I honestly still get a bit emotional when I think about how Prince Charles got to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle for her wedding. I think it makes me emotional because it’s a different kind of fairytale ending for both of them. Charles always wanted a daughter, and he got a chance to walk his daughter-in-law (and now surrogate daughter) down the aisle. On Meghan’s side, it was a modern fairytale because her own father is tacky trash, and it was symbolic of the fact that she was joining a family where she has a father figure she can count on.
We’ve heard repeatedly now about how Charles and Meghan got along from the very start – how Meghan finds Charles charming and lovely, and she encourages Harry to treat his father better. We’ve also heard that Charles adores Meghan because they have so much in common, they’re both big readers and they have similar interests, and he clearly wants to mentor her. But what’s at the root of Charles and Meghan’s instant connection? According to the Mail on Sunday’s sources, they immediately saw each other as two people with extremely dysfunctional families?
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex have forged a remarkable bond due to their dysfunctional family backgrounds, The Mail on Sunday has learned. Charles is deeply sympathetic to his new daughter-in-law Meghan’s family troubles and is impressed with how she has coped with her relatives’ embarrassing outbursts. One of his inner circle said the Prince recognised the House of Windsor has, like the Markle clan, endured ‘so many traumas and crises… and many divorces’ of its own.
The source said: ‘Because there’s been bad behaviour that’s caused problems in his family, Charles understands how difficult it must be for Meghan. And it has endeared her to him even more.’
Those closest to Charles draw a parallel between Meghan’s dignified forbearance in the face of hurtful comments from relatives, and how the Prince stoically endured public criticism from Princess Diana. ‘Whatever they felt inside, they’ve both put on a strong public face and not hidden away,’ said another source.
The Prince’s close rapport with Meghan, whom he walked down the aisle in place of her absent father, has delighted Prince Harry and senior members of the Royal Family. It is an understanding that has been further strengthened by a shared love of art, history and culture, with Charles describing Meghan as ‘incredibly smart’. Camilla has also warmed to Meghan. ‘Not least because both of them have joined the Royal Family from the outside,’ said a source. ‘Camilla goes out of her way to find time to spend with her, to get to know her and make her feel welcome.’
As the tour of Australasia demonstrated, The Duchess’s transition from actress to high-profile Royal has been seamless – something that has gladdened Charles, who believes her Hollywood training has enabled Meghan to withstand intense scrutiny.
In addition to the Event profile, The Mail on Sunday has learned from separate sources of a Scottish holiday enjoyed by Charles and the newlyweds over the summer.
Charles entertained Harry and Meghan at the Castle of Mey, the late Queen Mother’s remote home in Caithness, telling friends he was ‘tickled pink’ when they agreed to join him. He also invited the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but they declined. Sources said Charles told a member of his family that the week with his son and daughter-in-law was ‘joyous’. There were coastal walks and a spot of bird watching.
‘I think it’s fair to say that Meghan has brought Harry and Charles closer, and Charles is thrilled to have a new daughter-in-law. Camilla wasn’t there, she was enjoying a bucket-and-spade holiday with her own children and grandchildren, so I think that made it even more special for Charles.’
It’s a little bit of everything, in my opinion. Meghan was in need of a solid father figure, and Charles was happy to take the role. Meghan clearly plays to Charles’ ego – even if it’s genuine – and shows an interest in HIS interests. Plus, Meghan’s popularity is through the roof, so of course Charles wants to be seen as publicly and privately supportive of Meg. But truly, I think beyond all of the PR “positioning,” Meghan and Charles really do like each other and they’ve forged a substantial bond. Also: “He also invited the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but they declined.” It’s funny, isn’t it? Work-shy Will and Keen Kate were able to keep their distance from Mean Charles (for REASONS!) for so many years, and then Meghan turns up and has an instant connection with Chuck? The familial dynamics here are fascinating.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Backgrid.
the constant shade at William and Kate is interesting (not on this site, lol, but in all these articles with “quotes from friends” and the like.) the comment yesterday about how the Sussex kids will be more “normal” than the Cambridge kids, the quip in the VF article about how Charles “always” prepares for events, and now this. I usually figure that the tabloids like to create drama between the different families because that is just more interesting, but I’m starting to think there is something to it.
Also interesting because I dont remember so many articles about close Kate and Charles were when she married William, or how much Charles respected her or how much the Queen liked her. So I do think there is genuine affection there and people are picking up on it.
All that said….I don’t entirely blame Will and Kate for passing on a vacation in northern Scotland with three young children though lol.
I don’t think that it has ever been said that Kate & Charles do not get on. Kate has her own family whom she is close with & it is not out of the ordinary that she chooses to spend more time with them. I think that it’s nice that she has maintained that strong connection with her own family. I don’t believe all this talk of Charles favoring one son over the other or one daughter-in-law over the other, not least because if it were true that would make Charles absolute trash.
@Jadered I didn’t say that they dont get along. But it does make me think that the stories about Charles and Meghan REALLY getting along are close to the truth, and not just PR.
Most people aren’t in the position as Meghan when it comes to their immediate family. Like Kate they have a good relationship with their own family, yet they still are able to have great relationships with their in-laws.
@Becks1 I do not doubt that Charles & Meghan get on, but what I see is some people using it as a way to strike a contrast with Kate’s relationship with Charles. The truth of the matter is none of us really know how well they get along behind closed doors.
Lots of stories are always written about the royals but it doesn’t mean they are all true. Meghan is the new kid on the block so naturally there will be many stories using her name for clicks. Just like there were many stories that used Kate’s name for clicks especially during the early years. This is nothing new.
Favoring one daughter in law over the other I could even understand, but not his sons. If all these stories about him favoring Harry and all this jabs at Will are being approved by him he’s trash and equally bad as Thomas Markle.
Kate publicly blamed Charles for one of the many breakups with William. Not a good look from her.
I think it makes sense Charles and Meghan would be close. She doesn’t have a father figure and he’s always wanted a daughter (based on what Diana said).
That said, I also don’t think Kate needs another father figure like Meghan does because she appears to be close to both her parents. The dynamic with Charles will by necessity be different for her since she doesn’t appear to have any issues with her own family. if you actually like your own immediate family like Kate does, chances are you don’t have to seek out relationships with others as much (at least that’s been my own experience).There does seem to be a reason why Harry said that the royal family is giving Meghan the family she’s never had.
I also find it interesting that the royal family seems to be less snobby than regular people and that Charles as Future King would actually outright admit that his family is dysfunctional (if this story is to be believed).
@Notasugerhere The only time Kate spoke publicly about the breakup was during their engagement interview. Not sure where you’re getting this information from that she publicly blamed Charles for it.
Yeah, the story about her blaming Charles sounds ridiculous. She’s always kept her mouth shut. She’s also kept a stoic silence about things. Basically neither she nor Meghan have ever run their mouths. In fact, I feel I know more about what the royal family thinks of each other than Kate or Meghan think of their own families.
IDK, Charles seems to be trying too hard to push this story. Is it to get the Markles to buzz off by showing them they have been well and fully replaced? If so, I’m pretty sure that’s not going to work.
I don’t think an adult woman needs father figure. I know I don’t and i am younger than Meg. Maybe it’s flattering to have Charles by your side now, but i don’t trust him. This is all his pr overdrive. And he is tearing apart his sons.
I never thought Diana was a saint, but he treated her like crap, like she’s one of those dogs you breed. Awful waste of young life, which turned out to be short.
I don’t necessarily think she needs an adult father figure either. Maybe father figure isn’t even the right term. But her own family on her father’s side is so DISLOYAL and outright weird, I could see her seeking true friendships with other people (as she has with Jessica Mulroney — they seem to have some kind of bond, so much so that she lets Mulroney pick out sometimes ugly clothes for her be photographed in). So what she may have with Charles is not necessarily a father-daughter relationship, but one of friendship. We are by nature social beings and can’t exist in complete isolation so if she enjoyed Charles’s company I wouldn’t be surprised since her real father and siblings are so very irritating. That’s all I meant.
The remark nota cited was real. Kate and her family did many leaks for multiple purposes with paps while she was the gf. Including setting up pap shots. The proof was substantial.
While much has been whitewashed we still remember the Whitaker (sp?) And Tanna
I think the digs in the various articles are more directed to William than Kate. I also think that because he’s not always eye to eye with Charles that Kate is not going to cultivate a strong relationship with Charles if it will anger William. She’s stuck dealing with his moods directly and her motivations have always been to put William first before anyone else.
Actually, Kate dared to put their kids before William after George was born. He just finally got over it about a year ago which is why they actually look happy together again instead of fake happy/ pissed off at each other. William doesn’t get along with his father because he’s too much like him.
Who really knows why people hit it off? Not the Daily Mail.
So many of Meghan’s friends have said they hit it off immediately. It seems like she is a genuinely nice person who enjoys other people’s company. I think Meghan probably brings out Charles’ more jovial side, which makes spending time with him more appealing to Harry.
I know Meghan and Charles seem to have a good rapport. I just don’t think anyone, particularly the Daily Mail, would know the reasons why.
The article sounds like fanfic to me. 🙄
I think Charles and Camilla are closer to Harry and Meghan because Bill Middleton made his feelings known about Charles, a long time ago.
Bill may indeed love Charles but he doesn’t like him. And it runs much deeper than the issues involving his late mother Diana.
Imo they are using Meg and Harry. Charles isn’t popular, Camilla isn’t accepted, his sons are his best pr. And welcoming biracial wife, who is also American and divorced, well sounds like chuck is a good fella don’t you think? Its charles and canilla we are talking about…
I like Charles and Camila. I think it is probably a genuinely warm relationship.
I agree. He may genuinely be fond of Meghan, but Charles sucks. He’s trying to play his kids against each other in the press, and throwing both of them under the bus publicly (I don’t think he painted Harry in a good light in those book excerpts). And he did not handle the press the same as as Meghan during the War of the Wales. He was doing his own interviews, just like Diana. He’s trying to re-write history.
Agree with this
I agree, while he may genuinely like Meghan, he clearly benefits from this narrative.
Milla
If this wasn’t genuine we’d have likely heard or seen the cracks in the facade. It’s overwhelming the warmth of Meg and Charles too.
Only problem @ciress about the William comment is that kaiser doesn’t mention that William spoke fondly of his father in the 70th special, said he was a wonderful grandfather and wished he could spend more time with his children.
If William and Kate didn’t play so many games and would work a hell of a lot more, Charles would get to spend more time with the grandkids.
Or William knows the narrative that he won’t let his kids near Charles, and this is a back-handed lie to make Charles seem like the bad guy, not William.
Responding to certain posters gives them a platform to constantly recreate the negative narrative of Diana, William and Kate. Everyday, over and over again, attacking every positive comment is a sport that is best left ignored IMO.
I’m surprised there wasn’t a post with that and the new photo of Charles, Kate, and Louis!
If William aka Billy “normal” Middleton wanted his father Charles to have more time with his children, he would.
That comment was shade on Charles not being around to see them. It wasn’t a compliment. There are even some royalists on Twitter who picked up on the shade and said that if William did more engagements Charles might have some free time to see his kids. Neither Charles or William are innocent with these press games.
Nic
True. Neither are as good as they think and both are playing. Charles has a mild advantage of using some finesse while William will take them to court or black ball their access if they dont go with his fluff.
They used to be close when William was younger, I think a lot of his has to do with his future role – William doesn’t want it. Part of the issue is that Charles and William are very similar personalities both are prickly and moody – always were going to clash. Plus William loves to rub the family life that he has with the Middletons into his father’s face – Charles was a single parent who tried his best and yes he made mistakes. Mistakes that his sons maybe not be in a place to forgive.
Throwing your children under the bus in the press is not a “mistake”.
I’m with you Digital Unicorn. Charles is an emotional man who couldn’t handle Diana’s whiplash, manipulative temperament. He cannot handle the same temperament in his eldest son either, after the closeness in their relationship before Diana’s death. It may be Meghan’s strong relationship with her basically single mum gives Harry more insight into how hard it is to raise a child as a solo parent.
Older children are often more scared by divorce, especially if they are old enough to understand what is happening when their parents break up. William certainly was. It seems for the most part he has embraced Camilla now and is happy his father is happy, but I imagine the situation with his parents has residual effects. Not that it doesn’t for Harry, obviously, but it was probably William who saw more first hand/ understood on some level the vitriol between his parents. I don’t really know that it is fair to judge anyone in the situation based upon what we read in the paper.
Both William and Harry were away at boarding school most of the year during the War of the Waleses. I’d take what Diana spun about those times with plenty of salt.
The public got confirmation that the Wales marriage was in bad shape in the early 1990s but the marriage was actually in bad shape since the mid-1980s long before William and Harry were in boarding school.
William likes to get his way and so does Charles. As heirs they can get away with it. This is why they clash. Harry bends more with them because he has to. Harry has also obtained treatment for his mental health issues. Maybe William should do that as well because when a 36 year old still can’t get over his parents divorce from over 20 years ago, he’s got some issues he should be working out.
I think and agree with Kaiser on all points. And in the end I hope they find in one another what they need: a father figure or Megs and a daughter (in law) who looks up to him and respects him and takes a genuine interest in the monarchy and all the good they can do.
And let’s be honest, any one with half a brain would take a KEEN interest and try their best to fit in. Bottom line is that the monarchy is a business and she is treating ot that way. Smart gal.
If Thomas reads this he will go ballistic.
I almost wonder if the DM is trying to provoke him so they can cover another outburst.
Oh! I bet you’re right!
This ^^. I think they have a legitimate warmth for each other (which is great, because in an ideal world you should get along with your in-laws where possible). But I *also* think she’s intelligent and understands that the best way to feel comfortable in a firm is to abide by their core values, work hard, and get along with everyone. She’s not dumb. She’s also kind. I hope these good relationships last a very long time, for both of them.
Both William & Harry clearly have had their differences with Charles. Just last year Harry gave an interview where he more or less accused his father of forcing him to walk behind his mother’s coffin which added to his trauma. Charles made a lot of mistakes & we shouldn’t pretend that his boys are ungrateful so & so’s acting out for no reason. They grew up with Charles and Meghan didn’t. I do think both boys now have a cordial relationship with their father, and William’s son Louis has Charles as one of his middle names which is in honor of his father.
In that same year, there was the incredibly warm interview between Charles and Harry. Louis is a constant royal name, homage to Louis Mountbatten if nothing else. It is even one of Edward’s middle names.
Harry made the damning statement just a year ago that accused his father of forcing him to walk behind his mother’s coffin which left him traumatised. The interview is still recent which shows that it is something that is still troubling him. This is probably the strongest criticism that either son has ever made publicly against their father. It is also worth noting that William has also given warm interviews about his father but it still doesn’t change what happened before.
Charlotte’s middle name is Diana which is in honor of William’s mother. Louis middle name is Charles which is in honor of William’s father. These names were not selected by mere coincidence.
I may be wrong but I don’t think Harry blamed his father for that. The pressure for the pomp and circumstance of the funeral came from Blair, the press and the public. The RF suffered collateral damage. They were forced to use the funeral plan that was in place for the Queen Mother’ and use it for Diana’s funeral in order to satisfy the bloodthirsty public. Honestly I believe the press is to blame for that because they forced it on the RF.
Yeah, I saw that interview and Harry never mentioned his father. He made reference to “they,” that “said you need to do this, blah, blah.” There are leaps and assumptions gong on here.
Charles is their father, the children would not have been allowed to walk behind their mother’s coffin if he didn’t give it the greenlight. Also it has been claimed that Charles was scared in case there was an angry mob at the funeral who blamed him for the way he had treated Diana, so having his son’s by his side was used as a sort of buffer.
For those of us that come from varying degrees of dysfunctional families, this piece is extremely relatable. For me, I have a cruel and mentally ill mother. Unfortunately, my husbands mother is quite similar. But, if she hadn’t been, I would have been ecstatic to develop a bond with the mother figure I have always wanted. For Meghan, I would assume it’s the same with a father figure. I am sure both of them are reveling in their special relationship. Charles can take on the father figure role to a surrogate daughter and Meghan can finally have a stable father figure in her life who supports her 100%.
I’m sure that there is much more to it than that but it sure does make a good headline. lol!
I still get a little choked up when I see images of Charles walking her down the isle; especially when he offered her his arm. I got the sense he was quite proud to take her (expletive removed) father’s place. I never saw him have that much affection/caring for his boys. (Not to say it has never happened, I just never saw images). I softened up for him on that day.
The PR machine for Charles is turning so fast it might spin off the earth’s axis into space…..
No kidding, Charles offered Meghan his arm, not a kidney.
Love the name you comment under:)
Well, everyone seems to be buying it, so it’s a win for Charles!
If your comment is directed at me, thank you, Lady D.
I believe for Charles it’s a PR stunt. Meg & Harry are still a hot new topic and everyone is in love with them so I think Charles wants to get some extra special brownie points there.
Harry is happy about it as I always thought he was the black sheep of the family and now his dad is finally giving him some attention. Even if it’s only temporary, he’ll be happy for as long as it lasts. (I was in a similar situation – after my mom’s death, I suddenly became the most important person for my dad and even though I knew it was not going to last – I loved it. Unfortunately, for me it’s already gone and he’s replaced me with a new lady and I haven’t spoken to him since April!)
Willliam, however is the Heir to the Heir and he has been “bred” this way. I’m sure Charles loves him but in this cold, you’re the future King of the GB kind of way. Therefore William has become closer to the Middletons as they probably show him what it feels like to have a family which is also one of the reason why Kate and Will already have three kids.
I don’t think William has to get along with his father, regardless he is going to succeed him one day if the BRF continues. I doubt Harry will ever be left starving but I read stories about Andrew and Edward and wanting/ needing more money so I am curious what happens when Charles is King, I’m guessing Andrew and Edward continue to get money but as much as they get now? I know people will say Harry has the money inherited from Diana, and for us that would be beyond rich, but I don’t think so for the lifestyle the royals are used to. I hope Charles takes care of that so in the future Harry won’t be dependent on his brother, William’s decisions on funding. I have a soft spot for Harry.
Meghan is a millionaire all on her own. Harry will be fine.
LOL really? You think the money Meghan made from acting would support the lifestyle she lives now?! It didn’t even support it when it was just her. Face it, H&M’s financial future relies heavily on staying in Charles’s good graces
@Dee Kay
Even with their combind wealth there is no way H & M could afford to buy a large KP apartment, a second country mansion (and afford the upkeep for both homes), round the clock security detail , bispoke designer outfits, countless staff for work and home, countless holidays a year with VVIP service and many other things. @Herewegoagain is right they are heavily relient on staying in Charles’s good graces but also in the good graces of the BRF and the British taxpayer.
Meghan is savvy, she knows she needs to get into Charles’ good graces for their future financial security. Looks like she was working it from the start, smart woman.
Guest
Whoa. When did Meg come out as a gold digger? The hard worker, boot strap, educated, self sufficient woman? Did I miss where she stopped pulling her own weight and go shopping daily? Or her trail of millionaire exs?
I think Harry probably invested his mom’s money (if he has common sense). That’s what you should do if you get an inheritance. And for him investing would be easier since he gets a stipend for being a prince.
If he has not bothered to invest his mom’s money (the usual way rich people get richer), then I have no words.
Harry inherited around £10m from his mother. Even wisely invested, there is no way that would support what he spends. Last year alone, he, William and Kate cost £5m from the Duchy of Cornwall. That doesn’t include housing, or Meghan.
True, but I assumed he spends everyone else’s money (er, taxpayers) and invests what Diana gave.
I vaguely remember reading that Jackie O didn’t get much from Aristotle O upon his death, but she invested it wisely and seemed to have a ton of money at her death.
@perplexed, I see what you’re saying now. It’s funny about Jackie O – she inherited around $26 million, which was indeed not much in the context of Onassis’s wealth, but was a lot in 1975. Maurice Tempelsman was a brilliant investor and you’re right, I think Jackie O died with at least a couple of hundred million. I suspect Harry’s financial advisors are not quite as good as that though.
To answer your other question, gm, when Charles becomes King, Harry, Andrew and Edward will be reliant on Charles. The monarch has control over the Sovereign Grant (approx £82m last year) and the income from the Duchy of Lancaster (around £20m last year), which is a total income of over £100m per year and is significantly more than the income from the Duchy of Cornwall alone, which is about £20m.
From that, Charles will need to support all of the working royals except William, Kate and family. This is one of the reasons that Andrew has such dodgy friends. They give him “loans.” Charles could choose to settle some money privately on Harry (the Queen could also choose to settle some money privately on Andrew) but we would never know whether they had done so or not.
I doubt if Andrew and Edward will need to be taken care of by Charles when C is King because undoubtedly the Queen will provide generously for them in her will. In Andrew’s case he has a long-term lease on the Royal Lodge and does not owe rent for the duration of the lease, a lease that will outlive him and maybe even his daughters, because of money he paid up front. If Charles decides not to fund Andrew, Edward or any of the other older working royals, all that means is that they get to retire and live off their inheritances.
In Harry’s case I am willing to bet that he will be provided for generously by his father like his uncles have/will be provided for by the Queen, and for that reason he will not be reliant on William’s generosity and furthermore will have a enough wealth to pass on to his children and grandchildren.
Don’t you think that’s why harry and meghan are sooooo fond of Camilla and Charles? So, they can leave more money for them? She knows where the power is…more power to them..
^ Yup, I said the same above.
You must think Charles is an idiot, a complete dupe. Now that Harry’s married, he and his wife are part of Pa’s business and marketing plan. What part of that team work are you failing to see? What part of Harry feeling more stable, more mature and more like a family man are you missing? Unless he is a spendthrift, I doubt he and Meghan will burn through his inheritance from both his mother and great-grandmother, and one day, his grandmother. But it’s obvious that the cunning, power-hungry gold digger narrative makes you feel better about disliking Meghan.
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a22686998/prince-harry-prince-william-inheritance-queen-mother/
So we’re picking which DM articles we choose to believe and which ones are bull shirt? Funny how the ones that are believed are very pro-HM/con-W. 🙄
Duh, this is how it works around these parts, ha. DM, DailyBeast negative articles on H&M are all bull – made up fanfiction, but the negative articles on W&K are all believable. If they’re positive DM/DB articles on M&H they’re all true tho, obviously.
I have no doubt the affection is genuine on both sides but I think Charles and Meghan get along because Charles is super desperate to shine up his image and because Meghan realizes that she and Harry will need Charles’ good will going forward. Will and Kate will be King and Queen consort and before that they will have LOADS of Duchy of Cornwall money. They aren’t going to be financially dependent on Charles and his largesse in the same way that Meghan and Harry will be. I’m sure William has some lingering resentments about his childhood or whatever but maybe the reason it seems he’s holding on to the rift a little tighter is quite frankly because he can.
I agree with this. I think there is genuine affection between Charles and Meghan but I think there’s also some strategy involved with this.
Completely agree. It’s a relationship that is mutually beneficial to both. Only the heirs place is secure in the royal family, the rest are at the mercy of the person at the helm. Just look at the York sisters who have been marginalized simply because of Charles sour relationship with Andrew.
+1
Charles doesn’t see William as his heir, but as his rival for the throne, only a couple of days ago on Sky News, commentators were still discussing whether Charles should abdicate in favor of William. That must hurt, being king is his only goal in life, he’s even found himself a tagline “the most prepared king in history”. It’s pretty sad really and it goes a long way in explaining the tensions between him and William and why he throws william and his family under the bus at every occasion.
“because Meghan realizes that she and Harry will need Charles…”
Why is this being laid solely at Meghan’s feet here? This is Harry’s family after all, whom I’m sure Harry would take the lead in dealing with. I guess it’s always the cunning, crafty woman’s fault, amirite?
Because they have started hanging out with them a lot more after the wedding… It’s ok to be cunning..otherwise she would not have gotten where she is today. You think that was pure luck?
Yes, it was a magical fairytale, remember? Meghan just stumbled upon Prince Harry’s social circle on a night out… Gosh, what is wrong with being a social climber? Why is that phrase always seen in a negative slant? Making most of your opportunities and cultivating a strategic circle of friends are things Meghan did to get ahead and she came quite far. She’s a hustler and good for her.
Sophia
I’m still pretty confident the Meg opponents that were not equally as critical of Kate are this way from closet racism. Meghan has proven to walk the walk. Yet it still is the scheming biracial, divorced, American woman that has insidiously carved out her spot in the brf to live off of that wealth.
This feels like a step back. Even if it’s just gossip. The mindset still thrives
Charles is such a turd at times with the press.
We heard what Charles said about that British reporter on the ski slope when he thought the microphone was off or low setting.
PS:I just googled: it was BBC’s Nicholas Witchell.
Note Witchell interviewed William just prior to HM’s 90th birthday. It was seen as a thaw in media relations.
I bet Charles doesn’t see it that way.
I think Meghan has done a lot to bring Harry closer to Charles. It’s quite visible, the trust the Firm has in her right from the start, and the affection Charles extends to her.
That having been said, Charles is an extremely clever and ambitious man whose goal all these years later is still to be admired, respected, and supported as monarch when the time comes. He knows nothing will block his coronation, but the persistent support via public polls for William to leapfrog him definitely rankles (and must have its effects on their official relationship, no matter what the state of their private affairs).
Charles has also been campaigning for 20 years now, carefully and cleverly, to have his wife recognized as _Queen_ Camilla. He’s playing a long game, and all the press this year is part of that process. The stories about his sons and their wives get the most press, but Charles keeps his eyes on the prize, and the prize is Queen Camilla.
Yes @Josie I agree – a mixture of genuine closeness and Charles being “clever and ambitious.” I wish it wouldn’t come out so much on William as the heir, as both his sons seemed to say pretty fond and loving things for his 70th birthday thing. Charles needs to build a bridge and get over it on his wounds from Diana winning the PR war, and the love from her sons, during the divorce. I know it takes a lot of time, but (just my opinion) no matter how grown your kids, be the grown-up parent – that showed in the wedding, but not in these backdoor media shenanigans.
I think Meghan is the daughter Charles wanted. She’s intelligent and cultured. She’s a foodie. She and Charles can converse without it being awkward. This relationship is a win-win for both and also for Harry. He doesnt have to choose between his wife and his family. He can have both. As for shade against W&K, well…this is the relationship they fostered with Charles. They chose her family to the exclusion of Charles and the BRF. That was their choice. Even after they had children, they continued to foster a divide. That’s on them if Charles is openly eager to be a FIL and future grandpa to Meghan and her children.
I think it’s quite telling that William casually dropped those “I wish he had more time with his grandkids” comments in the recent documentary. I thought the “when he’s there, he’s brilliant” comment was a little passive aggressive. For years the stories have indicated that he and Kate were the ones holding out. NOW he wants to subtly push back on those stories, and of course Charles is to blame.
Good catch and I agree.
I think William may be one of those people who begin from an adversarial position and then become more agreeable based on how much effort people put into maintaining a relationship with them. Meghan on the other hand clearly is great at getting along with people and she makes the effort.
I do think there’s a bit of Don’t Forget About Me happening where William is testing how responsive Charles would be if William reached out to him more. So, unlike the stories we’ve heard for years about the Cambridges holding themselves apart to the point of staging their own church walk and post-Christmas shoot, William makes a comment that the problem is actually Charles’ schedule meaning of course they would love to spend more time with him.
“They chose her family to the exclusion of Charles and the BRF.” As we’ve seen recently, the kids get along very well with the wider BRF. Charles is the main problem. Maybe Will just doesn’t want him to be around his little family. He has his reasons, so whatever. It wasn’t long ago when people were claiming the Cambridge kids don’t interact with the other BRF kids – which turned out to be completely false.
And the only reason they chose to stage their own Christmas pap walk/shoot is because the Middletons weren’t extended a Christmas invite. What’s wrong with the Cambridge’s wanting to alternate their Christmas? Everyone does it.
I don’t care what the Cambridges or Middletons do for Christmas generally, but that shoot that Carole set up was utterly ridiculous.
I agree that it is a combination of factors that has allowed Charles to bond with Meghan so quickly. Certainly her out-going personality and university training (theater and international relations) have helped; she has had to put herself out there to hustle for jobs and, like many actors, is constantly learning and curious about other people’s experiences. The BRF is a font of history and information that is extremely different from her own life up until now and will be part of her children’s history as well. So she’s showing an interest which probably pleases other BRF members because who doesn’t want to talk about themselves and share their hobbies with someone who is genuinely interested? Meghan probably also likes the efforts C&C have made to make her comfortable in her new role, family and country.
Kate has never had to hustle in the same way Meghan has; family expectations were made clear and her family supported her in every way so that she only had to worry about marrying well (preferably Wills) and living a pampered life. Also, she had more knowledge of living in UK and the history of the UK and BRF so she isn’t as interested. She seems to be a bit more introverted in the sense that she will wait for someone else to approach her or initiate a conversation rather than ask questions first.
Of the two marriages I think w&k have a better chance than H&M. Kate waited for him all those years and had a much better idea of what she was getting into. Meghan gave up a lot more imho- independence, success…
Here are my thoughts on Tiara-gate (you all should read the Times article about it; sorry about the paywall: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/queen-warned-harry-about-meghan-tiara-tantrum-sx9bts5q5).
I think that the Queen was prepared to offer the Grand Duchess Vladimir, but only with the pearls. I think HM reserves the emerald version of the tiara for visits to Ireland/events that have some Irish connection. It was hugely symbolic when HM made her visit to Ireland, and she really brought out the best emeralds in the collection (and those are some emeralds).
I don’t think Meghan really understood the historic significance. So Meghan wanted the Grand Duchess Vladimir, but with the emeralds; the Queen was only prepared to offer it with the pearls. That’s why it was offered initially and then withdrawn. This is my head canon, but it’s the only thing that makes sense to me.