Harry and Meghan: Relationship Musings

[Cocoasneeze]

It really depends on who you follow, talk to, or what you read, how Meghan is preceived. On Twitter I read a lot of positivity, but in real life, none of the people I know really care. And their friends don't really care either. They'll be happy if there's a wedding, but that's about it. I doubt that many people have any opinion either way, good or bad.

 

[Jacknch]

I don't think the term "reluctant" is quite correct in terms of how the British feel about Meghan. It has only been a year and a few months since she and Harry first started dating, it was only last Autumn we got confirmation that she and Harry were dating and it was only a few days ago we saw them properly photographed and walking hand in hand together etc in public.

Only a small proportion of the British read the tabloids and gossip magazines and even less watch Suits. Most people, I would imagine, will be happy for Harry or at the very least be neutral if he got engaged.

But indeed, we know little about her, although this will now change and as time goes on, more and more people will take an interest.

As previously mentioned by another poster, assuming she intends to spend more time in the UK, this will be a good thing and allow us to get to know her better.

I believe the British tend to take a lot of things in their stride, few things phase us and we are not known for being wrought with angst over the girlfriends of our royal princes (the press maybe). Frankly, there would be nothing unusual to the average Briton about Meghan's nationality or indeed her racial background.

It really depends on who you follow, talk to, or what you read, how Meghan is preceived. On Twitter I read a lot of positivity, but in real life, none of the people I know really care. And their friends don't really care either. They'll be happy if there's a wedding, but that's about it. I doubt that many people have any opinion either way, good or bad.

I tend to agree - I follow the BBC news on their webpage and it's been months since I saw mention of Meghan Markle until the other day when she attended the Invictus Games.

Obviously if I set up an alert to get every article published each day about her then I'd probably know more about her than the average person (not that much of to would be true).

 

[jacqui24]

Interesting article from BBC on Meghan and her background. They have quotes from owner of a local paper where her mother lives and an entertainment editor at BET. Interesting timing too.

'Meghan who?' LA shrugs over Harry's hometown girlfriend - BBC News

 

[scriptgirl]

Great article and I am glad they pointed out the race baiting and coded language used toward Meghan. It's sickening. I am also glad they pointed out the truth of where her mom lives.

 

[Lady Nimue]

Great article and I am glad they pointed out the race baiting and coded language used toward Meghan. It's sickening. I am also glad they pointed out the truth of where her mom lives.

Well said, scriptgirl. Meghan's background is key to who she is both as a woman and as an activist. Her referencing it is her act of defiance to all those who would have her downplay it. A good role model for what it takes to change the atmosphere around race. Let's hope for the day when mentioning it or not is a matter of indifference rather than a point of acceptability.

 

[Somebody]

Main message is that Meghan grew up in a privileged environment; attending the best schools etc. So, probably less different and less in a position to know from her own experience how most people (who are less privileged) live than many expected (for example, based on that weird row over her mom carrying some laundry).

They also referenced her Ambassadorship with World Vision. World Vision requires the following from their ambassadors:

World Vision promotes the following core values as part of its faith statement. As a volunteer with World Vision, we would expect you to be comfortable with and adhere to these core values as part of your role in representing World Vision and children we serve.
We are Christian
We are committed
We value people
We are stewards
We are partners
We are responsive

So, she is at least comfortable with and willing to adhere to Christianity/representing a Christian organization.

 

[AlowVera]

Interesting article from BBC on Meghan and her background. They have quotes from owner of a local paper where her mother lives and an entertainment editor at BET. Interesting timing too.

'Meghan who?' LA shrugs over Harry's hometown girlfriend - BBC News

I mostly read about the neighborhood because of how it contrasts with the Fails dog whistle article about gangs and compton. MM is from View Park which has a median income of 90k....MM's mother's home is worth 700k. All the reporters had to do was REPORT FACTS and TRUTH, yet they went out of their way to slander MM's upbringing, family and mother. The mother's side of the family which they first slandered has remained silent, yet they are still painted with the original prejudiced article which was totally false.....they then had the audacity to slander MM's mom again by following her doing household chores at a laundrymat.

Britain is a country with strong social classes and the writers at the Fail want to put MM in her stereotypical place even if they have to lie. They knew their coded language would release the dregs of their base on MM and her mom.

 

[AlowVera]

I think it unfortunate that the British people where initially given a highly prejudiced view of Meghan first with the Gangs of Compton story, the story about her slave ancestors and the royal family visiting for tea, then the Porn story which suggested that MM was a porn star even though it was a scene from her PG-13 show on basic cable.

 

[scriptgirl]

Main message is that Meghan grew up in a privileged environment; attending the best schools etc. So, probably less different and less in a position to know from her own experience how most people (who are less privileged) live than many expected (for example, based on that weird row over her mom carrying some laundry).

They also referenced her Ambassadorship with World Vision. World Vision requires the following from their ambassadors:



So, she is at least comfortable with and willing to adhere to Christianity/representing a Christian organization.

What does that mean? "willing to adhere to Christianity"? What if she didn't want to do that? Does that make her a bad person?

 

[Lady Nimue]

Britain is a country with strong social classes and the writers at the Fail want to put MM in her stereotypical place even if they have to lie. They knew their coded language would release the dregs of their base on MM and her mom.

Exactly so. What Meghan is willing to take on is trail-blazing. I will watch with great interest. BTW there is a small European country that has a Princess of color, is it Lichtenstein? One of the princes married an African? Anyone know who that is?

 

[O-H Anglophile]

What does that mean? "willing to adhere to Christianity"? What if she didn't want to do that? Does that make her a bad person?

If Meghan marries Harry she will be expected to attend many religious services usually in the Church of England. If she is comfortable participating in those services it is better all around.
If she followed a different religion or no religion at all, that would not make her a bad person, but fact is a lot of Royal life is intertwined with CofE.

 

[Lady Nimue]

I am confused regarding when they actually met, and when they actually started dating. From the Invictus thread it is being suggested that they met in London. In the VF interview Meghan places the dating at 5-6 months that November. Doesn't add up.

I've decided that they were ships passing at some social function in Toronto in May/June. (Harry may even have caught an episode or two of Suits). She piqued his interest, caught Harry's eye. They may not have actually spoken but he saw her, and then in July he wrangled an introduction. Dating from that point would make her comment about 5 months more in line. From the outset it seems Harry has been certain and focussed. That is so hard to resist. Anyone who has been the focal point of such ardor from an appealing man knows whereof I speak.

So she has fallen and in an astonishingly short frame of time (imo) was willing to divest of social media and income streams with an eye to conforming to royal constraints. Okay. I'm convinced.

Watching the roll out this weekend of their public persona as a couple, and then hearing that Suits is likely off her plate, and she's cancelled her Audi lease (great car!), well! ? Big issue is she has not lived in England, and they have not really dealt with each other 'enough' (it would seem) but who am I to say!

Let's go for it: I want a winter wedding! Engagement announced end of November/beginning of December. "Small' wedding (like Edward and Sophie) at the same venue as theirs, in February/March. First baby Sussex in December 2018. All sorted.

 

[MaiaMia_53]

Bringing this query over from Invictus Games thread since it's mainly related to M&H's relationship:

Meghan said they met through friends in London. There were reports that they could've met when Harry was in Toronto promoting the game last year. He made a trip last May after the location was announced to promote this year's game.

There's confusion because of errors in the VF October cover story.

In the online version of VF's cover story, Meghan was quoted as saying she met Harry in London in July 2016, but then VF also quoted Meghan as saying that she and Harry had been dating quietly for six months before their relationship became public. Since their relationship became public in early November 2016, six months would place their meeting in May 2016, not July 2016.

I think the confusion is the fact that H&M's relationship began to take off in mid-July 2016 after Wimbledon, when they reportedly flew to LA to stay at the home of one of Harry's wealthy friends.

VF made a correction in the print version of October 2017 issue indicating that M&H first met in May 2016 at a charity event. Unfortunately in the very next passage VF made another error by indicating that the Invictus Games took place in Orlando this year, when they meant to say it took place in Orlando last year (2016). The correction doesn't indicate that the charity event was for Invictus Games, but seemingly it was. There's also no indication whether H&M met in Toronto, L.A., Orlando, or Miami at a charity event. There may have been more than one Invictus fundraiser, aside from the one in Toronto.

I think there were a number of actors and staffers on the Suits set who were familiar with the fact that Meghan met Harry in May 2016 because that was initially the leaked gossip. But it remained unconfirmed rumor. There was gossip that Meghan was somewhat amused and giddy about a royal prince texting her and asking for a date. Plus there have been a number of reports claiming that Prince Harry was bombarding Meghan with texts in May and June of 2016.

Apparently, Harry & Meghan arranged to meet when Meghan planned to be in London to watch her friend Serena Williams play at Wimbledon. It's been fairly confirmed that Meghan and Harry did see each other at Soho House in London in early July 2016. By mid-July, after Wimbledon, (reportedly) that's when the relationship really took off on solid footing (likely after their presumed trip together to LA). I would imagine that Harry took the time to make it clear to Meghan that he was seriously interested in dating and getting to know her out of the glare of publicity, and that he would do everything he could to protect their privacy. After mid-July, Meghan reportedly stopped talking openly about dating Harry.

Whether or not it was Misha Nonoo who first introduced Meghan to Harry at the charity event in May, and then Markus Anderson who facilitated their re-introduction at Soho House in London in July remains unclear. But it's well known that both Nonoo and Anderson were acquaintances of Harry's and close friends of Meghan's well before Meghan and Harry met.

Of course Prime Minister Justin Trudeau & his wife Sophie, also knew Harry and had become friends of Meghan's sometime after she relocated to Toronto to film Suits. Stylist, Jessica Mulroney (who's married to the former Canadian Prime Minister's son) also became a close buddy of Meghan's in Toronto. So it was Meghan's role in Suits and her move to Toronto that changed her life. However, it's who Meghan is as a person that made every good thing that's happened to her, possible.

 

[Somebody]

What does that mean? "willing to adhere to Christianity"? What if she didn't want to do that? Does that make her a bad person?

My point was that by becoming an ambassador of the Christian organization World Vision she expressed that she was ok with their identity, which is helpful if she is expected to participate in Church of England services/activities (as O-H Anglophile also explained).

And the above observation might answer some questions/doubts that some had about her religious affiliation. It doesn't say that she is a Christian (although it has been suggested she might be Episcopalian from background), but at least she herself has expressed to be 'comfortable' with it and willing to adhere to the Christian identity of an organization by becoming their ambassador (she could easily have chosen a non-Christian organization had she had an issue with it).

 

[scriptgirl]

Has Harry met her parents at all?

 

[Somebody]

Exactly so. What Meghan is willing to take on is trail-blazing. I will watch with great interest. BTW there is a small European country that has a Princess of color, is it Lichtenstein? One of the princes married an African? Anyone know who that is?

Prince Maximilian of Liechtenstein (the second son of the reigning prince) married Angela Brown, born in Panama, of African descent, in New York in 1999; now princess Angela of Liechtenstein. They have son called prince Alfons of 16 years old.

 

[jacqui24]

I am confused regarding when they actually met, and when they actually started dating. From the Invictus thread it is being suggested that they met in London. In the VF interview Meghan places the dating at 5-6 months that November. Doesn't add up.

Judging by her Instagram, she was in London in late June through early July (that didn't sound creepy of me at all). It's likely when they met and started spending time together. Counting July and October (Camilla Tominey's report came out right around the time of Halloween), that's about 4 months. She rounded.

Going back to her Instagram, this girl was in London quite often before they got caught. She was there for other stuff as well, but you know. In London from late June to early July, early August, late August, October before Harry visited Canada. There was a report that they visited LA together in July as well. They could teach a class on flying under the radar.

Ok, that's enough stalking from me for one day. Seriously.

 

[Lady Nimue]

There's confusion because of errors in the VF October cover story.

In the online version of VF's cover story, Meghan was quoted as saying she met Harry in London in July 2016, but then VF also quoted Meghan as saying that she and Harry had been dating quietly for six months before their relationship became public. Since their relationship became public in early November 2016, six months would place their meeting in May 2016, not July 2016.

I think the confusion is the fact that H&M's relationship began to take off in mid-July 2016 after Wimbledon, when they reportedly flew to LA to stay at the home of one of Harry's wealthy friends.

VF made a correction in the print version of October 2017 issue indicating that M&H first met in May 2016 at a charity event. Unfortunately in the very next passage VF made another error by indicating that the Invictus Games took place in Orlando this year, when they meant to say it took place in Orlando last year (2016). The correction doesn't indicate that the charity event was for Invictus Games, but seemingly it was. There's also no indication whether H&M met in Toronto, L.A., Orlando, or Miami at a charity event. There may have been more than one Invictus fundraiser,, aside from the one in Toronto.

I think there were a number of actors and staffers on the Suits set who were familiar with the fact that Meghan met Harry in May 2016 because that was initially the leaked gossip. But it remained unconfirmed rumor. There was gossip that Meghan was somewhat amused and giddy about a royal prince texting her and asking for a date. Plus there have been a number of reports claiming that Prince Harry was bombarding Meghan with texts in May and June of 2016.

Apparently, Harry & Meghan arranged to meet when Meghan planned to be in London to watch her friend Serena Williams play at Wimbledon. It's been fairly confirmed that Meghan and Harry did see each other at Soho House in London in early July 2016. By mid-July, after Wimbledon, (reportedly) that's when the relationship really took off on solid footing (likely after their presumed trip together to LA). I would imagine that Harry took the time to make it clear to Meghan that he was seriously interested in dating and getting to know her out of the glare of publicity, and that he would do everything he could to protect their privacy. After mid-July, Meghan reportedly stopped talking openly about dating Harry.

Whether or not it was Misha Nonoo who first introduced Meghan to Harry at the charity event in May, and then Markus Anderson who facilitated their re-introduction at Soho House in London in July remains unclear. But it's well known that both Nonoo and Anderson were acquaintances of Harry's and close friends of Meghan's well before Meghan and Harry met.

Of course Prime Minister Justin Trudeau & his wife Sophie, also knew Harry and had become friends of Meghan's sometime after she relocated to Toronto to film Suits. Stylist, Jessica Mulroney (who's married to the former Canadian Prime Minister's son) also became a close buddy of Meghan's in Toronto. So it was Meghan's role in Suits and her move to Toronto that changed her life. However, it's who Meghan is as a person that made every good thing that's happened to her, possible.

Great summation, MaiaMia. Many thanks. Clears up a lot, and makes what can look 'fast' actually more understandable. Totally makes sense. The timeline makes the apparent intensity of the relationship far less inexplicable. I now see that they could very well be already engaged as some are indicating. Okay.

So as of today, they have known each other for 1 year 4/5 months - and been seriously dating for 1 year 2 months. They may be already engaged, and may have done that in......July, in Africa? Or after, and so they will be married (if they marry) within two years of meeting. That's fast (in my book).

 

[jacqui24]

Has Harry met her parents at all?

There were sightings of Meghan in London with her mother prior to the Africa trip. There weren't pictures, but a few outlets reported it. If that's the case, I would say it's appropriate to meet your girlfriend's mother if you've declared to the world she's your girlfriend.

 

[jacqui24]

There's confusion because of errors in the VF October cover story.

In the online version of VF's cover story, Meghan was quoted as saying she met Harry in London in July 2016, but then VF also quoted Meghan as saying that she and Harry had been dating quietly for six months before their relationship became public. Since their relationship became public in early November 2016, six months would place their meeting in May 2016, not July 2016.

Actually, the incorrect date is in the print version. That's what they used originally for the online version, and then had to make and edit and note it.

See the Editor's Note at the bottom.

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/09/meghan-markle-cover-story

 

[NoShades]

Scriptgirl, to your question, sadly there is a lot of racial prejudice and bias (same as the US), and classism here in the UK plus you can tell by the comments on social media and at times on here as well. My views from my observation.

E

 

[Lady Nimue]

Actually, the incorrect date is in the print version. That's what they used originally for the online version, and then had to make and edit and note it.

See the Editor's Note at the bottom.

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/09/meghan-markle-cover-story

So then what about all the May/June texting and being giddy about a prince texting her? It all works.

 

[NoShades]

I am confused regarding when they actually met, and when they actually started dating. From the Invictus thread it is being suggested that they met in London. In the VF interview Meghan places the dating at 5-6 months that November. Doesn't add up.

I've decided that they were ships passing at some social function in Toronto in May/June. (Harry may even have caught an episode or two of Suits). She piqued his interest, caught Harry's eye. They may not have actually spoken but he saw her, and then in July he wrangled an introduction. Dating from that point would make her comment about 5 months more in line. From the outset it seems Harry has been certain and focussed. That is so hard to resist. Anyone who has been the focal point of such ardor from an appealing man knows whereof I speak.

So she has fallen and in an astonishingly short frame of time (imo) was willing to divest of social media and income streams with an eye to conforming to royal constraints. Okay. I'm convinced.

Watching the roll out this weekend of their public persona as a couple, and then hearing that Suits is likely off her plate, and she's cancelled her Audi lease (great car!), well! ? Big issue is she has not lived in England, and they have not really dealt with each other 'enough' (it would seem) but who am I to say!

Let's go for it: I want a winter wedding! Engagement announced end of November/beginning of December. "Small' wedding (like Edward and Sophie) at the same venue as theirs, in February/March. First baby Sussex in December 2018. All sorted.

Bit in bold: It wasn’t an issue for Aussie Mary who gave up her old life and left everything behind to start a life as a royal in Denmark. It wasn’t an issue for Argentinian Maxima and many others. I see no reason why it should be for Meghan or why she’s questioned about it.

BTW, long relationship courtships isn’t a guarantee of a happy or successful marriage. I personally know a few who had a whirlwind romance and are still happily married.

 

[NoShades]

Exactly so. What Meghan is willing to take on is trail-blazing. I will watch with great interest. BTW there is a small European country that has a Princess of color, is it Lichtenstein? One of the princes married an African? Anyone know who that is?

Princess Angela. And she’s African American, not African.

Google is our friend

 

[Lady Nimue]

Bit in bold: It wasn’t an issue for Aussie Mary who gave up her old life and left everything behind to start a life as a royal in Denmark. It wasn’t an issue for Argentinian Maxima and many others. I see no reason why it should be for Meghan or why she’s questioned about it.

Not sure what to make of this. What Meghan does is her decision. I am not questioning her about anything. I have views about the constraints being put on royal girlfriends (with the BRF), which I discussed at length on another thread. Seems a valid point of discussion to me. To each his own. Not discussing it here.

As for Mary and Maxima they were marrying heirs to the throne and would one day be Queens. I think it's a bit different in their cases and cannot be compared to Meghan vis-a-vis Harry. JMO.

BTW, long relationship courtships isn’t a guarantee of a happy or successful marriage. I personally know a few who had a whirlwind romance and are still happily married.

This all seems to be an 'issue' you are dragging over from another thread where the conversation was about protocols regarding spouses of royals needing to change imo. Not sure what you are 'arguing', unless it's just for the 'pleasure' of being scrappy. Okay.

 

[MaiaMia_53]

... Three months is a very short time to plan a wedding...

It must have been in the planning stages for some time already. I would bet that Harry's staff along with Meghan's closest advisers are comfortably working out preliminary wedding details. I believe they are engaged already. Harry probably put together a beautiful backdrop for a surprise proposal in Africa. But there were already a number of media reports stating that they were "talking about a life together" well before August.

I'm sure H&M both knew where things were heading, as most couples in love do. And like most couples, the guy was intent upon making the actual proposal special and unexpected in terms of timing. Meghan surely was not surprised that he asked, but was surely delighted at the venue and the specialness of the moment. I do not think it's a coincidence that Meghan was wearing a Misha Nonoo-designed white shirt named "The Husband," during her first casually official public outing with Harry at the Invictus Games. If H&M actually did first briefly meet during a charity event for 2017 Invictus Games, then their relationship has come full circle.

I still have my doubts about announcing before Christmas.

I would agree that an engagement announcement could come after Christmas in January or February (Valentine's Day), but it also could come in early December, and they could decide to marry on Valentine's Day, if not mid to late summer next year.

... Couldn't Meghan be a dual citizen? Why would that be bad?

Wouldn't she still have to pay U.S. taxes as a dual citizen? In that respect, I can see Meghan relinquishing her U.S. citizenship. After all, she's been living in Canada for the past 6 1/2 years.

 

[jacqui24]

So then what about all the May/June texting and being giddy about a prince texting her? It all works.

She did meet Harry on that trip. But whether or not that was Harry texting her is just Piers' assumption based on who she turned out to be dating later. He said she said that she was recently single and there were a few guys being a little persistent.

 

[Lady Nimue]

I would agree that an engagement announcement could come after Christmas in January or February (Valentine's Day), but it also could come in early December, and they could decide to marry on Valentine's Day, if not mid to late summer next year.

I don't think there would need to be lingering 'goodbyes' to Thanksgiving in the U.S. and all that. She could easily move in November, depending how her filming schedule is arranged for her (she could be done at the end of October, in fact, all depends) and I have a hunch she'd have ooodles of help from Harry to make the move as seamless as possible.

The idea of a Valentine's Day Winter Wedding, what a wonderful image!

Wouldn't she still have to pay U.S. taxes as a dual citizen? In that respect, I can see Meghan relinquishing her U.S. citizenship. After all, she's been living in Canada for the past 6 1/2 years.

U.S. Taxes for 2016 but always off-set by Canadian taxes, I would guess.

 

[NoShades]

Lady Nimue you implied Meghan hasn’t known Harry long enough:“and they have not really dealt with each other enough” ..I merely stated my view that long courtships are no guarantees of marital success. And rather than wait for ages, if a couple are sure enough of their feelings, I see no reason to hang about for years. My opinion.

 

[jacqui24]

I don't think there would need to be lingering 'goodbyes' to Thanksgiving in the U.S. and all that. She could easily move in November, depending how her filming schedule is arranged for her (she could be done at the end of October, in fact, all depends) and I have a hunch she'd have ooodles of help from Harry to make the move as seamless as possible. :

It's a lot to move with dogs and all of her life. And Suits always films to late November. They've been accommodating, but there is only so much they can do. They are all signed up for all of season 7. And they film by the episode. I'm sure she'd like to do her job well and complete the entire commitment if she's already come this far. There is no need to rush a few months. It's better to do it right.