Is it okay to put family first? (Response to royal family stuff)

[Pea-n-Me]

Interesting timing on the Oprah, no-holds-barred interview, from the couple who professed to wanting more privacy - just as Meghan’s sister’s book, The Diary of Princess Pushy's Sister Part 1, comes out. As they say, timing is everything!

 

[ronandannette]

Interesting timing on the Oprah, no-holds-barred interview, from the couple who professed to wanting more privacy - just as Meghan’s sister’s book, The Diary of Princess Pushy's Sister Part 1, comes out. As they say, timing is everything!

I'm only just hearing of this here on the DIS. Has it already aired or is it yet upcoming? Since Oprah no longer has a show, where is it (or was it) to be broadcast?

 

[schumigirl]

I think so too. We did not see much of it here in the States, but over there, they were hounding her constantly. The stuff they printed about her was just nasty and uncalled for. I just don't know why some people are so nasty about them. What really have they done that is so horrible? That perv Andrew is getting less hate then Meghan is. If I was Meghan, I would not want my children being raised where they can see how hateful people are to their Mom, for no reason. Would any of you? From all accounts, Harry tried to work with them to step back a bit to let Meghan acclimate, like they did with Will and Kate. I did not happen and so they did what they thought was best. I don't blame them for that.

So you hate them and they deserve to be name called because they do things in the public? I think you are misunderstanding what they mean by privacy. They don't want paparazzi to follow them around, climbing fences in hopes of getting some "scandalous" picture of them. I really don't think that you understand what was actually happening to them. How are they "lashing out" at their families? Meghan has been trying to defend herself against her nasty family. I actually feel really bad for her dealing with that crap.

I am not British, but I can't imagine that any person would think that having sex with a minor is "merely distasteful". Criminal more like it. It the British public wanted Harry to stay, they should have treated his wife better. That is what it comes down to. What real man would sit there and allow his wife to be treated in that horrible way? You all seem to think that she somehow deserved it because she dared to marry "up' so that made her some kind of social climber. Will's wife Kate married "up" but the British press did not hound and harass and lie about her. So why the hatred for Meghan? Is it the American, the actress, or the black part? Or a combination? None of us are perfect and I am sure none of us would want every little word or mistake that we made our entire lives to be brought back on us and be judged by it. I am ashamed at how so many of you are so nasty about her.

I won`t answer all your points, as there have been many.

Brits in general have tremendous patience and are very forgiving of most things, obviously excluding criminal charges.

Meghan was fully educated on what life would be like for her in the Royal family. They learned from Diana to make sure any future wife of a Royal family member at the level of Harry was fully prepared for what was expected of her, yes, expected as it is a "job" like no other. I believe she was already planning, and him too an escape before the wedding even happened.

They were not hounded or harrassed as you insist, they were given a rather unusual amount of peace to carry on as normal. Harry made sure of that, and we saw very few, if any papparazi pictures. They tended to be official events we saw her and other staged photo opportunities. All for their benefit. We all wanted to see more of her as she was liked, despite what some will insist on.

As a Brit, I have yet to see all the racist newspaper headlines she was racially abused and slandered by.... I must have missed them. Certainly morons on social media sites are always going to be morons......but mainstream newspapers, like most British Citizens adored Meghan when she first appeared. She was made so welcome everywhere she went and she received press more favourable than Catherine or Camilla ever received. They received dreadful press for the longest time.

She soon began to play the victim when the public began to see her as someone who talked the talk but that was all she was. Harry changed visibly to the British public.

They both began to tell us we should all fly less....while taking private jets around the world. There were many more examples of their hypocracy that I`m sure if you Googled you`d find.

That`s what changed the mind of the British public of our feelings on the new golden couple. I blame Harry as much as Meghan.

They claim they want privacy....on their terms. You can`t have it both ways......look at what they`ve done since they arrived in California.......I don`t need to expand, it`s all there for you to see, if you want to see.

Meghan was not abused nor was she hated when she arrived. Most didn`t know nor care she was mixed race.....she seemed to make Harry happy....but, her demands and treatment of staff members is open knowledge......again, look for it for yourself, if you care to. She seemed to be playing a part.

You say she defended herself against her family.....well, she isn`t exactly glowing as a rose there. She has issues for sure. I`m not sure her family are perfect, but she seems to turn to type of excluding folks from her life.

I am a huge fan of the Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince William and Catherine, also Camilla who does amazing work for charities as well as make our future King happy and has been fully accepted by both his sons.

I`m amazed at your over zealous defence of Meghan. I don`t know anyone who has a good word to say about her, and we are the people who have completely accepted Camilla who appears to be someone who does care about others. What happened with the past happened.

Meghan is out for number one and most of us can see that.....privacy.....they want privacy apparently. She doesn`t know how to spell privacy.

As for Harry wanting to raise his family as he sees fit.....fair enough, but if you choose to sell yourself to Netflix and Spotify, please don`t do so on your Royal title, which is their main selling point when all is said and done. He has been stripped of his military titles, which is the right thing to do, but many feel he should be stripped of the HRH, I do too. They will cash in on their royal titles given the chance. Who would care what they had to say of he was Joe Bloggs of Croydon and she was not an actress with aspirations of world domination. She has mastered playing the victim well.

And to reiterate......most of us also find Prince Andrew`s behaviour completely reprehensible and I`d like to see certain parts of him crammed into a vice. I believe he is guilty as he would be charged. So, us Brits are NOT forgiving of Andrew while condemning Meghan.

I doubt my post will change your mind on any of your views, but don`t think for a second you thoughts are even remotely common, you are quite unique in your defence, although I`m sure some will agree with you.

I don`t usually post in the CB threads, but being a Brit I object to being accused of being racist and unwelcoming to Meghan.

It`s a free world of course, you can think what you like and I only wish you well, but please don`t assume Brits and the British press treated her as abominably as you claim.

 

[schumigirl]

I'm only just hearing of this here on the DIS. Has it already aired or is it yet upcoming? Since Oprah no longer has a show, where is it (or was it) to be broadcast?

It airs in March I believe.......I have no clue what channel it`ll be shown on......I`m sure once filmed, it`ll be well advertised

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm only just hearing of this here on the DIS. Has it already aired or is it yet upcoming? Since Oprah no longer has a show, where is it (or was it) to be broadcast?

Pour a cup of tea and put your feet up.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...h-interview-loudest-way-shell-voice-back.html

 

[Karin1984]

I'm only just hearing of this here on the DIS. Has it already aired or is it yet upcoming? Since Oprah no longer has a show, where is it (or was it) to be broadcast?

7th of March on CBS, no dates known yet for the rest of the world. Which also shows their focus on the US. It was filmed this week, before the announcement of permanently stepping down.

But I guess it will be postponed if Prince Phillip kicks the bucket between now and the 7th. At least I hope they will postpone it, otherwise that would be again something that is in very poor taste.

 

[ronandannette]

Pour a cup of tea and put your feet up.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...h-interview-loudest-way-shell-voice-back.html

Thanks - I hadn't actually read it before. My first thoughts are that the two official statements are both actually quite moderate and dignified. I quite despise that little chart with the commentators perceived subtext. Why not just take what's been said at face value and leave it at that for everyone's sake - especially Her Majesty's? Having seen my own elderly parents safely home I sense this is it for Prince Philip and at 99, the family and the nation should be preparing. At this time in particular everybody should just lay low and focus on what is likely to be the conclusion of his life - God grant that it is peaceful.

And the ridiculous idea that Oprah will trick them into wild revelations and spin the interview in unintended directions? Please.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks - I hadn't actually read it before. My first thoughts are that the two official statements are both actually quite moderate and dignified. I quite despise that little chart with the commentators perceived subtext. Why not just take what's been said at face value and leave it at that for everyone's sake - especially Her Majesty's? Having seen my own elderly parents safely home I sense this is it for Prince Philip and at 99, the family and the nation should be preparing. At this time in particular everybody should just lay low and focus on what is likely to be the conclusion of his life - God grant that it is peaceful.

And the ridiculous idea that Oprah will trick them into wild revelations and spin the interview in unintended directions? Please.

I didn’t get the sense that anyone thinks Oprah will trick them into anything; just that she has a way of getting people to open up to her, and the fear is that some wounds could be further injured in the process.

”The date of March 7, when Harry and Meghan genuflect before TV queen Oprah, is likely to be engraved in the royal memory just like Diana's Panorama appearance on November 20, 1995.

The very real concern is that it will reopen other wounds, such as the rift between Harry and his brother — and between their wives. There is the fear of a repeat of the froideur that once existed between two other royal sisters-in-law — the Queen Mother and the Duchess of Windsor.”

7th of March on CBS, no dates known yet for the rest of the world. Which also shows their focus on the US. It was filmed this week, before the announcement of permanently stepping down.

But I guess it will be postponed if Prince Phillip kicks the bucket between now and the 7th. At least I hope they will postpone it, otherwise that would be again something that is in very poor taste.

I was wondering that, too. They may not be able to postpone it if something happens, but hopefully they could try to find a way.

Must be such a sad time for Queen Elizabeth.

 

[Karin1984]

And the ridiculous idea that Oprah will trick them into wild revelations and spin the interview in unintended directions? Please.

I think it will be interesting. Oprah probably is a good friend and wants to help to give them a start in the US. However, if she goes soft on them and we get a vanilla interview, that doesnt look good on her. There are things Oprah's public expect of her. Oprah is a good interviewer and very skilled at her job, I think we can at least except one or two difficult questions for both Harry and Meghan, to make it more balanced and not too self-promotional. Oprah has way more experience with doing interviews than Harry and Meghan giving interviews. I think she will be clearly in the lead of the direction. In between cute baby footage of Archie and a tour of their house (first one confirmed, second my guess)

Maybe she can persuade them to some form of mea culpa. That is how it works for celebrities who have done something wrong, isn't it? You go to a confessional with Oprah on the other side and the public forgives you all your sins?

 

[TLSnell1981]

I think it will be interesting. Oprah probably is a good friend and wants to help to give them a start in the US. However, if she goes soft on them and we get a vanilla interview, that doesnt look good on her. There are things Oprah's public expect of her. Oprah is a good interviewer and very skilled at her job, I think we can at least except one or two difficult questions for both Harry and Meghan, to make it more balanced and not too self-promotional. Oprah has way more experience with doing interviews than Harry and Meghan giving interviews. I think she will be clearly in the lead of the direction. In between cute baby footage of Archie and a tour of their house (first one confirmed, second my guess)

Maybe she can persuade them to some form of mea culpa. That is how it works for celebrities who have done something wrong, isn't it? You go to a confessional with Oprah on the other side and the public forgives you all your sins?

It's a PR move and Oprah will not do anything to hurt them. Hasn't she helped Meghan and her mother with acquiring cushy deals? She's been involved since very early on...sort of mentor.

 

[Turn the Page]

Initially the burden was Canada's when (very much) uninvited, Megan decided to take refuge in Vancouver. Due to our position in the Commonwealth, Canadian tax payers were obligated to foot the bill for extensive security to protect her from safety threats and media harassment that never materialized. We don't really do that here in Canada - no paparazzi to speak of and not a high degree of interest in what our celebrities or politicians do in their off-time. Living in peaceful obscurity as they could have done here really wasn't the goal now was it. Oh well, all the better for us because I for one did not feel their "keep" was public money well spent.

Sounds like an excellent storyline for a Disney rom-com movie!

Would a more apt comparison not be Harry and King Edward VIII? From much of the historical material it seems he was the one that wanted it all - to abdicate the throne in order to pursue marriage but to retain all his privilege, status, wealth and the love of his subjects. Was it not him that was shocked and dismayed at the exile, obscurity and isolation from "The Firm" and the family that resulted? Perhaps Mrs. Simpson wanted and expected more but most certainly the decisions were David's, just like in this current case the decisions regarding his position have been Harry's. Lots of men do stupid things for love but let's not forget it is the men that do them.

You're not kidding. OT but a few years back my family was flying through Toronto and found ourselves seated mere steps away from what turned out to be a former Canadian Prime Minister. It was Brian Mulroney if memory serves. Anyway, the point is, no security detail to speak of, not a conspicuous one anyway, random people would come up to shake his hand, etc. VERY different from how our national politicians experience life after leaving office.

 

[Cheburashka]

And the ridiculous idea that Oprah will trick them into wild revelations and spin the interview in unintended directions? Please.

Who ever suggested that? Oprah isn't a trickster. She is an astute interviewer who knows how to ask probing questions and acquire interesting revelations. That isn't trickery; it's the straightforward, though subtle, job of a good interviewer.

The point is that no new grievances or revelations need to be aired at all. This is only hurtful to the royal family's dignity (not to mention Harry & Meghan's).

 

[ronandannette]

You're not kidding. OT but a few years back my family was flying through Toronto and found ourselves seated mere steps away from what turned out to be a former Canadian Prime Minister. It was Brian Mulroney if memory serves. Anyway, the point is, no security detail to speak of, not a conspicuous one anyway, random people would come up to shake his hand, etc. VERY different from how our national politicians experience life after leaving office.

Yep. Our former Prime Ministers have a modest security detail for life but they do go back to being private citizens, including flying commercial. Stephen Harper lives about 2 miles from where I'm sitting right now, in a relatively regular house in a regular (if upscale) neighbourhood - no gates or anything. Presumably he gets out and around in a pretty normal way. Nobody knows or cares.

 

[ronandannette]

Who ever suggested that? Oprah isn't a trickster. She is an astute interviewer who knows how to ask probing questions and acquire interesting revelations. That isn't trickery; it's the straightforward, though subtle, job of a good interviewer.

The point is that no new grievances or revelations need to be aired at all. This is only hurtful to the royal family's dignity.

This is clipped directly from the article. I contend this interview will convey exactly the message the couple intends, just like Diana's did. I doubt they will regret anything, nor did she actually. The term "trick" in my post was used ironically - the Sussexs are not ingenues who can be manipulated. They know what they're doing.

 

[Cheburashka]

I contend this interview will convey exactly the message the couple intends, just like Diana's did. I doubt they will regret anything, nor did she actually.

Regardless of whether Diana ever admitted to regretting the interview, it did her a lot of damage long-term. Even her staunchest supporters (like me- she's one of my favorite royals) had to admit after seeing that interview that she was bitter and unstable. Prince William wouldn't speak to her for weeks afterwards, because he was humiliated at her admissions which were aired out while he was surrounded by his peers at boarding school. The intimacy and anger of her revelations made her a permanent outcast from the rest of the royal family. It led to her being stripped of her HRH title and along with it, royal protection. If she'd had royal protection, it is extremely unlikely that she would have died while fleeing paparazzi in a car driven by a drunk driver.

Meghan and Harry certainly have an agenda, no one is doubting that. But they've already proven themselves heavy handed in their methods and (unlike Diana) ineffective at winning widespread public support. Over the past two years, their popularity has taken a sharp nosedive. They tried to create a surface level only royal role for themselves, and that effort fell flat on its face. They tried to portray themselves as privacy-oriented & responsible environmental stewards to the general public, but as their actions have sharply diverged from their words, that has only won them derision, as well.

So no, I don't think this interview will do them any good in the long term. They're not as smart as they think they are. Or to put it another way, we're not as dumb as they think we are.

 

[abdmom]

So no, I don't think this interview will do them any good in the long term. They're not as smart as they think they are. Or to put it another way, we're not as dumb as they think we are.

This upcoming interview reminds me of the Duke of York interview. Wow, it's just been a little over a year - it seems so long ago. He thought that he could convince everyone of his way of thinking and it totally backfired on him. I expect the Sussex interview may be a train wreck.

 

[EMom]

Meghan is a world class thunder stealer.

But I guess it will be postponed if Prince Phillip kicks the bucket between now and the 7th. At least I hope they will postpone it, otherwise that would be again something that is in very poor taste.

Don’t bet on it. Meghan seems to be pretty adept at stealing the thunder of others, or redirecting the spotlight to her when it had been shining on someone else.

The handwriting was on the wall when Little Miss
Perpetual Victim had only ONE relative at the wedding. Even if you dismiss the entire Markle side, it is strange that no one from her mother’s side was there. No aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. It is a decent size family, but they didn’t make the cut. Who did attend? Oprah, and a lot of other celebrities who wouldn’t have given a minor actress pushing 40 the time of day a year before.

 

[sasywtch]

I just wanted to agree with what shumigirl above had to say. Half of my relatives live in England (my mom, a WWII bride never became a US citizen, she kept her british). My relatives in England state almost exactly what Shumigirl said above. I personally had a problem with her habit of dropping people from her life when they didn't benefit her any longer. I personally believe she is using Harry and that Will/Catherine can see it but, I don't speak to any of them so it's just a gut feeling. I also find it odd that everytime someone else is the family is in the spotlight, all of a sudden, Meghan and Harry have an announcement.

 

[Cheburashka]

 

[SirDuff]

You're not kidding. OT but a few years back my family was flying through Toronto and found ourselves seated mere steps away from what turned out to be a former Canadian Prime Minister. It was Brian Mulroney if memory serves. Anyway, the point is, no security detail to speak of, not a conspicuous one anyway, random people would come up to shake his hand, etc. VERY different from how our national politicians experience life after leaving office.

I literally walked into Brian Mulroney in the Montreal airport. The only »security » was an Air Canada employee who shot me an « if looks could kill » look. Mulroney laughed and asked me if I hurt myself.

We were in the Air Canada lounge (hence the Air Canada employee), I as coming up the staircase (looking at something on my boarding pass) and he had come up the elevator and was crossing over the top of the staircase to get to the seating area.

I didn’t notice anyone come up to him at all while we were waiting.