Harry and Meghan: Relationship Musings

[ladongas]

He never used the "L" word. He just confirmed he and Meghan were dating.

Maybe it is a cultural problem, but, on our side of the Atlantic, or at least where I live, saying in public that you are in love with someone is a big deal, especially when the person you are supposed to be in love with has not publicy said yet he is in love with you too.

Who is entitled to speak first? Is it only the man who can figuratively shout his love from the rooftops, or are the in love couple supposed to speak in unison?

Surely most American women are willing to speak of love or anything whenever they wish. (Speaking as an American woman who initiated the first date, the first I love you, and who heavily promoted a proposal 38 years ago... I considered myself adept enough to recognize when a man was interested in me, and I didn't believe in wasting time.)

Men who don't like strong women would never be interesting to me, nor interested in me

 

[Pranter]

Who is entitled to speak first? Is it only the man who can figuratively shout his love from the rooftops, or are the in love couple supposed to speak in unison?

Surely most American women are willing to speak of love or anything whenever they wish. (Speaking as an American woman who initiated the first date, the first I love you, and who heavily promoted a proposal 38 years ago... I considered myself adept enough to recognize when a man was interested in me, and I didn't believe in wasting time.)

Men who don't like strong women would never be interesting to me, nor interested in me

Even being a pretty conservative person I agree with you on this! Why is it okay if the man says it...but not if the woman does...she has to wait on him before voicing her opinion?

For the record when I met my husband he suggested getting together sometime..I said okay how about lunch on Monday. Neither of us have what you would call 'meek or mild' personalities.


LaRae

 

[Cocoasneeze]

The fact is, that Meghan hasn't benefited from this relationship monetarily, as she has closed down lucrative deals, is supposed to stop her acting career, has stooped all social media activity. This vanity fair interview won't do a thing for her if they break up. So, saying, that she's getting publicity through this relationship just seems untrue and not fair.

 

[soapstar]

I've deleted a huge number of posts due to in-fighting/personal attacks. Let me repeat one of the ground rules we established at the beginning of this thread:

This is a discussion forum, so there will be a variety of opinions. Some of those opinions you will agree with and some you will not. No matter how you feel, please remember to be respectful of one another. You can disagree without resorting to personal attacks.

As has been clearly established, there are some people that are fans of Meghan and Harry and some who are not. As long as members are respectful and follow the forum rules, all opinions are welcome. If you feel that a post is violating the forum rules, please report it, instead of disrupting the thread.

Any further off-topic posts will be deleted.

 

[DeeT]

One thing with the ragtag sleaze publications is that they're all specifically trained to be "spooners". Something happens and its their job to stir the pot and create disention about things. They make money because this is what some people believe and feed on.

I can instantly tell sometimes when someone comes on TRF and expresses opinions that sounds like they've come from these publication or information sites that thrive on negative gossip. What we have here at TRF is a place dedicated to staying away from that kind of drivel and all opinions are valid as long as they can be backed up by a credible source.

For me, Vanity Fair has a reputation for being credible and well worth what they print. The Sun, The Fail and other sensational sleazebag publications I wish were totally banned from even being mentioned here as a source for information. I do admit that the Fail has excellent photographs and occasionally print something worthwhile but its a very rare occasion.

Vanity Fair did a nice interview with one of The Queen's Equerries last year. I thought that article
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/20...eth-as-told-by-one-of-her-private-secretaries

and this one featuring Meghan were both appropriately done. Meghan's first Vanity Fair interview that she did at the One Young World Summit in October 2016 was also good.

 

[MichelleQ2]

The point of the interview was to elevate her profile and confirm again for the public that she and Harry are very serious about each other, and it's appearing three weeks before the start of the Invictus Games, one of Harry's signature achievements, which this year is being hosted in the city Megan lives.

They're moving their relationship from a private one to one most of the public knows about, and that seems smart before an engagement announcement.

I agree - I also think this interview may have been part of a negotiation btwn the palace and the production company to control her press appearances and exit Meghan's character. Meghan most likely has a publicity obligation in her contract and if the palace were to give this large of a get (in a controlled manner) that could get her out of other less quality press appearances.

But signs definitely seem to point toward things moving forward for the couple.

 

[HRHHermione]

I agree - I also think this interview may have been part of a negotiation btwn the palace and the production company to control her press appearances and exit Meghan's character. Meghan most likely has a publicity obligation in her contract and if the palace were to give this large of a get (in a controlled manner) that could get her out of other less quality press appearances.



But signs definitely seem to point toward things moving forward for the couple.

I hadn't considered that (her publicity obligations for Suits) and I think it's a very good point

 

[NoShades]

The problem with this is they weren't writing about his personal life. They were tearing his girlfriend to pieces by making inappropriate racial remarks and insinuating that she's a porn star. Then then it became a security issue when photographers that were stalking her mother and trying to break into Meghan's home. Very different from this.

In fact, this was very clear point from Harry early on. Just look at that letter. He acknowledged the natural interest in his personal life, but said a line was crossed in their behavior, and that's what he took issues with. He also made the exact point when he gave Camilla Tominey, the reporter who broke the story about him and Meghan, the only exclusive interview from his Caribbean tour. That was not done unintentionally. But places like DF will never understand the point here.

And also, I'm not sure why he's miffed about British press being excluded. She gave an interview to a reputable publication. Not a tabloid. That rules out most of the daily papers that's been writing extensively about them in UK.

Aha I posted something very similar, almost word for word before seeing this. Same minds lol ?

 

[Osipi]

Now, this is just me musing about things that come to mind when I'm not really thinking about anything in particular. Its a big maybe, perhaps and even a bit of a "how would it be". Thanks MichelleQ2 for being the seed for this fragment of my illumination that could involve the Palace and the production company being in cahoots about things.

Most likely, if Meghan has any indication that she will be leaving Suits and not renewing her contract, how cool would it be for Harry and Meghan's wedding to coincide with her final episode of Suits? If this couple does get engaged and all eyes turn towards a royal wedding, I'm sure that Suits is going to be mentioned quite a bit in the information given about Meghan in the run up to the big day. It would be a sensational perk for Suits to join in all the happy hoopla and promote Meghan's final episode in the run up to the wedding.

I think this would be a glorious idea. Suits has had a very successful run and most likely will be seen in syndication for years to come.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

The point of the interview was to elevate her profile and confirm again for the public that she and Harry are very serious about each other, and it's appearing three weeks before the start of the Invictus Games, one of Harry's signature achievements, which this year is being hosted in the city Megan lives.

They're moving their relationship from a private one to one most of the public knows about, and that seems smart before an engagement announcement.

I think you are correct. Last year Harry said Meghan was his girlfriend. Now Meghan says she and Harry love each other. They have both acknowledged their relationship. These are the first steps towards a more official relationship.

I still think the engagement will be announced once Suits has finished filming and her commitment to the show is over, and the wedding will be sometime after the final show of the season is broadcast.

 

[jacqui24]

Now, this is just me musing about things that come to mind when I'm not really thinking about anything in particular. Its a big maybe, perhaps and even a bit of a "how would it be". Thanks MichelleQ2 for being the seed for this fragment of my illumination that could involve the Palace and the production company being in cahoots about things.

Most likely, if Meghan has any indication that she will be leaving Suits and not renewing her contract, how cool would it be for Harry and Meghan's wedding to coincide with her final episode of Suits? If this couple does get engaged and all eyes turn towards a royal wedding, I'm sure that Suits is going to be mentioned quite a bit in the information given about Meghan in the run up to the big day. It would be a sensational perk for Suits to join in all the happy hoopla and promote Meghan's final episode in the run up to the wedding.

I think this would be a glorious idea. Suits has had a very successful run and most likely will be seen in syndication for years to come.

That's not going to happen. Nor would it be a good idea.

 

[M. Payton]

I know, but don't you think it's time to change that rule ? If they can't talk together about their relationship before an engagement, then I think she should not have talked at all about their "love", or should have let Harry come out first. I know it may sound terriblly old-fashioned, but that would have been the proper way to do it, especially given Harry's rank.

Talk about confusing here........someone on this forum please tell me what is so darn wrong with telling anyone else in this world that you are *In Love* with another human being regardless of *RANK*.

They are *In Love* with each other. There is nothing wrong with them being in love or wanting a relationship or marriage or babies or a life of their own..........*Nothing* yet some here are hell bent on trying to bring hell's fury on this couple.... it is uncalled for. I have read this entire thread and it is getting worse by the minute and YES I know we are all entitled to our own opinions here, yet the trolls are out in full force and it is nasty and mean and hateful....why can't people or anyone else just be happy for them, wish them well and let them have a life of their own which by the way that is just what they will do anyhow.........is this how any one would treat their family member or friend's relationship?

Times change this is not the 1800 or the 1900 or any other day but today and we should just accept that.

There is no way MM did this without the approval of Harry.....no way in h*ll, they are committed to each other and that is it! I liked the interview regardless of when it was done, who was there, who approved it, whatever, it is out there and both are in LOVE with each other......I for one wish them well and long life of love!

 

[O-H Anglophile]

I think there are people in this thread and on this forum who have very rigid ideas of what sort of person is acceptable as a Royal spouse. Whether it is Meghan's current occupation, her current citizenship or something else--Meghan apparently does not meet the criteria they have decided is appropriate.

I admit when the news broke that Meghan and Harry were girlfriend/boyfriend I wondered why, and wasn't sure it would last--but as I learned more about Meghan I began to see why Harry might be attracted to her and how she could fit into his life--private and public.

 

[royal rob]

The funny side
I was in the train station waiting room the news was on the big screen. Harry and Meghan came on and every head turn to watch young old men women all watching. Lol

 

[jacqui24]

The funny side
I was in the train station waiting room the news was on the big screen. Harry and Meghan came on and every head turn to watch young old men women all watching. Lol

As much as I hate to say this. Looks matter. Them being an attractive couple helps. It certainly was a factor in the Diana/Charles/Camilla situation. Not saying it makes everyone love them, but it creates interest. Good or bad.

 

[Buckeye Royal Fan]

Whether it is Meghan's current occupation, her current citizenship or something else

Sadly, my suspicion is that is the mostly the something else.

 

[Madame Verseau]

I think this article says the engagement is on and this piece is meant to be a roll out. This would not have been done without Harry's approval or BP's or CH's knowledge. The U.S. coverage would be insane - local girl makes good and the historic slant of a woman of color marrying a senior member of the BRF. There would be some tough questions asked such as racism that has been confronted in the relationship and light hearted fare such as her fashion sense. She would be judged as how she serves the U.K. as its princess/royal duchess. This will be fascinating.

 

[NoShades]

To be honest and frank and from my point of view, I personally think while the interview she gave was ok it wasn't a good call. That and the photo shoot was ill-advised. Knowing what she's up against and the prejudices that surrounds her relationship with a member of the BRF - she should have known better. She had been doing so well up until that point.

I'm British and Britain as a society in general are pretty straight-laced. This may sound hypocritical and judgmental, but that is the reality of the matter. It just plays into the hands of her enemies if you ask me. I accept there was nothing sordid or overly suggestive about her poses, still, when it comes to our Royals and being becoming a part of it, especially via marriage - its best to keep your head low and just get on doing good deed like helping with good causes.

Again, I personally don't have an issue with the path Meghan is following and I think she's pretty cool and I support her regardless. Yes, she has given up quite a lot and made sacrifices. It's also undeniable she receives vile treatment from a cross section of the tabloid press and on a selection of discussion boards, even more so than any other previous royal girlfriend/wife-to-be.

It's still a choice to go the whole hog and decide you want to marry into a Royal family, because believe me when you fall in love and enter into a seriously relationship with a member of the BRF, you are essentially marrying the Firm. And buying into the Establishment with its tradition as it stands, however unfair that may seem.

I am not a backward-thinking person by any means. But even Meghan herself must know, surely, that piece is hardly going to endear her to the Queen and the very conservative community she'll dwell in once and if she marries Harry.

Moving forward, She needs to live her life but keep her head low and avoid unnecessary publicity that could potentially be misconstrued as salacious or exploitive . Unless conducted and done in conjunction with Harry, his family and advisers. Sorry but that piece hasn't the hallmark of a coming-out-piece orchestrated or aided by a Palace PR. I'm fed up watching her get ripped apart unfairly, but this was a misstep of sorts, just my opinion.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

I don't think because some people are already biased against her, that Meghan should not do a discreet interview/photoshoot where she confirms her relationship.
I didn't read anything the Queen would find objectionable in anything she said.
I really do believe this signals a turning point in Meghan and Harry's public relationship and it is only the beginning.

 

[DeeT]

I like Meghan's photo shoot and article and I'm glad Vanity Fair was chosen to do this. The Vanity Fair article and exclusive photographs of The Queen, done by Annie Leibovitz last year were well received. At least Meghan chose VF and not just an exclusive to a tabloid.

 

[Dman]

You know, I do get other people anxieties about all of this. The media and royal watchers online aren't used to a member of the royal family dating a person who already have her own media presence and who's a successful actress. Also a woman of color. Just being honest. It's something new that people find hard to get used to.

I'm sure Harry never thought he would be dating an American actress and I'm sure Meghan never thought she would be dating a very famous British prince.

It's something I'm sure the late Prince Rainier and the late Grace Kelly never dreamed of either.

You can't control fate though.

In the days of George V, and even on back, none of this would be possible.

I totally understand the anxieties and worries and we can't totally dismiss those feelings.

Isn't it beautiful that in 2017 this is all possible though? It brings a tear to my eye (being serious) that a senior British royal can be allowed to follow his heart and have his woman declare (to the world) they're in love.

 

[M. Payton]

Absolutely agree with you, this is 2017 and all people should be able to follow their hearts and be with the one that they love....no doubt about it. I just feel so sorry for those stuck in a time warp and the fact that they can't move forward and be somewhat happy that finally this young man has found a woman who loves him and is willing to give up so much to be with him and take on the world regardless of the hate and vile meanness out there.

I bet his mom is watching and is in his heart making him filled with love and joy.......way to go Harry and Meghan ......

 

[Dee Anna]

I'm sure Harry never thought he would be dating an American actress and I'm sure Meghan never thought she would be dating a very famous British prince.

It's something I'm sure the late Prince Rainier and the late Grace Kelly never dreamed of either.

You can't control fate though.

In the days of George V, and even on back, none of this would be possible.

I totally understand the anxieties and worries and we can't totally dismiss those feelings.

Isn't it beautiful that in 2017 this is all possible though? It brings a tear to my eye (being serious) that a senior British royal can be allowed to follow his heart and have his woman declare (to the world) they're in love.

Indeed! 80 odd years ago a King abdicated to marry a divorced woman, yet here we are, the current heir - divorced himself - married over 12 years to a divorced woman.

Time has indeed moved on. Next year, after all, all things being equal Harry will be 6th in line to the throne, one step away from no longer needing the Queen's permission to marry. Not that I see that being an issue in any event.

 

[Dman]

Absolutely agree with you, this is 2017 and all people should be able to follow their hearts and be with the one that they love....no doubt about it. I just feel so sorry for those stuck in a time warp and the fact that they can't move forward and be somewhat happy that finally this young man has found a woman who loves him and is willing to give up so much to be with him and take on the world regardless of the hate and vile meanness out there.

I bet his mom is watching and is in his heart making him filled with love and joy.......way to go Harry and Meghan ......

Well, to be honest, some veteran royal reporters/correspondents and other royal watchers are used to the old way of royal dating and royal life. Anything new and out of the norm are seen as threatening to the royal family and tradition of the institution.

Actually, the royal family adapted to a new style of royal courtships many years ago.

When Prince Edward was dating Sophie Rhys-Jones (now the Countess of Wessex) a lot of the norms were broken. Sophie was present at the royal family side a lot. She attended various family events with the royals and she holidayed with the family on the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Castle of Mey and Balmoral. Sophie was practically a senior member of the family even before her engagement.

The royal family is actually relaxed on who and how members of the family date.

Harry is actually dating a person who have a job that requires her to be in the spotlight and have a social media presence. She's not an unknown English girl plucked from one of the counties. She's successful and accomplished in her own right. Secure in herself. An American and of mixed race.

When it comes to potential British Royal Brides, the media and royal watchers online, feel things should be more traditional.

Times have changed though and people shouldn't dismiss the change. The most important thing is that the couple is happy and in love. The royal family, their friends and other family members support them, we should too.

 

[MARG]

To be honest, what has been posted in the last two days alone is absolutely mind blowing both in volume and content. I find myself wondering how a quite lovely interview which actually says very little but introduces Meghan Markle as a bona fide "girlfriend" who said she in love, could result in such turmoil.

Many have said they see KP's fingerprints all over this. I do not, for no other reason than if there is a good way or an even better way to release information they invariably default to BP style bumbling. I do not doubt that this interview was conceived and instigated by Harry and Meghan using her PR team via VF which both Harry and William seem to trust. A trust that was obviously not misplaced since the interview was in June and there were no leaks.

The use of Meghan's PR is a master stroke as they have a proven track record of quietly and efficiently nurturing her career as a serious actress and not in the least bit "Hollywood". However, the ensuing pearl grabbing is almost as entertaining as it is gobsmacking. Anyone would think she had posed a la 'Gypsy Rose Lee' with feather fans and nothing else.

The Daily Mail et al have their knickers in a knot because Vanity Fair was chosen to scoop them and I look forward to their future published articles on the subject. But now we have the "Perfect Brigade" pulling out all the stops to insist that this is Meghan manipulating and trying to force Harry's hand because, after all, he wouldn't really marry someone like her.

I love the behind the scenes clip of the photoshoot which showed a happy, carefree and self-confident woman and showed in action the warmth and charisma that no doubt is what attracted Harry in the first place. I wish them well and hope this "romance" ends in marriage if for no other reason than I love a happy ending.

To those who feel the article was designed to steal the Cambridge's third baby thunder, I would suggest they use their fingers to count.

 

[Marty91charmed]

I havent' been posting for a while due to personal issues and real life events. Anyway, I have not formed an opinion on Meghan yet or on this interview since it is a first.

By reading the negative comments over here, that's what I think: Meghan is seen as a threaten to Kate. i don't know why that absurd idea would come up, but that's my feeling.


Be assured: if she enters the BRF, Meghan will be an asset, no more, no less. She won't be Kates' competitor, as long as, some "fans" won't pit them one against the other. Bye.

 

[W.Y.CII]

...By reading the negative comments over here, that's what I think: Meghan is seen as a threaten to Kate. i don't know why that absurd idea would come up, but that's my feeling.
...

Somehow I feel that too.

It definitely is not about actual matter like precedence, but they would be compared together on dressing, jewelry, engagements, etc. etc. no matter on what aspects. Probably that's the reason. (and honestly I have already seen some people comparing them )

 

[DeeT]

I think Meghan radiated warmth and happiness in the video of the photo shoot. Her charisma reminds me a lot of Harry's and I think that they will be very good together, also in support of others and the BRF.

 

[Skippy]

I havent' been posting for a while due to personal issues and real life events. Anyway, I have not formed an opinion on Meghan yet or on this interview since it is a first.

By reading the negative comments over here, that's what I think: Meghan is seen as a threaten to Kate. i don't know why that absurd idea would come up, but that's my feeling.


Be assured: if she enters the BRF, Meghan will be an asset, no more, no less. She won't be Kates' competitor, as long as, some "fans" won't pit them one against the other. Bye.

Somehow I feel that too.

It definitely is not about actual matter like precedence, but they would be compared together on dressing, jewelry, engagements, etc. etc. no matter on what aspects. Probably that's the reason. (and honestly I have already seen some people comparing them )

Which makes me wonder just why exactly Meghan would be a threat to Catherine?
What does Catherine have that must be protected at all costs (against the 'claws' of Meghan)?

 

[miss whirley]

Which makes me wonder just why exactly Meghan would be a threat to Catherine?
What does Catherine have that must be protected at all costs (against the 'claws' of Meghan)?

It's not about them trying to protect Catherine, it's about trying to protect the BRF as a whole. This is a very slippery celeb slope that H&M are pushing. High risk, low reward.