New Sussex website

[MaturingCheeseball]

So I see there is a brand-new Duke and Duchess of Sussex website. Very glossy.

But the self-aggrandising! I just read Meghan’s bio and - cringe - it was the worst of LinkedIn. Sometimes less is more!

You know, I think Meghann understands quite well how Hollywood works and I think that at one time Harry understood how the RF works but now that he's taken Meghann's philosophy and beliefs as his own he's forgotten the realities he grew up with. The 'problem' is that neither of them seem to get that 'never the twain shall meet'. And in their anger and frustration they're lashing out with ugliness and bile. If they haven't already, they'll soon cross the Rubicon with The King and Queen. I think they already have with the Waleses.

Obviously I come at this from a US POV, so I 'get' why they're doing what they're doing from a 'commercial' standpoint; using whatever you have to get whatever you want. To a certain extent, that's 'The American Way'. Blackening your family name is not included in that, although plenty of people have done exactly that and made millions. But their reputations have been shredded in the process and none of them remained in the 'top tier' of their particular sphere.

The problem is that they are using an institution that has traditions and standards going back, what, a thousand years? And they seem to be acting as if Harry is nothing more than a Hollywood 'nepo baby' who uses a famous parent's name to shoehorn himself (and by extension, her) into a position of fame, power, and money. Maybe if H was the son of the Duke of 'Wherever' this might work with just a few raised eyebrows and some quiet scorn. But not with the RF and not after vilifying them so publicly. The interest in and 'veneration' (tongue in cheek there) of the British RF by certain US people and institutions seems to be an American 'peculiarity', one I obviously share (or I wouldn't be on this thread lol).

But another 'peculiarity' of US business, especially Hollywood, is smilingly using things and people one has disdain for, then kicking them to the kerb when they no longer serve their purpose. H&M are underestimating this in their efforts to maintain their 'relevance'. Will they continue in their philanthropy once it doesn't get them invited to the right parties and no one is paying them to give speeches? Who knows. But it will happen.

My thoughts exactly, I have been a supporter and very sympathetic to the royal family and what H&M have put them through over the years but in all honesty I’m sick of supporting them now, I’m tired of it, why should I defend the Royal family and our head of state when they do absolutely nothing to defend the institution, our country, the commonwealth or themselves. As far as I’m concerned H&M can set up their own American court and have a pretend coronation for all I care now.

Thank you, @AcrossthePond55 - an interesting perspective. I have often wondered why a royal couple like Harry and Meghan would be so lionised in the USA. You've explained it well.
What about Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet? Growing up in California - will those titles open doors for them?

I haven’t read the thread but I have asked about a republican topic too .

Id say the Mumsnet readership probably sways republican - certainly you can see that when royalist debates are on the mainstream boards like AIBU or chat .
It was abundantly clear during mournathon.
I suspect the republican input / debate keeps these boards going . They were dead for years and years .

He and Meghan are royalists through and through - there's nothing wrong with that in itself .

I think they want the monarchy but they want to be at top - ie King and Queen or equivalent - do no work or no unfun work make money from it and be based in USA not UK.

I can understand Meghan being an American why she thought it might be possible to get near that - culturally she lack the knowledge of what and how RF works she lack any cultural references really - but why was Harry was confused about what it entailed and then publicly moans about hierarchies as if the monarchy being one is news to him.

I don't know, @RhubarbGingerJam - he seems to be very badly informed on many issues.

I took the point to be that they are not being lionized in the US at all. They are being used where/when it suits while the users hold their noses and roll their eyes. That matches with my own perception. The comments from the Spotify guy certainly supports the theory. He let the veil down for a moment.

Ok, thanks @AliceOlive - it seems like a risky situation. What about the children's titles?

The circumstances that “made it difficult for him to stay “ were that the late Queen refused to allow the half in/ half out proposal. That’s why they flounced off . Had the late Queen agreed I don’t think we would have heard all their complaints.
But some people conveniently ignore that point.

@Pringlescave376 I pity their dc growing up and reading all of this hatred directed at their parents that’s for sure.

Don't you think it's up to their parents to protect them from all this and not publicly diss the RF, and talk about frozen todgers etc - rather than blame people for reacting to the very public antics of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex? They are the ones creating this shitshow!

Maybe. But I don’t think so. This has been printed across the top of stationery all my life - even designed for children. It really isn’t intended to make anyone come across as important.

I think it’s a bit depressing that someone would view a hand written note with the disdain you describe. The people that still bother with them are generally pretty damn sincere. Maybe just don’t do any more things for people so that you don’t have to be burdened this way. 😉

Just like RFF, some will fall all over themselves and some will roll their eyes.

You say that we don’t know what they are like, then give us a perception of Harry straight from the Royal PR team.

According to his own account of himself, that same period Harry was a binge-drinking, staff-abusing, deeply unhappy young man, who didn’t want to visit earthquake victims in Tibet and deeply resented large aspects of his lifestyle. The two pictures are hard to reconcile.

Pringlescave376 · Today 16:43

Harry as the son of the current king, and brother to the future king, is forever connected to the monarchy whether he likes it or not. And he has always been very clear that he never wanted to leave or reject his title but circumstances made it very difficult for him to stay. Everyone conveniently ignores that point of course.

What a load of rubbish! You've totally bought into the myth that circumstances made it very difficult for him to stay!!!

What would he have done if he hadn't married an American wife, who clearly had her own agenda and was determined to go back to California? Who scorned everything about the RF and even took the piss out of the Queen (her exaggerated curtsy was disgusting and totally disrespectful! An elderly lady who had been nothing but kind to her!). She was never going to settle for a life of duty like Kate. Even though she wasn't a person of any significance she has such aspirations to grandeur, and she was never going to play second fiddle to anyone.

Talking of fiddle, she has played Harry like one! I'm not sure what "circumstances made it difficult" because any of the circumstances that led to them leaving were all of their own making.

Had the late Queen agreed I don’t think we would have heard all their complaints.But some people conveniently ignore that point.

I think we'd have still heard massive complaints - every time they didn't get everything they wanted - but slow drip drip - and like now any mistakes or missteps would always be other people's faults.

Also not sure they'd have managed to keep bullying stuff as much under warp or that they'd have coped with negative press because UK press does go after all the women who marry into the RF which is nasty and Meghan once again seem ill prepared for.

I think our Queen saw the issues with their proposals and their behavior and just shut down an even worse situation.

@Mylovelygreendress The circumstances that “made it difficult for him to stay “ were that the late Queen refused to allow the half in/ half out proposal. That’s why they flounced off . Had the late Queen agreed I don’t think we would have heard all their complaints.
But some people conveniently ignore that point.

They threw their toys out of the pram because they didn't get their own way. Half in, half out could never have worked - complete conflict of interests.

Do you think if the Queen had agreed, they would have been happy? I don't think they would have because it would never have been enough.

What @AliceOlive said is pretty spot on "I took the point to be that they are not being lionized in the US at all. They are being used where/when it suits while the users hold their noses and roll their eyes".

Obviously there is a smattering of actual 'adoration', but it's for their titles, not for them as people. And that's what fades. Similar to the D&DoW. They were 'top news' during the abdication crisis and invited everywhere, but they ended up fading into 'genteel obscurity' after time, with just a few loyal hangers on.

As far as PA and PL, I really don't know. This is such an unusual situation and one I can't think of a precedent for. IMHO they would be true 'nepo babies', whose entree would be based mostly on their parent's cachet, if they have any left. Unless of course, they distinguish themselves based on their own merit, of course. I mean, I'm sure there will be always be businesses who value having "Prince/ss A/L of Sussex" somewhere on their promotional material. I guess it depends on what they want for their lives. Will it help them break into show biz or get on a pro sports team? Nah. But the titles might 'help' if they want to get into the fashion industry or some other 'arty' career.

IMHO, I have a feeling that since they're being raised in the US and will (I assume) attend US schools that their titles will end up meaning very little to them in 'practical terms'. I'm sure the vast majority of 'nepo babies' prefer to make in on their own merits. Hopefully A&L will take that path.

@AcrossthePond55 You know, I think Meghann understands quite well how Hollywoodworks and I think thatat one timeHarry understood how the RF works but now that he's taken Meghann's philosophy and beliefs as his own he's forgotten the realities he grew up with. The 'problem' is that neither of them seem to get that 'never the twain shall meet'. And in their anger and frustration they're lashing out with ugliness and bile. If they haven't already, they'll soon cross the Rubicon with The King and Queen. I think they already have with the Waleses

Excellent post. He's so blinded by everything Meghan isn't he? I think William was right to warn him about rushing things, as well as the friend whose name I forget, who got excluded from part of the wedding because he also urged caution.

You have to begin to wonder whether Harry ever really understood how the RF is, even though he grew up at the heart of it?

I do think it's time that the RF drew a line in the sand and I think that Harry is nasty and selfish to do this to his father while he is ill. But then they never gave a damn when the Queen and Prince Philip were also ill, and indeed dying, when he pulled all that shit on them.

It's pretty unforgiveable!

Very interesting. Thanks, @AcrossthePond55 and @AliceOlive .

Turtlerussell · Today 18:12

What a coincidence, they ran off just as the bullying was coming to light. It’s a shame that’s been buried - looks like their deflect and distract tactics worked, unfortunately.

I wish they would release the report now that the Queen is no longer alive.

I suppose that the Prince-who-wasn't at the Legends of Aviation awards finds a title helps? I expect it opens some doors. Whether they are the doors you want to open is another question.

If you recall from that article in the Cut this is the office of Harry and M.