The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, News and Events 6: Aug. 2021- Oct. 2022

[FigTree]

Originally Posted by Archduchess Zelia

And a revelation that there was nothing to scathing accusations that suddenly flared up (and if I'm not mistaken, were alleged to be initiated by the Cambridges' communications secretary) ahead of the Oprah interview wouldn't be a PR nightmare?

The time of the release of these accusations was 'convenient,' but they had happened long in the past. I wouldn't say they were instigated by Knauf. He reported something alarming. Then it was alleged by camp Sussex it was because he was close to an incompetent worker. Which was also crass. And fairly insinuating he was protecting a friend or perhaps someone closer. Knauf appears to have always conducted his work morally. Convenient appearance of certain information in the public domain aside. But the Cambridges couldn't speak for themselve.

All truth is perspective and I have no doubt that these complaints had validity

[TLLK]

Originally Posted by Royalist.in.NC

Thanks so much for sharing this! I had wondered what had happened to this report. I do hope that BP learned some things and that the investigation will inform any needed new HR practices. While I (and others I’m sure) would like to know the results of the investigation, due to ongoing issues with the Sussexes, I would imagine HM and the RF don’t want any more publicity about this.

Where there is smoke, there is fire….so very sad

I sincerely hope that changes have been made to the HR policies so staff can feel confident and comfortable if they need to speak up about their concerns.

[ACO]

I find the whole than thing rather predictable.

[US Royal Watcher]

The investigation would not have either exonerated or cast blame on Meghan because it was focused on palace policies to protect the workplace environment. The palace didn't investigate whether the allegations were true or false.

The problem with releasing the results is that the report necessarily includes the original complaints. Regardless of whether the complaints were false, some people would still believe them to be true. Conversely, if the complaints were true, some people would be attacking the complainants.

Personally, I still find it interesting that Harry and Meghan have sued over allegations that he was being untruthful about the security arrangements. To me the allegations against Meghan are far more damaging.

[FigTree]

Originally Posted by US Royal Watcher

The investigation would not have either exonerated or cast blame on Meghan because it was focused on palace policies to protect the workplace environment. The palace didn't investigate whether the allegations were true or false.

The problem with releasing the results is that the report necessarily includes the original complaints. Regardless of whether the complaints were false, some people would still believe them to be true. Conversely, if the complaints were true, some people would be attacking the complainants.

Personally, I still find it interesting that Harry and Meghan have sued over allegations that he was being untruthful about the security arrangements. To me the allegations against Meghan are far more damaging.

Quite and quite. If you sue frequently, when you don't everyone persumes it must be true.

Meghan has never once categorically denied these allegations in fact her lawyer said she wouldn't want to negate anyones truth.

[ACO]

Meghan has denied these allegations. It has been denied from day one.

Meghan has sued (and won) over her kids and direct attacks from direct people. This is vague allegations made via no names. Her lawyers did request info about who it was directly from and what she was exactly accused of -- and yet nothing was made of that.

It will be interesting though if Tom Bower does what he claims and "reveals the truth about the bullying" in his book. That is very very different and that reaction will be something especially when he has already been sued for libel before. Time will tell...

Anyways this non report didn't do anything new except create new headlines.

[FigTree]

Originally Posted by ACO

Meghan has denied these allegations. It has been denied from day one.

Meghan has sued (and won) over her kids and direct attacks from direct people. This is vague allegations made via no names. Her lawyers did request info about who it was directly from and what she was exactly accused of -- and yet nothing was made of that.

It will be interesting though if Tom Bower does what he claims and "reveals the truth about the bullying" in his book. That is very very different and that reaction will be something especially when he has already been sued for libel before. Time will tell...

Anyways this non report didn't do anything new except create new headlines.

She didn't really. It was a fudge claiming a smear campaign. And there were names. Everyone knew who it was. In any case it doesn't matter. None of it is important. The thing which is important is that future employees are protected from objectionable behaviour.

Of course Bower would say that. Gotta promote your book. It will just be one more in a pletoria of books.

[US Royal Watcher]

Originally Posted by ACO

Meghan has denied these allegations. It has been denied from day one.

Meghan has sued (and won) over her kids and direct attacks from direct people. This is vague allegations made via no names. Her lawyers did request info about who it was directly from and what she was exactly accused of -- and yet nothing was made of that.

It will be interesting though if Tom Bower does what he claims and "reveals the truth about the bullying" in his book. That is very very different and that reaction will be something especially when he has already been sued for libel before. Time will tell...

Anyways this non report didn't do anything new except create new headlines.

I don't know whether these allegations are true or not - and neither does anyone else on the board - unless they have direct information.

I agree that Meghan has denied (weakly) the allegations but Valentine Low described seeing Meghan berating one of her staff. She chose not to sue even though that is a very specific allegation.

As Fig Tree points out, when someone sues over forgettable articles (the timing of Harry's security discussions) and don't sue over something this substantive, it is not unreasonable to conclude the substantive allegation is true. That is why the palace rarely confirms or denies stories, especially if they are petty (Meghan made Kate cry).

The bottom line is that no matter what the palace concluded about their internal procedures, Meghan is going to be damaged more by the report than the palace.

[Erin9]

Originally Posted by US Royal Watcher

I don't know whether these allegations are true or not - and neither does anyone else on the board - unless they have direct information.



I agree that Meghan has denied (weakly) the allegations but Valentine Low described seeing Meghan berating one of her staff. She chose not to sue even though that is a very specific allegation.



As Fig Tree points out, when someone sues over forgettable articles (the timing of Harry's security discussions) and don't sue over something this substantive, it is not unreasonable to conclude the substantive allegation is true. That is why the palace rarely confirms or denies stories, especially if they are petty (Meghan made Kate cry).



The bottom line is that no matter what the palace concluded about their internal procedures, Meghan is going to be damaged more by the report than the palace.

That was very well said.

[iceflower]

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen on their way to Oprah Winfrey's home in Montecito on June 25:


** dailymail article **

[iceflower]

The Duchess of Sussex, Gloria Steinem and Jessica Yellin talked to Vogue „on Abortion Rights, the ERA, and Why They Won’t Give Up Hope“:


** vogue article: Gloria Steinem, the Duchess of Sussex, and Jessica Yellin on Abortion Rights, the ERA, and Why They.. **

[Ista]

To avoid premature closure of the thread, I suggest everyone review the guidelines for posting that are listed on the first page of this thread, as well as the general forum rules.

[FigTree]

Originally Posted by iceflower

The Duchess of Sussex, Gloria Steinem and Jessica Yellin talked to Vogue „on Abortion Rights, the ERA, and Why They Won’t Give Up Hope“:


** vogue article: Gloria Steinem, the Duchess of Sussex, and Jessica Yellin on Abortion Rights, the ERA, and Why They.. **

I won't say I understand the particular ins and outs of the current issue in the USA. In th UK it is a non issue and it is regulated medically. Having said that, we must have all voices on the issue so fine. I don't know who this Jessica but obviously know who Steinem is.

I checked she is a serious journalist. Do I think Meghan belongs with them? Not really. But if people want to give her the platform. Fine.

[Prinsara]

Originally Posted by FigTree

I won't say I understand the particular ins and outs of the current issue in the USA. In th UK it is a non issue and it is regulated medically. Having said that, we must have all voices on the issue so fine. I don't know who this Jessica but ibviously know who Steinem is.

I checked she is a serious journalist. Do I think Meghan belongs with them? Not really. But if people want to give her the platform. Fine.

But what has she done to earn the platform for a very serious and contentious issue with a feminist icon of decades and a reputable journalist? Marry someone?

I know Meghan has long professed feminism and done various things in support of it. That's fine. But she has about as much cred as I do, and I don't want to hear from her when the country's being ripped apart and women are going to die.

If this was the ONLY thing she had ever chosen to speak out on post-royal I would have more respect for her. As it is, it's less "incredibly important" and more "just somewhere else she can gain attention". She's long diluted her cred away, imho.

Is the Duchess planning to do anything else — like continue campaigning for reproductive rights, or make visits to states where it's now banned, or donate for transport — or does she think talking to Vogue will be enough?

[FigTree]

Originally Posted by Prinsara

But what has she done to earn the platform for a very serious and contentious issue with a feminist icon of decades and a reputable journalist? Marry someone?

I know Meghan has long professed feminism and done various things in support of it. That's fine. But she has about as much cred as I do, and I don't want to hear from her when the country's being ripped apart and women are going to die.

If this was the ONLY thing she had ever chosen to speak out on post-royal I would have more respect for her. As it is, it's less "incredibly important" and more "just somewhere else she can gain attention". She's long diluted her cred away, imho.

Is the Duchess planning to do anything else — like continue campaigning for reproductive rights, or make visits to states where it's now banned, or donate for transport — or does she think talking to Vogue will be enough?

Not everyone earns their platform on their own merit. Not everyone deserves a platform. People only have one when others listen and it is very nice to be in Vogue I'm sure.

I listened to the news and heard a worker at an abortion clinic talk about the issues they see. Found it enlightening. Do you want to hear your own voice or do you want to lend your spotlight so others can speak?

[ACO]

I mean we are on a royal forum. What has any of them done to earn their massive platform outside of marriage and being born to someone? At least Meghan has been active most of life on women's issues -- whether you agree with her or not.

It was an interesting chat. Meghan speaking alone will cause some who were likely not paying attention to suddenly take focus, which is the point.

[sophie25]

Meghan is drawing herself and Harry into deeper and deeper waters with regards to American politics. She is now talking about going to Washington to protest a decision made by the Supreme Court, a still HRH British Royal Duchess protesting about a decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court! Whether she likes it or not Trump was explicit that if he won against Clinton he would appoint pro-life justices and he did, so if she wants to make this about the mid-terms he can also say he had a mandate when he appointed Kavanagh etc. The Queen surely must do something about this, the Sussex's are really overstepping the mark now.

[FigTree]

Why should she. They no longer work there and nothing they say reflects on the royal family. So why the Queen should even be interested I don’t know. This is a highly controversial issue around the world. That in most of Europe it is treated privately just marks the difference. I mean a member of the royal family, a politician, or really anyone having anything to say on abortion who is isn’t a medical professional is just so far in the past. I certainly wouldn’t discuss it with anyone, if Meghan is brave enough. Fine. Having read it though she didn’t say anything of use really.

[SiennaMonet]

Originally Posted by Prinsara

But what has she done to earn the platform for a very serious and contentious issue with a feminist icon of decades and a reputable journalist? Marry someone?

Is the Duchess planning to do anything else — like continue campaigning for reproductive rights, or make visits to states where it's now banned, or donate for transport — or does she think talking to Vogue will be enough?

- Other than the than Jessica & Gloria own thoughts on why Meghan fit the bill for want they wanted, I can give you my reasoning if you'd like over private chat because I'm not trying to get into in this thread. I would like to point out, it was more than just marrying someone in *my eyes* though, it helped and would help anyone person that ends up married to someone with a high profile.


- In the article / interview it stated that Gloria & Meghan have been working while now and their main focus is to get the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) ratified. It's something Gloria has been working at and she's happy that Meghan is joining her so we can assume, they'll be doing more work together and whatever plans they have, are their plans.

--- and this is just my own thoughts and not a response from here on.

In 2016, I had an abortion. I had just left one job and was starting at another. While I figured out what to do, I cried myself to sleep most nights. I didn't want to be...on this earth. Finally, I managed to get a credit card and with the money from the few weeks I started working, I managed to get it. My boss at the new job told me I couldn't take the day off and I broke down in tears at work because I about a week and half from the cut off date (I remember as it was right around thanks giving). My co-worker, the sweetest woman ever, saw me, I explained what happened and she said became like a mom and was like "NOPE. don't worry about it, I got you."

And she did.

And it wasn't until I was at home after that I felt like I could breathe again. I felt like I could live again.

All of that being said, this is a human rights issue, this is an issue that will cripple poor woman and woc and absolutely black women the most. (even rich black women as Serena almost died because she was ignored despite being THE Serena.)

So, I'm extremely happy Meghan spoke on the subject, I'm extremely happy to know see the faith and friendship put in her Gloria and the faith put in her by Jessica. I'm glad she covered because I've seen this interview has reach and everyone, especially Americans need to understand how devastating this will be in the future. I'm glad Meghan spoke out even if people mock, attack, belittle or roll their eyes at her, as long as they're taking about the issue at hand or their is talk about the issue, I'll be grateful.

And yes, there are other voices speaking on this issue. As they should but not everyone will listen to those voices, not everyone will listen to Meghan's voice because she's Meghan, it's getting covered all over. I've seen Today, Town and Country, Huffpost, Hello Canada and many other outlets that might not cover other voices, are covering this interview.

Either way, I'm thankful. I can only speak for myself but as someone who as lived this experience, who has lived this fear....yeah, ANYONE speaking out on this has my support, however they got their platform. Meghan had a platform before this, it might not have been huge, as big but she has used her voices, this isn't new and I'm not gonna act like I'm not happy that her marrying Harry has given her a bigger platform and a bigger chance to spotlight this issue and those who work with her are surely happy as well.

Now, all of that being said, I'm probs going to bounce until this thread is closed because I honestly don't know how this will go and this is too much of a trigger topic for my me to feel some type of way. It's easier when the thread is closed because you can't reply and let your emotions get in the way of things, tho, if someone quotes and wants to have a real talk, I'm down.

And also,

if anyone has experienced getting an abortions, thinking about it or anything related and you need someone to talk to because there isn't anyone IRL that you can talk to, my messages are open. (I never told my family, we're religious, I'm the pastors granddaughter and my mom had me out of wedlock. there's a lot of trauma in the family around that.) So, even you like Meghan or not, you need a safe-space, for this topic, I'm open.

[sophie25]

Originally Posted by FigTree

Why should she. They no longer work there and nothing they say reflects on the royal family. So why the Queen should even be interested I don’t know. This is a highly controversial issue around the world. That in most of Europe it is treated privately just marks the difference. I mean a member of the royal family, a politician, or really anyone having anything to say on abortion who is isn’t a medical professional is just so far in the past. I certainly wouldn’t discuss it with anyone, if Meghan is brave enough. Fine. Having read it though she didn’t say anything of use really.

The Queen should be interested because they are still using the titles she gave them when it was expected they would be representing the British Royal family.