people are throwing their generous offer back in their faces). They'd be accused of hypocrisy after what they said about not denying their children their birthright. There'd be no benefit.

Even if you strip the title of Prince from Harry, he'll always be the King's son, and the world will always call him Prince Harry the way the world always called Diana "Princess Diana" when she never held or was entitled to hold that title. So the BRF would be causing a lot of fuss and scandal for no reason.

If the BRF didn't want Harry and Meghan to continue to have titles, they wouldn't have them.

Brilliant post, thank you for explaining the ramifications really well. And to @IamSTARVING for your post re bloodline and voting. Makes so much sense as to why Harry and Meghan should not have their titles stripped. 👏

Samcro · 03/08/2023 16:19

people keep banging on about titles. why shouldn't they use them.
as far as I am concerned whilst PA still has all his and even his x wife uses hers to sell books. why shouldn't they.
or maybe strip them of the dukedom. then we will have prince harry and princess Meghan( yep I know like kate she would be princess husband name, but no one will call her that.

PrincessTigger · 03/08/2023 16:51

I don’t think the W thing was fake surprise, I mean I’d be surprised if I saw the Prince of Wales in a burger van, wouldn’t you?!

The H&M version would’ve worked a lot better over zoom rather than the weird filming people on the phone thing since then the surprise reaction to seeing them would seem more genuine (I imagine there was a moment where they introduced themselves that got edited out but since you don’t see it, it’s not obvious what they’re reacting to!!)

Regarding criticism that they shouldn’t appear on camera or they should award things quietly - well that’s the whole point of publicity. You don’t do publicity in secret. You wouldn’t know about the winners if they hadn’t done the video. I don’t agree it’s inappropriate like Uvalde. This is a project they are actively involved in.

OP posts:
Iwantcakeeveryday · 03/08/2023 17:48

MrsMaxDeWinter · 03/08/2023 14:36

No. They are not all slackers. The Responsible Technology Youth Fund is actually a really brilliant initiative. Partners include Archewell, the Hewlett Foundation and the Oak Foundation. The latter by the way, is an incredible foundation that I happen to know only because I know some of their work, but they fly very much under the radar.

RT Fund's aim is to support young people who have interesting projects around how to use technology responsibly. The range of the projects chosen for this first year is dazzling, from responsible use of AI among students (a real issue because of plagiarism etc) targeting online cyber-bullying, and rethinking the use of social media.

Of the 13 partners, the best known, in terms of public visibility is Archewell.
And given that this is a new initiative, and this group makes up the first cohort, the Fund will have wanted publicity for the bright young people who got the grants. It makes sense that the two best known people in the partnership, Harry and Meghan, are the ones who announced the grants to the recipients.

Certainly, the young people who received the calls seemed very happy to hear from them. A

To anyone interested in their projects, you can find more here. I was blown away by the range, and the thoughtfulness of the selection process. And I love that it is a programme aimed at young people, who are at the frontline of issues around new technology, and its uses and abuses.

https://www.rtyouthpower.org/partners

Thanks for sharing this link, this does sound like a good initiative, I'll have a read if this later :)

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