The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, News and Events 1: September-December 2020

[QueenMathilde]

Originally Posted by JR76

Aren't there several different inauguration balls? If one of them invited them why shouldn't they be able to go.

I know Obama had the most expensive and elaborate inauguration in history. I believe he had ten. But now that everyone mentions it - covid. And supposedly his first act in office is going to be to try to defeat covid. So I'd say there won't be any inauguration balls it would look bad if a lot of people were gathering this January. So I'll change my answer to saying the question is moot - there won't be an inauguration ball. We'll see if I'm right.

[Denville]

Originally Posted by QueenMathilde

I know Obama had the most expensive and elaborate inauguration in history. I believe he had ten. But now that everyone mentions it - covid. And supposedly his first act in office is going to be to try to defeat covid. So I'd say there won't be any inauguration balls it would look bad if a lot of people were gathering this January. So I'll change my answer to saying the question is moot - there won't be an inauguration ball. We'll see if I'm right.

I suppose there may be some sort of celebration but its not going to be a lot of balls, but assuming that there are still inaugural balls in the future, like in 4 years time, and Harry goes ot one I just wouldnt be surprised. I'd say its all on a par with what Meghan wants for their lifestyle now... and he's going along with it...

[Betsypaige]

Originally Posted by Claire

How would you guys feel if Harry and Meghan attended the Inauguration and inaugural Ball?

Just throwing it out there.

I’d LOATHE it.....

[Denville]

Cant really see what's to loathe about it. If it is a political event, its kind of waht I'd expect Harry and Meg to do.. if it is a glitzy celeb event, the same. They've done more insensitiive things

[evolvingdoors]

Originally Posted by Claire

How would you guys feel if Harry and Meghan attended the Inauguration and inaugural Ball?

Just throwing it out there.

They wouldn't and they won't (they're really not important enough). I'm guessing inauguration is gonna hella scaled back this time because of covid with clear request to not come to DC or step out unless absolutely necessary, as well as the ball (if the ball would even happen!- I can see it being canceling this year)

[Denville]

Originally Posted by evolvingdoors

They wouldn't and they won't (they're really not important enough). I'm guessing inauguration is gonna hella scaled back this time because of covid with clear request to not come to DC or step out unless absolutely necessary, as well as the ball (if the ball would even happen!- I can see it being canceling this year)

but who gets to go to tehm? Eeven if they are cancelled this time, there are other years and Im sure they'll be back next election. But is it for the victorious party? Or for anyone?

[Mirabel]

I doubt there'll be much of a celebration this year; if there is, it will be scaled down.
But if the Sussexes were to attend one in the future, I wouldn't care.

I've never paid attention to who attends these things, so why start?

[Biri]

If they are invited to, why not?

[Ista]

The official Inaugural balls are organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, and are largely funded by donors. Aside from big political names (members of the new government, etc.) they are a way of thanking major contributors, so unless the Sussexes donated a lot of money to the President's campaign or are affiliated with one of the groups involved, they are unlikely to get an invitation to one of the official balls. There are usually multiple unofficial balls, so it is possible they might make an appearance at one of those, depending on who they know.

[acdc1]

Originally Posted by Claire

How would you guys feel if Harry and Meghan attended the Inauguration and inaugural Ball?

Just throwing it out there.

They still seem to be trying to keep one foot in the royal family (keeping and continuing to use their titles, still keeping a few patronages for now, etc.) so I don’t think that would be appropriate since they are still TECHNICALLY representing the UK. If they totally renounced the titles and truly lived as private citizens, that would be a different story. Do I think they would attend if they were invited? Absolutely- it’s exactly the kind of event that would give them the attention they seem to crave.

That said, I suspect the inauguration will be VERY scaled-back this year, and I wonder if there will even be inaugural balls or other big events. So I don’t think they’ll be attending either way.

[Winnie]

Originally Posted by Ista

The official Inaugural balls are organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, and are largely funded by donors. Aside from big political names (members of the new government, etc.) they are a way of thanking major contributors, so unless the Sussexes donated a lot of money to the President's campaign or are affiliated with one of the groups involved, they are unlikely to get an invitation to one of the official balls. There are usually multiple unofficial balls, so it is possible they might make an appearance at one of those, depending on who they know.

You are absolutely correct. These Balls are basically "thank you" events and the President and his wife will attend each one for a few minutes, a small speech and a bit of dancing. The ones donating the largest amount will have the best tables, etc. It has been done this way for decades and a chance for political big-wigs to party and pat each other backs in lovely clothes. Really a fun time for all attending. Shame but this virus will definitely put a damper on all these events but I am sure, once isolations are lifted in future, all will go back to the political norm. JMO

[Denville]

Then Meg and Harry aren't likely to be invited *(if there were balls) unless they have made donations or been large supporters of Biden

[Betsypaige]

Originally Posted by Denville

Cant really see what's to loathe about it. If it is a political event, its kind of waht I'd expect Harry and Meg to do.. if it is a glitzy celeb event, the same. They've done more insensitiive things

I’m not asking anyone to agree ..I‘m rather annoyed with them, and I don’t want them having anything to do with any events celebrating the inauguration of our new President. That said, it’s moot, because as others have said, I don’t believe there will be anything like we usually see.

[Claricecolin]

Originally Posted by Denville

but who gets to go to tehm? Eeven if they are cancelled this time, there are other years and Im sure they'll be back next election. But is it for the victorious party? Or for anyone?

I have been to 3 and invited to 5. Lots of people are invited to the inauguration (actual invites) the majority going to supporters and of course you do have various types of famous people. You don't necessarily have to be a major donor (You do need money to buy tickets to the various events) but often are very active in local politics. Also if you have an "in" You have more opportunity to go to more exclusive events. You have the opportunity to purchase tickets to various other functions. You will not see many from the opposition at these events, why would one pay to go to events celebrating someone you do not support. There are always multiple balls. There wouldn't be a venue large enough for guest from all 50 states and territories so they are grouped and that is why there are usually about 10. The President and First Lady and Vice President and Spouse make a brief appearance at each. The tickets are not cheap and tbh are really not that much fun.

I doubt there will be balls or maybe 1 with social distancing or even virtual. I don't expect many events at all because the weather will force more events indoors. Not 100% sure the actual swearing in will happen as usual 1984 comes to mind if was so cold they cancelled outdoor swearing in.Reagan took the oath in the White House instead.

[caethi]

Originally Posted by ACO

I personally find nothing funny about “Megxit” since it was coined long before they exited by the very vocally racist side of social media hoping Harry would divorce Meghan. And by that I truly mean a very ugly side who used gross terms like the “N word”. So the UK media using it just cemented thoughts for many...

I'm with you. I personally used the term "Sussexit" to avoid implying that the situation was all Meghan's fault--that is, the fault of someone considered to be at best an outsider and at worst...well, I don't even want to say it.

[HighGoalHighDreams]

I think people read too much into the chosen word. Megxit was chosen because it's a funny take on the word Brexit, which in turn is funny because you say the word "exit". It wasn't created to be a jab at anyone- it was created because it was funny in the context of a current event. People are going to "blame" who they are going to blame or say what they will about particular people regardless of the word.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by Curryong

This is an opinion forum. None of us holds THE TRUTH in illuminated letters in our grasp. And everyone has an opinion on Harry and Meghan and their actions regarding Remembrance Day. Some people don't agree with them and some do. Some can't stand their actions, some understand them. That's life, surely.

Well yes of course but some things are so obviously ill judged that they need to be condemned for their crassness. I'd call that as close to truth as dammit but I take your point.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by Heavs

T
It's one of the biggest days in the UK's collective consciousness it's more than just Veterans Day, the closest we come to a shared sacred day really

Yes absolutely. Very well put.

This is why people will feel very strongly about this.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by ACO

I personally find nothing funny about “Megxit” since it was coined long before they exited by the very vocally racist side of social media hoping Harry would divorce Meghan. And by that I truly mean a very ugly side who used gross terms like the “N word”. So the UK media using it just cemented thoughts for many...

Well that seems a bit of a leap but it does comes across as very misogynistic. The duke I'm sure is capable of making his own decisions.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by HighGoalHighDreams

I think people read too much into the chosen word. Megxit was chosen because it's a funny take on the word Brexit, which in turn is funny because you say the word "exit". It wasn't created to be a jab at anyone- it was created because it was funny in the context of a current event. People are going to "blame" who they are going to blame or say what they will about particular people regardless of the word.

Except it was long used by a particular group for years in a nasty way about Meghan. The Sun, who are claiming to coin it, knew that as they used to quote them plenty and even did a whole article about those particular trolls awhile back. So yeah when I see it it just confirms what I think of that publication and many others that use it. To each their own though.