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

[cdm]

Any possibility that Meghan’s parents will be invited for Christmas at Sandringham to get to know Harry’s family?

[Abbigail]

Originally Posted by cdm

Any possibility that Meghan’s parents will be invited for Christmas at Sandringham to get to know Harry’s family?

Maybe. I wouldn't be shocked.

Originally Posted by Somebody

I'd say the priority would be for Harry to finally meet his future father-in-law!

That may very well happen in the new year. There are still 5 months before the wedding.

[Spheno]

Originally Posted by cdm

Any possibility that Meghan’s parents will be invited for Christmas at Sandringham to get to know Harry’s family?

No. Christmas is time for the queen's own family.
She invites guests (relatives, friends) to stay at Sandringham in January.

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by cdm

Any possibility that Meghan’s parents will be invited for Christmas at Sandringham to get to know Harry’s family?

While the Queen is still at Sandringham-maybe, for Christmas-I doubt it.

[MaiaMia_53]

I don't know if this has been posted here anywhere. It seems as if Meghan's mother's side of the family has been given the go ahead to release family pictures and talk to the media. Strike that, since I discovered the source is DF and thus money is involved. Apparently, with the M&H engagement announcement, Meghan's uncle via marriage to her mother's sister, decided to cash in. Since I didn't see the 20/20 tv report in the U.S. on Friday, I don't know if some of these pictures were included in that broadcast. It is cool seeing so many young pictures of Meghan growing up with her African-American cousins, aunt & uncle. Particularly nice is the family portrait with her grandfather Alvin holding her, and with her mother, aunt, maternal grandmother, and her half-brother Thomas Markle Jr., also in the picture. Maybe the picture was taken by her father since he's not in it. The title of the video should be "Meet the Ragland/Johnson side of Meghan's Family"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBGr8CwwXFQ

The reference to 'Netty growing up in poverty in Cleveland, OH' is interesting, but that's Meghan's great-grandmother, likely someone she never met. Meghan's mother's family (the Raglands) eventually relocated to California, and Meghan grew up in a working class/middle class family. She herself did not lack for anything growing up. Meghan's parents ensured that she had the best education, and they certainly nurtured her and grounded her in family values and set the example of caring for other people.

ETA:
From the Daily Fail, who apparently spoke to Meghan's Uncle Joseph last night. Hmmm, her Uncle Joseph used to be married to her mother's sister, Saundra, but currently he's married to Pamela Johnson. Likely, he's no longer close to Meghan.
Meghan Markle's family share intimate private photo album | Daily Mail Online

[BlytheAnne]

Originally Posted by MaiaMia_53

I don't know if this has been posted here anywhere. It seems as if Meghan's mother's side of the family has been given the go ahead to release family pictures and talk to the media. Or else with the M&H engagement announcement, her uncle via marriage to her mother's sister, decided to speak out.

I wouldn't claim Meghan's family was given a go ahead to talk to the press based on her aunts ex husband selling a story and pictures to a tabloid.

I would guess he's not close to Meghan and knows he won't be in her life/get a wedding invite and decided to cash in.

Apparently the Fail is shelling out 6 figures for stories and pics of Meghan. Disgusting.

"So-called friends of Meghan Markle share photos and stories of the woman betrothed to prince Harry — and pick up six-figure cheques from the Daily Mail"
https://twitter.com/thesundaytimes/s...80920063119362

[Countessmeout]

I notice everyone says 'with her mom' but I am sure she would also like to see her dad as well. And she has friends and godchildren to see that from social media we know she sees at the holidays too.

Any possibility that Meghan’s parents will be invited for Christmas at Sandringham to get to know Harry’s family?

Not for Christmas but possibly after. I could actually see perhaps an invite by Charles for them to come to Scotland. He and Camilla head up to their home for New Years up there. I could see Charles perhaps inviting Harry and Meghan, with her parents, to spend some days up there.

[MaiaMia_53]

Originally Posted by BlytheAnne

I wouldn't claim Meghan's family was given a go ahead to talk to the press based on an ex husband of her aunts selling a story and pictures to a tabloid.

I would guess he's not close to Meghan and knows he won't be in her life/get a wedding invite and decided to cash in.

Apparently the Fail is shelling out 6 figures for stories and pics of Meghan. Disgusting.

"So-called friends of Meghan Markle share photos and stories of the woman betrothed to prince Harry — and pick up six-figure cheques from the Daily Mail http://thetim.es/2kjc0jW "

Right, that's why I went back to edit my post when I realized the source is DF, which means money exchanged hands. I guess the uncle (who is not directly related by blood) was just waiting till the engagement was announced before cashing in with all these pictures. I'm sure he knows he's got no chance to be invited to the wedding. He's no longer married to Meghan's maternal Aunt Saundra. It's still nice to see this variety of family pictures. And let's face it, the Meghan Markle merchandising is in full swing. Check out the number of Meghan Markle hype products on Amazon. I wouldn't waste money on those quickie bios and lifesize cardboard likenesses! The two Hallmark movies Meghan made are worth having as souvenirs. Also, a Bradford plate has just been released in honor of the engagement (and capital gain).
https://www.bradford.co.uk/harryengagementplate.html

Doll magazine is already weighing in on the anticipation of Meghan and Harry dolls arriving after the wedding, if not sooner:
Meghan Mania: Which doll will be first in the new Royal Wedding race?

And re Ms. Priddy. SMH! Sad when you feel you have to stoop to the level of cashing in on a former friend's fame. Apparently, when Meghan moved to Toronto, her life moved on in a different direction on many levels. We all know that it's easy to lose touch with people we knew at earlier times in our lives. That part's not a big deal. But to have some of those former friends cashing in and telling false tales is something else entirely.

[Madame Verseau]

Woodwook squeaks and out come the freaks. It's sad that some of Meghan's family and "friends" are cashing in. It explains the DM bash story from the maid of (dis)honor claiming Meghan's ex husband was the wronged party in the divorce. I'm guessing Meghan was vetted by BP staff and UK security agencies so the queen could give consent. (I expect a vetting process was done for Kate because she is going to be queen.).

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Madame Verseau

Woodwook squeaks and out come the freaks. It's sad that some of Meghan's family and "friends" are cashing in. It explains the DM bash story from the maid of (dis)honor claiming Meghan's ex husband was the wronged party in the divorce. I'm guessing Meghan was vetted by BP staff and UK security agencies so the queen could give consent. (I expect a vetting process was done for Kate because she is going to be queen.).

I really don't think having chatty family members would disqualify. It's an annoyance, but hardly anything scandalous. Now if there are past illegal activities, that'd be different.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by Madame Verseau

Woodwook squeaks and out come the freaks. It's sad that some of Meghan's family and "friends" are cashing in. It explains the DM bash story from the maid of (dis)honor claiming Meghan's ex husband was the wronged party in the divorce. I'm guessing Meghan was vetted by BP staff and UK security agencies so the queen could give consent. (I expect a vetting process was done for Kate because she is going to be queen.).

Honestly if squeaky family members disqualified you, William would be as single as Harry. Kate's extended family sure had squeeks as well. Honestly I think the only royal bride still standing likely would be Sophie, whose family as far as I remember has been very low key.

As long as Meghan has no major scandals, and can fit the role, as well as being right for Harry, I don't think the queen is too concerned by the family.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Countessmeout

I notice everyone says 'with her mom' but I am sure she would also like to see her dad as well. And she has friends and godchildren to see that from social media we know she sees at the holidays too.

Not for Christmas but possibly after. I could actually see perhaps an invite by Charles for them to come to Scotland. He and Camilla head up to their home for New Years up there. I could see Charles perhaps inviting Harry and Meghan, with her parents, to spend some days up there.

Wouldn't it be very awkward for Meghan's father to be invited by Charles and Camilla while he has never met Harry? Best to first get to know Harry as himself... Just like Meghan said it was important to get to know the queen through Harry's eyes, it would be important for her father to get to know Harry through Meghan's eyes and not through Charles' eyes.

I hope her immediate family will meet his immediate family (and v.v.) before the wedding day (which might be a little hard to coordinate but I am sure it can be arranged if it is prioritized) but preferably not before Thomas Markle has had sufficient time to get to know the man his daughter is going to marry.

So, maybe Harry can join Meghan on a trip to Mexico for Christmas?!

[hel]

I don't think it's correct that the Joseph Johnson who sold the pictures/story to the DF is her uncle by marriage.

Joseph, 68, his sister Saundra, 65, and Meghan's mother Doria, 61, were raised by their single mother, Jeanette.

She divorced both her first husband Joseph Johnson (father to Joseph and Saundra) and Doria's dad Alvin Ragland.

Later, there's a caption:

Joseph Johnson, Doria's half-brother, with his wife of 37 years, Pamela, a social worker

So it's her mother's half-brother who's selling the pictures. Her grandmother Jeanette was married first to Joseph Johnson (Joseph and Saundra's father) and then Alvin Ragland (Doria's father).

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by Somebody

Wouldn't it be very awkward for Meghan's father to be invited by Charles and Camilla while he has never met Harry? Best to first get to know Harry as himself... Just like Meghan said it was important to get to know the queen through Harry's eyes, it would be important for her father to get to know Harry through Meghan's eyes and not through Charles' eyes.

I hope her immediate family will meet his immediate family (and v.v.) before the wedding day (which might be a little hard to coordinate but I am sure it can be arranged if it is prioritized) but preferably not before Thomas Markle has had sufficient time to get to know the man his daughter is going to marry.

So, maybe Harry can join Meghan on a trip to Mexico for Christmas?!

Thomas could always come for a few days before and get to know Harry before Scotland. Being in Scotland would be a nice comfortable setting away from press to get to know Harry anyways.

My point was everyone seems obsessed with Doria. Doria not being alone. Not seeing Doria for Christmas. But I don't see anyone mentioning dad, or concern for her dad and her relationship. Its like we are assuming she has no relationship with her dad at all.

[Abbigail]

Despite Meghan having a good relaionship with her dad, they don't seem to spend a lot of time together, as opposed to her mom who is more visible and has been there for all the major events in Meghan's adult life. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the focus on Doria. I wouldn't worry about dad, he seems to prefer a much more low-key life anyway. But I suspect that he will meet Harry before the wedding.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Countessmeout

Thomas could always come for a few days before and get to know Harry before Scotland. Being in Scotland would be a nice comfortable setting away from press to get to know Harry anyways.

My point was everyone seems obsessed with Doria. Doria not being alone. Not seeing Doria for Christmas. But I don't see anyone mentioning dad, or concern for her dad and her relationship. Its like we are assuming she has no relationship with her dad at all.

If Thomas was to come to the UK on a separate trip (some time before the wedding) it would make sense to combine things. However, I would think it would be way more comfortable for him to meet Harry elsewhere (his own home for example or in LA).

I second your concern for her dad but the fact that meeting him hasn't been a priotity in the last year and a half is also telling. Preferring to stay low-key would not have been a limitations (there might be other limitations that we don't know about of course but I have a hard time to come up with something that would have made it completely impossible).

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Somebody

second your concern for her dad but the fact that meeting him hasn't been a priotity in the last year and a half is also telling. Preferring to stay low-key would not have been a limitations (there might be other limitations that we don't know about of course but I have a hard time to come up with something that would have made it completely impossible).

Sometimes it's just family dynamics, especially when they live in different countries. It sounds like they are close, but just don't see each other very often because of distance. Eventually, you get used to that. I've read that they talk weekly. What we do know for sure is that they are close enough for Harry to ask him for his blessing before proposing. He retired and in his late 70s. He has his own life in a quiet place and her life is in the city.

Originally Posted by Countessmeout

My point was everyone seems obsessed with Doria. Doria not being alone. Not seeing Doria for Christmas. But I don't see anyone mentioning dad, or concern for her dad and her relationship. Its like we are assuming she has no relationship with her dad at all.

I don't think her and her dad aren't close. To the contrary, we've heard Meghan about how close she is to her dad. I don't think closeness is defined by how much you see each other, considering the fact that they've been living in different countries for at least the last 7 years. I think people just assume he doesn't mind being alone at this point.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

Sometimes it's just family dynamics, especially when they live in different countries. It sounds like they are close, but just don't see each other very often because of distance. Eventually, you get used to that. I've read that they talk weekly. What we do know for sure is that they are close enough for Harry to ask him for his blessing before proposing. He retired and in his late 70s. He has his own life in a quiet place and her life is in the city.

Good to hear that they talk weekly. Still, not making it a priority for Thomas and Harry to meet is something I don't really understand. Meghan is changing her whole life because of it - and from Harry's perspective I'd say it would be important to get to know both sides of her family; Meghan is making it a priority regarding Harry's family as well.

Next to family dynamics, age (and it being her second marriage) might also play into it. I would imagine that it might have been different had Harry and Meghan met 10 years earlier...

And having lived in a different country (for the last 6 on a different continent) than my family for close to 8 years now, I know that distance does not necessarily equal a distant relationship - but not having met even once is what perplexes me. We've found that it is extremely important for close family and friends to visit us to truly understand our lives. Talking on the phone (or on skype) cannot replace that. Let alone if that other person is someone you've never met. Hopefully, they will find time to get to know each other in the coming months

[AdmirerUS]

Originally Posted by Somebody

Good to hear that they talk weekly. Still, not making it a priority for Thomas and Harry to meet is something I don't really understand. Meghan is changing her whole life because of it - and from Harry's perspective I'd say it would be important to get to know both sides of her family; Meghan is making it a priority regarding Harry's family as well.

Next to family dynamics, age (and it being her second marriage) might also play into it. I would imagine that it might have been different had Harry and Meghan met 10 years earlier...

And having lived in a different country (for the last 6 on a different continent) than my family for close to 8 years now, I know that distance does not necessarily equal a distant relationship - but not having met even once is what perplexes me. We've found that it is extremely important for close family and friends to visit us to truly understand our lives. Talking on the phone (or on skype) cannot replace that. Let alone if that other person is someone you've never met. Hopefully, they will find time to get to know each other in the coming months

I have been assuming that while they have not pressed flesh, they have Facetimed, Skyped or the like. People meet, fall in love and get engaged via online media. I don't suggest that but synchronous communication is easy these days.

[hel]

Since this is about her time in toronto, I figured it would count as her "background".

AP interviewed her next door neighbour about his experiences with Meghan:

• the security were apparently very easy to work with
• she got him chocolates as a thank you
• the neighbour described her as "lovely" and said she greeted him whenever she saw him

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up0xBcpKWOQ