Meghan Markle: Family and Background - November 2017-May 2018

[AlowVera]

Originally Posted by XeniaCasaraghi

I think vetting the family isn't snobbish, it all depends on what you are looking for. If you look at a girl's background and see crazy [...] siblings, cousins, aunts, nephews, and fathers... Then I say that is worthy of concern.

Vetting as in checking their stories, if they say one thing on one day and they do a 360 the next, then they are shabby sources unless all the want to do is pay them to embarrass Meghan.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by XeniaCasaraghi

I think vetting the family isn't snobbish, it all depends on what you are looking for. If you look at a girl's background and see crazy red neck siblings, cousins, aunts, nephews, and fathers... Then I say that is worthy of concern.

As I always like to insist, vetting still goes on in all European monarchies since royal marriages have to be consented to. Certainly, the bride's family was an issue for example when Máxima married Willem-Alexander and could have caused consent to be withheld.

In Diana's case, however, I am pretty confident that the Royal Family was pretty satisfied with her family background. She came from a "broken home" so to speak, but belonged to an old and illustrious family of courtiers with many ties to the Royal House, so I suppose they assumed Diana would have little trouble adjusting to royal life, even though she was not born royal herself. Maybe they would have preferred Amanda Knatchbull, who was "family" as a descendant of Queen Victoria, but Lady Diana Spencer was a very acceptable bride.

On the other hand, way back in the era of absolute monarchy when inter-dynastic marriages were the norm, personal details about the bride's family were not that relevant to the vetting. It was all about international diplomacy and how the country could benefit from a particular match.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Purrs

Although none of us can know for certain, I think that they were probably told in advance. I'm sure they expected some problems although not the level of drama that has ensued.

The press has been critical of the families of the women that marry into the royal family in the past. Unfortunately many of the Markles are very toxic and they and the press itself both have contributed to this situation escalating.

Absolutely!

Right now a lot of editors are happily thanking Beelzebub for Meghan's family!

[WillVictoria]

Originally Posted by Muhler

It is IMO a very sound thing to vet the family under any circumstances.
Otherwise you run a very real risk of something like this happening.

That's unfortunately one of the cruel conditions of being a primary royal, which Harry is for many years to come.
I should be very surprised if FBI haven't been quietly asked to have a look at Meghan's family already prior to the engagement being announced. Anything else would IMO be recklessly foolish.
Of course we can speculate about the content of such a report and whether the (almost certain implied) recommendation was ignored or whether the behavior of at least some of Meghan's family has been underestimated or whether their behavior was considered an acceptable price to pay.

But if this circus continues for much longer, let alone for years to come, it will inevitably backfire on H&M, regardless of their otherwise conduct.
There is a point where sympathy switch to irritation.
It's akin to parents with unruly children. We all know children act up from time to time and initially the parents get some sympathy, but after a while...

However in the above example you can at least argue that the parents raised the unruly children and should have had better control of them or been stricter in their upbringing.

The actions of a parent or adult sibling are an entirely different manner. Meghan didn't raise her father or half-siblings into the people they became and, given that they are all older than her, has never had the authority to impact their behavior. Children should never be punished for being unable to control their parents or siblings because that isn't their job.

It's akin to saying a verbally/physically abused person doesn't deserve sympathy after awhile because they haven't managed to convince their abuser to stop. As someone who grew up with an emotionally manipulative father, the implication that at some point it's Meghan's fault that she hasn't "fixed" these toxic relationships is hard for me to accept. No matter how much you want to heal those relationships and play happy family, it's a two way street and if others refuse to change or consider themselves in the wrong (whether they're in denial, or enjoy this manipulative behavior) it simply won't be fixed.

[M. Payton]

What I do not understand here is why anyone believes anyone in this Markle family.

Tom Sr. has been quiet for months and in a few days all hell breaks lose and he tells a tabloid he does not want to go to the wedding because of heart problems and how he embarrassed his daughter....and then he says he is in a hospital all the while calling from a hospital bed the tabloids........give me a break here.

1) Proof is in the pudding as they say, so PROVE, give FACTS, show EVIDENCE of all these things you say........whatever he is, if he was IN a hospital you better believe someone in that hospital will get their camera out and send a picture somewhere to someone........so show me PROOF your in a hospital and who the doc is and some paper work. We here have to prove our comments when quoting someone about something........right here on this forum, so why aren't we asking for the same of him and TMZ......show us here PROOF of what you say before I believe you.....that right there would make some jump in reverse real quick as to what they say.

Sam...[is] a hard nose tough rough knock em dead con artist..........no doubt what soever about this woman regardless of her medical condition.......she uses that to con the media, the public and anyone that will listen to her, she NEEDS attention, she thrives on negative attention, she eats up all this negative backlash attention, this is her bread and butter, and she will go on this way forever as long as the media pays her way and some will for they do not like the BRF and what it stands for.

You will always find those people out there that are negative, mean, hateful and nasty......just part of the human race so the best way to deal with them is just ignore them completely or the other way which I can not mention here which would probably be the best way to get rid of them.....Sam is *never* going away, you will always have her lurking in the background all because of her hate and jealousy of Meghan, I have seen this happen and still happening to someone......Someone could give Sam more money then she knows what to do with it yet it would never satisfy her, her goal is to completely destroy Meghan all because of her jealousy of her for Meghan made something of her life, she took her life in her hands and made a successful life for herself without anyone's help in the family...Sam is needy and weak and insecure and while Meghan is strong, secure within herself, intelligent and relies on Meghan first in life.....there in is the jealousy of Sam.

[Purrs]

Originally Posted by WillVictoria

Children should never be punished for being unable to control their parents or siblings because that isn't their job.

It's akin to saying a verbally/physically abused person doesn't deserve sympathy after awhile because they haven't managed to convince their abuser to stop. As someone who grew up with an emotionally manipulative father, the implication that at some point it's Meghan's fault that she hasn't "fixed" these toxic relationships is hard for me to accept. No matter how much you want to heal those relationships and play happy family, it's a two way street and if others refuse to change or consider themselves in the wrong (whether they're in denial, or enjoy this manipulative behavior) it simply won't be fixed.

Yes! I wish everyone understood this.

People who've never experienced these types of relationships often are naive and don't understand that some relationships are not fixable no matter how hard you try. The emotional cruelty goes far beyond the misbehaviour of unruly children. They don't realize how lucky they are.

I have a lot of sympathy for Meghan. Although I'm lucky to have wonderful parents, I've seen this first hand. I have a good friend with abusive, cruel and manipulative parents that I have known since we were children. Every time, she's tried to mend their relationship, they've taken it as an opportunity to hurt her more. You cannot change or reason with this type of person because it does not work and they see no need to change as they will never acknowledge how they treat others.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by WillVictoria

However in the above example you can at least argue that the parents raised the unruly children and should have had better control of them or been stricter in their upbringing.

The actions of a parent or adult sibling are an entirely different manner. Meghan didn't raise her father or half-siblings into the people they became and, given that they are all older than her, has never had the authority to impact their behavior. Children should never be punished for being unable to control their parents or siblings because that isn't their job.

It's akin to saying a verbally/physically abused person doesn't deserve sympathy after awhile because they haven't managed to convince their abuser to stop. As someone who grew up with an emotionally manipulative father, the implication that at some point it's Meghan's fault that she hasn't "fixed" these toxic relationships is hard for me to accept. No matter how much you want to heal those relationships and play happy family, it's a two way street and if others refuse to change or consider themselves in the wrong (whether they're in denial, or enjoy this manipulative behavior) it simply won't be fixed.

That's indeed the mature, well considered and ideal consideration.
But as you know, that's not how the world works.

I cannot and will not presume to speak on behalf of the British and Americans, however I live in a monarchy too, so I can understand at least some of the public sentiments.

Meghan's family are not just embarrassing H&M, they are as a consequence embarrassing the BRF and I imagine embarrassing many, if not most Americans and Britons in particular.
And people don't like to be embarrassed! Certainly not repeatedly, let alone for years to come. If that happens then at some point there will be a reaction directed against H&M. Is it unfair? Oh yes! But it's a human reaction.
The problem is of course that the constellation H&M is still on probation. And this detracts.
Of course a lot of people will rally around H&M in sympathy, but will they continue to do so, if this goes on?
To put it brutally: Meghan in particular hasn't earned enough public credits to ensure that the majority will continue to form a cordon around them. They are not QEII, not even approaching W&K (yet) around whom people will rally.

Right now H&M are getting a lot of sympathy and good will up to their wedding, however once the honeymoon is over, they will have less credits in the bank than they had just a few months ago.

So, will this be serious for H&M? IMO no, provided H&M do a good job, and why shouldn't they?
But Meghan's family will repeatedly pop up and chisel away at the what H&M have build up from time to time.
Right now they are milking the cow big time and the next time the family will make a spectacle of themselves will be when Meghan gets pregnant, and certainly when their child will be christened. I don't need a crystal ball to predict that one!

[wyevale]

Whether [or NOT] Markle Sr does show up to 'be part of History' [vomit], I think it inconceivable that his future son-in-law, or the Cambridge's will EVER admit him to their 'circle of trust'... WHY would they ?
Certainly they will be civil, but trust him..? Hardly !

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by wyevale

Whether [or NOT] Markle Sr does show up to 'be part of History' [vomit], I think it inconceivable that his future son-in-law, or the Cambridge's will EVER admit him to their 'circle of trust'... WHY would they ?
Certainly they will be civil, but trust him..? Hardly

What does the Cambridges have to do with this?

[Dman]

Folks, Samantha Markle is causing a lot of pain to Mr. Markle and Meghan. Mr. Markle setting things straight-
Meghan Markle's Dad Thomas Now Wants to Walk Daughter Down the Aisle | TMZ.com

The media should stop interviewing, Samantha. Mr. Markle should let things be and just move on.

[wyevale]

the Cambridges have to do with this?

The Duke and his brother are as close as close could be.. both have NO time for the untrustworthy, that 'blab'. MANY times the Duchess has been referred to as 'the sister i've always wanted', by Harry. ALL three jealously guard their privacy and will take a dim view of 'motormouth Markle' [Sr].

[M. Payton]

Dman:
Isn't he supposedly in a hospital somewhere *unknown*? No airline will let anyone fly with heart conditions just as soon as they leave a hospital.........is this perhaps a way to manipulate his daughter and the public or maybe it is Sam's way of getting another 15 minutes of fame and a fatter bank roll?

[French Toast]

Originally Posted by Dman

Folks, Samantha Markle is causing a lot of pain to Mr. Markle and Meghan. Mr. Markle setting things straight-
Meghan Markle's Dad Thomas Now Wants to Walk Daughter Down the Aisle | TMZ.com

The media should stop interviewing, Samantha. Mr. Markle should let things be and just move on.

He changed his mind again? Oh my goodness... Poor Meghan.

[AlowVera]

Originally Posted by Muhler

The problem is of course that the constellation H&M is still on probation.

So, will this be serious for H&M? IMO no, provided H&M do a good job, and why shouldn't they?
But Meghan's family will repeatedly pop up and chisel away at the what H&M have build up from time to time.
Right now they are milking the cow big time and the next time the family will make a spectacle of themselves will be when Meghan gets pregnant, and certainly when their child will be christened. I don't need a crystal ball to predict that one!

I think that Meghan started out being over scrutinized with the protocol police. I think now she will have even less wiggle room and the press will continue to highlight phantom protocols. She will need to be on her A game. No perfect but at least show that you know the rules and respect them.

I think Meghan and Harry need to start out working hard and by the book. I think they need to dedicate themselves to their charities and perhaps utilize the social media channels to create content that allows them to shine the light on their charities and themselves. I think the traditional media channels will be strained. Internationally is where they will shine.

They should also listen to the Palace at least to steady the ship and then maybe once they have created a solid foundation then they can be more free.

[Osipi]

Originally Posted by M. Payton

Dman:
Isn't he supposedly in a hospital somewhere *unknown*? No airline will let anyone fly with heart conditions just as soon as they leave a hospital.........is this perhaps a way to manipulate his daughter and the public or maybe it is Sam's way of getting another 15 minutes of fame and a fatter bank roll?

No matter what the dad does or what the siblings do, the wedding will go on as scheduled with or without Mr. Markle being there.

I'm in agreement with you that there is no way Tom Sr. will be in any shape to fly anywhere or be allowed to if his condition is a bad as its been portrayed to be with "serious damage" to the heart. One thing he certainly doesn't need now either is being pestered and bothered by anyone at all. He's in a situation right now where Tom, Sr. has to look out and care for Tom, Sr. and I hope the hospital staff recognizes this.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by AlowVera

I think that Meghan started out being over scrutinized with the protocol police. I think now she will have even less wiggle room and the press will continue to highlight phantom protocols. She will need to be on her A game. No perfect but at least show that you know the rules and respect them.

I think Meghan and Harry need to start out working hard and by the book. I think they need to dedicate themselves to their charities and perhaps utilize the social media channels to create content that allows them to shine the light on their charities and themselves. I think the traditional media channels will be strained. Internationally is where they will shine.

They should also listen to the Palace at least to steady the ship and then maybe once they have created a solid foundation then they can be more free.

Could not agree more.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by wyevale

The Duke and his brother are as close as close could be.. both have NO time for the untrustworthy, that 'blab'. MANY times the Duchess has been referred to as 'the sister i've always wanted', by Harry. ALL three jealously guard their privacy and will take a dim view of 'motormouth Markle' [Sr].

Close or not, if you are stepping into issues relating to your brother's in-laws. That's overstepping for any sibling. Let Harry and Meghan figure the issues in their lives.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by Muhler

So, will this be serious for H&M? IMO no, provided H&M do a good job, and why shouldn't they?
But Meghan's family will repeatedly pop up and chisel away at the what H&M have build up from time to time.
Right now they are milking the cow big time and the next time the family will make a spectacle of themselves will be when Meghan gets pregnant, and certainly when their child will be christened. I don't need a crystal ball to predict that one!

I agree with this. Overall, I feel once the wedding is over and things settle down all this will be whatever. The Markles overstepped. They were tolerable by most of the press until this mess this week and now they have been turned on. And we all know once the press turns on you then it is over. But I agree that for every milestone in her life these Messy Markles will pop up with their opinion.

[Pranter]

I'm thinking none of them (besides Doria) are gonna be invited back.


LaRae

[Osipi]

Originally Posted by ACO

I agree with this. Overall, I feel once the wedding is over and things settle down all this will be whatever. The Markles overstepped. They were tolerable by most of the press until this mess this week and now they have been turned on. And we all know once the press turns on you then it is over. But I agree that for every milestone in her life these Messy Markles will pop up with their opinion.

We're seeing this now with "family" flying in for the royal wedding as "correspondents" and these people are Meghan's half brother's ex-wife and son from decades ago.

One thing all of this mess is going to do is give both Harry and Meghan a bit more credibility when it comes to doing work for Heads Together and talking about mental health and bullying. They've had enough of it to last a lifetime.