The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, News and Events 10: August 2024 -

[Erin9]

I think part of Meghan's unpopularity is her complete inability to read the room. Of course she should be able to make a lifestyle show for Netflix with various recipes and table decorations, if that's what she wants to do with her life. But to bring up the surname Sussex, when she has shown no respect to the institution and people who bestowed that designation upon her and her family, shows a complete lack of tact and intuition. In my opinion!

Agreed. That might be her biggest over-all problem: she consistently doesn’t read the room well.

 

[HRHHermione]

Well I’m not surprised this podcast is also (partially) about her! Lol

I do kind of wonder what kinds of mistakes she’ll admit to. This has been a VERY bumby, mistake ridden road. I’m not interested enough to listen though.

I have to admit, I don’t quite understand the logic in calling more attention to how slow the business has been to launch, but maybe the podcast was recorded thinking the brand would be selling products by now.

 

[Healthy Sceptic]

While scrolling through my local news I came upon this critique of Meghan's cooking show from the Economist: Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show is out of touch with the times

It's behind a paywall, but just the title and first paragraph align with how I feel. It's all sunshine and lollipops in Meghan's world. That is not a lifestyle many Americans can relate to in these troubling times.

Her primary offering in her cooking show - and probably the new podcast - is buoyant word salad, her specialty.

 

[Erin9]

I have to admit, I don’t quite understand the logic in calling more attention to how slow the business has been to launch, but maybe the podcast was recorded thinking the brand would be selling products by now.

I’m not sure either.

Another thought: Meghan has had the money and time to keep throwing things at the wall hoping something will really stick. Most people don’t have that luxury. She really just isn’t relatable to people.

Nothing she has done has stuck yet imo. Maybe this lifestyle show will, but I have my doubts. It doesn’t seem to have done very well ratings wise or critics wise. I was surprised by the lack of viewers honestly. We’ll see if it gets a 3rd season. That’ll be telling.

ATM- I just think Netflix is trying to get something out of their investment. The results can’t possibly be what anybody had in mind when that contract was signed. The only real success was them talking about themselves- once.

As for her products- big “we’ll see” there. It looks like pretty ordinary things, as I recall. For instance jam- I tend to buy mine at all the yearly local fall craft fairs. I have a million options from various vendors. I also buy from Stonewall Kitchen occasionally. People are really going to have to want to buy from her specifically imo. And pay the shipping fees, unless she gets into stores.

 

[shady lady]

While scrolling through my local news I came upon this critique of Meghan's cooking show from the Economist: Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show is out of touch with the times

It's behind a paywall, but just the title and first paragraph align with how I feel. It's all sunshine and lollipops in Meghan's world. That is not a lifestyle many Americans can relate to in these troubling times.

Her primary offering in her cooking show - and probably the new podcast - is buoyant word salad, her specialty.

Here you go - archived version.

Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show is out of touch with the times

archived 10 Mar 2025 03:42:16 UTC

archive.ph

 

[taogg]

While scrolling through my local news I came upon this critique of Meghan's cooking show from the Economist: Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show is out of touch with the times

It's behind a paywall, but just the title and first paragraph align with how I feel. It's all sunshine and lollipops in Meghan's world. That is not a lifestyle many Americans can relate to in these troubling times.

Her primary offering in her cooking show - and probably the new podcast - is buoyant word salad, her specialty.

Just saw the first paragraph, "“When I think of honey, I think of bees,” she says," I just can't help laughing. When I think of milk, I think of cow.

 

[TLLK]

I have to admit, I don’t quite understand the logic in calling more attention to how slow the business has been to launch, but maybe the podcast was recorded thinking the brand would be selling products by now.

That must be the reason because why else would she want to draw attention to that fact.

 

[Erin9]

Just saw the first paragraph, "“When I think of honey, I think of bees,” she says," I just can't help laughing. When I think of milk, I think of cow.

I find it rather shocking that, not only did she actually say those words, tptb left them in. She sounds ridiculous imo. Seriously- whose idea was that?!

I think Meghan does take herself seriously, but I have my doubts other people will when she says things like that.

It’s like she had no idea how to say something interesting and constructive.

 

[Erin9]

Here you go - archived version.

Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show is out of touch with the times

archived 10 Mar 2025 03:42:16 UTC

archive.ph

Thank you. I found it to be a very entertaining to read. I have to give these authors credit for writing such interesting reviews. But- it was quite critical of her.

Even if I was interested in lifestyle shows- I don’t think I could make it through hers. The verbiage alone would be a turn off, from what I’ve read. Forgot that she seems to be frequently talking about basic things. (The comparison to Pippa’s book was telling.)

The author’s crack that a tip for elevating one’s life (rather than Meghan’s little tips) is marrying into the BRF was both amusing and accurate where Meghan is concerned.

The suggestion that the whole tone was off putting was interesting. The comment on Catherine taking less than 6 minutes to talk about cancer while Meghan spent about that long talking about decorating a cake was interesting. Also noting the King’s cancer. The recent fires in LA were brought up. The word trivial comes to mind. The author didn’t say it, but seemed to suggest it.

 

[Marengo]

This quote gave me a good chuckle:

In it she offers indispensable tips such as how to make candles with your own beeswax and how to boil noodles with tomatoes.

Apparently first you place the noodles in a pan. Then you put in water. Then you take off the lid. Then the water will evaporate. Then they are done. At last.

In all fairness, this type of show is trivial indeed but it is supposed to be trivial. It is not pretending to help with world peace or a cure against some illness. It is simply about cooking and entertaining as many shows before and undoubtably after. Many people enjoy these type of shows as they help relax, entertain etc. These kind of shows [or in Pippa Middleton's case book] are not meant to be reviewed, scrutinised and judged by the standards of publications like the Economist.

If this type of show is a good match for the Duchess is another question of course. But that ship sailed when they decided to move to Hollywood and sell themselves to the entertainment industry. This is what it is for now and as said before: they are moving forward so that is good.

 

[Somebody]

I agree that it would be great if this turns out to be a success as it would provide a way forward for the couple - and it does seem to fit with her pre-marriage interests. From the outside, it seems rather a step back to change a meaningful life of service with many opportunities to make a difference as members of the British royal family to creating/hosting these superficial shows but I guess the 'glamour' and 'being in control' were more appealing for Meghan.

 

[Prinsara]

These kind of shows [or in Pippa Middleton's case book] are not meant to be reviewed, scrutinised and judged by the standards of publications like the Economist.

Indeed, I can’t find an author for the Economist review. One wonders why they bother.

 

[Marengo]

I have never seen an author´s name listed in any of the articles. Something about a collective voice apparently:

Why are The Economist’s writers anonymous?

Because it allows many writers to speak with a collective voice

www.economist.com

 

[winifred]

Full Q and A from the Summit Harry spoke at in February. At 10.33 he's asked what he misses about the UK - hums and haws and settles on "sky - countryside" , a good curry, then it's all how happy he is in the US. Also later on, how he doesn't really like "soccer" but is now into American football nd supported the Eagles at the Superbowl.

I found it sad.

 

[Hallo girl]

Full Q and A from the Summit Harry spoke at in February. At 10.33 he's asked what he misses about the UK - hums and haws and settles on "sky - countryside" , a good curry, then it's all how happy he is in the US. Also later on, how he doesn't really like "soccer" but is now into American football nd supported the Eagles at the Superbowl.

I found it sad.

I take it he didn’t say ‘ family’ !

 

[muriel]

While scrolling through my local news I came upon this critique of Meghan's cooking show from the Economist: Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show is out of touch with the times

It's behind a paywall, but just the title and first paragraph align with how I feel. It's all sunshine and lollipops in Meghan's world. That is not a lifestyle many Americans can relate to in these troubling times.

Her primary offering in her cooking show - and probably the new podcast - is buoyant word salad, her specialty.

"buoyant word salad": love it!!

Full Q and A from the Summit Harry spoke at in February. At 10.33 he's asked what he misses about the UK - hums and haws and settles on "sky - countryside" , a good curry, then it's all how happy he is in the US. Also later on, how he doesn't really like "soccer" but is now into American football nd supported the Eagles at the Superbowl.

I found it sad.

Oh dear, what a sad place to be in!

 

[Royalty Observer]

It is already filmed so not renewed on the strength of the first series, to be honest I find it sad that her life is now filming herself baking cookies with friends. The woman who changed the advert, spoke at the UN, spoke about elevating and finding joy.

I don't know is saying this is "her life" now is accurate. It is definitely part of her life. Maybe after this project she will be back speaking at UN.

 

[winifred]

I take it he didn’t say ‘ family’ !

No. I suppose he would have ben accused of hypocrisy if he had, although he has the Spensers, but he might have said "friends" or at least acknowledged that, despite all the problems my country faces, there are still good and wonderful things and people in it. If he really has no happy memories, after 5 years away, that's worse than I thought.

 

[Healthy Sceptic]

Oh dear, what a sad place to be in!

IMO he hasn't sounded or acted like a happy man in quite a while.

No. I suppose he would have ben accused of hypocrisy if he had, although he has the Spensers, but he might have said "friends" or at least acknowledged that, despite all the problems my country faces, there are still good and wonderful things and people in it. If he really has no happy memories, after 5 years away, that's worse than I thought.

It really is sad, I don't think he has many if any friends left from his bachelor days. He's totally isolated himself from his past.

 

[caethi]

These kind of shows [or in Pippa Middleton's case book] are not meant to be reviewed, scrutinised and judged by the standards of publications like the Economist.

I agree with you somewhat, however Meghan's publicists have been going all to ensure that this show succeeds, so it makes sense that large publications would want to write a review. Of course, if you believe that there is no such thing as bad publicity, then the nature of the review might not be so important--any mention of the program elevates its profile and increases the chances that it will find an audience.

 

[Curryong]

Meghan has announced on her IG platforms that she is to begin her new podcasts with Lemonada. It looks like it will be focussed on discussions with female founders of successful businesses, how they got started, problems etc. Could be interesting !

Meghan Markle Announces Her New Podcast, ‘Confessions of a Female Founder’

The Duchess of Sussex’s new podcast with Lemonada Media promises to offer “candid conversations with female founders and friends about the success, the struggles, and the never-before-told stories of building a business.”

www.vogue.com

 

[Mbruno]

Full Q and A from the Summit Harry spoke at in February. At 10.33 he's asked what he misses about the UK - hums and haws and settles on "sky - countryside" , a good curry, then it's all how happy he is in the US. Also later on, how he doesn't really like "soccer" but is now into American football nd supported the Eagles at the Superbowl.

I found it sad.

Harry, like many posh kids in Britain, may have been always more into rugby than football (I mean, "soccer" in the US). And rugby is closer to American football from a certain point of view.

Maybe British posters can confirm it, but isn't soccer (I will use the US term to avoid misunderstanding) more like a "working-class sport" in the UK?

 

[Hallo girl]

Harry, like many posh kids in Britain, may have been always more into rugby than football (I mean, "soccer" in the US). And rugby is closer to American football from a certain point of view.

Maybe British posters can confirm it, but isn't soccer (I will use the US term to avoid misunderstanding) more like a "working-class sport" in the UK?

Rugby is not always played by ‘posh kids’ .
Yes football is deemed the working man’s sport but rugby is played and watched by the working man.
Some of the prices for entry or season tickets to the top football teams are very expensive.
But the beauty of both games are that you can go to your local team for a few pounds.
Kids are encouraged in both sports and girls.
I have a Scotland rugby girls under 18’player in my family and we are working class,

 

[HRHHermione]

Harry, like many posh kids in Britain, may have been always more into rugby than football (I mean, "soccer" in the US). And rugby is closer to American football from a certain point of view.

Maybe British posters can confirm it, but isn't soccer (I will use the US term to avoid misunderstanding) more like a "working-class sport" in the UK?

I don’t think it’s necessarily a class thing, given that William is a passionate football fan and Aston Villa supporter.

 

[Katymcwaity]

Rugby is not always played by ‘posh kids’ .
Yes football is deemed the working man’s sport but rugby is played and watched by the working man.

There is also Rugby League which has mostly northern teams with working class supporters. But football is very very dominant nowadays

 

[tommy100]

It would be fair to say that rugby has traditionally been given more prominence in private schools in the UK. A lot of private schools didn't have football (soccer) teams that played against other schools until relatively recently (though actually Eaton was an outlier and has links to soccer going back to the 1800s) and rugby was very much the chosen sport for private schools during the time William & Harry were at school. So in that sense they would have been taught and expected to play it as part of their sport / PE studies. Soccer was often for a "kick out" amongst mates rather than lessons and tournaments. Conversely, in state (ie publicly funded) schools soccer was given more prominence.
Harry and William played in a Christmas Eve soccer match most years from teenagers until recently at Sandringham and William is a notable soccer fan.

 

[Alison H]

Rugby union is more of a posh sport in England, but not so much so in Wales.

Football (never "soccer", even if Sky Sports do talk about "Soccer Saturday" because they like alliteration!) and rugby league are more working class sports.

 

[crm2317]

I live in Northern Ireland and attended a grammar school as did my husband. Rugby was very much the sport pushed more for the boys. My school did offer football but my husband’s did not.
My brothers secondary school was not a grammar and they played football but not rugby.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

The Daily Mail website has published an "exclusive" report whose headline reads "Prince Harry's visa file to be made public after bombshell ruling by judge amid claims he lied about drug use". However, the headline and article do not appear to be accurate.

As far as I can discern from the court rulings, what has actually transpired is that the US federal government has agreed to provide the Heritage Foundation (the private foundation which sued the government to obtain the Duke's immigration records under a law providing the public with access to government records) with redacted versions of the government's declarations to the judge regarding the Duke's files (not the files themselves) and redacted versions of the closed-door hearings concerning those declarations.

In other words, the documents that will be released to the foundation (and possibly released by the foundation to the public) are portions of the US government's arguments for why it refused to release the Duke's immigration records, not content from the records themselves.


Incidentally, and related to the earlier discussion about the Duke's name in the United States, a previous ruling from the American judge in this case states:

The Duke of Sussex's full name and title is his Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David George of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel K.C.V.O. See ECF no. 7 at 1.​

 

[Mbruno]

The Daily Mail website has published an "exclusive" report whose headline reads "Prince Harry's visa file to be made public after bombshell ruling by judge amid claims he lied about drug use". However, the headline and article do not appear to be accurate.

As far as I can discern from the court rulings, what has actually transpired is that the US federal government has agreed to provide the Heritage Foundation (the private foundation which sued the government to obtain the Duke's immigration records under a law providing the public with access to government records) with redacted versions of the government's declarations to the judge regarding the Duke's files (not the files themselves) and redacted versions of the closed-door hearings concerning those declarations.

In other words, the documents that will be released to the foundation (and possibly released by the foundation to the public) are portions of the US government's arguments for why it refused to release the Duke's immigration records, not content from the records themselves.


Incidentally, and related to the earlier discussion about the Duke's name in the United States, a previous ruling from the American judge in this case states:

The Duke of Sussex's full name and title is his Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David George of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel K.C.V.O. See ECF no. 7 at 1.​

I wonder why the American judge felt he needed to add "of Wales" to Harry's given names as that is not a designation he now uses in the United Kingdom. Did the judge interpret "of Wales" as being Harry's surname?

And why "the Duke of Sussex" and "the Earl of Dumbarton", but not "the Baron Kilkeel"?

If we followed the practice used on the personal details page (not the photo page) of British passports held by British peers, and keeping in mind that Royal Highness and Prince are prefixed to Harry's name by the LPs of 1917, and Queen Elizabeth's declaration to the Privy Council on the use of surnames (or not) by the Royal Family, I would have expected:

His Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David, Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, Baron Kilkeel, K.C.V.O

EDIT: I have just noticed that the judge seems to have also added a given name ("George") which Harry doesn't actually have.