The Duchess of Sussex's Charities and Patronages

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by tommy100

Nice to see she is getting to grips with some patronages and smart to have been visiting them so much before they were announced so she can really feel confident in talking about them.

I do worry about the optics of someone so renowned for wearing new and so expensive clothes (as all royal ladies do) being the face of a charity helping women who can't afford clothes for an interview. I'm not saying she shouldn't but I do feel it will create some comments in the media.

How would you suggest such avoidance? The rich royals not representing poor charities? William lives in a castle, is it bad optics he visits the homeless?

Originally Posted by Rudolph

I have to say this was an underwhelming engagement. Meghan basically acted as a stylist, pulling out a few items for the women to wear, as if they couldn’t do that themselves.

Still it’s good she has four patronages.

A lot of women can't.

In undermining the visit you are doing it to the charity. Many women don't know how to dress themselves for interviews. Even those with the money to buy clothes. Many of us rely on friends. These are women who lack self confidence, who have been out of work and possibly vulnerable situations. They need the boost of a makeover and coaching for confidence. This charity had helped thousands of women find work, by doing exactly what Meghan did. Sometimes a new outfit and a bit of coaching means a huge difference in the confidence to go into an interview.

[rominet09]

Originally Posted by Countessmeout

How would you suggest such avoidance? The rich royals not representing poor charities? William lives in a castle, is it bad optics he visits the homeless?



A lot of women can't.

In undermining the visit you are doing it to the charity. Many women don't know how to dress themselves for interviews. Even those with the money to buy clothes. Many of us rely on friends. These are women who lack self confidence, who have been out of work and possibly vulnerable situations. They need the boost of a makeover and coaching for confidence. This charity had helped thousands of women find work, by doing exactly what Meghan did. Sometimes a new outfit and a bit of coaching means a huge difference in the confidence to go into an interview.

I completely agree with you ! The comparison of William and the homeless is very right !

[Cocoasneeze]

Meghan would be dragged by the tabloids for something regardless. Had she reused her pre-royal clothes, the press would've ignored it anyway. This woman got dragged for touching her own baby bump.

These people know Meghan is a filthy rich royal and can afford clothes they never can. Meghan wearing H&M for this engagement isn't going to change that. And to me it would appear fake, wearing cheaper clothes than usually just for a charity visit. I'm sure the ladies Meghan met didn't put one thought on the price tag of Meghan's clothes. That's my take on this.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Cocoasneeze

These people know Meghan is a filthy rich royal and can afford clothes they never can. Meghan wearing H&M for this engagement isn't going to change that. And to me it would appear fake, wearing cheaper clothes than usually just for a charity visit. I'm sure the ladies Meghan met didn't put one thought on the price tag of Meghan's clothes. That's my take on this.

I agree with this. They all knew who she is and that money for clothing is not an issue for her. If the royals have to wear cheaper clothes to be fitting for the engagement, things would have to change completely in the entire royal wardrobe landscape for everyone.

[TLLK]

These people know Meghan is a filthy rich royal and can afford clothes they never can. Meghan wearing H&M for this engagement isn't going to change that. And to me it would appear fake, wearing cheaper clothes than usually just for a charity visit. I'm sure the ladies Meghan met didn't put one thought on the price tag of Meghan's clothes. That's my take on this.

Good point!!

[Osipi]

Frankly, its not about the cost of the clothes that is drawing these women together. Its how to make outfits that are put together to state "Here I am and ready to take on the world". The price tag on an item doesn't always say this.

Its about looking like a million bucks and feeling like a million bucks when you step out the door. Its also about having other people that may potentially hire you think you look like a million bucks too. Confidence in knowing the message your clothing and body language are presenting makes a world of difference.

[Dman]

Originally Posted by Osipi

Frankly, its not about the cost of the clothes that is drawing these women together. Its how to make outfits that are put together to state "Here I am and ready to take on the world". The price tag on an item doesn't always say this.

Its about looking like a million bucks and feeling like a million bucks when you step out the door. Its also about having other people that may potentially hire you think you look like a million bucks too. Confidence in knowing the message your clothing and body language are presenting makes a world of difference.

You hit the point right on the head.

[Fijiro]

I understand the concept of people needing help dressing up for an interview, or for work.
I grew up in a country where we wore school uniforms, up through high school.
In college (a small Catholic College run by Nuns) apart from the usually college curriculum, we had on-going instructions on how to dress, walk, talk, sit, eat, etc. Every weekday we were required to practice by dressing up for classes as though we were going to the office. Most of us didn’t have enough dresses to wear for a whole week, so we were taught how to mix/match, switch skirts & blouses to give an impression of a different outfit, so not to look like you’re wearing the same dress two days in a row. Yeah! I still use some of the tips I learned from the Nuns in college.

[MARG]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

I have to say this was an underwhelming engagement. Meghan basically acted as a stylist, pulling out a few items for the women to wear, as if they couldn’t do that themselves.

Still it’s good she has four patronages.

I have to admit I initially thought your post was very dismissive and then I thought, no, maybe just a man who doesn't understand that not every woman is gifted with the talent to pick out a perfect ensemble.

After 20 years in the military, I have to admit the idea of putting together a civilian wardrobe was daunting and the experience even worse. My niece pulls a hanger off the rack that, to me, looks awful but, when I try it on it both fits and works. Needless to say, I rarely shop for clothes alone . . . except of course for shoes, as they are of course works of art.

After a long time off the job market, especially if you have been ill, confidence can be seen as an almost insurmountable wall to scale. Anyone that can sit you down and teach you how to "interview" for a job with a degree of self-confidence and not cost you money you don't have, is a gift beyond measure.

[Rudolph]

I’m kind of surprised at the lack of coverage Meghan’s charities announcement received considering how much hype was associated with it.

At least one reporter commented there was nothing groundbreaking about the charities.

There was a blurb on the front page of the telegraph but that was it.

The Sun, DM, Express, Mirror, The Times, Daily Star and Metro didn’t even mentioned it on their front pages.

[ACO]

Lack of coverage? It literally flooded my TV and was trending. You couldn't miss it. Also I saw the reporter mentioned. Wasn't it Palmer? That isn't exactly what he said. In fact he stated we will later find out what is ground breaking and he thinks they are innovative though conservative (as she followed Kate's template). He also praised her decision to work with women from minority background. He spoke highly of Smart Works. No need to twist his words for an agenda.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by ACO

Lack of coverage? It literally flooded my TV and was trending. You couldn't miss it.

Yes, the patronages and related news were 4 out of top 5 trending topics at the same time.

And really, when was the last time a royal had first patronages that was considered “groundbreaking”? It’s a nice mix of causes close to her heart and the organizations selected obviously seem to be well thought out and much considered. With just Smart Works, it’s obviously that she’s been working with them for awhile and have gotten to know them well. It felt personal when she’s with them like they know each other well. Can’t be said for every organization when they get a new royal patron. Excited to see Mayhew next week.

[Rudolph]

Originally Posted by ACO

Lack of coverage? It literally flooded my TV and was trending. You couldn't miss it. Also I saw the reporter mentioned. Wasn't it Palmer? That isn't exactly what he said. In fact he stated we will later find out what is ground breaking and he thinks they are innovative though conservative (as she followed Kate's template). He also praised her decision to work with women from minority background. He spoke highly of Smart Works. No need to twist his words for an agenda.

Except it wasnt Palmer. So just relax.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

Except it wasnt Palmer. So just relax.

So why don’t you tell us who it was and what was actually said exactly rather than have us dependent on your version? It’s a discussion after all.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

Except it wasnt Palmer. So just relax.

Good morning. I am very relaxed. Which reporter was it? Just curious. I had only really seen him go into detail of personal opinion and I followed much of the coverage.

Anyways, It was lovely seeing many of the CEOs and directors being interviewed. A lot of press for the smaller organizations like Smart Works and Mayhew which is the point. Can't beat the international coverage as well.

[Rudolph]

It’s not my ‘version’. She said the charities arent groundbreaking and they aren’t so what’s the controversy?

She gets enough hateful comments from Meghan fans on Twitter without me naming her here.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

It’s not my ‘version’. She said the charities arent groundbreaking and they aren’t so what’s the controversy?

She gets enough hateful comments from Meghan fans on Twitter without me naming her here.

No controversy, but I’ve long ago learned that relating of information is not always accurately reflect what was originally said or that the context was changed to have unintended conclusions drawn. It’s proven by psychological studies. If you aren’t comfortable giving the source, perhaps you shouldn’t bring it here as something that supports whatever view you have as we can’t verify it to discuss.

[Osipi]

Its why I rarely "tune in" to what reporters are saying. Some gush, some guffaw and some go after Meghan with both guns firing. Its all perspectives.

I happen to like the choices that Meghan, along with the Queen and Meghan's advisors, made because they just suit her and her interests. Two from the Queen passed down which shows me that the Queen has confidence in Meghan. The National Theater suits (pun intended) Meghan's professional background and ACU goes in tandem with Harry's Commonwealth role. One working with women and one with animals.

Its a good start. She's got the rest of her lifetime to build her charities and patronages up. She's not really doing anything "groundbreaking" at all but rather taking on her part as a team member of the "Firm". She'll also have a new baby to contend with soon and of course, work within the framework of the Royal Foundation. To me it looks like she has a pretty fulfilling and rewarding job, family life and a husband that dotes on her. Who would ask for anything more?

[Dman]

They are very good organizations for her. They’re only the first four. She’ll be announcing more patronage’s probably this year. Probably after her maternity leave.

[Heavs]

I'm not sure why they should have be "ground breaking"? They're Royal Patronages not cutting edge lab work or research etc. Especially given that two were passed down from HM. Even then the National Theatre will probably put on ground breaking productions she'll be invited to etc. But they fit well and she (yes like many royals) is interested in being more than a line on their letterhead.

I can't speak about the papers but I know it was a fairly big feature on the BBC and ITV news that day because I watched that, not to mention all over the place on SM and news/entertainment sites etc.