On an average day, I can feel it in my bones that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married. Like, it just feels like everything clicked, that Meghan is The One. But on a bad day, I will admit to having small doubts. The next few months are going to be tricky, I feel. Now that Meg and Harry have gotten past the landmark of Pippa Middleton’s wedding – everyone said that Harry would announce anything before Pippa’s wedding – people might be putting a lot of pressure on Harry in particular. And I don’t know how he will deal with it. William dealt with outside relationship pressures by taking his sweet time and allowing the “Waity” thing to grow. What will Harry do when every single tabloid is all “PROPOSE, HARRY”? That’s what I was thinking about as I read People Mag’s new story:
After celebrating Pippa Middleton’s nuptials together, are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle next? The couple, who have been dating for about a year, are being tipped as the next ones to walk down the aisle.
“Harry was being the perfect gentleman with Meghan,” an insider tells PEOPLE of the royal’s chivalrous behavior at Middleton’s lavish reception. According to Majesty’s Ingrid Seward, the prince doesn’t want to “hurry things” before getting down on one knee.
“He wants her to acclimatize to it all,” Seward tells PEOPLE. “It’s such a whole different world to move into — there’s so much to get used to.” She adds, “He’s really in love with her, but wants to give it his best crack.”
British bookmakers agree that a proposal is in the cards. Prince Harry is the frontrunner to be the next royal to wed, according to Ladbrokes. As Markle made her appearance at Middleton’s high society wedding on Saturday, the bookies are now taking wagers on which member of the royal family will be getting married next, and all eyes are on Prince Harry as the favorite. Harry is even with Princess Eugenie at 2/1. Eugenie and longtime boyfriend Jack Brooksbank have been dating for over six years. Rival bookmakers William Hill believes that the coast is clear for Harry to propose to his girlfriend. As a result, the bookies have trimmed the price of a 2017 engagement from 3/1 to 2/1.
This year’s Invictus Games will take place in September in Toronto, where Markle lives while she’s filming her USA legal drama, Suits. Markle is also getting back to business. She’s scheduled to attend a Suits panel at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, which will take place June 8-11. The couple, who travel back and forth between Toronto and Buckingham Palace, are good about finding time to spend with each other in between their busy schedules.
Sidenote: I think Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank should get married too! They’ve been together for years, and he was her plus-one to Pippa’s wedding. There should be more gossip about that, because I will get genuinely excited for Eugenie’s wedding. As for Harry and Meg… her birthday is in August. Her 36th birthday. I feel like it could be around then?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Imo, he has already proposed and they are going to get married. Its just a matter of when they will announce to the public.
+1
Certainly possible. I don’t think he would put her through a Waity period just on principle.
In any case, they should get on with it as she has reached “advanced maternal age.”
Coconut: heaven forbid you end up lambasted on CB for using words: advanced maternal age. It’s reality folks and a bitter pill to swallow for the MM sugars.
And I might add: HM was at advanced age when she bore her last child Edward. However, the key is; it was her last child. A first child past age 32 becomes more high risk. There are many MDs begin more prenatal testing by age 34. Diana gave birth at the perfect age physically, not emotionally. Most 20 yr olds are not mature enough to handle the stressors, especially risk of PPD.
I’m not a sugar for her; I cannot sit by while she’s torn apart for no reason by the tumblr queens. Benefit of the doubt at less than a year in to this relationship.
Nor do I judge a woman by her ability-or-desire to have a child or not, which is what many Meghan Markle haters seem to do. That somehow if these two marry and do not have kids, it would be her fault and she’d be to blame for denying him children for being too old. Or that somehow he’d be forced to marry her when he didn’t want to, to ensure having kids. Common themes from the anti-MM crowd. Do those tumblrs realize their inherent misogyny?
Fertility is different for everyone. You can have trouble at 20, others can be fine at 40. Sophie had James at 42, Angela of Liechtenstein had her son at 42.
Perhaps neither of them want any children?
I was the first child, and my mother was just turning 32. Dad had turned 33 two days prio (27 years ago today in fact.) Advanced maternal age is not at all how I’d describe your early 30’s – higher risk? Sure. 35+ is generally considered high risk, so she’s got a bit of time. I’m also not in any rush to have a child. Here’s the great thing about the advancements in medicine – even if you’re a higher risk, we have SO many more ways to care for the mother and child than we ever did before.
I don’t believe Harry and Meghan are well suited for each other long term. It has nothing to do with misogynistic views or any other false, negative labels you very mistakingly apply here notasugarhere. Harry is best to keep the relationship as a fling only. MM has had a brief marriage, and her family will make the Middletons appear like the perfect in-laws, MM is intelligent and likes the Hollywood limelight. Markle will likely find marriage into the BRF incredibly stifling. Kate didn’t find it stifling because she’s a much more reserved and malleable character compared to MM.
If Harry marries MM, I give it two years.
Ah! If that’s the case – let it be so. They would probably be the best two years of his life 🙂
If his mom had had two good, happy years of marriage before all hell broke loose, his own life story might have turned out oh so differently.
@Citresse: I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but 32 is not remotely considered advanced maternal age. Clearly you don’t like MM.
@nota: I finally understand your name! It used to really puzzle me. I thought it meant you weren’t a very nice person, like a crotchety get off my lawn type, when you obviously aren’t. Now I know.
Didn’t mention you by name, Citresse. Referring to the rampant anti-Meghan crowd on tumblr and in the offshoot royal forums who were too misogynistic to be allowed to stay on such Out There forums as RD and RG. They throw her age and fertility (as if they know anything about it) around like they are swear words.
Letizia had a less than 2 year first marriage, is doing fine as Queen Consort of Spain. A set of step-siblings with whom MM has never lived, with whom she doesn’t have a relationship vs. Uncle Gary of the drugs, underage girls, Duke of Slough, and Maison de Bang Bang? Nope, Middletons win out in the “bad in-laws” game hands down.
Yep. If she’s over 35, she’s a “geriatric pregnancy” of “advanced maternal age”… How do I know this? Just had Bebe Ripley #2 three weeks ago and it was so different from #1 when I was 32/33. This time I was 36/37 (36 when I got pregnant and 37 when I delivered) and the rigmarole they put you through! Tests and anxiety because… markers and advanced maternal age. Sucks.
That being said, I really hope they get married and make some gorgeous babies.
I think it depends on the country. 36 might be geriatric pregnancy for some people in certain countries but I think in a country like G.B. this is not shocking.
Could be that maybe neither of them want kids and this is not a priority in order to marry. He is not the first in line and his brother already has 2 kids.
In the United State, if you will be over 35 when you give birth they term your pregnancy “Advanced Maternal Age”, which sounds so much better than Geriatric Pregnancy as they used to call it. It’s not a judgement call thing, it’s simply the cut and dry age determination they’ve set that indicates increased risks that require more oversite during your prenatal care. No one is saying Meghan is too old at 36 to have kids…they’re just pointing out that in the USA that leads to extra testing (amnio suggested etc etc) and more watching by doctors.
Cynical Ann: I don’t know MM personally, so my views have nothing to do with hatred and hatred or hater is a very strong word I wouldn’t use at all.
MM may indeed be a very good person. If she and Harry marry, I wish them very much happiness.
Oh lord. please no talk of her biological clock. Its getting old. No pun intended
“Harry is best to keep the relationship as a fling only.” – Citresse
“If Harry marries MM, I give it two years.” – Citresse
But you wish them very much happiness. Right.
@Lady D, very sweet of you. But you never know, maybe I am the crotchety Get Off My Lawn Lady 🙂
A year is already more than a fling, and none of us has the slightest idea about their personalities, likes, or compatibility.
Her family – of whom we have heard more or less nothing if you discount the halfsister she doesn’t know – would have to be pretty bad to rival Carol ‘shadow court’ Middleton, Uncle BangBang, PippaTips and Lazy.
In 1983 I was pregnant at 29 and my doctor called me a high risk because of advanced maternal age. I was flabberghasted!
notasugarhere: there are parents and others in the world with reservations in terms of the success of a marriage but still wish happiness and even give blessings.
Perhaps, Harry is not good enough for Megan – have you watched the multitude of youtube videos that show her personality before this match? As far as babies, Harry wants them publically speaking, and I am sure that Megan would be extremely disappointed to not carry that beauty inside herself, to give to the man she loved.
What a silly business about intimacy! If Harry is worried, please do not trouble Megan Markel, who will succeed with or without him! Kate was on the long side of bearing healthy children, but Will had been with her for so many years, he had no choice, but to marry her rugship.
On the other hand, I hope that Harry and Megan will marry with great joy, and produce every child desired by their royal highnesses, and that they live forever happily ever after…!
It is good to love one another.
I think Meghan is too good for harry, but may be being seduced by what she sees as the glamor of the BRF.
Let’s see: an independent woman, college educated, has her own career and life vs. a man who has no job, didn’t go to college, does a few weeks of charity work a year, is quite charming, but acts like a little man baby when paps show up to a wedding so mature, together woman has to try to soothe him like the toddler he is, and perhaps he may do one or two events a week for the Family?
And she isn’t good enough for him?? Lawd!!! I think she is going to be bored silly once the passion simmers down.
@ Coconut.
A friend of mine from England was working in Northern Ireland years ago. His 29 year old wife had a baby and he said that her chart at the hospital noted that she was a “geriatric mother”. At 29!
But yeah, I think Harry and Meghan should get on with that pretty soon.
Citresse, merely pointing out that to me, your words don’t jibe with the opinions you express here often. To constantly belittle or negate their relationship, then wish them well? Passive aggressive, whether you are a family member or a complete stranger.
Sarah, do you think Maxima, Letizia, Daniel, Mathilde, etc. all must have been taken in by the glamour? Or you reserve that condemnation just for Meghan?
I am hopeful as well. They would make a great couple 🙂
I think she’d be a fantastic addition to the Royal Family. She has a demonstrated interest in altruism and a work ethic – neither of which you could say about Kate when she and William got married. And the deal with her family isn’t the same as for Kate – Sarah Ferguson had problematic parents but that wasn’t an issue and who even knows who Sophie’s family are – I don’t remember ever hearing anything about them.
If Meghan wants kids – I’m sure Harry does – surely they’ll be looking at getting married sooner rather than later. If nothing else, it often takes longer to conceive when you’re 36. Of course it’s not impossible – I have a friend who had her first (naturally) at 39 and went on to have two more kids, also without any intervention. But I also have a sister in law who went through menopause at 37.
To be fair, Kate, since Meghan hooked up with Harry, she has supposedly planned to quit her career, hasn’t been doing any charity work and has spent months in his house, not seen by anyone.
Sounds like she is subjugating her life already. But hey, if that is what she wants, it is her life, of course. I think it’s sad, but it’s her choices.
She was in India at the beginning of this year for charity and in Rwanda in August last year – both after she hooked up with Harry.
But…@sarah, she hasn’t quit her job and she has done at least two charity projects since hooking up with Harry. I mean you’re probably going to ignore that– but I just want to say that you needn’t be sad for Meghan. She seems to be doing just fine.
This. There will be a statement soon. Probably before her birthday.
Yes I agree. Ever since she closed her blog and turned down endorsements along with the rumors of her quitting her show I’ve thought they were engaged.
Me, too. I don’t see her giving up her endorsements on spec.
Yes, 100% I think they are privately engaged. When she closed down her site that was the clearest sign of what was to come.
Perhaps they are not engaged. Who knows?
But for sure, she had to close down her blog. Why provide fodder for shysters like DM to make a handsome living by mining her old posts and making up stupid headline grabbing, fake stories around them?
I loved the Tig and miss it a lot – truth be told. But she had no choice IMO. It couldn’t have been an easy decision to close down what always seemed to me to be a deeply personal project (the essays in particular read like a diary). I ended up admiring the fact that she demonstrated utter ruthlessness by shutting it down without warning overnight and greeted us with that nice one page good-bye note the morning after LOL.
Agreed.
I am convinced it happened under the Northern Lights when they were on vacation.
I agree!
For the RF, Prince Harry’s marriage may be the next in the Line of order to – the York Princesses are in waiting (!?)
HM was so beautiful in her uplifting colours – out and about visiting the victims in hospital.
Also, do insincere whiny bill middleton chutney not know – there is a sitting Monarch who is head of the BRF and next in Line POW. Why does he bill middleton need a separate middleton insincere Court – sending out KP PR condolence message (after HM speaks for all the Royal Family). Does he see the POW doing this ? …
I agree, something fishy here. it almost seems as though William is trying to work independently of HM and the POW, and he is trying to pull Harry in on it. All of these engagements involving them as a trio have looked rather odd, although it could be because this is the 20th anniversary year. But I still feel that there has been a massive fall out between William and his father. I wonder how all this will pan out if and when Harry weds Megs.
Totally agree and I bet KP will issue a statement making it official before six months.
I think he has already told her of his intentions, Proposal, they are just figuring on the right time to push it forward and when to announce,
It could be this summer tells the tale. The Balmoral Test in August. I expect him to go to ground in Lesotho for the anniversary of Diana’s death, perhaps with MM joining him for a week or two. Official announcement Oct/Nov after Invictus Games in September.
More fake news, just like all of the nonsense about the wedding: Meghan is going to the Church, Meghan is staying with Harry at the Middletons cause they are engaged, Meghan was in London and Harry drove all the way back to get her, Meghan wore black, Meghan wore maroon.
I think people should have a bit of skepticism over all of these ridiculous stories. I think the media is making so much of this up. They have no idea.
I agree. IMO, the proposal has already been done – asked and accepted. Now they are just waiting for the right time to announce. To me, closing the lifestyle website “The Tig” and getting out of her endorsement contracts (Reitman’s clothing) are a big sign. There was also a story on Blind Gossip website that Markle is desperate to get out of her current season of Suits too. But it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen as her character is in all the storylines.
Finally, a celebrity gossip story to get excited about!
In normal people time, 36 is nothing. Barely the start of adult life. In heir-and-spare land, it’s kinda time to start with the baby making already. How does that work with Harry? Now that the line of succession is secure without him, is he free to not have kids or -gasp- adopt?
A lot of women can have kids after 36 and I bet it will work out for them but their can be issues. Me and 2 of my friends lost our fertility around then and even w help had miscarriages. It’s the sad truth of biology and genes you could be fertile myrtle until your 45 or on the decline.
I have a good feeling they will be fine but these are the thoughts women face !!!!!!….while grandpas like Alec Baldwin, George Clooney, Mick Jagger, Billy Joel, Steve Martin, Jeff Goldblum don’t bat an eye at!
+1
Probably just as many have no issues. I am of that camp- delivered healthy full term twins without fertility assistance at 35. 51 and just developed irregular periods a couple years ago.
They could easily just do IVF and not tell anyone it wasn’t “natural”
Actually I’m kind of convinced that Kate did IVF to have a healthy boy and a girl in that order. But I like a good conspiracy story.
I don’t believe Kate had IVF pregnancy with George, however I do suspect she went through IVI pregnancy with Charlotte. William wanted a daughter and it would seem whatever William wants, William gets.
Charlotte does appear as an IBF baby. However, my daughter had her first baby at 38. I had my last child the same age.
Just wish these sojourners of time, the very, very best – there is nothing better than appreciation and gratitude. I want Megan to have a baby – Harry would love that! So would she! Get them to a church!!! She is such a beautiful girl- Harry could not get luckier – stop stalling, royal family – rain on his dreams, rather than his parade!
Bettyrose…am 30 and I can tell you that adult life has been happening for a while. Most of my friends are married and have been for years. Maybe I don’t know those millennials who are not married or are common-law, Everyone I know is on to kids!
I am totally getting the pressure, and I am a commoner, cannot imagine what it is like for Harry!
Pia, sorry I didn’t mean there aren’t people who are fully adult in their 30s, but I also know people who went back to school and started new lives in their 40s. 36 is still very young by all measures except fertility, in which case it’s a ticking clock.
So am I and none of my friends are married (one exception) or have/ plan on kids. (two exceptions). So no, for lots of people adult life hasn’t really kicked in yet in their early 30s and i don’t see why one should rush it. women being infertile at age 36, i find that VERY hard to believe.
I feel like a lot of my friends are getting married now. Bulk of my friends are getting married between 25-28 (I’m 27 now). I don’t see myself getting married before 30 or ever really. But 30s are the new 20s mostly because as women we have more resources (so we can do more before going the family route) and millennials on a whole cannot afford a fraction of what our parents had in our 20s. So definitely not too old but again with fertility that’s a matter of biology.
Anna, my ticking clock comment is only in reference to a royal marriage, long engagement, and expectations of two children. Women have children in their early 40s all the time, but there’s certainly no guarantee, so I was wondering whether it’s even expected of Harry’s wife. (Outside RF gossip threads, I would never speculate on a woman’s fertility.)
I’m in my 30s and I genuinely don’t know a single person in my social circle or work circle who has kids. I know one married couple, one engaged couple, and one guy who’s dating an older woman who already has kids.
It’s all anecdotal. Like attracts like. Most career-focused media 30-somethings in London don’t have kids. Elsewhere it’s probably rare.
Anna, I think that women can still get pregnant easily at 36, but there are many more problems with each passing year. The chances of having a baby with Down’s Syndrome at the age of 35 is 1 in 350. Chances at 40 are 1 in 100. It goes up a lot every year.
Adoption would be problematic. Look at all the hate Beatrice and Eugenie get merely for existing, and they’re biologically related to the Queen. Members of the royal family but not members of the official Royal Family. Image how much more attacked adopted kids would be, and how many unscrupulous tabloids would try to find their birth parents for a tell-all?
HM should ban lazy waste of chutney from more expense to the people/Duchy funding. There is NO need for another especially, with hangers on carol middleton lot and common in laws grab.
I can’t imagine why it would matter if his kids are biologically related to him or not. George and Charlotte have already knocked him down the line of succession and supposedly Kate really wants a third baby.
Adopted kids would only be problematic in terms of inheritance. Can’t be in the line of succession though they have titles. Money? Yes. Any chance of the throne? Nope!!
Inheritance laws for the line of succession haven’t caught up with surrogancy or adoption which still insist that heirs must be ‘of the body’ and ‘in legitimate marriage’.
I’m wondering if changes will be pushed, especially given the Viscount Weymouth situation with their second son. Biologically theirs, carried by a surrogate because of risk of stroke if she carried another child.
Nota: Parliament debates this all the time, but there is no will to push it through. Debates on this subject are listed every year for past decades. Something about Peerages laws being both super complicated AND different in the separate countries (Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England) such that each country would have to agree and sign off according to their laws / Peerage laws before Westminster imposes blanket application of the changed law.
It’s mindnumbingly dull to read the debates because they just go round and round in circles with no end in sight and no resolution.
The crazy thing is that they agree in principal that the law should be in line with regular laws that accept surrogacy and adoption, but they aren’t pushing the final lever because of the complexity and difficulty and difference in peerage laws. That is a point that keeps coming up.
Each new case challenging the law eg the Weymouths, is treated as a singular event which has no corresponding application to the overall laws nor is it treated as a precedent to be used in argument for future cases or laws.
Very frustrating all round.
It begins to sound like the dragging out of the Emperor’s abdication/retirement in Japan. When he was 80, he asked to retire. Conservative/traditional PM Abe has been trying to stall, possibly hoping the Emperor will pass away first. Now the retirement won’t happen until he is 85 (end of 2018), and the law will only be for this one emperor, not apply to anything in the future.
@Bettyrose “In normal people time, 36 is nothing.” That’s the problem for Markle: in show biz, e.g., for actresses, 36 isn’t “normal people time” Actresses in their late thirties and early forties are being told they’re too old to play the wives of men in their 50s and 60s. So I think this relationship has urgency for her that it doesn’t for him.
As for the fertility stuff – no one really knows how it’s going to go until they start trying for a baby. As I said in another post, I’ve seen it go both ways for women in their late thirties who are trying for a first baby – women who have already had babies earlier don’t have the same issue. Fertility does start to decline more steeply after 35, but again, it’s just a stat: stats only describe an overall view, and every individual is different. But if these two do want to get married and have kids, waiting another couple of years isn’t smart.
Pss. Mary of Denmark was 32 when she married Frederik, not 36+, and she made sure to get pregnant within six months; she had the twins at 36 or so AFTER she had had two other full-term, normal pregnancies. Kate and William didn’t wait more than a year, and I think Letizia and Felipe also made sure to fall pregnant in that first year after marriage. So did Maxima and Willem. These new princesses make it a priority to get that first pregnancy going pretty quickly. Not to be too crass, but it is also something of an insurance policy, though I’m sure the children are welcomed and loved. But in the event of divorce, they will have more standing if they have children.
Of course, Mary, Letizia, and Maxima married heirs to their respective thrones. Harry and Markle would be under no such pressure, only personal pressure from Mother Nature.
Waity 2.0. Everything going by his schedule. She is the one making all the changes in her life to accommodate. She quit her blog, no longer posts to IG and is said to want out of Suits. Trying hard to fit in with the royals and aristos. No wonder Chelsea and Cressida didn’t want the gig.
Cressida and Chelsy are not cut for that job because that is what it is. Kate, and perhaps Meghan have the steely determination and quite frankly the strength to constantly be picked on and scrutinised for everything.
He was never going to marry Cress or Chelsy.
Really, I get the feeling he would have married either of those girls if they had been interested in the “job” part of a relationship with him.
Agreed. Esp Chelsea. If she wanted the job he would’ve been married first I think
Perhaps 5 years ago he might have married one of them. Not now.
None of those girls fit the profile that he is looking for in a wife (if I am to go by the interviews he has given in the last year or two).
He is looking for a glamorous woman who shares his passion for humanitarian work et al
I think he would have married Chelsea had she wanted the gig. She didn’t. He came back to her several times to try & get her to change her mind. I also find it interesting a man who prefers blondes now is dating a brunette who reminds me a little of the Middleton girls
Snappyfish doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Harry was the one who cheated on chelsy (yes that’s Chelsy with a y, if you’re going to act like you know something then at least learn how to spell the persons name) repeatedly and then broke up with her.
What a bizarre comment about hair colour. He has dated two blondes and that means he can only like blondes? You don’t know much about the mindset of men, do you snappy.
Hint; if it’s attractive and female, colour ain’t gonna stop him.
+1
Meghan did those things per Prince Harry Palace orders- because she is already a member of the RF. I believe the Express stated in justifying why she was not at the circus ceremony – stating to the effect … “this was a private citizen event and no member of the Royal Family should take away (be) the center of attention’….
If you look up how many women Harry has hooked up with, you realize he is kind of a philanderer. Many women were linked to him during his years with Chelsy and Cressida. He has long term on-off relationships, and enjoys some undercover variety when he can get it.
Elsa, my apologies to the misspelling of the name, autocorrect on the tube. As for Harry he did chase after her for quite awhile. Years ago. I never mentioned whether he cheated. As for types. People have them. Harry has admitted to that. He mentioned his mother when we stated it. Just because you have a type doesn’t mean it’s all you date or marry.
You seemed quite upset by my v v small insignificant observation. If you were offended please accept my apology
Not that I see. She is working her job and making public appearances for it at an upcoming conference. Rumors of her wanting out of Suits are only rumors, when it is likely the series will end after this season. She is doing her World Vision work on her usual schedule of one visit per year. She shut down a blog that was being mined by tumblr trolls and media for old stories – good idea to shut it down IMO.
She’s still working and going to a panel in Austin. I think they’ve already discussed it and that’s why she shut down her blog. He comes to Toronto all the time. She’s not the only one who travels. Plus it’s been a year-not remotely a “Waity” situation.
I agree, their current situation is no where near Waity. If she quit her job, moved to London, and didn’t work for 10 years? Then the Waity term could start being used. Now it is just another negative term people are throwing at Meghan Markle, because some just have to be negative about her.
Meghan has a steady job and has her own life outside of her prince which is something Waity Katie never had.Meghan is definitely not Waity 2.O considering she hasn’t even made a year anniversary yet and there seems to be an engagement on the horizon whereas Kate hung on for dear life for years with no job or life outside of William until he finally gave in.
People forget that waity wasn’t immediately labelled. It took a few years before people started calling her waity.
I wonder what the reaction would be now of Sophie and Edward’s courtship and timeline?
+1000
working yet there for her Prince obligations. Snowflake waity carol would need months of rest, without even a job.
Nah, I don’t think she’s Waity….He fell, (IMO), too hard for that. She has more power than Kate, because I don’t think William fell like Harry did, so William could afford to make Kate “wait”, if that makes sense.
It does.
Cressida wanted to act and have a career in the arts.
… and wasn’t suitable – she seem immature for such a role/status. Both seem no where ready like now with Meghan. Especially after waity carol lazy years and waste of ….
I thought Harry dumped Chelsea. She was allegedly incredibly “needy”. Bonas – I don’t know much about their relationship, but she really didn’t seem to want it. I think wanting it badly is a prerequisite for success in landing men like Harry – you really have to hang in there. I’m guessing Davy was too early, and Bonas didn’t want it. I’m also guessing that Markle, for a variety of reasons, does want it badly, and that will work in her favor. And, yeah, it’s the lady in these cases who has to adapt, not HRH. That’s just the reality. In social and economic terms, he’s the one conferring the huge benefits – an HRH connected to one of the world’s premier royal families and their immense wealth is not to be underestimated. On an emotional level things may be different, but in all the other ways, face it, Harry is the prize.
Yup. It is always the same for women in the BRF. I have been saying this about Meghan. Giving up her career, supposedly, closes her blog, no recent charity work, hanging around harry’s house…she certainly seems willing to give up everything for a crown.
I don’t see that. She continues to work her job, including rehearsing, filming, and promotion. She is doing her charity work with World Vision at the same pace (one visit per year). She likely spent a lot of the time she was in London preparing and rehearsing for her job. She shut down a blog that was becoming a milstone around her neck because of the press and anti-Meghan crowd tearing it apart.
NOTA, I guess we will see. I am betting she will give up everything of her own, and subjugate her entire life to Harry and the BRF.
And you have said more than once that the month she was at Harry’s, not seen out at all, she was preparing for a charitable engagement, but really, there is no proof of that either way. So again, time will tell.
In the comment to which you replied, I speculated that she was preparing for her job. You know, memorizing scripts and rehearsing? That counts as work, whether she does these things at her home or his. You cannot just walk onto the tv set, unprepared and unrehearsed. Whether some people think it is valid work or not, being a television actor requires a lot of work off-camera.
The only changes she’s made are shutting down a blog and limiting her social media — which any logical person would do after the fuss about them. She’s not subjugating herself or her life. As Sophie (and many other married-ins in other families) have shown, if you are self-aware and mature when you marry in, you can do fine. Letizia maintains ties and work with journalism and media. Maxima works with the UN in microfinance. Daniel does work with health and fitness. All of those stem from their personal interests and careers before marriage.
I think Harry’s really right, to wait a bit. It’s a whole different life and doesn’t suit everyone. I fear for Meghan because, even though she seems to love Harry, she is a free and independent spirit, and we know what the BRF is like. But I do hope it happens, and love conquers all.
Sophie has done fine and remains herself. If you are a self-aware, confident adult going in, you can do fine – something that holds true for marriage too. Neither Diana nor Fergie were self-supporting, self-confident individuals when they married in.
I agree. It’s also a very different time. Clearly the Cambridges are not cowed by the “grey men” as Fergie and Diana were. So I’m sure Meghan and Harry would be fine. I also think that while some may call her a famewhore-she’s an actress- feeling comfortable in the public eye is a plus, not a negative as part of the BRF.
Middleton high society wedding…. best laugh I’ve had all morning.
Wasn’t Eugenie his plus one? I thought he was friends with the groom.
In any case, I think we can all agree that with the state of the world, we could all use a proper Royal wedding. 🙂
No evidence he knows the groom, and no evidence of any relationship between him and any of the Middletons for 15+ years. Eugenie attended with her boyfriend, Jack.
this is what i thought too. that she was his plus one, not the other way around.
Eugenie and Jack were photographed walking to the church together, so she wasn’t there as her cousin’s plus one.
Is acclimatize a real word? Spell check is allowing it for me I guess so. I was thinking the proper word was acclimate.
AcclimatiSe, if you’re British!
All three are fine and mean the same thing. It’s another of those words that show how the development of English went slightly different ways after colonisation. Acclimate is actually the older word. Americans kept it. Britishers moved to acclimatise.
Sometimes, it works the other way – burgle and burglarize, for example
love ya, Sixer! Bless your heart. Great explanantion. 🙂
I thought the same thing, Adele.
wrong place
I think Eugenie’s housing situation has to be settled first, with the public complaints about her lease at KP’s Ivy Cottage. Once everything is repaired and lease-for-years is signed in her name, I can see a wedding. I expect her there for years, with Beatrice ending up in Nott Cott. After Andrew passes, B&E would share the Royal Lodge Windsor lease on weekends until it runs out in 2078.
I suspect they’ve at least talked about marriage, but there won’t be any formal proposal until she’s done filming for this season of Suits. I imagine that they’d want to avoid any controversy over the British public paying for security for the newly-engaged Markle while she works in Toronto.
Canceling her blog and IG were significant moves, but it could also just mean that she’s willing to take a pay cut to deny tabloid writers access to her past blog posts, It’s not necessarily Harry who’s driving her desire to take control of how she’s seen in the press.
I agree that for her to make the kinds of career related changes she has, they have at least talked about marriage and a rough timeline and in that sense are sort of “engaged to be engaged” if that makes sense. She may want him to surprise her with a ring but she knows he wants to marry her and she knows it is coming soon, I’d bet serious money on that.
I agree. She’s no heiress. Tig and her Reitmans contract were making her $. The only way she’s shuttering both of those is if they’ve already had The Talk.
I don’t know what to believe about these two, really.
Agreed.
This – and why should we expect to know anything?! It’s their private lives!
Yep! I will not believe they are getting married until I see them walking down the aisle.
This relationship seems so random and kind of..forced..
A year isn’t very long. Especially a year when you don’t live in the same city to see each other for more than honeymoon holidays. They are smart to wait but yet there is the child thing looming …. wonder if they even want kids?
@Pandy – I’m sure Harry wants kids, he seems to love them, I’ll say that for him, and yeah, she will be 36 in August and (so far as we know) hasn’t been pregnant – it’s one thing to have a second baby in your late thirties and another to get pregnant for the first time in your late thirties, so waiting two years to be “sure” and have the wedding, and get used to the role, etc., probably is less wise if they really want a family. I have two friends who waited till their late thirties to marry and ended up in fertility treatment – but then, I had another who got married at 41 and fell pregnant unintentionally almost immediately. You never know how it will go with this stuff.
That woman who gave the interview, basically called Meghan a booty call last year, now she’s gushing about it all, she’s a Middleton sugar my guess, she was at the wedding reception and saw his behavior towards her, didn’t stop from shading Meghan saying they’ll have to teach her everything , even how to hold a fork, wth. Does the royals hold a knife and fork different from the rest of us?
Kate supposedly took princess lessons and she is still garbage at the job, from dressing appropriately, to her inability to give a decent speech and overall laziness. Meghan can already do what Kate cannot because she is an adult who has had to work for a living. The question should be if Harry is worthy of her and not the other way around.
Good point. Much as I like Harry, I have often thought that with Meghan, he is definitely punching above his weight.
My thoughts too. I find Harry charming but she is well rounded and self-assured. Maybe he knows he is lucky.
Amen Nic919!
Have a look – there are a few more Youtube with Meghan’s life/career out – 2013/14 on and before Princess in waiting status.
Americans hold their forks differently than the British.
They do. I find watching Americans eat on TV shows slightly weird because of it. And you guys teach a slightly different pen grip!
I’ve never heard this…what’s the difference?
Americans do the cutting and switching thing, while Brits (and many other Europeans) keep utensils in the same hand and guide the food onto the fork with the knife.
yes as a Jamaican ( British colony) our manners and schooling, etiquitte are similar. My children r born in the states and are looked on strangely when the hold they utensils the British way. However, that woman did not qualify her statement, she I believe wanted it to appear as if this educated, sophisticated woman did not know how to use utensils correctly. The doublespeak where she gushed at the beginning, and shade at the end to make sure that’s the last impression you are left with. I think Ms Markle should end the relationship, it might devastate p Harry but I believe she’ll lose herself if he lets this carry on too long
Oh okay…yeah we do that lol. Never realized that wasn’t standard everywhere. Thanks Sixer!
I’m from Kansas and don’t switch.
Sixer: is that what it is? I’m always super judgey about the way Americans hold their utensils on TV/film. Didn’t realise it was a cultural thing.
Yep. Just a slightly different set of manners. If I’d swapped fork hands in a meal when I was a child, my mother would have pulled me up on it! She didn’t even like it when my brother and I turned over our forks to scoop peas onto them. Seriously! And I genuinely do get twitchy at restaurant or dinner table scenes in US TV shows.
It’s all silly really, isn’t it? Provided you’re not spitting your food all over somebody else’s plate or showing them your food while you chew it, what does it really matter?
I don’t think Britishers generally – rather than royal nonsense – are so fussy about table manners these days and I expect that’s pretty much the same stateside.
I switch-my husband does not. His mother is European and he and his brother learned from her. One of our kids eats that way-the others, alas, are uncouth Americans like I am.
Continental dining etiquette has always seemed more efficient to me, but I can never remember to put it to practice.
My ex has European table manners . I have some strange hybrid depending on the dish. The European way is much more practical. It keeps little hands busy when they are learning to use utensils too.
You guys made me Google!
The guy who wrote this is a generation or two before me and my parents weren’t this strict, but we also had no elbows on the table and you can see from the Bilko bit about turning your fork tines up:
http://beefgravy.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/etiquette.html
Oh deary me. Old school British table manners. Lawks a lordy!
1st generation Canadian here and we hold our utensils as per Brits. We also close our mouths when we are chewing………
okay a HUGE generalization, but in my experience….accurate….
The historical reason is rather interesting. In early America they didn’t have forks. It was a spoon that was used. So after holding the meal with the spoon in one hand & the knife In the other the spoon needed to be transfered to “spoon” the food to the mouth since there were no tines in which to pierce the food.
So it just took a while for the fork to appear in the new world.
Considering that every single thing you do would be dissected, photographed and observed for the rest of your existence, I can understand why he would take his time with this.
The problem with Prince Harry is that he comes with a job attached. It’s true that a lot of rich good-looking men come from uptight, stifling, overbearing families — but the Windsors are next-level in terms of their demands.
It’s not just “Do I love him and want us to get married?” but ALSO “Am I willing to do the job that comes attached to this marriage for the rest of my life???” And that’s a really hard question to answer.
Right-which is why I think Meghan being used to the press, having to “look” a certain way as an actress is a plus, not a negative. She seems mature enough, and having been married once before, I would assume she’s thought about this too.
… along with all the grand entitlements, perks-wealth and status as a member of the BRF.
At this point, we should know better than to pay the slightest attention to these articles by PEOPLE or anyone else quoting “sources”.
I’m sure they have a lot to sort out. Harry tends to date one woman for a long time – he was involved with Davy for what, three years? And with Bonas for a year at least? And Pippa’s wedding wasn’t “royal life” but it probably gave her a good look at the boring, stuffy, middle-class wannabes who inherently despise her as an interloper in their little club, and the prospect of curtseying in public to Kate Middleton for the rest of her life . . .
No one should assume anything any more about Harry and Markle or Harry and anyone else. The tabs just want us to bite, just the way they did all the bunk about Pippa’s bloody wedding, which HELLO is still pimping out with all its might . . .
He dated Chelsy off and on for 9 years and Cressida for 2.
Arg. 7 years with Chelsy. Off and on.
Eh, I prefer to luxuriate in all the breathless tabloid reports and online speculation tbh. It’s good, “choose-your-own-adventure” fun. They’ll get married. Or they’ll break it off. Either way, our assumptions will be of little consequence.
I wish sometimes that all in the forum had a bit of your detachment. On the other hand reading the assumptions is often more entertaining than the actual post.
I agree! If we waited around for facts, this might as well be a law journal on the ethics of 3rd quarter house price escalation in the Zambezi. zzzzz!
Oh and if we’re getting judgy ;-p, I always looked askance at the way Brits tend to eat with their forks tine side down. *That* looks weird to my North American eyes!
Why would Meghan, an American, curtsy to anyone??? I am American and I would NEVER curtsy to anyone. Ever.
Good manners? Because usually, if you want to belong to a social circle, it is only polite to adhere to the manners and customs you are interacting with.
Maybe comments like yours are the reason for (US)americans to be considered impolite.
And that is your choice, Sarah. Even if you were a citizen of the UK or a Commonwealth nation, you would not be required to either curtsey or bow to a member of this family – not even the monarch. It is a personal choice for anyone to do or not do that.
For Meghan Markle? If she marries in to this family, she marries a job. That job has some strange rituals associated with it, and one is that she will follow the Order of Precedence and curtsey accordingly.
lara, sorry. Bowing to another human being isn’t good manners, it is kowtowing to an old, out of date belief that some people have “blue blood,” and are higher than others. We Americans got rid of that nonsense in 1776. And if that makes me a rude American, then I will gladly stand with Michelle Obama and Nancy Reagan, both of whom refused to curtsy/bow to another country’s queen. NOT OUR’s.
NOTA, I didn’t realize bowing/curtsying was optional for British citizens. Thanks for that.
So is Merkle willing to sacrifice her marvellous career for Harry and royal life?
Honestly, Merkle is a decent actress but hardly A-list material and in my opinion not even remarkable. I am not sure she will do much work after 40. I think at the moment she is really considering throwing away her career for Harry because he is the better option for her future.
I don’t think royal life includes much work. Some former royal staffer once said that Royals are very good at making 3 work days a week over the period of 5 monthes a year look like a full-time job. Also don’t forget that that “work” consists in being driven to some party/meeting/gathering/opening of and listen and say some nice things and shake some hands and that is it. It is hardly a highly stressfull job like a surgeon or like a pro lawyer or like a policeman. They all work much longer hours and suffer a lot lot more stress.
@Zaratustra – pretty much agree. Markle is too smart not to know that at this point, her D-List career is where it is going to stay, and it’s time to think about a new part that will last rather longer and give her a security her acting career never could have. In her business, 36, which she will be in August, might as well be 50.
I don’t think it’s “hard work” that will represent the downside of life in this circle – it will be the stifling that Diana came in for once she entered the life.
I know I’m still an outlier on this, but back of my mind I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if Harry used Markle and her status as a divorced American non-CoE (is she a practicing anything these days?!) as a lever to give up his place in the line of succession, so they can still have most of the perks but much less of the pressure.
After all, K&W have two kids, may yet have a third, Harry and his kids will be pushed ever farther down the line, like the Yorks, Gloucesters, Kents, Edward’s and Anne’s kids . . .
I am joining the outlier club with you on this one.
I have heard it said by folks who claim to know what the thinking is around KP/BP, that this is a very appealing option.
There is no way he’s moving up the line. That’s bullocks. William, despite being a whiner and work shy, is never giving up his place-and neither will his kids.
Harry is fifth in line and needs to receive permission from the Queen to marry. After the Queen passes, the line will be PC, PW, PH. However, PC is old, and if PW suddenly died, Harry would be up next. He would be Regent for several years. He would act as king until George was ready, probably not before age 27 or so. Harry is that close to the throne, which is why he needs to receive permission.
@Connell: William dying before George is at least 18, is highly unlikely, and there is no guarantee that they would pick Harry as Regent for George. They can, I believe, pick anyone they want. And I doubt they’d wait until George was 27 for the handover. QEII was only 25 when she became Queen. And it is dangerous to let a Regent stay on too long. My guess is that they’d put George up the minute he reaches 21, and surround him with advisors.
And, you forget Kate – I doubt she’d stand for watching her son not assume his rights till the age of 27 while Harry and Markle led the country. They could, presumably, appoint Kate Regent for her son.
But the permission thing stands – I think even cousins down the line still need that. I can’t see her refusing permission, though.
The first 6 in line need permission from the monarch to marry. For a regency, it is automatically the next person in line to the throne. A special provision would have to be passed to make Kate Middleton regent, and I don’t see that happening as it did for Prince Philip.
In addition to Harry being 5th? Beatrice is 6th in line, needs permission to marry, and will be a Counsellor of State during her lifetime. Things many people like to forget in the midst of their throw them out York bashing.
At this point Charles appears to be Unitarian Universalist IMO, so he might welcome a similar set of beliefs in an in-law. Being religious is not a requirement of the spouse’s job. Kate Middleton isn’t exactly a CoE devotee, having not been confirmed until just before the wedding.
Harry could convert to Catholicism tomorrow and get out of the line; no reason to marry someone in order to do it. Doesn’t matter what religion she is or isn’t. Since the change in the law, his spouse can be any religion and he will stay in the line. He can only be removed based on religion if he himself converts to Catholicism.
If he did that? There would be no perks involved, much less perks without pressure or work. The two of them and their family would be as attacked as the Yorks are.
Westminster Abbey officials stated last week they would perform the marriage ceremony between these two without hesitation. Nope, if these two marry he stays in the line and they are working royals for the rest of their lives.
I disagree, Harry knows he is a very popular member of the RF and he needs to stick around and support William. I already believe the two of them have a plan for a modern monarchy after Charles.
I agree with all said in this discussion. Given the hoopla around Markle/Harry, she hasn’t scored other roles off the back of the relationship. She comes across as one of thousands of attractive actresses: mildly talented, with her looks her calling card. Unless you are versatile ie not dependent on your looks, there is a short life-span for such actresses. That is the key difference here. The versatility sets you apart eg an Allison Janney while a really attractive woman was not regarded as having much chance of success because she was outside the norm for an actress ie being too tall. Her versatility as an actress sees her employed in a variety of stage, film and tv roles. So looking ahead, life in the biggest show on earth would be a good gig for Markle: a compliant population providing money, not much work and easy to one used to doing similar things – just turning up, meet & greet, display of good manners – and endless perks.
Downsides: deferring to William/Kate and the rest, the stifling hierarchy, Harry – not too bright, a spoiled wastrel like his brother. If he’s anything like his father and grandfather, he’ll expect to be able to play away whenever the whim strikes him. I’m not convinced Harry is a great worker, just is strategically seen; I’m also not convinced Markle is a humanitarian, but rather at this point a person interested in charity as well as it being part of a career strategy (like The Tig) to aid visibility. Nothing wrong with that, BTW.
Katie as a queen regent? Uh, we all know who would really be calling the shots. Just the thought of this gives me a visual of Carole dressed as Cersei Lannister in her black coronation gown.
@Connell and notasugarhere – OK, I looked up the succession stuff on Wikipedia:
The sixth in line after Harry is Andrew, NOT Beatrice. It is the first four in line who are over 21 who can be appointed Counsellors of State, as may the Consort of the Sovereign. The current age for majority to the ascension to the throne is 18, and in the event that William (as King, presumably) dies before George turns 18, it is Harry who would be appointed Regent, unless he is unable to carry out his duties as such, and if so, after him, again, it would be Andrew. Beatrice is 7th, not 6th.
The Regency Act also states that should Prince George become King before his 18th birthday, his Legal Guardianship would be vested in his mother (who would of course wield immense influence, and who could also serve as Counsellor of State), and only if she is incapable of carrying out such Guardianship would that revert to the Sitting Regent.
And whatever Charles’ personal religious feelings are, he is undoubtedly an authentic member of the CoE and he has also made clear that he is determined to streamline the monarchy, which is part of why he stymied Andrew’s late attempts to put his daughters forward after William married Kate and the handwriting on the wall became clear as to who got onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
So you are right, ti would be Harry on the hook, but the eventuality is unlikely,
Since not one of you have ever remotely worked as a member of a RF you have no idea whether it is hard work or not. Being on public display having people dissect your every move and twitch and strand of hair, your weight gain and weight loss, being plastered over newspapers and magazines, and forensic analysis of every word you utter is extremely stressful and draining. Of course they can only manage this for two or three days at a time before they need to recover. Also we have no idea of the amount of networking and negotiation that goes on behind the scenes and months of forward planning that they have to be involved in. Give me a break, being a 21st century senior British royal is no easy task.
A child’s legal guardian vs. a nation’s acting Regent are different things.
Oh, lord, I always forget Andrew. I’ve given up the idea that he would remarry, so forget to count him in the 6 needing permission. Wouldn’t that be nice, if we could just send him away to an island and forget about him?
Being an “authentic member” of the CoE includes possible dabbling in Catholicism, buddhism, islam, etc.? Charles appears to be a man of generic “belief” who goes through phases of religious exploration. He might show up for the events, but I doubt his personal religious beliefs are in strict line with those of the Church.
I don’t agree. Being a royal is 24/7, even if you are not doing that many engagements you are still “on” and on show 24/7. Unable to go outside without being papped and having everything about yourself scrutinized.
As for Meghan’s career, acting=/=TV stardom. TV and films are harsh to women ageing out of the sexy ingenue bracket. But ‘fame’ is not the goal of every actor, some of the finest actors in the world hate and shun fame. And there’s a hell of a lot more to the acting world that mainstream starlet TV/film roles. Theatre actors keep going till they’re 90. Radio actors, ditto. TIE or directing/producing. It’s much easier for older actors to get work including screen work here in the UK and other countries in Europe and I bet with her newfound profile she could get acting jobs in the UK very easily if she wanted to.
It’s bizarre to act like just because she’s hit 35 she’s obviously, obviously not going to ever land another job. There are famous actors who didn’t even start acting till 40+! And plenty of non-famous but regularly working actors who started later in life. If she genuinely cared about acting (which she may not, I make no claims) there are plenty of roads she could go down even if “Hollywood” dried up.
I’d like to see her do a Mariska Hargitay, founding a non-profit like Joyful Heart Foundation that speaks to her personally. She could do that and continue to act, or do that if she and Harry get married.
If in the ingenue category, it’s harder to be considered as being more than what is considered attractive at that moment in time. That is what such women are hired for, sadly, and are easily disposable for next year’s model. Does Markle have the chops of a Sarah Lancashire who started off in a pretty girl role in her 20’s? I don’t see it personally. Of course there are other avenues other than ‘stardom’ but Markle does not seem to have done much prior to Suits or when the show is on hiatus to indicate other theatrical interests. her focus has been on commercial concerns (clothing deal, blog) – another way of ensuring longevity apart from acting.
As for being papped 24/7 – true, to a point. Interest is centred mainly on younger royals; again, it is assumed that physical attractiveness and wardrobe is going to sell papers, plus the expectation of children coming into the mix. Older royals don’t have the same issues. But consider that they can be very much under the radar when they choose – as Harry/Meghan have been for quite some time ie just 2/3 pics together (Xmas tree shopping, theatre, going to dinner). Going anywhere near that tosser SoHo Club would guarantee attention since that’s what it’s set up for.
Ms Seward is on video , which is why I’m even responding, she’s s dinasour in the business and is somewhat respected. We don’t know anything except they seem to be in love and that’s all we know.
Isn’t she just a sucker on anything Royal? An apologist for them, a mouthpiece whenever a leak is required?
I wonder if he still texts all night with Margot Robbie and Cara Delevingne? I’m not surprised Harry now has his second actress-girlfriend. It fits. His charme hides the little superficial, lazy, posh boy very well.
I’m still surprised Cressida was ok with him cheating in Las Vegas. At least she got acting jobs out of it (someone seen that bad horror movie with her? Ouch). Let’s hope he treats Meghan with more respect.
I think it would be strange if he cut off communication with Cara Delevigne considering she’s a family friend.
“His charme hides the little superficial, lazy, posh boy very well.”
Totally agree.
I was thinking about this, I think behind this charismatic figure, Harry is “fake” too. but I believe he is better than his brother.
I haven’t seen Cressida in any films but I know she is (or at least was recently) acting in a stage play here in London, and has turned into quite a well-respected theatre actor. She’s certainly paying her dues as an actress, whatever she may have done in the past.
Totally agree: charming ‘little superficial, lazy, posh boy’. Nothing much there. Yep, ‘fake’ as all get out, but a better actor than his brother. Apart from the obvious, I cannot see why any intelligent woman would not be bored sh*tless with him or want to be part of that dullard family.
She’s his current girlfriend. End of story.
I am totally at a loss why a almost 40 year old woman would want to get herself involved in this family. Even Cressida and Chelsy were smart enough to back off. Prince Harry is known to fool around with other women, is very lazy and lives off the people of Britain. Why would a older independent woman want this? I just don’t understand. It will not be a nice life for her. As well the press may be in a hurry for the wedding but not so much Harry.
I dont think he’s in any hurry either. He’s be better off taking his time with whoever he decides is “the one”.
I think there are lots of reasons why Meghan would want to marry a royal. She’s a D list actor whose career is probably not going to ever take off. With Harry she would be guaranteed a lux life or settlement if they divorce. Plus celebrity is a natural segue into a marrying a royal. With Harry, she can can continue being a celeb and performing but her performances are on behalf of the royal family in the form of appearances whenever she feels like it. Very little will be expected of her.
Since when is 35 ‘almost 40’?
Right?
When 40 is “almost” 80 😉
This is a long distance relationship. I’ve never known one to work, but of course this one may. Harry has a history of having side fun with other chicks.
Long-distance worked out for Maxima and Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Fred and Mary of Denmark.
Shes 35. Why do we rush a woman to 40?
If Harry was dating a 20 something, who never held a job and lived on her parent’s dime, people would be ripping him and her to shreds. I can already hear the complaints: why can’t he date an independent woman, someone who will show him hard work, dedication and how the other side lives? They can’t win but thankfully those criticisms have no impact whatsoever on them so…
Btw I’m actually glad that some Royal men married independent women such as Maxima, Sophie, Letizia, Mary… They are doing a fantastic job representing their countries. Kudos to these amazing ladies who change their careers and lives for love but are still just as fierce.
Why do I have this Feeling that all of a sudden, after all these intense focus into his future with M, Harry is dragging his feet? Commitment phobe much?
@Tan – my observation of boys who have been witness to truly wretched parental unions is that they go one of two ways: serial long relationships that end because they just can’t go through with it, or they play around and never get serious with anyone. They all fantasize about having that warm family that works the way their birth ones didn’t, but they’re too afraid of reliving their parents’ history to take that leap of faith. William was under specific pressure to marry and have an heir, but Harry isn’t under any such pressure. And he’s only 32-33. He’ll be a top catch in the marriage mart for a very long time, yet.
But I think it’s a bit early for the “dragging his feet” charge. They’ve only really been dating seriously and it is a distance relationship with some extra added issues to be careful about. I’d cut them some slack on this.
Agree totally. It’s press wanting to sell their sh*t, urging it on. Or women wanting royal weddings/babies etc.; I wish they’d stop or just go to local weddings.
Yep, if you’ve grown up in a wretched family environment, you will be gun shy, as seestellsit says. People who have not had that experience just don’t understand the lifelong trauma the very idea of such societal expectations such as marriage hold. William may want the closeness he sees in the Middleton family, but if he needs to absent himself at times from the family he has created I suspect it’s because he’s overwhelmed. I don’t wish to excuse his other traits, but there it is.
That said, I see Harry as also a rather indiscriminate player, enabled by his status and money. Wasn’t he texting women at a party even early on in his relationship with MM? Just sees a piece of meat he fancies, gets her details and sees what he can get, doesn’t respect her as a person or whether she’s in a relationship? There’s no excuse to mess in other people’s lives. The BRF exhibits this trait as well (his mother, father, grandfather etc) so he’s learned it. But you can unlearn bad behaviour too.
I have multiple friends and family members having kids in their late 30s or at 40-42. None have had an issue getting pregnant or with their pregnancies. My grandparents also had my parents at nearly 40. Why the fear mongering?
There’s so much judgment when people see others making different life choices – why? If you want to have babies in your 20s, go for it. If others either don’t want kids or want to wait, why the hostility?
Some people don’t understand that the same women having fertility problems in their mid 30s and 40s, would have fertility problems in their 20s if they had tried to have kids at that age.
Another little known fact is that most women can get pregnant in their 40s, it’s not some rare thing. In some ways I think science has made us dumber because throughout history you will find that women had babies late into their 40s. And not much has changed.
Again. The women having fertility problems in their 40s are the same ones who would’ve had them in their 20s. Statistically, megan would not be in this category but who knows.
Anecdotes aside, It is a fact that across the general population fertility declines significantly after 35 and precipitously after 40.
Individuals differ, though. I know none of us has done a full fertility work up on Markle so she could be a fertile Franny well into her forties.
After 40, it gets a bit more difficult. In your late 30s, it may take a few months to get pregnant rather than happening instantly. That’s it.
Oh my gosh. Isn’t it possible that Harry fell in love with Meghan and she with him?
Or am I a hopeless romantic. It has only been a week since Pippa’s wedding and already the press wants a proposal? Who knows what the two are discussing, but this would definitely be an extremely complicated relationship to manage as opposed to my browsing around on tinder to meetup with a date at the diner.
I don’t like the idea of nitpicking Meghan’s fertility in this way. It reeks of 16th century France, where everyone and their aunt was busy gossiping about the Queen popping out babies for the throne and trying to score front row seats to the birth. I think kids are on the cards for them because they would want to have them, not particularly because it’s a pressing dynastic issue for the RF at his time. Of course, this isn’t to imply that it wouldn’t be better/more secure if they had children, just that it doesn’t quite carry the same sorts of implications that it might have, even just a generation ago.
At any rate, the RF has dealt with fertility issues already–Sophie and Prince Edward had their fair share of problems. She married into the family at 34, and didn’t have Lady Louise until she was 37. And this was after having fertility issues. And now she has two beautiful children, and is nothing but an asset to the RF. I don’t see why bringing up these issues as if they’re going to throw a wrench in the relationship is helpful. Whatever it is, the BRF has likely already dealt with it, and so too will they deal with it if these issues arise again.
Yeah it’s a bit silly. She might have freezed her eggs for all we know!
The speculation is fun and I’m fine with however it goes with their relationship, though I will admit I’d be totally pleased with Princess Rachel / Duchess of Sussex happening next year or so. 🙂 The concern trolling has increased about MM in the comments lately, I’ve noticed. The ageism is new and different tack than the racism/dog whistles that has dogged their relationship since it was first announced. I stay somewhat amused by the different techniques employed by some to continue a high level of negativity surrounding her and her romantic relationship with Prince Harry. Maybe it’s the anthropologist in me. 😛
There weren’t any racism at first when they didn’t know she was half black. Once they found out, especially that her mom was the black one, they went off.
These white women (because yes, the majority of them are) hate the fact that the mother of MM is black. Don’t get me wrong, if the dad was the black one they would still have a problem with it but at least the mother would have been white and that makes them less crazy and jealous I guess? But yeah they really have a problem with the mom being black I’ve noticed.
White female racism aimed att WOC, especially at black women, is rarely talked about and it’s a bit taboo actually. We’re not supposed to notice and just point the racist firmly at white men.
MM is only about 1/4 black. It’s more her father’s religion, Rachel is her first name, Trevor’s religion, the type of wedding ceremony (Jewish) that could be an issue. The BM is supposed to represent, or is connected with, the Church of England. MM may identify with being Jewish. I don’t mean to imply anything negative about the Jewish faith, however you either believe in JC, or you don’t. If Harry marries Meghan, she will need to be comfortable practicing the Anglican faith at all holidays and throughout the year.
MM father is Catholic. He is irish. MM got married to a Jewish man, maybe you are thinking of him? I think she might have converted for him but after divorce might have lost interest in the faith which happens a lot with women who convert for their husbands.
MM is half black. Her mother is black, fully black.
She appears to have been raised Christian, given the stories about Christmas as a kid that were on her blog. No stories about Jewish holidays. Lord Freddie Windsor remains in the line of succession, and his father-in-law self-described as a non-practicing Jew.
It does not matter what religion she is or isn’t. Since the change in the law, a royal can marry someone of any religion and remain in the line of succession. It is only if that royal themselves converts specifically to Catholicism that they lose their place in the succession. Both Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent are married to Catholics. The first had his position in the line restored after the change in the law. The second did not lose his place in line ever, as his wife converted to Catholicism years after their wedding.
@Elsa how do you know Meghan is half black and her mother full black? I don’t know what you want top call her mother but I would bet my bottom dollar that she also has some European as well as African heritage. It is quite obvious really , no need for a DNA test. Not that it matters of course.
Ummm @princess – Meghan’s mother identifies as “100% black.” She’s a black woman. Lots of African Americans have a bit of euro (read: white) ancestry in their family tree – that doesn’t in any way compromise their racial identity…
I have to say I’m learning quite a lot about MM from this thread. I had no idea her real first name was Rachel or anything to do with her parents’ ethnicity.
But going to the religious thing: I doubt all CoEers (and that probably includes royals) actually “believe” in Jesus, because CoE just isn’t that kind of religion. I feel like a lot of Americans are projecting American notions of Christianity onto Britain when they are really polar opposites. Britain is one of the most secular and agnostic countries on the planet, and CoE is perceived as a very gentle “weddings and funerals” religion that most people are a member of “in name only.” (At this point I’d recommend Kate Fox’s book.)
As long as MM pays lip service by showing up to a couple of church events a year dressed appropriately no one will give a jot about her actual religious beliefs or lack of, and no one will give a jot that she may have/had some vague connection to Judaism.
My BSc was in anthropology. I’ve said for years I want to write a book about fan culture and Tumblr.
@Fluff – I want to write a book about fandom culture and politics, too!
OMG Bono,
You too? The (frustrated) anthropologist in me has noticed the change in tack too.
Like – first there was the concern that she is a divorcee, and no way would she be accepted into the BFR – never mind that that family has more divorces than most.
Then there was no possibility of a Westminister Abby wedding as it was against the rules of the church , only for the WA to announce in no uncertain terms that she and H would be welcome to wed there (should they even want all that hoopla)
Now that those two obstacles have been debunked, the latest concerns are now her age and her womb.
35! Almost 40! Will she be able to have children!???!!!
Smh – some folks are so transparent.
I really doubt there is anything that calculated going on in these comments. It’s a gossip site not high intrigue.
If I never hear the term Tumblr Fangirl again I will be very happy.
Changing how to keep negative spin on a story doesn’t require any high – or even low level – intrigue. Happens on social media all the time, it’s just switching tactics when one method of public loathing doesn’t seem to be making an impact anymore. When the dog whistling began to be ignored by many then it became about how “old” MM is and how that’s bad for Harry if he wants kids. It’s fairly common behavior to see people switch up cause it’s about making sure what you dislike it constantly crapped on. And it’s simple to do. Also easy to spot when it happens.
As for “Tumblr fangirl” pejorative, I think there’s some merit in that term being used here as I’ve looked up MM’s name on tumblr and there are a handful of bloggers on there who are 24/7 dedicated to nothing but libeling her and running her down at every turn. Some of their comments / theories about MM have definitely popped up in the comments in posts about PH/MM/Merry here.
But obviously mileage varies…
I think it’s a bit more organic than the way you describe it, though. I would say the narratives (negative and positive) about Meghan and Harry have evolved along with coverage of their relationship. Speculation shifts as new information presents itself.
I think what’s changed is the number of people participating in these discussions. CB covers Meghan and Harry pretty extensively and the posts generate more and more conversation – I think both fans and naysayers and would-be “shippers” from all corners of the web (tumblr, obscure royal fan forums, etc) are congregating here because the threads are so active.
I agree, lobbit.
Bonobochick, I hear what you’re saying, but this site has very active royal posts, partially because Kaiser is both witty and provocative! I have been around here for years, since 2007 or so. I think, as lobbit says, that as people realized this might be a serious relationship, new commenters showed up, and the comments changed. What I disagree with is that “Tumblr Fangirls” have been carrying on an organized direction of the conversation over the course of many months. There may be some here but it’s gotten to the point that if anyone says anything less than positive about Meghan, or even mentions, God forbid, that the British Royal Family is difficult to marry into, the pejorative “Tumblr Fan Girl turned concern troll” is tossed at them.
That there has been racist commentary about her and some ridiculous nitpicking is true. But I don’t think those same commenters have suddenly become “concern trolls.” I think they remain racist idiots.
It’s a fun distraction to gossip about these two, but I just don’t see it as seriously as some here do, I guess.
As far as their relationship goes, I will say what I have always said: She is beautiful, worldly and well educated. He would be lucky if she would agree to life with him.
I rarely comment anymore because of the tumblr fan girl accusation. I’ve never had a tumblr and barely know what it’s for apart from photography.
Anyway, it’s a treat to have anthropology experts in the mix here as that makes it worth digging into from a non-negative perspective. That is fascinating.
I’m not liking the dismissal of Harry as being lazy. That makes zero sense to me. He did active military service, he created Invictus games, and when he’s speaking with or to a cause or a person, he’s full on engaged. That takes energy and being very well informed. Being that informed is not just from reading. That’s a rare skill he has. His recent interview re: mental health was the best i’ve ever heard anyone speak on the subject. He goes into what it takes as a person having random strangers vent to the royals and what that’s like. I’m involved life long in similar way and it is incredibly draining if you’re genuinely caring. I will never say Harry is lazy. Far from it. That’s pretty low it seems to me given he did active duty especially. Mind blown on that one.
Most of the people I’ve encountered have been in the middle. Discussing history, tiaras, fashion, the politics of these jobs and how well or poorly these jobs are performed. Like MM, dislike her, be neutral – but keep it in the realm of logic and reason. The concern trolls and racists are unmasked quickly enough when they disappear after logical questioning. The extremes at either end tend to be ignored for the most part here.
This last seven months has been like nothing I have ever seen in all the years of watching these folks. There has always been the racist subset, those who memorize “bloodlines” and the Gotha. I ignore that set.
Then there are the fanatics (because the full term fits). Those who *believe* any criticism of Kate Middleton is a personal attack against them. CP Mary has hers too, like the one who contacted the French government to question their choice of giving Princess Marie a particular order. Pretty sure the French government knew what it was doing. But Mary’s fanatics cannot handle any praise for Marie.
tumblr fangirl is a useful term, as much of the negative behavior takes place or emanates from there. A subset of people on tumblr, these fangirls have mapped out their futures as Princess Harry and have gone after anyone he looks at twice. These are the ones who both attack MM without logic or reason, but now often attack Harry with the new “he’s no good, he’s lazy” mantra out of what, personal disappointment at not getting a tiara?
The 2-3 bonobochick referenced? They have made it their life’s mission to attack Meghan Markle. Obsession is a nice word for their unhinged behavior. One recently outed herself as a senior citizen living in a seniors-only trailer park in Florida. She has nothing better to do but rile up her few dozen ardent followers, because she likes the attention. Never mind that she’s trying to destroy someone’s reputation.
The impact of social media and anonymity added up in this case? Worthy of sociological and psychological PhD-level study.
I think, whether they are engaged now or get engaged in the near future, they will announce it after the Invictus Games. I think we will see MM at the games a great deal and the announcement will be shortly after that. I think they know if they announce it before it will pull a great deal of focus from the games.
If many of us were being honest Meghan doesn’t need the lessons like Kate did also 35 and 36 are not old.That is a warning,my mum had her last at 38 and many in my family went into their 40’s.Until you hit menopause you can have children.Women were meant for this,we are much more developed and capable than a man… We create and deliver life until we can’t anymore.Let her age go we all know 35 is when fertility gets harder.She can freeze her eggs or whatever she wants to do but if they get married they WILL have a child or two.
Absolutely, and I know many women who successfully and easily have children older. MM is very healthy too. However, If you are looking at an end of the year engagement (you don’t get engaged quickly into the RF) and a wedding near summer, MM will be approaching 37. Now, I don’t think that’s too old, but would a British Prince have a problem with that? I’m not sure.
On the surface it sounds just right.
I was banking on a May/June engagement , now I am not sure because Harry and Meghan need to be seen in public together a few time before they can formally announce their engagement. Having said that the pair have done a fabulous job of evading the nosy press and keeping their relationship under wraps. This shows Harry is serious, he is treating Megan more respectfully and protectively than the other two, who were both unsuitable for him for various reasons, though he must have liked Chelsey a lot. Harry has sown a lot of wild oats along the way. I am hoping to see Meghan and Harry as a couple at Ascot and Wimbledon (not sure if Harry likes tennis but Meghan does) then an announcement will come. I still feel that marriage is possible this year. Her age is a factor, she needs to make babies as soon as possible, Harry will want offspring and Diana’s grandchildren.
Why was Chelsy unsuitable for Harry? She was wealthy, very well educated, a lawyer, and they seemed to get along very well. Is she too well educated for Harry? Is that why she is unsuitable?
Well I heard that Chelsy was more of a party loving trust fund babe, and that it was actually Harry who persuaded her to study for a law degree, and of course now we see that after getting a law degree and somehow getting to work in one of the best law firms, connections no doubt, she is now into jewellery designing, I wonder who is funding that hobby. Rumour has it also that her father has strong links to a certain African dictator, and I get the feeling that she would not want all this dragged into the public domain. She appears also to be a heavy smoker like Harry and Harry needs someone who can help him have a cleaner healthier lifestyle . I do hope that Meghan is a non smoker. Harry has had a difficult life and needs a partner with mature outlook on life.
Chelsy’s father was wealthy not her. Meghan is actually a self-made millionaire, just as well-educated and used her degree to earn a living and made a career thanks to it.
I find it funny how people are downplaying her achievements while at the same time propping up a somewhat similar achievement from another woman.
The rumors against her father were disproved iirc.
The reality of work now? You adapt. Learn, grow, retrain constantly, and work multiple jobs in your lifetime. Gone is the era of one job for life.
Chelsy Davy trained as a lawyer, now has an ethical jewelry line associated with fair trade. Her knowledge of law cannot hurt in any business venture. She’s doing something that matters to her, which addresses important issues in an often unethical business. Her choice. You don’t have to support it, but why bash it?
Naroula, I am not downplaying Meghan’s education – she went to an excellent school. However, at least in the US, a Bachelors degree is far below a law degree, which is an extra three years of full time schooling, plus passing the Bar.
And Princess K, Meghan is the bestest, bigliest movie star and human being in the world, according to your fandom. I am sure she is a lovely, smart woman, but to put Chelsy down to raise her up – that is just sad.
Well, this might sound funny, But I think that they’ll just end up getting on each others nerves because Meghan is a Leo and Harry a Virgo. These two signs are Not very compatible with each other! They share the same signs with Madonna and Guy Ritchie, and we all know how that turned out! It’s true! If Harry marries her because of pressure from his family, then that will be sad. 🙁
Taurus and Gemini are said to be incompatible, yet we have HM’s (Taurus) and Prince Philip’s (Gemini) 70 year marriage. Cancer and Scorpio are supposed to be a great match. Not true for Diana (Cancer) and Charles (Scorpio), but true for Charles and Camilla (also Cancerian astro sign).
Their children would be SO cute.
🙂
Rumours around that Harry and Meghan are looking for a country pile in Norfolk….no smoke without…I say!