Having watched the Duchess of Sussex’s big interview on The Ellen Show, I came away knowing for sure that she is exactly the nerd-princess we’ve seen for years. That’s just who she is: dorky, earnest, wholesome, a total cheeseball. I think that was the point of Meghan doing the Ellen interview – once again, a reintroduction, but this is who she’s always been. It doesn’t matter that Ellen DeGeneres didn’t ask any penetrating questions – that’s not who Ellen is and that’s not why Meghan was there. This wasn’t even a “rebrand.” This was Meghan saying “I’m still me, I’m still this person, a cheeseball who does silly pranks and makes Mom Jokes.” Here are some quotes from the interview which we had not previously covered:
On having two kids: Archie “loves being a big brother” but he’s still adjusting to not being an only child. Meghan said:”I think it’s just, everyone tells you — well, someone told H and I: ‘When you have one kid it’s a hobby, and two children is parenting.’ Suddenly we realized, ‘Oh, right.’ Everyone talks about what it’s like for the second child, but no one talks about the adjustment for the first child when the second one comes along. So I think they have this moment of, ‘Oh, this is fun. Oh, this how it is now.’ ”
Harry looooooves California: “He loves it…we moved here during lockdown, exactly when things shut down, so we’ve just been able to spend a lot of time at home and creating our home, but I think it’s just the lifestyle and the weather is pretty great. But we’re just happy.”
She’s cooking for Thanksgiving: “I love to cook. We’ll be home and we’ll just sort of relax and settle in. It’s our second Thanksgiving at home in California, so it will be nice.”
She wanted a curly bob like Andie McDowell in Four Weddings: “I was 10 or 11 maybe. The reason my hair looked like that back then was because I was obsessed with Andie MacDowell in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and all I wanted was that perfect curly little haircut. So I asked my mom, and we went to the hairdresser and and on that first day I was like, ‘This is amazing! I look like Andie MacDowell.’ And then it was as though everyone forgot to tell me, ‘You have ethnic hair, you are not going to look like Andie MacDowell in Four Weddings and a Funeral,’ and that’s what it ended up evolving into. And I went to school and they said I looked like Krusty the Clown from The Simpsons. It was a real bummer.”
On paid paternal leave: “I think people truly forget or don’t even know, it’s one of six countries in the entire world and the only wealthy nation in the entire world that does not mandate and have federal paid leave program. Everyone knows how hard it is in those first few weeks, if not months, to be together as a family and the fact that we don’t offer that here is something now as a mom of two I will do everything I can to make sure we can implement that for people.”
It was breezy on purpose and she was given the space to talk about paid parental leave and The Bench, which is why she was there. She also made it sound like she and Harry both love the Montecito Lyfe, and she’s probably cooking a lot for H and Archie. She and Ellen also made a $25,000 donation to Brittany Starks, a single mom who started a non-profit, A Twist of Greatness (video below). There was also a really, really awkward “prank” where Meghan wore an earwig and had to repeat everything Ellen said to her in the mic, all as Meghan chatted with vendors outside the studio. This was cute for a few minutes but the bit went on way too long. Ellen said that Meghan actually requested to do it too. This was where I realized that Meghan truly is the dorky, wholesome theater geek who loved improv.
Last thing: Meghan also gave Ellen an exclusive photo of Archie-from-behind. Archie really is a ginger, just like his dad. And Archie likes feeding the rescue chickens!
Screencaps/photos courtesy of The Ellen Show.
Archie’s hair might even darken more to auburn or rust. It’s a lovely red.
I saw a young tween girl on the subway the other day whose hair was this exact same color with beautiful ethnic bouncy curls. It was such a pretty color and she had a face full of sprinkles. Just gorgeous! My fantasy of what Lillibet Diana would look like.
I’m SO EXCITED he’s a redhead. Both because I love redheads and to also throw it in the teeth of the British.
Judging from the shape of his head, and how tall he is, if we saw Archie facing the camera, he would look exactly like his Daddy did at that age. He is totally Harry’s mini-me!
This was a great interview and the fact that she’s truly moved on from the unhinged, obsessive, stalking, clinically insane press over the pond. What she did on Ellen and Oprah is clearly pushing people over the edge. Too many hints were dropped on those morning shows about coming back to England, promoting her book, interviews and the clear pain of never getting access to her. A person smiling and happy really triggers the crazy. I just can’t believe that not having access and proximity to this woman has sent people over the edge.
I really do have to laugh at how British press pundits nearly cried over never officially meeting meghan and then boom—here she is having sit down interviews in America.
Lol. If only they had been nicer to her…
That’s what gets me. All those people saying mean things about someone they never met. That’s the very definition of prejudice. Pre-judgment
It’s the fact that they trash her and then wants access, pictures of her children to serve on a platter for profit. They’ve completely destroyed any and all hopes of a working relationship. The problem is that they know this and instead of just backing off, they keep attacking to their own detriment.
LOL right? It must be so painful for them to watch Meghan and Harry do interviews and collaborate with American media outlets. You can sense the bitterness when some of them talk about these moments too.
The BM is so obsessed with Meg, that they had a live feed of the Ellen interview on the Telegraph and The Guardian. A freaking live feed for daytime interview. They wanted access to Meghan and are mad that she never gave it to them. I even saw some comments asking why didn’t she talk about the royals. It was wild.
OMG, that almost (I said ALMOST!) makes me feel sorry for them. They are so pathetic and desperate.
Of course she should have talked about the royals. The royals are the most important human beings on the planet! Unfortunately, they’re to lazy and boring to say or do anything interesting on their own – but that’s what other people are for.
And if she had talked about the royals you would have heard the screech for her using the royal connection for relevancy. I love that she is so unbothered and moisturised. They said what they needed to say to Oprah and have moved one. Closure looks good on them. This appeal with the MoS just needs to go her way so she (and they) can fully close this chapter and move on with their lives.
A live feed?? Seriously? This is so embarrassing. Wow
If you have ever been in a situation where you lost the person that you know you are you can relate to Meghan. Look at her…This woman was in a storm in her life and is now on the others side….and she’s thriving!
I love Meghan but I hate what she said about parenting. I know she likes a good quote, I do too, but I think this was not a nice one to share. I think parenting of one child is not a “hobby”, yikes.
On to the nice things, I love that she is sweet and cheesy and herself. And she looks amazing! I’m glad she did a low key interview like this, hope she had fun.
Yeah… that wasn’t great. Raising one child is not a hobby. What was her message meant to be? One kid is a breeze, but 2 is real work where you have to put effort into parenting?
There is a big difference between having one child and two children, especially when they are close in age. This I can relate to. There’s no drama here so move on
There’s so much shaming of parents, particularly mothers, and I feel like that quote is just another example, but I doubt she realised that. We all say things without really thinking about the impact sometimes.
There are parents who seem to handle an entire brood, without breaking a sweat, and others who struggle with just one. I think the support network and the nature of the child can have a big impact.
My personal experience is that two was easier than one because they entertain each other, but three has added many grey hairs. Not everyone will be the same.
Often these comments seem to be about competing to be the best, most knowledgable mother. Also it can feel like parents of two or more almost look down on parents of one, as though they’re some kind of ‘starter parents’.
Sorry but I’ve heard that repeated multiple times, particularly about having two children both under the age of 5, and she’s not even endorsing it. There’s no shame involved at all. This is a ridiculous conversation. If she was shaming moms why would she be campaigning for paid leave etc???
Meghan knows more about being mom-shamed than anyone on the planet. Does anyone remember the frothing at the mouth from how she held Archie at the polo game?? She was accused of child endangerment!! Why would she try to “shame” anyone using an offhand comment that has nothing to do with how good of a mom you are and has everything to do with how juggling two kids is different than having one?
Many friends of mine have said similar things when they became parents — the first one is fun, but having two is serious work, especially if they’re close in age. Meghan sounds like a great, hands-on mother who’s also got a busy career. I find nothing offensive about her comment.
One kid’s fairly easy. Having more than one is a handful. She didn’t lie. I had no idea how easy one kid was until I had more.
@WigletWatcher Ok, I would NEVER have used this term before I heard Meghan say it. Add the married mom in my 30’s of 2 (11 and 7) of a certain socio-economic status: your first baby is like a hobby. You research everything, go out and buy all of the stuff for it, dedicate certain areas of the home to it, clear your schedule for the next 12 months, buy all of the clothing needed for the 1st yr and then sue back and wait for the baby to enter the world. If all goes well, it is just plug-and-play. Sorta like a hobby? If your baby is healthy.
Later, parenting becomes full of emotional land mines, and worries of all kinds, but the first year for me anyway, was a story book that I tearing up just thinking about as I type this.
She was just repeating what someone had told her about having 2 kids vs 1, not that she actually felt that way though, or at least that’s how I heard it
I get that, and I do agree with the other commenter who says we’re too nitpicky with Meghan, she gets so much heat for any imperfections while others are allowed to be so problematic and hardly any criticisms, or certainly not to the lengths that Meghan receives them.
This is my first time critiquing anything of Meghan’s, I have loved everything she’s done, even some of the fashion choices that were hated here by others (I loooved the red pantsuit lol) so I was unsure about saying something, but I do still think that for someone fighting for paid parental leave, there was a better way to say it.
Even if she had repeated the quote as is but then added a caveat afterwards (after having one we certainly know it’s no hobby, but we weren’t prepared for the differences and extra work to manage two young kids… etc etc – something like that or better.) I just think Meghan is so kind and thoughtful about her words, I think she could have added a caveat beautifully that would negate any of these points.
Anyway, I do agree she shared it causally and it’s just a part of mom/parent culture, but there’s so much in that culture that is toxic. But, everyone is right that it’s not Meghan’s responsibility to come in and fix everything that is toxic, and she’s trying to fix so much, that she prob deserves a pass on this one, so I do hear that. 🙂
If someone told me this I’d tell them to kiss off and I would never repeat it. A child is not a hobby.
LOL, sure you would.
A lot of new names here getting upset about this….
Yeah she said somebody told her that. It probably wasn’t said to her in any seriousness to begin with.
She literally said that’s what someone told her. I’ve heard similar things and I’ve heard parents say that one child is fine, having two is like 20. What she said was fine.
I kind of agree though I wouldn’t exactly say its a hobby. Its just that when we had one child it was a lot easier to pack her up and take her along to the things we wanted to do. It was harder when we had two kids though. And then as they get older and their unique personalities come through more, it can be a challenge.
What I’ve heard and think is pretty true, is that with the first child you think everything is related to your parenting – the good and the bad. With the second you realize how much is just based on a child’s personality.
I have the one child and I feel like it’s fairly easy now compared to the newborn/toddler stage. I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as a hobby but I also won’t describe it as hard work. It’s a very fun time, especially seeing their little personalities come out.
We only had 1 child and we took him everywhere. Traveled all over the world and took him to nice restaurants. We only had 1 on purpose because we wanted to continue to live the way we were already living.
This is exactly what I think she meant. My kids are two years apart and my oldest will soon turn three. When it was just him (mind you, this was pre-pandemic) he went everywhere with us: to restaurants, museums…I packed his stroller with the snap-in car seat onto Ubers and he joined my friends and I for coffee, brunch, and any event a car-less mother could take her child to in the city.
In some ways I was very lucky that I got pregnant right as the pandemic hit. We were forced to stay home but no way would I have been able to lift the stroller and uber him everywhere I wanted to go. Now that baby girl is one, I cannot imagine doing what I did with two (granted, many changes in circumstances due to COVID and moving to a new city). My friends and I would reminisce and say, “remember when I hopped on ubers and took my son everywhere to meet you guys?” It felt like a different world (and it was) and my past industriousness and ability to maintain a social life still amazes me.
This is exactly it. There’s a sort of leisure to having one child (not that it’s a piece of cake or anything, at least my first wasn’t) but you get to linger longer with your first, you know? You can kind of savor it. We went from one little one to three, with 3 under three briefly… kind of man on man defense straight to zone defense, lol. I don’t think she meant anything demeaning, she’s got a toddler and a teething baby & maybe extra tired, so let’s cut her some slack.
She said someone said that to them.. I think a lot of people say that to people having a second child.. right or wrong it is a common enough saying.
May be common to say but it’s incredibly rude. No one’s parenting is a hobby. Mom of one here and get very sick of the crap thrown my way about not being a “real” parent. It’s a careless and cruel statement but most people have more than one kid and therefore are happy to pile on with their snobbery. It’s like those stupid diaper commercials making fun of first time parents (also those diapers suck). I remember on my first day out with friends with my baby, I was so happy to have my baby out to see them, she was dressed in a cute onesie and in her chair with a couple of toys. I stopped at a grocery store and some woman said, “Oh is that your first? I can tellllll.” She had no idea the hell I was in (not bc of my daughter) and the happiness I was hoping that day would bring me and instead I just got experienced mom eye roll. So yes we would all be better for people to stop with the only mom and first time mom shaming. Meghan included.
@cel21: chill. She didn’t shame anyone. She repeated a comment made to her and used it as an example of how the focus is always on things changing for the parents once a second child comes along, but how little focus there is on things changing for the first child. Thats it. She didn’t call anybody a bad mother or suggested that parenting is easy in any way. She merely used that comment as an example to her point.
@cel21, I think you’re getting a little too in your feelings on this….do you really think this woman who is championing so hard for paid parental leave would maliciously say something meant to shame ANY parent? It was a retelling of one of those flippant comments ALL us parents get from well-meaning folks (and sometimes not-so-well-meaning folks) (ex: your kid is being a total jerk, you’re completely stressed and burnt out = “enjoy this time, they grow fast and you’ll wish you could get this time back!” which only serves to guilt-trip parents for not thinking being a parent is sunshine and roses every single day). And again…she did not say this. She was repeating something said to her.
This is not me “stanning” for her and thinking she can do no wrong. I’ve been pretty clear all along that I think she is human, acts as such and of course she is going to stumble from time to time. This is me saying that we need to stop with the nitpicking of every.single.thing this woman says and does.
@Cel21 Sorry this happened to you at the grocery store.
I have to note your response is more about you than about what Meghan said. “One child is a hobby” is a common saying. Doesn’t mean one child is any less significant than having more. Why would you think that?
It also doesn’t mean having one child is the same amount of work as having two. Or having two is the same amount of work as having three, and so on. That’s basic mathematics. I have two, but I don’t feel like less of a mom when I see women with more. I admire them for being able to do it. . I also occasionally envy my former self when I had just the one, thinking back to how much less work it was.
So, yeah. The hobby comment is not about you, or anyone else above who got upset.
Ooops! @Cel21….Methinks you just revealed a little bit more about your life and the challenges your having that you intended. Is this your cry for help?
I’ve been a single mom to one child for almost 12 years – their entire life – and it really is quite a privilege to even jokingly refer to having one child as a hobby. It’s something no one who has done it alone would ever say or even repeat and it made my stomach sink to read it. It was tone deaf and I wish she had thought twice about saying it.
Personally, I think it’s incredibly rude and tone-deaf to assume that a woman who braved suicidal ideation during her first pregnancy, had to endure her child being compared to a chimpanzee on a national news platform among other insults, and had her and her husband’s security taken away from her amidst death threats and harassment when they left to help protect their kids, is in any way insensible or flippant about motherhood.
She also had a miscarriage and wrote movingly about that, as some of you seem to be forgetting. So I think she knows the deal.
@Cel21 – I’d push that chip off your shoulder if you want to get along with us long-time CBers. You sound angry about what was, in all likelihood, a happy day out with friends and your baby. I think there’s something else in your life that is making you lash out so maybe you should figure that out before you go on the attack.
Oh my gosh calling parenting a child a hobby is an insult to people with one!!!! Now people are saying this is my cry for help??? And I have a chip on my shoulder? Because I am advocating that people should be way more considerate and not shame new parents? Lol I shared an experience trying to explain why empathy for these type of comments are hurtful but I should know better than getting empathy from the internet lol. Don’t worry I’m not looking to get along with anyone here nor I am looking to make enemies, just would love moms of one to get the same respect as other parents. Sheesh. Typical internet stuff I guess!!
Nobody would be annoyed at you if you were actually being shamed. Of course there are people out there who shame moms of one. But that’s not what happened here with Meghan. You’re still twisting her words, so you can’t be upset if someone else, in your opinion, twists yours.
@cel21 Meghan didn’t tell someone that though, someone told her that. And I have had plenty of people tell me after I had my first to just wait until I had more because it would be totally different. I didn’t take it as a personal attack.
I’m not new here, and have never heard the “hobby” expression in my life. I’ve heard that going to two is like going to 20 or whatever, but never the hobby comment, and it did rankle when I read it (though not enough for me to start a new thread about about it if the discussion wasn’t already being had here).
But I don’t think that Meghan was in ANY WAY “shaming” or knowingly insulting anyone. At all. Her comment *was* offensive (and incorrect), but I didn’t take it super personally because I know that celebrities are expected to have cutesy little anecdotes and quotes and sh!t like this prepared when they go on shows like this, and EVERY celebrity guest on EVERY show does some variation of it— it comes across as awkward a lot of the time because you know the interviewee was told to “come ready with some cute, sound-bite-ready stories!!” But if I’m going to give literally anyone the benefit of the doubt, it’s Meghan.
IMO Meghan can almost seem superhuman at times, because she lived through literal HELL and has come out on the other side so happy and successful when many of us would still be curled up in the fetal position in a padded room (definitely where I would be if I’d had to endure even 1% of what she did), but she IS still human, and was probably at least a little bit nervous about doing an interview in front of a live audience after so long, even if she didn’t show it. So I don’t think she should be crucified for one word out of an entire interview.
Having said that, “hobby” was not a great word choice, and I do think the people who were insulted by it should be able to express that here without getting piled on — isn’t that what this comment section is for?? Because we know that Meghan is meticulous with every single thing she says and does, and she could have tweaked the wording and still made the same point.
The bottom line is no way do I think that IRL Meghan looks down on parents of only children and thinks it’s a super easy little hobby. She WAS one, for the love of god, and I’m sure she’s more than aware of it how difficult it was for Doria at times.
tl;dr I found it slightly insulting too, but overall, it wasn’t a huge deal to me. It briefly hit a nerve, but the entire interview as a whole was wonderful and it was great to see her that happy and unbothered after what those people put her through— and imo THAT is what the takeaway from this appearance should be. She’s finally getting the happiness and peace that she deserves.
Maybe you should keep in mind that this comment was told *to* her and it might have upset her too until she personally understood the context which is the entire point of what she is trying to say.
@Cel21,
Try not to let idiots get under your skin so much. Some people are just assholes, and you don’t have to explain or defend anything to anyone commenting in your & especially your child’s presence about your child/parenting. You’ll be happier if you can just learn to blow those stupid comments off. Sorry if this doesn’t come off as I intended…it was to be supportive.
@Maria, she doesn’t repeat everything “told to her” on national television, and we know she chooses her words painstakingly. I’m not having a meltdown or a fit and I’m not criticizing her, only pointing out that if she’d changed that ONE word and used something different than “hobby,” I don’t even think we’d be here having this conversation because overall the interview was great.
But clearly some people found it insensitive, as evidenced by the number of comments. Why can’t you just scroll by and ignore it if you disagree? Or comment once, not multiple times, replying to multiple people, making SURE they know you think they’re wrong?
And why can’t you just accept that this is how some people — people who adore Meghan just as much as you do — feel about this one thing??
It’s making a lot of people not want to post here anymore (not just you, not at all, but the fact that it happens every single time anyone makes the tiniest critique of Meghan), because it should be fun discussing Meghan, but instead it’s exhausting feeling like you have to constantly defend yourself.
@jaded that seemed a bit rich when you’ve spent weeks talking about your husband’s ex and comparing her to Alice Evans as though they’re the same person.
Maybe people don’t care about changing themselves to ‘get along’ on a blog site which is also pretty rich. Are you the one who deems that commenters are ‘acceptable’ in this club? Kindness matters more than fitting in.
Cel21 I don’t know if you had it but post natal depression is a bitch. I struggled with one as a single mother way back having to work full time and leave my baby with others. I’ve never gotten over missing out on her. But equally I’ve stay at home mother friends who had a tough time with one. Especially if they didn’t feed, two friends were hospitalised. I suspect that if people are wealthy and the baby is easy it can seem like a hobby.
Notsosocial and fanciful, thank you for being kind. I am not hurt by these individuals and I am fine. My kiddo and I are healthily past her baby years. Was just trying to stick up for moms who have to put with crappy comments as this hobby thing is apparently said “all the time” per the comment I replied to. I guess since I a mom of one no one dares to say it to my face. 😀 Very nice to see compassionate comments out there and thank you.
And yes fanciful, I had to send my baby to day care very early and there is no denying that ache.
@Fanciful – perhaps I’ve been talking about Alice Evans and my partner’s ex because the similarities between are remarkable. I grew up with a mother and sister who were borderline/narcissistic personality disorder sufferers and it wasn’t pretty. It took me a long time to undo the damage they inflicted. In any event this has nothing to do with the crap being spewed at Meghan about a totally innocent comment someone else told her.
Jaded there you go again! We know about you and your family and I hope you have had therapy. Most of us have had experiences with narcissists in our families, But you still do not know Alice Evans nor her situation, you are projecting. It’s classic behavior. You are labelling someone you do not know, regardless of your experience. I’m saying maybe think about your judgement of others when you have been that person for weeks now. Leave this poor person alone and your holier than thou attitude. I’ve read enough backposts on this blog to realize that the ‘regulars’ don’t always last and the names change. you were mean, that’s all i got. and no, i don’t care about being ‘accepted’ by your brand of club. Blogs are here to make money, encourage clicks, not some elitist club to drive other posters away.
Most of us who comment here and read here are on the same team. But I do notice personal attacks which drive people away. It’s bizarre given how small the M and H appreciation society really is. Like i said above, blogs survive on revenue, and revenue is readers and clicks, not personal attacks of new followers.
@Fanciful – we all have our opinions on Alice Evans and many of us concur that she is a pitiable person, not evil, and that she needs some supportive therapy for her affliction(s). But she is reacting in a destructive manner by weaponizing her children. And no, I am not projecting or judging or having a holier than thou moment, and what’s “mean” is your antagonistic attitude. Furthermore, I have been commenting on CB for over a decade and have always used the name Jaded so please don’t accuse me of name-switching.
If you don’t like this club then leave.
Yeah, I don’t want to criticize her too much for what seems like a throwaway comment but I HATE when people say these kinds of things. I only have one kid but I had to take her to the ER and spend a terrifying week in the hospital when she was only three weeks old when she caught a virus, then isolate for weeks afterwards to protect her, so any implication that I’m not really “parenting” her because she’s my only child is pretty offensive. I know she’s just repeating what someone else told her but she’s repeating it for a reason and there are certainly less clunky ways of expressing her sentiments about moving from one child to two (which is undoubtedly difficult!)
I hope your baby is back to excellent health by now. It’s so hard when they’re sick! If you don’t mind yet another comment defending the things people say, often without understanding the impact it has? I remember clearly how different the dynamic when we brought home our second child. My first was the most pleasant child you could ever hope to have. I had no idea that my second, weighing in at almost ten pounds at birth and blessed with an unbelievable single volume called LOUD, would be such a different person. Just an entirely different experience. I think “hobby” wasn’t quite right but if you think about it it’s not that wrong, either… or at least it wasn’t for my situation. With my second child I had to split my attention and all my energy. I had to juggle the needs of children on different levels of development. Drive them to two different daycares. Buy them different kinds of food. I wasn’t able to devote myself to one familiar person whom I adored. I wouldn’t have been any less a mom had I stopped at #1 but having #2 did change things up a lot more than I expected. That’s when parenting at my house went to a different level. I think every parent dreams of having more one on one time with every child. When someone makes a remark such as the one you experienced that hurt your feelings maybe try to feel lucky and walk away knowing that they may have said it from a position of wistful thinking.
She said a friend told her that & i can get that it seems flippant but I’ve heard lots of parents make light comments like that at baby showers etc. I think a mother even said similar to Harry when they went to see military families in Windsor around last Remembrance Day before they left & Harry was asking about how it was juggling 2 kids.
When Harry went on engagements after Archie was born he talked about not getting much sleep so doubt they thought it was just a breeze.
I don’t like ellen so only watched it for the good Duchess. I enjoyed Meghan getting to be lighter and she looks like she’s in a great place so that’s good. But whilst she obviously can’t live her life to please others, I could just see each moment she would get ripped for in relation to the skit & couldn’t enjoy it even though she was a good sport
When she said that I cringed slightly….because I KNEW people were going to pounce on it, and I rest my case. She literally prefaced it by saying that it was something SOMEONE ELSE said to her and Harry — SHE did not say that herself. But again….I guess she probably shouldn’t have shared that because here we go again — she’s getting heat for not being 100% perfect. I have 2 children and I absolutely get what she was trying to convey with that anecdote — maybe “hobby” wasn’t the best word for this person to use in reference to parenting 1 kid, but there is a definite shift when you go from 1 to 2…it’s basically leveling up to a tougher phase in the parenting gig.
People, chill! Meghan is not perfect; no one is. We don’t always have to agree with everything she says. She was just repeating something that someone told her to highlight the difference between caring for one kid vs multiple kids.
It is sad to see how people are quick to nitpick and lambast her for everything she does.
@Dawning, yep. Exactly my feelings on this.
Meghan is not responsible for these folks who are in their feelings on here. Again they are like circling sharks looking for prey.
@Swirlmamad, co-signed. All this comes down to is ONE WORD she could have phrased differently. If she’d said “going to two is like going to 20,” I don’t think anyone would have blinked an eye. It’s just that the word “hobby” comes across very badly in this context. But it is not worth getting upset at Meghan for using one word.
Be mad at your own low comprehension skills not at Meghan. She didn’t say that’s how she felt she said someone told her that. Not that it was true but that’s what she was told.
Seriously. These comments about how it’s offensive are embarrassing.
If Meghan thought motherhood was a hobby she wouldn’t have braved the ire of the entire murderous British press and Royal Family to protect her kids. Use common sense, people.
Everyone is being so so sensitive about this. She is not critiquing anyone else’s choice to have one child, or any number. I know getting defensive may be a knee-jerk reaction, but it’s coming off like the people who are protesting have their own baggage. One child is *not* a hobby, but twice that many is much more work, hands down, mathematically. Meghan is a compassionate and thoughtful person, I can think she’s aware of any number of reasons people might have one child – preference, financial concerns, fertility issues, and more. She is ANYTHING but flippant.
Oh geez this is totally blown out of proportion. First of all, she didn’t say she believed it was a hobby, she was saying someone told her this.
welllll my parents had 8 children and I have one. And when I look at his childhood, I’m just…very aware…that it is not like mine. He gets a lot of attention that I couldn’t have even conceived of. So I don’t find the characterization offensive.
Some of you project your bitterness about the state of your own lives so vehemently onto Meghan and it shows.
Well, she was told, and quoted someone else.
I had to double-take with that comment. It was a little insensitive. I love my nugget. He’s amazing but you know what I am exhausted and I can’t imagine having more than one. He takes every little piece I have. So no, it isn’t a hobby. That’s just a really poorly worded statement. It’s ok to criticize Megan when she legitimately misspeaks. No one is perfect and this is something others can gripe over. 🤷🏽
wrong spot
A hobby is something that is fun, not to much work..
Two happy parents, a huge house, lots of money and a very young kid. Compared to two kids, the first one was easy, or easier.
I had my kids back to back too, one was easier than two. I’m not offended by the hobby comment.
I never expected Meghan to be perfect, so it doesn’t bother me when she makes mistakes. We should be allowed to point them out. This is a gossip site!
Yes, her logic is flawed. Children are not hobbies, whether you have 1 or 100. You can’t abandon them, the way you would a hobby. Watch “Maid” for a childcare refresher. Picture the same mom with a supportive co-partner (how many women truly have that?) , a loving grandma, nannies, financial support and other household help.
Meghan had all that with Archie and still she struggled. Postpartum depression is a real thing. So are sleepless nights and the effect they have on your well-being.
Sure, two kids is even harder. But it is much easier when you have so many advantages, as I’m sure Meghan knows.
Cute photo of Archie! I don’t think he’s a total ginger like his Dad, maybe more auburn? Very sweet..🥰
Same hair color as one of Diana’s sisters, Sarah. Very cute.
My heart went pitter-pat when I saw there was a photo! 💗
I absolutely loved this interview. It was sweet, funny and just… nice. Meghan seems to be in a really great place and I’m so happy for her. The prank was really funny. I loved when she held the crystal to her head and was humming . It was just a nice interview and proved how sweet and funny Meghan really is. And she got a VERY long standing ovation.
I can’t lie. I cringed hard at the vendor prank bit. It just felt incredibly awkward. But it was so nice to see old meg again. Because Kaiser is right. This is just who meg is. Incredibly dorky and cheesy. So to see that personality again and seeing her smile having a lovely chat with ellen was so nice and refreshing.
@Chloe, I felt very awkward too and had to look away from the TV. Meghan is a smart, intelligent and good person, and if she is happy doing that then good for her.
I just love to see her smiling and happy. I am very pleased that she didn’t mention those irrelevant Salty Isle lazy in-laws.
Best revenge ever: Let them see that they don’t count, they are nothing.
to see this side of her again? When did when did we see it before? Im not doubting you just seriously wondering when as i must have missed it?
@Meg She was literally on a game show where her role was to open suitcases slowly and cheesily guffaw at what’s inside.
It’s interesting that some people found it cringe and other people loved it. I thought it was a bit much but was cracking up at the hot sauce part. It was a tad too long but it worked for me overall. Mew, mew mew!
I felt the same way. I only saw a couple of snippets and I cringed, too. I’m a terrible sufferer of second hand embarrassment, and I felt that for her. She is absolutely adorkable and funny and earnest – and a complete professional – but the prank seemed unending. All I could think of was the attacks incoming from the other side, and I wasn’t wrong. It also seemed a bit unkind of Ellen, even if these segments are a staple of her show. She and Portia are obviously close to the Sussexes, and I can’t understand why she wouldn’t know the flak Meghan would receive, even if Meghan herself was game to do it. Meghan’s sense of humor and fun were on display, but there still seemed a tiny frisson of mean girling from Ellen at the same time. I’ve had those feelings about her before, not just with Meghan. All that being said, seeing Meghan so light hearted and free made the cringe moments bearable.
Me too. I rarely watch Ellen I know the pranks are her things but they’re tacky. Having said that we saw yet another version of Meghan. As all women (people) we’re multifaceted.
I thought the prank felt awkward at first, but MEGHAN’S comfort with it put me at ease and by the end, I was laughing along at her eating chips like a chipmunk. I came away feeling like she was showing that she’s not going to live inside anyone’s ideas of her (or what is “appropriate” for her) – she’s not willing to be trapped inside the very narrow confines of the Duchess box. She doesn’t have to.
The royal family have spent so many generations cultivating their air of mystery to convince people that they are chosen by God for this role they play when really they are a bunch of people of lower than average looks, intelligence and charisma who don’t bear up too well under closer scrutiny (plus they don’t want us reminded of exactly where their money and jewels come from).
Meghan doesn’t need the smoke and mirrors the royals need. She’s actually got something substantive to contribute and she’s happily showing up as her full, well rounded human self. Not some mythical Duchess fairy unicorn who is above everyone and is inaccessible and aloof, but her regular theater dork self who just happens to have a platform she’s ready to put to good use. Like one SHOULD do with a ridiculous amount of privilege and resources.
All this!
Especially the part abt the british royals, in cahoots wth their serfs, cant afford to be human in public because it will reveal that “they are a bunch of people of lower than average looks, intelligence and charisma who don’t bear up too well under closer scrutiny (plus they don’t want us reminded of exactly where their money and jewels come from).”
@Yup, Me, you articulated exactly how I felt about it! At first I cringed only because I know what people will do with, for example, the photo of her drinking out of the bottle.
Because of the way she’s been treated for so long, my knee-jerk reaction is still to automatically cringe whenever she says or does *anything* that could be construed as ammunition for the demented lunatics who hate her.
But then I came to the same conclusion that you did, that MEGHAN was fine with it, and that’s all that matters. And I ended up being proud that she has zero fcks to give about what the BM says about her anymore.
One duchess already flashed her private parts more than once so the mystery of the royals has been gone for a while.
Meghan (and Harry) are the only one who don’t come off as weird freak shows and the rest are jealous of that relatability.
I loved the interview and thought she was incredibly relaxed and natural. She came off as a genuinely kind and confident person – the opposite of how she’s portrayed in the British press. The prank was funny and I laughed, but also felt it went on just a bit long – but it was still so enjoyable to watch her.
Bonus fun: Imagining Kate trying to pull this off.
@Monica I thought the exact same thing, and my brain short-circuited even trying to imagine it
I got such a kick out of the Andie MacDowell story. 🙂 She’s seriously too adorkable. I still cannot get over the fact that the BM were twisting themselves in knots over this interview. Ellen interviews are as fluffy as they come and was never going to “go there”. Watching the meltdowns though was a sight to behold.
They apparently already bought the interview as they clearly thought she was doing an interview about the royals. You can see they were disappointed. They’re also angry because they want the same access Oprah and Ellen has. They’re upset that she doesn’t care about what they have to say. GMB host said they would love to have her on their show to promote her book. They’re desperate for her approval and attention. They’re upset she’s not groveling for their approval.
@Brit: I’ve seen other British journalists lament that Meghan hasn’t come over to the promote the book. It’s what they deserve.
Amen that. She doesn’t want or need them and they can’t stand it. The abuser hates it when the victim moves on, and tries to be sweet to pull them back in. I expect some “nice overtures” to Meghan from British TV. I imagine they could use the views and the ad revenue that a Meghan visit would create.
But they need to lie back down in the bed they shat in.
It’s kind of funny – the BM are so self-involved, but also low self-esteem – like “The British Empire Still Exists!!” and also “please pay attention to us, please, please, please.”
Why would she want to go on their shows when they trash her daily? GMB, the same show that had Piers Morgan bullying her? The same show where her father is paid to lie about her? Who would walk in to that snake pit.
I hope the Ellen show made them pay till it hurt for the right to stream it. (I do not like that it was done, but they were going to use clips to smear and sway there narratives anyways so I hope they at least made them pay a kings ransom for it)
@JT, these people are so used to blackmailing and abusing their way into getting what they want. I genuinely believe a majority of the media in Britain are confused and traumatized about why Meghan and Harry haven’t buckled like everyone else. In their minds all the abuse Meghan got from those morning shows, radio stations, Piers etc would just be forgotten if they played the game. You can tell they still want access despite everything they’ve done. It’s toxic. They made comments about how relaxed she was with Ellen. They are pissed.
It’s hysterical that the British media clearly still do want access to Meghan. Piers Morgan made a comment about interviewing her & on GMB they were lamenting her not promoting her book in Britain.
Not only were Guardian & the Torygraph live blogging some papers have multiple articles on her appearance. If it wasn’t for here I would have no idea the Cambridges were even out yesterday.
They so want the British media & the royal family to be the centre of Meghan’s world & she paid them dust. The fallout of Meghan leaving royal duties is so similar to Britain’s act of self harm with Brexit. Theres the same insecurity about diminished power. We see the government trying to hype up trade deals that arent as good as one with the EU which is very similar to the firm & it’s ridiculous magnificent seven or failed Sophie Wessex rising star press campaign. It’s fascinating.
Interesting confirmation again that H&M of closeness to Eugenie & Jack. Makes it even more odd that there was that coolness with Kate & William
I don’t blame Meghan for wanting to go on Ellen. I do think Ellen has a cruel streak and can be mean, her “games” on the show where the participants end up covered in slime or whatever make me cringe.
I do think this was a good way for Meghan to remind people who she is, not the British tabloids’ picture of who they THINK she is. So we get the story from before meeting Harry when she drove that broke down car, the cutesy story about Archie, then the cringe skit thing. Sigh those things always go on for too long imo, but hey Ellen was having fun and it is her show?
I think this is the Meghan we will see in the future, she cares and she can be funny too. Most importantly, she’s comfortable in her skin and she’s happy.
#royalfamilywho?
Also, b/c of this appearance on Ellen, The Bench is back to #1 book list!
That’s awesome. Glad it’s getting a boost. It really is a sweet little book.
As I said yesterday, I think Meghan has moved on from the Oprah interview and she’s now she’s about her work and her family now. The British press were expected bombshells and for her to talk about the Royal Family so I’m glad she disappointed them. They’re saying she’s trying to re-brand herself, no she’s not, she taking back control of her life and her image which the press and the Royal Family tried to destroy.
But she mentioned Eugenie. I guess the Uk press doesn’t consider Eugenie, “royal.” LOL.
I really loved that little story about Jack and Eugenie. So great that Harry and Meghan have that relationship.
She was so lovely, goofy, funny and lighthearted. The fact that this side of her never came out during her UK years, only tells us how much The Firm dulls someone’s shine.
Also, since Harry is funny and goofy too, I imagine their family home is a place of a lot of laughter
@Nina: The fact is Meghan wasn’t allowed to show this side of her. She was told to be 50% less. It’s interesting because Harry was allowed to be funny and goofy as a royal and the press complained that he stopped being after he married Meghan. Harry was probably aware that Meghan was told to dim herself.
I just love how Meghan wore a) a shirt and a midi skirt (the og) and that b) it was hot pink! 😂
I saw a hilarious joke on Instagram (and you’ll all join me on this one) which was a “comparison” of Meghan and… the other one… where Meghan was “surviving” and the other was “thriving”.
@Layla if you have the link to that, please share, because I would love to see it!
@lorelei I couldn’t find it now but it was basically trying to make derogatory comments about Meghan cuz it used the picture of her doing the squat vs keen at the performance thing. But what I found so hilarious was how can anyone who’s so lazy they only appear twice in a month be considered as “thriving”. All she f*cking did was rewear a dress from two years ago with a sprinkle of cosplay from Meghan.
It was such a lovely and fun interview. yes, the whole “mic in the ear” bit went on for too long but it was fun to see how much fun Meghan was having with it. I was impressed she could squat in heels without losing balance, lol.
It was clear to me, watching it, that the goal of this was a re-branding or re-introduction for Meghan to the US – she’s fun, she’s dorky, she’s cheesy, she wants to make a difference and help people, and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. It was a side of her that we really did not see when she was in the UK and it was fun to watch.
I loved the applause and cheers from the audience when she walked out. There was such genuine excitement about her being there.
I think the squat was the funniest bit, plus eating those chips like a hamster – she really was game to do it all.
To me, this was a bookend to Harry’s bit with James Corden – also goofy and a good sport. You can see how Meghan and Harry are a good fit.
The eating like a chipmunk made me laugh out loud. I loved the whole gag. Also loved the Andie MacDowell hair story. Look for Kate to chop her hair into that look next.
@Becks: It’s not a re-branding, Meghan never changed. The British press with the help of the Royal Family tried to make her into something she’s not.
That’s why I said maybe a re-introduction. but even a re-branding doesn’t mean that Meghan changed – I never said she did, it just means that she wants people to see this side of her, because we weren’t able to see it when she was in the UK (because of the Firm or because of the press or, best answer, both.)
@Becks: I didn’t say you that said she’s changed. But the new narrative in the British press is that she is re-branding, implying that their stories about her were true and now she’s trying to change her image. That’s why I’m not comfortable with that word. I like re-introduction as the press is trying to make us forget who she was before she married into that family. Even Harry said in his speech at the Sentable dinner, that she hasn’t changed, that she’s same person she always was. The press is trying to make people believe that she’s not who she says she is.
I like this (not so) new DGAF Meghan. I think going on Ellen was brilliant. I just love her.
ITA with @Becks…it seems like a lot of the messiness in this thread is over semantics/word choices, when in fact we all love M and loved the interview.
For example, I think if I’d said, in my original comment, that *precisely* what I (and others) found insensitive is she *chose to repeat that particular anecdote verbatim.* We know she is very deliberate and thoughtful with her words, and just because someone said it to her doesn’t mean she had to repeat it. If she’d only worded it differently and avoided using the word “hobby,” don’t think this would even be an issue. It’s not as if I actually believe that Meghan thinks having one child is a walk in the park.
Anyway! I wish she would restart The Tig. Just put the original one back up and keep going as if nothing happened in between her last post and whatever she posts going forward.
(ETA: I was already cranky today over totally unrelated personal sh!t, and maybe others were, too, and that’s why it got so out of hand. I’m sorry for being so snippy. If there hadn’t already been a heated discussion about her decision to go on Ellen just yesterday, I don’t think this would have gotten so bad, but imo some people were still annoyed about yesterday’s conversation. A lot of the people bickering actually agree with each other most of the time.)
@Lorelei21, I was going to write back but seems that some of the thread was removed …my “obtuse” comment was not directed at you specifically, it was more towards the commenters that kept saying Meghan “misspoke” or was being thoughtless/insensitive and I do not believe that was her intention at all. Regardless, I agree that it got a little testy and we’re mostly all here because we share a common belief that Meghan is a good, kind person — fighting with the folks in here is not my goal or intent. We can save our shade for the craptastic rat rota….lol
@Swirlmamad I’m so glad you posted this!
It seems like that entire thread of comments was deleted, which is probably best for all involved, lol. But I was thinking the same thing…Meghan gets so much hate, and we need to remember we’re ALL Team Meghan. It’s inevitable that disagreements about unimportant little things will happen occasionally, but we should definitely save our ire for the people who really deserve it, the people who say flat-out *cruel* things about her, which none of us ever do.
@Becks I agree — I said this down thread, but choosing Ellen was was a way to help Meg reclaim her narrative with the American suburban mom set, a demo she has struggled winning due to People magazine’s unholy marriage to W&K. I really wish the interview hadn’t been with Ellen, but between the two being friends IRL and Ellen having the right audience, I get why she chose this platform.
It felt like a re-introduction of Meghan Markle, the person, and the dismantling of the caricature the media has painted as Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. She is sweet and such a dork. It’s hard to imagine this woman being as nasty as they try to portray her. It’s also heartbreaking to realise that they have been this horrible to such a lovely person.
I agree. This was very much a reset and I’m all here for it.
Yes! And Ellen made a point to say that the audience had no clue she would be the guest….hence the no leaks. But it was really nice to see her get that ovation and you could tell she was touched and surprised how well-received she was.
Most of Ellens pranks always made me uncomfortable,they usually did go on for too long and sometimes too silly to be funny. I used to notice how upset she would seem when one of her scares flopped
I’ve always hated those skits due to the cringe factor, but after finding out Ellen is a horrible bully it put them into a whole new context. Aside from the skit, the interview was sweet and helped her reclaim her narrative with Ellen’s demographic (one previously driven by the BRF’s People magazine takeover).
I just wish Meg had chosen literally any other interviewer — If I were a celeb I wouldn’t want to put my name anywhere near Ellen’s little less admit we were friends IRL. She was at Adele’s 30 concert the other day, so I assume she’s leaning on those Montecito neighbors re-vamp her image. Ugh.
Maybe so, but a huge swath of well-known celebrities have linked up with Ellen since her scandal and it hasn’t caused any upheaval for their image. Still not sure why it should be different for Meghan.
Make it light, and then get to the point of The Bench, paid leave and a donation to charity!
She is warm, kind, charitable and can laugh at herself. Good for her.
@RoyalBlue, she was BORN for this kind of thing! If only the BRF had been able to get past their jealousy and racism, she would have been a priceless asset.
I choose to believe that deep down, they all know this, and they know just how badly they fcked themselves. And that it eats away at every single one of them for the rest of their miserable lives.
In the end, I’m still glad H&M left, because that family and their buddies in the media don’t deserve them, and she’s (and Harry) clearly so, so happy now.
Can I just say how much I love that, from this appearance, no one would ever know they’d had “trouble” across the pond?
I also have “ethnic hair” (as M said in the interview) and I also cut my hair short as a kid thinking I’d look cool and glamorous, only to look like a floofy mushroom – it’s a struggle I think many curly girls have had!
I have Saturday night lives “Rosanna, Rosanna Danna hair” short hair was not my friend. The story made me laugh and remember the mistake that was the Dorothy Hamill haircut😂.. god bless hair products hot irons.
I see this as Meghan’s “I am not your Duchess anymore” moment. She and Harry are really setting themselves free from the Dour Family and embracing life. I’m here for it!
I agree. This is Meghan sending a message to the UK and royalists that she has deprogrammed from the Windsor princess cultmode and will continue her royal persona (duchess) by being her American authentic self, yet wiser and more determined to achieve her life goals for herself and her Sussexfamily.
Ellen facilitated Meghan’s deprogramming by making her do the silly stuff, as a mild form of fraternity hazing to welcome her back into the American celebrity fold that she left in 2017. The 2 year episode of Windsor nightmare has not fundamentally changed the essence of her life’s journey.
Meghan’s journey is a beautiful example of Joseph Cambell’s Hero’s journey. She left the abyss (the royal firm) and is now on the road of recovery and transformation. From the dark back into the light. That is why it appeals to so many, especially women. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_journey
I didn’t see the interview – how was she introduced?
I was referring to the idea that she’s not “owned” by the royals anymore, she can be herself. Not the literal title. Besides if the royals are fine with Fergie selling cookware as the Duchess then they can stuff it as far as Meghan is concerned.
@Huh, she was introduced as Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
@Msiam, YES! I feel like we saw the start of it last week with the stunning red dress, and the appearance on Ellen was confirmation that she does not give *one single fck* about what the dirtbags on the other side of the pond think about her. She’s going to be herself. I. LOVE. IT.
Seeing her so very happy and content, makes me very happy and I don’t even know her.
This was a fun interview. I didn’t ever expect anything “serious” from it. That’s not why Meghan did it and you don’t go to Ellen for serious interviews. I said it yesterday that it’s great that H&M can decide when and how to show/share information on their kids as opposed to dancing to the tune of the media compared to the working royals.
Love the fact that the chickens have their own picnic table lol.
I loved her appearance! We didn’t get to see this side of her at all in the UK but people who have been fans of hers from Suits saw this from her all the time. It’s nice to see her back to herself after what she’s been put through. As they ramp up more of their production and Spotify stuff it will be nice to see this side of them as they do promo.
I hope fans focus on this instead of what the BM say about them or Angela l or whomever else. These peoples hate and opinions do not need to be amplified. Their narratives and hate already have a platform why add to that?!
I can’t tell you how thrilled I was with this appearance. I’m a huge fan and even I was getting tired of the constant BM nonsense. I feel like they were pushing back a lot for a time and then eventually realised it’s a futile exercise. These people want a piece of her and they aren’t enlightened enough to understand why.
She’s exactly who I remember her to be in her Suits days. Even her illustration of herself as a child reflects a perception of self that belies the feverish media’s projections on her. They all look so silly in hindsight. All that vim for this dorky sweetheart?
Anyway, I didn’t expect anything groundbreaking, she’s slowly easing her way out and in time she’ll be able to do these appearances without anyone bringing up her in-laws because she seems well and truly done. Good for her.
This was a light and breezy interview and the amount of coverage the UK media are giving it in tabloids, live feeds and morning talk shows is just utterly insane. People in North America aren’t going to even think about this appearance by the next day whereas the Uk media is analyzing this as of it is something important.
Losers tend to do that while the winners are on to the next thing.
moisturized and unbothered all damn day.
I can’t get over serious British press outlets liveblogging an Ellen appearance. That’s almost as cringe as Meghan’s market pranking. I mean, what did they think this was gonna be? I mean, if the daytime show she was appearing on was The View, I’d say there was cause to be worried about any possible tea being spilled, but it was Ellen, which is all fluff, cringe pranks that appeal to Ellen’s outdated sense of embarrassment humor, and giving a bunch of money away to charities.
I actually was super charmed by the Andie MacDowell hair story. We all have embarrassing haircut stories from around that age, and hers was very cute. And it was nice to see Meghan sharing childhood photos of her own accord and not have them sold out to the tabloids by trash fathers and ex-friends.
That was a cute, funny hair story. Also live the Simpsons shout out. A little Andie McDowell love, she is amazing in The Maid. Her character is both sad and infuriating but also strong and fierce. She sinks her teeth into the role and is so good.
I was on the verge of stanning Meghan pre-Harry when I was obsessed with Suits, but didn’t bc she was almost too twee and earnest — my neurotic personality couldn’t relate. She’s even worst now that she’s a mom lol but it makes me like her more, knowing this is how she continues to approach life, despite the horrors of the past 5 years. It’s usually suspect when people have to reiterate that they are happy, but in this case I really really hope they are.
@MariahLee I know what you mean about saying “I’m happy “, but having come out of a rough season (and getting therapy for it) is really good to acknowledge to yourself and others that you’re happy.
I think she feels she needs to openly say that she/they are happy because they know that they have fans that realize what they went through and are concerned for their well-being…but I don’t feel it comes off as fake or try-hard at all, like some people tend to do on social media or whatever. She’s just saying enough to let us know that yes, they are good now and it will be OK, without being over the top about it.
Considering how many stories we got of Harry being a “hostage” or them “regretting the Oprah interview” or “they will regret not having family around” (eyeroll)…I’m glad that Harry went on the me you can’t see to say out loud I REGRET NOTHING lol and now Meghan letting (fans and haters) know that they are good. This is also on the heels of the reports of a targeted hate campaign against her and Jason k mess..I think a lot of fans have been concerned for her so in a way I feel like she was speaking to me lol.
Instead of Royal reporters writing articles claiming to know how Harry and Meghan feel/are doing we get it straight from them instead
Also, it was interesting she went out of her way to mention how friendly they are with Eugenie and Jack in the Halloween party story. Odds of Eugenie releasing a family photo on her Instagram of the Brooksbank and Sussex cousins all hanging out together at Castle Montecito in the near post-pandemic future? And the ensuing meltdown. I hope she does it! DO IT, EUGENIE. I am manifesting this chaos right now.
Eugenie is good on social media, what I could see her doing is posting a selfie of her and August in a pool or something (where she’s holding him so you can’t really see his face) and there being a glimpse of Harry’s head in the background or something. Nothing blatantly “I’m in Montecito with the Sussexes!” but still just enough to send a message.
remember she made a point of supporting Meghan’s 40th birthday initiative, called her “dear meghan” and now Meghan made a point, in my mind, of referring to her FIRST as a friend and then mentioning she was Harry’s cousin. there’s a reason they let Eugenie live in Frogmore.
More evidence there are currently precisely two members of his birth family that Harry speaks to: The Queen and Eugenie. He’ll soon lose his grandmother so I’m glad for him he will still be able to connect with his cousin and his kids will probably grow up knowing her and her husband and kids, they will be Auntie and Uncle and cousins. And on Meghan’s side, they will have Grandma Doria. At a certain age, Archie and Lili will learn there are many more relations on both sides, but they will only grow up knowing the kind, good-hearted, supportive ones.
Im so glad Meghan did this. Yes it was with Ellen but so many other celebrities have sat down with Ellen and they don’t get reprimanded so why should Meghan?
But there’s a lot that’s been learned from this:
1. Meghan is and always has been the quirky bubbly woman she was before she married into the carnival of clowns. This interview showed that side of her again and it reminded me of all the interviews she did pre -DoS.
2. Eugenie is amazing and Meghan was right about being friends with her.
3. She puts her money where her mouth is. It’s not a PR stunt (like some people we know)
4. Her in-laws are scared of quirkiness, intellect and confidence, so much so that they’ve got the other one trying to replicate her. The fact that they tried to dim this light from Meghan really shows how pathetic, shallow-minded and weak these people are
5 The fact that the rat rota were covering her pre-recorded interview so much more than the “jewels in the crown” shows so much. Even those that had travelled with the heir IN EGYPT were desperate to watch the interview (looking at you C. Ship). No matter how many times Discount Gru and copykeen try, THEY COULD NEVER. They don’t even reach Meghan’s 1%, forget 50.
All excellent points!
I love how she blanked out KP when the picture of her and Harry announcing their engagement came up. “Not our backyard…that’s a picture of our engagement” 😂
LMAOOO right?!? She was like “oh that was just some garden we took a photo in” 🤣
@BeachDreams I noticed that too and I LOVE IT. Along with the “my husband’s family “ remark, it makes it clear she is not going to reference the in-laws AT ALL if she can help it. I think that’s going to make the RF feel even less relevant than if she mentioned them. Wonderful!
I LOVED THAT!!!! she didn’t even say it was in London, right? just “our engagement.” LOLOLOL. She’s not giving any oxygen to that place.
I liked the prank cam. Meghan was gamed for it without being malicious and that is who she is.
It was cute and I chuckled.
Living life, loving life and your people really looks great on Madam Duchess.
Her acting background really helped. You could see her leaning into the improvisation.
When Ellen gave her half a joke and no punchline, I really had to laugh. I thought Meghan handled that very well. “Did you get it?” made laugh too. A quick thinker, our girl Meghan.
Sadly the British tabloid missed the opportunity to get to know her as a person; instead, they chose to create a non-existing monster. I enjoyed the entire show. Most things are too long for you, Kaiser – LOL. Many never knew Meghan wrote her first book when she was in middle school, which is now on file in the Library of Congress. On Wednesday, November 18, 2021, The Bench returned to #1 bestseller. The scene from the first Harry and Meghan movie showed them going to a Halloween party and learning that their relationship leaked the next day. The truth is the leak was already there, and they were celebrating their last night of freedom from the tabloid press. Meghan is correcting the misinformation step by step.
They function like a typical family. There is no pomp and circumstance. She’s cooking for Thanksgiving; the children have a Halloween costume, and the Christmas tree is undoubtedly coming. They are members of the Royal family but not part of the facade. That was the message Meghan conveyed to me in her appearance.
Meghan is still the center of the rf world and they cannot believe she doesn’t even know they exist anymore. Of course an interview will be all about the royal family, oh wait, she doesn’t even mention them. Good for Meghan.
I have to say the way she refuses to acknowledge or mention them, while the UK press still swarm about on the periphery like pesky gnats, honestly, in a funny way, reminds me of those anecdotes of monarchs who basically look through you, rather than at you. Meghan did great on the show and it was fun.
Did the folks livestreaming Ellen pay any attention at all to Charles’s royal tour? To livestream a fluff interview while the future Tampon in Chief is on a major royal tour (or has it ended? I don’t know) is a telling statement.
The British media knows where the interest is regarding the royal family. The interest is in California, not the UK.
Is that Charles’ fault or the BM? C&C were touring places and seeing things like the Sphinx. Lots of people would love to do the same so interest could have been drummed up for their tour if the BM had any writing or producing talent outside of trying to drum up hate and be shocking.
It’s Charles’s fault for being a poor leader, a crap father, and a jealous jerk who lost the message. No one gives a rats ass about Charles at the pyramids or the Sphinx. The media would rather livestream a fluff American TV show than pay attention to the future king on tour. A lot of that’s on Charles. He could have stepped up for Meghan and he didn’t. He squandered the good press he got at her wedding to kowtow to his jealous oldest kid, and he only hurt himself in the process. Meghan wasn’t ever going to be competition for him the way she was for William. He could have played the part of loving father in law and built up support for his own reign. The fact that he didn’t do that is on him alone. It’s ironic: support for Meghan could have helped him gain support for his own reign.
I was about to say something catty about the importance of paying attention to people instead of tampons, but I changed my mind.
When Charles and Diana did a royal tour of Egypt, he left early so Diana was photographed alone with the Sphinx. Apparently he left the tour early to vacation in Turkey with his mistress Camilla Parker-Bowles. Her husband was also there with a few of their friends so it wouldn’t be so obvious ,lol. Maybe he’ll facilitate some more arms sales to despots for the UK as part of his diplomacy on this currant tour.
I really liked this interview. Meghan’s funny, silly side was on full display and it was great. I loved that she spoke about her hair story and then they gave the spotlight to the woman and her ‘Twist of Greatness’ hair braiding charity. I’m still amazed that the British RF had someone like Meghan, who can go from being a serious, well-informed speaker to someone who is silly and fun and thought no “she won’t do.” They really cut off their nose to spite their face because of racism.
This is a little off the subject but as a silly American I would like a Question answered.Why do the Cambridge children wear brown and grey All you hear is they go to the stationary with mom and they are well behaved
Archie is fun and silly He is a book worm who loves to sing and dance. he is smart as a whip All of this comes from neighbors and friends
The Cambridge children wear a lot of blue. Kate likes to color co-ordinate so whatever she’s wearing, I guess. Or with Burger King, especially George.
The squat thingy proves that when meghan pregnant with archie, the derangers claimed that she is faking her pregnancy because she squat easily.
Take that you racist!
Meghan can squat in high heels.
Meg has been doing yoga since she was a kid. I’m sure she has thigh muscles like steel. Kate also squats down in heels and rises easily (we’ve seen her doing it with her kids and on a few walkabouts); she’s also said to have done yoga and pilates, and we know she exercises like a fiend. So she’s pretty strong I’m sure. What does “who can squat” matter?
Jan – it only matters because it was specifically used as evidence against Meghan by the derangers – that she couldn’t be pregnant bc pregnant women can’t squat or something.
???????????WHAAAAAT????????????????
Meghan being able to squat when she was pregnant was/is some kind of proof that she wasn’t pregnant? WTAF? That is a seriously deranged thought process.
Meghan pregnant and squatting in heels was all over sm as ‘proof’ the pg wasn’t real as no one can do that. 🙄 And that’s part of the reason that woman wanted to stab her belly to prove the pregnancy was fake.
That stabbing comment is horrific. The idea that pregnant woman can’t squat in heels is off. The idea that a pregnant woman that is very active in yoga, has had ballet & martial arts training-all which require having good to very good balance & core strength-can’t squat in heels is ludicrous.imo
She is adorable and earnest and I am so happy to have her stateside. Welcome home and welcome back.
Can’t wait to see the interview. The picture of Archie was adorable. The BM can go suck an egg. Until it apologizes for its treatment of Meghan, stop using the Markle monsters to recycle old grievances (at least Meghan provides fresh material) and go after the REAL royal scandals, the BM will have to settle for sloppy seconds from the US media.
She’s so adorably sweet and goofy. I giggled through the entire skit. No wonder Harry was immediately smitten!
I’ve never seen an episode of Suits and never heard Meghan’s name before her being connected to Harry. That being said, I’m not surprised that this is her personality. Tried as hard as they could but the BM and RF failed to dim her. This side of her still managed to done though.
Archies hair looks auburn rather than the same shade of ginger that his dad has. I love that hair colour.
I’m sure this is a stupid concern but those vendors all got paid, right? I’m just cringing at taking free samples but not buying anything. But I guess if they’re on the studio lot they probably do pretty well in sales anyway.
They also got a lot of free publicity from that sketch which should go a long way and knowing how Meghan rolls, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she bought a ton of stuff from each of them after the fact/donated $$.
They got invited back with the rest of the audience to the gift giveaway, so there’s that.
Those vendors were in the studio audience, their product was there for everyone to see.
My guess was that Meghan went back and bought something (everything?) from the vendors, especially after she ate that whole cookie or muffin.
A little while ago on IG, I actually saw a screenshot of a text exchange with the cookie vendor who confirmed that Meghan came back afterwards and got a bunch of cookies to go. Betting she got stuff from the other vendors as well.
That’s good to know. I figured Meghan would do right by them, but I have a soft spot for craft vendors and it’s been a rough couple of years for them.
I’m sure the Ellen show took care of this, they have a production budget. Goodness, what a random thing to wonder about!
Haha! My exact thoughts. I’m sure they made out well.
So do you think they have bow or curtsy to the queen on the zoom calls?
You know, I bet they do.
The 8 minutes segment is design to make the guest feel silly following Ellen’s instructions. I was surprised she did the squat, Meghan handled it brilliantly. Her doing the squat had my watching group screaming our heads off. With that one silly move Meghan cemented our celebration of her humanness. I believe Dennis Quaid was the first celebrity to do the earpiece segment…Dennis Quaid is here. I wish the writing for Meghan segment was as great as the Dennis Quaid is here from years ago…it was epic.
Every parents I know with more than one kid playfully say, they now realized the one kid was a walk in the park, a breeze, etc. Any person taking offence to Meghan repeating what was probably said to her in a jest by her friends need to examine why this point is a trigger for them. That’s your problem not Duchess Meghan.
I’m happy to see Duchess Meghan having a good time. May she continue to have joy and peace in her life.
She and Jennifer Garner would be best friends, JG is also super dorky and bubbly like this.
For the record, I have never heard an only child being a hobby. What has been said to me randomly, even by strangers, that our (only) child is a great practice for a second child….or when will we give him a playmate?
I love that she’s this talented, smart, involved and passionate person who can meet with world leaders one day, then act like a chipmunk the next. She really is an incredibly multi-faceted person — no wonder Harry fell so hard for her!
This is a great take! Totally agree.
Whoot!!!! The Bench is # 1. People better get ready for Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan promoting Archewell audio and Archewell production projects. This is just the start, as a fan I await their blitz by re-wearing my green coat and black turtleneck dress from 5 years ago.
All the people taking issue with what she said about one child being a hobby, but two being parenting, are speaking more about their own personal insecurities, I think, than anything else. I’m kind of quoting Adele here when I say this, but it’s not Meghan’s job to validate how people feel. It’s not her job to police every little quip that she makes that are, I’m guessing, mostly reflective of her own, entirely valid, feelings on her life and parenting. She had one kid, and she now has two, and I’m guessing she’s speaking to what SHE feels on the matter. Why anyone would take that so personally as to see it as an invalidation of their own experiences is beyond me.
I get that parenting is an enormously touchy subject for a lot of people. People naturally feel self conscious about it. But everyone has a different experience. Just chalk it up to that and move on.
Anyway, the whole segment was cute. I’m glad she got to talk a bit about her own life and what’s going on with that, in a relaxed, fun environment. She seems like a really nice, easygoing person, and it remains infuriating to me how poorly she was treated by the British tabloid media establishment. Shame on all of them for what they did. There might never be any real justice or apology for what they did, but one can hope.
I think the reverse is true: 2 are a hobby and 1 is tough.
When siblings have grown a bit, it’s so much easier as they play together, they entertain one another.
But yes, I think it’s hard when they’re babies and very close in age.
My children are 3 years apart so it was never that hard.
I wish you’d written more about the pranks and included some photos that bit was so funny and cute. The hot sauce and the mew mew mew and the boo loves hot sauce lol lol. I liked seeing Meghan’s light hearted side. I’ve seen a bunch of articles making fun of it but those salty islanders don’t have a sense of humor.
I had two under two for a while and that was nuts. My neighbor has one. She is constantly telling me how easy one is VS my two under two. 😂 it isn’t mean, it isn’t rude. She’s stating her facts VS mine. I get it. We planned two close in age so we wouldn’t have to buy all the baby things twice. It was two in diapers for years. It was two kids napping at different times each day. I spent years never leaving the house(it seems and felt like) because someone was always about to nap, or napping. I feel like one is easier than two, two is easier than three and so on. I don’t understand why everyone is always offended by anything anyone says. It’s her truth, it doesn’t have to be everyone’s truth. It’s okay if it isn’t your truth. You are still a good mom if your finding your one exhausting. Being a mom is the most difficult thing I have ever done and it’s all relative. Impossible to compare.
I wonder if one of the contributing factors with respect to this expectation that Meghan needs to be perfect is because we all get anxious about how she’ll get torn apart in the BM. The BM would rip her to shreds over the SMALLEST things, and thus Meghan’s fans are that much more sensitive and aware of her making small mistakes.
It’s in many ways a mirror of Kate. We expect so little of her that her looking nice and doing one engagement is worthy of notice and positive comments. Meghan, on the other hand, seems superhuman and achieves superhuman feats, so we’ve come to hold her to this superhuman standard; when she makes a small mistake, it’s that much more noticeable.
Most of us were never introduced to Meghan, real-life person. We were introduced to her as Meghan, Beautiful Woman Who Married a Prince, then Meghan, Woman Slaughtered in the Media for Duchessing While Black, then Meghan, Survivor of Horrible Things in a Nightmare Palace Prison. Now she’s Meghan, Successful Amazing Person Who Crusades for Good Causes, Advocates for the Underprivileged and Marginalized, Wins Lawsuits, and Is Dismantling a Terrible Institution One Peaceful Tree at a Time.
Meghan needs to make mistakes. And the more we see of her, the more mistakes she’ll make. Her silence allowed us to protect and project an image of saintliness. But if we ever want to hold her to a genuine human standard, not one created in reaction to the BM and RF’s smear campaign, we have to slowly lower that pedestal.
I think in some ways, people on this website are going through an adjustment period, where we’re reevaluating our own perceptions and expectations of who Meghan is, who we want her to be, who we think she should be. I was also dismayed by her choice to go on Ellen’s show, but reading the contentious debate here has allowed me to adjust; the same is true for her quoting the “hobby” comment someone made to her. I think this is a collective process and it’s going to be personal, painful, and at times ugly. But one thing about this is that in looking at how we measure Meghan, we’re also having conversations about how we as measure ourselves.
I think in the end, it’s okay to be both disappointed, defensive, and protective simultaneously because through this dialog, I’ve been looking at my own biases that I’ve internalized and been blind to.
Laraw: I too have rethought my expectations and how I perceived Meghan in the realm of people of color held to different standards . She should be able to make mistakes without being shredded for not being perfect. We need to give ourselves and others permission to fall and get back up – it is the human condition.
Totally agree, LaraW. I think it’s wonderful that we’re at the stage where M&H are far enough removed from the ugliness abroad, and so obviously doing well, that we can cast a more critical eye sometimes without feeling the need to defend them from hostile forces at all costs. E.g., I tremendously admire the Obamas even while believing they’ve made missteps. Same with Meghan and Harry. They’ve got this!
I get what you’re saying but at the same time people here do amplify every little thing Meghan does and views it with a hyper critical lens, such as the quote she said about one vs two kids, or whether that goofy prank is “ too undignified “ and will embarrass the royals, like seriously? I’m a huge admirer of the “ Squad” in Congress, but was really, really mad with Cori Bush and AOC, etc. because of their vote against the infrastructure bill, and their response to justify voting against it. However, this is a major public policy disagreement, and I don’t go into their personal lives and who they hang out with, or the cost of their clothes. I think what people tend to forget is that the Sussexes, while larger than life and symbolic to some, are still figuring a lot of things out, still testing things, still trying to define themselves. Did she need to do Ellen? Of course not, but this appearance, controversial to some as it is, showed a lighter, more fun side to her. There has been too much gloom and stress surrounding them, this dour narrative that isn’t their current life. For another big interview that got so much extensive media coverage, just based on a bit of fluff and just talking about things she loves and supports, was a good thing.
@L4Frimaire – not sure if your comment was directed at me, but in case it was, I think we may be saying similar things, just approaching from opposite angles. Your point is that it shouldn’t be a big deal and something that causes huge contentious debates when Meghan does something like going on Ellen, mentioning the one vs. two kids, and being a goof. My point is that I was caught off guard by how my first reaction was to think it WAS a big deal, to the extent that it had an effect on my perception of Meghan’s character. And it shouldn’t be that way; I don’t want to have that disproportionate, nitpicking, negative reaction to something that for any other person, would not be newsworthy. So it’s caused me to re-examine what types of biases I’ve built and why Meghan has her own, completely different category in my head.
For me, she HAS become a symbol, someone who embodies (literally) so many political and social issues that are at the forefront of debate these days: racial equality, gender equality, vaccines, income inequality, reproductive rights, mental health, privacy, misinformation and social media, the state of modern journalism. When she decided to go on Ellen, it literally felt like somehow the integrity of my convictions became weaker. It’s not rational and it wasn’t a conscious decision for me to put so much of my personal beliefs into the image of Meghan.
What I’ve come to realize is that I don’t want to see her as a symbol: I want to see her as an ally. It might be subtle but to me, it’s a huge distinction. Allies are somehow, in my mind, inherently human. You can have problematic allies; you can have friends who, despite good intentions, are not good allies, or are still struggling to become better allies; you can have allies who align with one political/social/economic position and not another. Defending Meghan against the massive hate campaign feels like a cause in and of itself; when the cause does something you don’t like or disagree with, it feels like a betrayal. I’m not sure that I’m making sense, but the point is that I’ve personally realized that I need to decouple Meghan – the living, breathing person who’s figuring life out just like the rest of us – from this ideal I’ve built in my head.
Becoming a symbol is dehumanizing; looking at a person as a symbol is dehumanizing. Meghan has already been through enough dehumanization. My doing the same, just in the opposite direction as the BM and RF, is setting myself up for disappoint and setting Meghan up for failure. That’s not healthy for me, and it’s not fair to her. If any of that made any kind of sense.
Some great comments, very well said.
Will only add, it’s good to see Meghan feels feels comfortable, safe, and supported enough to begin to let us see her other sides again.
@LaraW, I love this comment — everything you said is super insightful, and I think there is a lot of truth to it. The defensiveness on both sides in the last couple threads is likely borne of our collective protectiveness of Meghan. We know how unfairly she is judged every single day, and we don’t want her to give them anything more to crucify her with, so when she makes even a small misstep it gets amplified even here because we know how they will use it against her. I think it’s all in good faith but can come off as yet more browbeating of her.
Concur with your comments..loved her on Ellen..first time I sat down and watched a full hour of Ellen (once Oprah left I stopped watching daytime lol).. I feel this is Meghan’s way of saying that not only are they happy (which she literally said), but that she’s still here..they literally tried to k*ll this woman (and let’s face it, they’re still trying to break her), but she’s like I’m here..not only no longer silenced, but openly able to be silly and authentic..and me and my handsome/fiercely protective husband and sweet children have made it through the storm….we see you Meghan, well-done..
So Eugenie and Jack met up with The Sussexes in Toronto for Halloween.
Well, well, well.
I always thought Harry was tight with Eugenie. This is nice to hear being true.
This was back in 2016, right before their relationship became public but it’s pretty clear they are still close to this day.
Chocolate
I liked this appearance more than I thought I would. Did the Ellen arguments yesterday so done with that. It was nice to see her talking about some little anecdotes of her life and her kids, and the blurbs about her Halloween date with Harry or when she drove a beater. Regarding her parenting remark of one being a hobby and two parenting, I don’t get the outrage. It’s just a version of how different it is with one versus two kids. It seems like the demands, lack of sleep and laundry quadruple, not just doubled. One thing of what she said in that segment which definitely resonated with me was how she mentioned when you have a second child, we often tend to forget that it is also an adjustment for the first child. That really stuck with me and is so true. I remember how my oldest took a long time to get over no longer being the only kid in the house. The little pic of Archie with the chickens was cute. He’s still so little. The segment with Brittney Sparks was nice, she was so nervous and excited. I even liked the prank part. It was so dorky but funny and they were good sports. It was nice to see Meghan like this,talking about paid parental leave, the Bench, and showing her little book she wrote as a kid, which is now in the Library of Congress. She’s always been this way, very earnest, hardworking, a bit nerdy. Like Kaiser said, harmless. The thing is, she’s just so gorgeous and confident. I prefer things like the Dealbook event because I love those types of exchanges and hearing how she thinks and approaches her work, her wonkiness, but was nice to see her having fun as well. I don’t get why the UK press have to make a big deal and sound the alarms every time Meghan does anything, even a benign appearance like this, and then spew such malice. They literally had a live feed and was reporting from Chuck’s junket in the Middle East. They’ll carry this noise into the weekend news. Anyway,it was a fun appearance and great to see Meghan this way, the hour went by quickly. She looked beautiful, something about her just radiates and I’m not just fangirling when I say that.
i can’t see that anything Meghan has done is a “mistake.” People all seem to have their own ideas of what Meghan should or shouldn’t do. It’s a difference of opinion, but if you don’t perceive of what she has done as what she should do, that doesn’t mean it’s a mistake. And I don’t think there is anybody in the world who hasn’t said anything (hate speech not included here) that someone else does not agree with or is upset about. The problem with being a public figure is that we all think we are entitled to pass judgement on them that is beyond just having a mere opinion.
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After this, the midi skirts going to be coming out in full force from Kate, just watch
Was everyone “in” on the joke as it usually happens? (too big of a risk to actually go to vendors and meet random people security etc nightmare).