The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, May 7, 2025--

[hereditarytitles]

Me too. A security guard wouldn't let me join the queue to have your photo taken with Mickey Mouse, because he said that there were too many people waiting already. Not that I'm bitter about it or anything ....!¬

To avoid any misunderstanding: I did not say that I think it is good that celebrities, whether royal or otherwise, enjoy special advantages that we “ordinary people” do not have. But that is how it was in the past and how it still is today and will always be in the future (unless you decide to live in a communist country, and even there you don't have absolute equal rights) and we have to accept it.
I do not envy these people and would not want their privileges, because they also pay a price for them.

 

[Diarist]

They will show the children full body view for the first time at an (paid) occasion with maximal public attention - possibly an interview/homestory when harming the royal family at the same time, a la Oprah.
They are keeping that ace in the hole for now as after that, there is not much left.

I am afraid to say that I have always thought that the Sussexes [by which I mean mostly Meghan] from the very first time have been restricting photos of their offspring in order to 'monetarise' their children at a later date - does anyone else remember when Archie was first introduced to the Press / Public at the official photocall following his birth? The infant was so swaddled up that all that was visible of him was a tiny, tiny sliver of his skin - if you remember, a photographer actually had to ask the couple to show a little more of the newborn, whereupon Ms Markle somewhat reluctantly in my opinion turned Archie round a little more, but did not (for example) move some of the head-covering a little.

I always remember Meghan's comment during the Australaian Tour [recorded by Times Journalist Valentine Low] ' I can't believe I am not being paid for this'. Clearly the concept of Royal duty and service was beyond the comprehension of Ms Markle.

I am afraid that I would not bet against another book appearing in due course [i.e. when the Sussexes wish to boost their funds] detailing all the 'life event' of their children.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

That reporter is absolutely delsuional if she's calling that car-wreck of an interview an "olive branch". I mean this seriously.

My interpretation is that the “olive branch” comment (and almost everything else in the article) is the reporter paraphrasing what the palace aides said to her about the aides’ thinking and the King’s thinking, not the reporter’s own opinion.

Of course, it would be best if every journalist quoted every source exactly, using quotation marks, instead of summarizing. That would clearly delineate which opinions belong to the source and which opinions belong to the journalist. However, it is not that simple because some sources refuse to be quoted and will either speak on background or not at all.

 

[yukari]

I am afraid to say that I have always thought that the Sussexes [by which I mean mostly Meghan] from the very first time have been restricting photos of their offspring in order to 'monetarise' their children at a later date - does anyone else remember when Archie was first introduced to the Press / Public at the official photocall following his birth? The infant was so swaddled up that all that was visible of him was a tiny, tiny sliver of his skin - if you remember, a photographer actually had to ask the couple to show a little more of the newborn, whereupon Ms Markle somewhat reluctantly in my opinion turned Archie round a little more, but did not (for example) move some of the head-covering a little.

I always remember Meghan's comment during the Australaian Tour [recorded by Times Journalist Valentine Low] ' I can't believe I am not being paid for this'. Clearly the concept of Royal duty and service was beyond the comprehension of Ms Markle.

I am afraid that I would not bet against another book appearing in due course [i.e. when the Sussexes wish to boost their funds] detailing all the 'life event' of their children.

Could it possibly be American culture thing? As in American mentality of capitalism and how everything is monetarised. Like the tipping culture for example. In Japan, it's your duty to give the best service to your costumers so giving tips is an offensive. While in America, doing your duty to service your costumers entitle you to receive tips. So naturally as an American, Meghan thinks that she entitled to be paid of doing her royal duty.

 

[Prinsara]

Could it possibly be American culture thing?

No.
It’s a “Meghan being uneducated, uninterested, and entitled” thing.
However very difficult it obviously is to put the effort in and appreciate other cultures.

 

[Mirabel]

I am afraid to say that I have always thought that the Sussexes [by which I mean mostly Meghan] from the very first time have been restricting photos of their offspring in order to 'monetarise' their children at a later date -

I am afraid that I would not bet against another book appearing in due course [i.e. when the Sussexes wish to boost their funds] detailing all the 'life event' of their children.

But is anyone truly obsessed with viewing the Sussex children?
Young children may be cute, but....really? I can't imagine interest running that high.

 

[Hallo girl]

But is anyone truly obsessed with viewing the Sussex children?
Young children may be cute, but....really? I can't imagine interest running that high.

They are creating the interest themselves but cranking everything up in the last few weeks by giving more and more glimpses of the kids. Just enough to tempt but not enough to satisfy.

 

[MissByrd]

Could it possibly be American culture thing? As in American mentality of capitalism and how everything is monetarised. Like the tipping culture for example. In Japan, it's your duty to give the best service to your costumers so giving tips is an offensive. While in America, doing your duty to service your costumers entitle you to receive tips. So naturally as an American, Meghan thinks that she entitled to be paid of doing her royal duty.

Dear Yukari: With respect, please do not categorize Americans with anything Meghan does or says. She is not a “typical American”, if there is anything such thing. In my opinion, she is crass and strange.
Most of us just want to live our lives in peace, with focus on the good things in life, family, gardening, travel, music, good books, etc.
Most Americans really are unaware of Meghan. And, most of us think tipping is a nuisance.

 

[MissByrd]

I would also add that we tip, because we do not want to deprive a waiter of their income. So, in our circle, we tip well to say thank you. But, it seems like it would be a better plan for the employer to pay well.

 

[Kenya]

In Japan, it's your duty to give the best service to your costumers so giving tips is an offensive. While in America, doing your duty to service your costumers entitle you to receive tips.

Not really. The reason we tip is because employers in service industries have successfully lobbied politicians to pass legislation allowing them not to pay their employees a living wage. The tips are meant to make up the difference of what employees would earn if employers had to pay them what they deserve.

I think most Americans hate our tipping system and I think most would disagree that someone needs to be incentivized to do what's required of them by their job. It still blows my mind that Meghan didn't understand meeting and talking to people was an essential function of her role.

 

[Leopoldine]

Could it possibly be American culture thing? As in American mentality of capitalism and how everything is monetarised. Like the tipping culture for example. In Japan, it's your duty to give the best service to your costumers so giving tips is an offensive. While in America, doing your duty to service your costumers entitle you to receive tips. So naturally as an American, Meghan thinks that she entitled to be paid of doing her royal duty.

That might be a Hollywood thing.

 

[Kaye1850]

"According to several members of staff, she was heard to say on at least one occasion, "I can’t believe I’m not getting paid for this," Markle reportedly said during the royal tour of Australia in October 2018.“

I will always believe this was meant in a light hearted way, as a joke.

 

[yukari]

Dear Yukari: With respect, please do not categorize Americans with anything Meghan does or says. She is not a “typical American”, if there is anything such thing. In my opinion, she is crass and strange.
Most of us just want to live our lives in peace, with focus on the good things in life, family, gardening, travel, music, good books, etc.
Most Americans really are unaware of Meghan. And, most of us think tipping is a nuisance.

I apologise, I mean no offence. Maybe I've worded it wrongly (English is not my first language). What I mean to say is maybe Meghan's "can't believed I wasn't paid for this" was because she's someone who comes from a country where tipping is mandatory or as @Kenya said "be incentivized to do what's required of them by their job", hence her first thought was she deserved an incentive for doing such a good job at meeting people, she might even thought the freebies she got while being working royal as her "tips".

TBF, I needed to be told to tip the first time I visited USA and honestly I was quite baffled when I was told that it was mandatory, minimal 10% of the total bill. It's not that I was against or not familiar with tipping, but at that point what I knew about tipping is to appreciate exemplary service at your discretion (instead of fixed percentage). But that's me being someone from different culture.

Once again, I apologise. I mean no offence to fellow American posters.

 

[An Ard Ri]

The Sussex family celebrated Lilibet's recent birthday with a trip to Disneyland
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took best friend to Disneyland – identity revealed

 

[Asteria12]

But we didn’t see Lili in the ride, did we? She probably waited that one out. She might have not met height/age criteria or was tired. Nothing scandals here.

Lili was seated in the back between Meghan's mate Markus Anderson and a woman, presumably their nanny.

ETA: Snap @An Ard Ri!

 

[MissByrd]

I apologise, I mean no offence. Maybe I've worded it wrongly (English is not my first language). What I mean to say is maybe Meghan's "can't believed I wasn't paid for this" was because she's someone who comes from a country where tipping is mandatory or as @Kenya said "be incentivized to do what's required of them by their job", hence her first thought was she deserved an incentive for doing such a good job at meeting people, she might even thought the freebies she got while being working royal as her "tips".

TBF, I needed to be told to tip the first time I visited USA and honestly I was quite baffled when I was told that it was mandatory, minimal 10% of the total bill. It's not that I was against or not familiar with tipping, but at that point what I knew about tipping is to appreciate exemplary service at your discretion (instead of fixed percentage). But that's me being someone from different culture.

Once again, I apologise. I mean no offence to fellow American posters.

Dear Yukari:
No offense taken. And, like everything else, tipping has increased to at least 20% where I live. Though, I don’t think it’s “mandatory”.
Meghan’s remark about not getting paid actually made me laugh, it was so unexpectedly crass, like something from an old movie.
And your English is quite good.

 

[Mirabel]

I would also add that we tip, because we do not want to deprive a waiter of their income. So, in our circle, we tip well to say thank you. But, it seems like it would be a better plan for the employer to pay well.

I doubt wait staff would want that.
A waiter makes much more through tipping than they possibly could by minimum wage.
I've heard that a few restaurants that have tried eliminating tipping in favor of increasing pay have soon found themselves without staff.

 

[MissByrd]

I doubt wait staff would want that.
A waiter makes much more through tipping than they possibly could by minimum wage.
I've heard that a few restaurants that have tried eliminating tipping in favor of increasing pay have soon found themselves without staff.

Well, there are always unexpected consequences. And, I think tipping is completely entrenched, not likely to go away.

 

[RoyalNight]

"According to several members of staff, she was heard to say on at least one occasion, "I can’t believe I’m not getting paid for this," Markle reportedly said during the royal tour of Australia in October 2018.“

I will always believe this was meant in a light hearted way, as a joke.

Very inappropriate joke, and showing how full she’s of herself. People should pay to meet you? Really?
And maybe she didn’t get a salary, but somehow her bills and groceries were covered. Once again Meghan and her „understanding” of TRF.

 

[An Ard Ri]

The 2025 Invictus Games report was released yesterday
Prince Harry marks 'historic firsts' as he issues 2025 report

 

[Curryong]

Some good news from Harry about the success of the Invictus Games 2025. His speech also was well-received. And a sellout crowd for the opening ceremony!

‘The caption also referenced "a slew of historic firsts" which were fleshed out in the full report. Some of these included the first ever Winter hybrid Invictus Games, the first time the event was hosted in two communities, and the first time the opening ceremony was attended by a sold-out audience of 40,000 spectators.’

 

[Hallo girl]

Some good news from Harry about the success of the Invictus Games 2025. His speech also was well-received. And a sellout crowd for the opening ceremony!

‘The caption also referenced "a slew of historic firsts" which were fleshed out in the full report. Some of these included the first ever Winter hybrid Invictus Games, the first time the event was hosted in two communities, and the first time the opening ceremony was attended by a sold-out audience of 40,000 spectators.’

I am pleased that Invictus was a success, it is always a risk trying something different , moving things along. as in combining Winter events.
Harry can be an enigma at times.
He has a wife, two lovely children, a home and a life he says he loves in the USA.
I just wish peace and contentment for him, and that he moves on with his life, because too often he presents himself as an angry man, which does not serve any purpose whatsoever.
If he wants reconciliation then this is the way to do it, be successful in your projects and stop talking about your family, that way maybe things could eventually come together.

 

[Hallo girl]

Off the top of my head and about the Sussexes? Yes, that story the Sun ran with about the Sussexes complaining about a staff car park adjoining the garden at FC and demanding that the car park be moved. That was completely untrue and in fact the editor at the time admitted it and had to print an apology.

There was another tabloid story about Meghan appearing on a site called Pornhub. Again untrue and the paper had to withdraw it. The shameful story about her being ‘straight outta Compton’ when she did nor ever live in that suburb. And more….

It is good when media withdraw incorrect reports , I just wish individuals who make incorrect quotes in interviews or documentaries would do similar.

 

[An Ard Ri]

The duchess was due to attend the Night of Wonder gala in LA last night, the event was postponed given the Civil unrest in LA.

Meghan Markle forced to cancel major event - details

 

[shady lady]

Was she getting an award for twerking? Asking for my friend

 

[Hallo girl]

I really would like to know what her achievements are that she was guest of honour.?

 

[muriel]

I just wish individuals who make incorrect quotes in interviews or documentaries would do similar.

That would leave Harry & Meghan with relatively little to speak about. After all, "their" truth is not often that closely aligned with "the" truth!

 

[muriel]

I really would like to know what her achievements are that she was guest of honour.?

To me, that in itself reflects on the credibility of the awards and its organisers.

 

[An Ard Ri]

I really would like to know what her achievements are that she was guest of honour.?

The duchess was chosen to quote :

for her work with Archewell Foundation and her tireless advocacy for equity, gender empowerment, and opportunity.

 

[hereditarytitles]

There is now a veritable inflation of women being honored for their commitment to “empowering women.” Most of the time, though not always, the “empowerment” of women consists of giving speeches, introducing women who have started their own businesses, and bringing them together. If you look at the social media channels of businesswomen, regardless of whether they have started their own beauty salon or financial consulting business, you will find these topics very frequently. In my opinion, receiving an award or honor for this is not justified, because these appearances also serve to promote themselves. There are lots of people doing philanthropic work without making a fuss about it and being in the headlines of magazines.