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

Leopoldine said:

A few years ago, a prominent British politician was asked about how he felt about his negative press. He said that it came with the job. He stated that he chose to go into a public role and freedom of the press is a big part of that.

If this Sussex couple is going to keep themselves in the public eye, lecturing the world about their myriad fashionable topics, they would do well to develop a thicker skin.

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Totally agree , I would also add , to protect your mental health , do not read online sites about yourself etc . Sorry that is a very dark slope to go down . I seem to recall the duchess saying she did not do so for that reason . Well I have my doubts about that , certainly the duke seems to read them .

Curryong, most of your posts are lovely. I just struggle to understand your attacks on the British press just because they aren't constantly praising Meghan and Harry. Hope to see you back here soon.

And I agree that people in the public eye need to ignore some of what's written about them. Someone posted on a friend's Facebook page recently that they wished Joan Collins would die. What harm has Joan Collins ever done anyone?! And some of the things written about politicians are horrendous. As much as Liz Truss made a mess of being Prime Minister, I admire her for carrying on in public life even after being completely ridiculed for lasting a shorter time than a lettuce!

What , what in heavens name has Dame Joan Collins done to deserve such a wish !!!! . and this is why, this is the only "social media" platform I am on . Yes we do not all agree , but we are civil , we in general concede that our fellow posters are entitled to have a different point of view , if they grant us the same consideration . This is why our Moderators are so important . People in the Public eye generally have staff to run interference for them , yes if something is reported that is a lie they should act , but no one needs to read the troll's , great to get positive feedback , but life is too short to focus only on the negative online . The duke and duchess should instead focus on the positives in their lives .

shady lady said:

Thank you for linking the Telegraph article! I've linked an archived version.

Where's Meghan? Why Harry is going it alone

archived 2 Oct 2024 12:55:26 UTC

archive.ph

IMO he's on a drive to try and make himself popular again, and he's realised he's better off - professionally at least - going it alone. Trouble is, he's offended and upset a huge number of people, especially here in the UK, and they won't forget what he has done in the past - and neither should they. It's a major trust issue. Some people are all too keen to sweep everything under the carpet and say it happened "years ago", but that's missing the point in my view.

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It's not a bad idea to create a distance there - Sussexes can have Harry for all the charity work and fundraising and Meghan for the business side of things (that is, if any of her ventures will ever succeed). This way they both will be continuing to work in the fields they feel the most comfortable in.

One of the quotes from the Telegraph article very much caught my attention:
“He might have finally appreciated he is far more powerful on his own without the distraction of Meghan as Diana was without Charles.”
For all the comparisons Harry made about his wife and his late mother being alike, it seems that indeed things are going much better for him without her... Even the response to his Africa quasi-tour/visit has been generally a positive one, as opposed to some that they made together.

Curryong said:

Meghan Markle Partners with Oprah Winfrey and Melinda French Gates to Back Digital Wellness Initiative for Young Girls

On Oct. 11, which marks International Day of the Girl, Meghan Markle announced her support of a new partnership with Oprah Winfrey and Melinda French Gates to provide digital wellness programming for young girls in underserved communities across America.

people.com

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I checked the source of the PR and it seems People put a spin on this news, and made it all about Meghan partnering with Oprah and Melinda Gates to support an initiative. This is grossly misleading.

Here's the link to the original PR from #HalfTheStory: Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory Announce National Education Partnership to Support Girls' Healthy Relationships with Technology

From the said PR, all emphasis mine:
Funding for this program was supported by Pivotal, a Melinda French Gates organization, and follows Melinda French Gates' $1 billion commitment to women and girls. The partnership also received backing from The Archewell Foundation, co-founded by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, which named #HalfTheStory to its Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund in 2023. This follows The Duchess' visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, where she engaged with young women on the importance of empowerment and responsible technology.

Additionally, after #HalfTheStory was included in an Oprah Daily "Life You Want" episode focused on the teen mental health crisis this past May, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation made a contribution to support this new initiative.

Not only is it not a collaboration among the three organisations, it seems only Archewell didn't make a monetary contribution, while Pivotal donated 1 billion and Oprah "made a contribution" for an undisclosed amount.

What I find even more odd is Archewell mentioning the other two organizations in its own PR, which reads:
In celebration of International Day of the Girl, The Archewell Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation announced their contributions to support a partnership between Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory, aimed at providing digital wellness programming for young girls in underserved communities across America. This new educational initiative will equip girls with the essential tools to thrive in the digital age while fostering healthier, more balanced relationships with technology.

Archewell is not the press office of the other two organizations, why include them in their PR? That goes against practice as ordinarily you make your organization the central focus. Unless the intention was to make it seem like there was indeed a collaboration, to attach itself specifically to Oprah and Melinda Gates' organisations for legitimacy. Enter... the People article and most likely other, similar articles which would now put in its title, Meghan first, Oprah second, and poor Melinda Gates who donated a billion is placed last...

A more truthful article would read,"MM, Oprah, Melinda Gates, announce support for so and so" and then in the body, specifically mention that the organizations made their respective contributions in support of the partnership between Girls, Inc. and #HalfTheStory. An even better article would have led with "Girls, Inc. and #HalfTheStory Secure $1 Billion Donation from Melinda Gates, with further Support from Markle and Oprah." LOL

It is the washing up liquid story again.

Could somebody please tell me if H and M have actually started a charitable organisation themselves then followed it through. Pre marriage Harry established Invictus games ( with initial support from the family and the institution ) but basically his venture,
which he still supports. He also along with Prince Seeiso established Sentebale.
Both these ventures are still going. They have clear mission and vision, no word salad, there are people at the helm who provide the knowledgeable support.
Since establishing Archewell it appears all they do is parachute into other peoples ventures.
Before anybody provides examples I am sure other members of the RF have made donations to good causes at different times so no need to come back at me on that one.
The point I am making is that it would appear that they collect money from donors, then donate it in the name of Archewell to a third party.
I am never clear what their organisation is for, other than to process money , almost acting as a bank.
I know what Sentabale does, also Invictus, their names are familiar , we have seen them in action.
I cannot recall for an example a polo match for Archewell or a gala dinner, to raise funds. I would also assume that they will take running costs and / or expenses from the original donation, so what do the ever changing staff actually do.
The staff that ,according to one article in support of the couple ,they very rarely see as they are based in their home and the staff work elsewhere. This had been in response to reports of Meghan in high heels etc, the indication being that this comment was false because they do not see them.
I think what I am trying to say is that Archewell does not have a clear identity, unlike Harrys original charities. I am happy to be corrected on this.

Hallo girl said:

Could somebody please tell me if H and M have actually started a charitable organisation themselves then followed it through. Pre marriage Harry established Invictus games ( with initial support from the family and the institution ) but basically his venture,
which he still supports. He also along with Prince Seeiso established Sentebale.
Both these ventures are still going. They have clear mission and vision, no word salad, there are people at the helm who provide the knowledgeable support.
Since establishing Archewell it appears all they do is parachute into other peoples ventures.
Before anybody provides examples I am sure other members of the RF have made donations to good causes at different times so no need to come back at me on that one.
The point I am making is that it would appear that they collect money from donors, then donate it in the name of Archewell to a third party.
I am never clear what their organisation is for, other than to process money , almost acting as a bank.
I know what Sentabale does, also Invictus, their names are familiar , we have seen them in action.
I cannot recall for an example a polo match for Archewell or a gala dinner, to raise funds. I would also assume that they will take running costs and / or expenses from the original donation, so what do the ever changing staff actually do.
The staff that ,according to one article in support of the couple ,they very rarely see as they are based in their home and the staff work elsewhere. This had been in response to reports of Meghan in high heels etc, the indication being that this comment was false because they do not see them.
I think what I am trying to say is that Archewell does not have a clear identity, unlike Harrys original charities. I am happy to be corrected on this.

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A previous poster some time ago described Archewell as a clearing house for donations (which I thought was spot on) ergo the money contributed is not actually Archewell's own or raised by fundraising efforts.

It's worth remembering that Archewell spent the princely sum of zero on fundraising in 2022, according to this report (which I've posted before):


There's something rather odd about the whole set up IMO.

moby said:

I checked the source of the PR and it seems People put a spin on this news, and made it all about Meghan partnering with Oprah and Melinda Gates to support an initiative. This is grossly misleading.

Here's the link to the original PR from #HalfTheStory: Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory Announce National Education Partnership to Support Girls' Healthy Relationships with Technology

From the said PR, all emphasis mine:
Funding for this program was supported by Pivotal, a Melinda French Gates organization, and follows Melinda French Gates' $1 billion commitment to women and girls. The partnership also received backing from The Archewell Foundation, co-founded by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, which named #HalfTheStory to its Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund in 2023. This follows The Duchess' visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, where she engaged with young women on the importance of empowerment and responsible technology.

Additionally, after #HalfTheStory was included in an Oprah Daily "Life You Want" episode focused on the teen mental health crisis this past May, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation made a contribution to support this new initiative.

Not only is it not a collaboration among the three organisations, it seems only Archewell didn't make a monetary contribution, while Pivotal donated 1 billion and Oprah "made a contribution" for an undisclosed amount.

What I find even more odd is Archewell mentioning the other two organizations in its own PR, which reads:
In celebration of International Day of the Girl, The Archewell Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation announced their contributions to support a partnership between Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory, aimed at providing digital wellness programming for young girls in underserved communities across America. This new educational initiative will equip girls with the essential tools to thrive in the digital age while fostering healthier, more balanced relationships with technology.

Archewell is not the press office of the other two organizations, why include them in their PR? That goes against practice as ordinarily you make your organization the central focus. Unless the intention was to make it seem like there was indeed a collaboration, to attach itself specifically to Oprah and Melinda Gates' organisations for legitimacy. Enter... the People article and most likely other, similar articles which would now put in its title, Meghan first, Oprah second, and poor Melinda Gates who donated a billion is placed last...

A more truthful article would read,"MM, Oprah, Melinda Gates, announce support for so and so" and then in the body, specifically mention that the organizations made their respective contributions in support of the partnership between Girls, Inc. and #HalfTheStory. An even better article would have led with "Girls, Inc. and #HalfTheStory Secure $1 Billion Donation from Melinda Gates, with further Support from Markle and Oprah." LOL

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And this is exactly why if MM ever publishes her own "tell-all" book, her integrity and honesty are going to be called into question and rightly so. Everything she says, or gets people to say on her behalf, has to be taken with a lorry load of salt.

FigTree said:

People are also not entitled to be praised…for anything. Problem is attention is attention and any coverage is what is important. I don’t agree with the tabloids…they are miles better, but also I do think that you need to develop coping mechanism and resilience if you are in that world.

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You also cannot pick and chose what you want printed,' he who sups with the devil should have a long spoon'
They want it both ways, good publicity when they want it, but no criticism as they claim they are lies or bullying tactics.

shady lady said:

And this is exactly why if MM ever publishes her own "tell-all" book, her integrity and honesty are going to be called into question and rightly so. Everything she says, or gets people to say on her behalf, has to be taken with a lorry load of salt.

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If I was in charge of Pivotal's press, I would be incensed by the People article and the Archewell release. It's such a scummy move to piggyback on Melinda Gates' name.

Semi-reliable source The Daily Mail report that Harry and Meghan have bought a home in Portugal.

If so, I guess Jack Brooksbank had something to do with it.

Guess they are not hurting for money then. Or perhaps Harry's 40th birthday money came in to play?

An interesting line in the article - 'The purchase of the home in Portugal may have allowed the Sussexes to acquire a so-called Golden Visa, under which they would have visa-free access to the European Union's Schengen area.'

This is incorrect. Portugal changed the rules in October 2023, and purchase of real estate is no longer a qualifying investment for the 'golden visa' program. They would now need to invest a minimum of either 250,000 or 500,000 euros, depending on selected investment sector, and prove creation of either 5 or 10 jobs.

Do we know when did they buy that property? It may very well be before October 2023.

And for visits to the UK for up to 6 months, no visa is needed for American citizens, so if Meghan wished to visit the UK, she already can do so.

Ghost said:

Do we know when did they buy that property? It may very well be before October 2023.

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That's a fair question. And it's entirely possible they bought it before the rule change.

Isn't Eugenie returning to the UK full time ahead of her eldest child starting school?

Mean Portugal is gorgeous but very similar climate to Califonia.

It's certainly been reported that Eugenie wants to return to the UK full time, and just use the property in Portugal as a holiday home. Once August starts school, it's not going to be practical for them to split their time between two countries.

As far as I know, US citizens don't need a visa to enter the Schengen area for stays up to 90 days. Assuming that Meghan doesn't intend to spend 3 months at a time there, I don't see why that's an issue!

Well there would be implications on tax and residency when you own a home in another country. Harry neither would be entitled to unlimited stay in Europe. I mean really, unless they intend on spending at least a couple of months there a year, there is little benefit in buying a home there.

According to what I read in the Portuguese press, Princess Eugenie and her husband also bought a house in Portugal, more specifically in Melides, in a luxury development.
The house that Harry and Meghan would have purchased will be in the Comporta area, a small town in the Alentejo region.

I hope this report is true. Portugal is a beautiful country.
Eugenie and Jack will almost certainly be spending some time in Portugal because of Jack's business, wherever August (and Archie) will actually be going to school. The couples are close and will probably catch up in the school holidays.

The Duke of Sussex enjoyed the waves in California and his friends have shared a video on their Instagram account.

Blog Real said:

The Duke of Sussex enjoyed the waves in California and his friends have shared a video on their Instagram account.

https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2024-10-17/harry-principe-surfero-video-surcando-olas-california_3984953/

Raimana Van Bastolaer on Instagram: "In tahiti, we still call you Prince harry but at surfranch, it’s my Brother,. It was an honor to have you surf with me & @kellyslater @michaelanders_ at @kswaveco || 📸: @toddglaser |||@austinsurfclubtx @firewiresu

11K likes, 446 comments - raimanaworld on October 16, 2024: "In tahiti, we still call you Prince harry but at surfranch, it’s my Brother,. It was an honor to have you surf with me & @kellyslater @michaelanders_ at @kswaveco || 📸: @toddglaser |||@austinsurfclubtx @firewiresurfboards @outerknown".

www.instagram.com

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Those are actually artificial waves at Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch. They are not real ocean waves. It is possible, however, to simulate different types of waves using the equipment available at the Ranch (left right, barreled, mushy, etc.).

Blog Real said:

The Duke of Sussex enjoyed the waves in California and his friends have shared a video on their Instagram account.

https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2024-10-17/harry-principe-surfero-video-surcando-olas-california_3984953/

Raimana Van Bastolaer on Instagram: "In tahiti, we still call you Prince harry but at surfranch, it’s my Brother,. It was an honor to have you surf with me & @kellyslater @michaelanders_ at @kswaveco || 📸: @toddglaser |||@austinsurfclubtx @firewiresu

11K likes, 446 comments - raimanaworld on October 16, 2024: "In tahiti, we still call you Prince harry but at surfranch, it’s my Brother,. It was an honor to have you surf with me & @kellyslater @michaelanders_ at @kswaveco || 📸: @toddglaser |||@austinsurfclubtx @firewiresurfboards @outerknown".

www.instagram.com

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I don't know surfing but that looks impressive!

I read the Vanitatis article and they mention Surf Ranch is in Leemore, California.and since that town was unfamiliar, I googled the town and Leemore is quite far inland and thought it was a mistake. But come to find out Harry was not surfing in the ocean, rather Surf Ranch's waves are a human-made. I then recalled that at the end it did look like the shallower water was over what looked like black tarp. ETA: Also upon rewatch, you see in the background he is very close to land9 for most of the ride.

Mbruno said:

Those are actually artificial waves at Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch. They are not real ocean waves. It is possible, however, to simulate different types of waves using the equipment available at the Ranch (left right, barreled, mushy, etc.).

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I heard this is a very expensive place to be. Around 5k to 7k per person per day. Doesn't sound like much to celebrities but for that price, most people can fly to a great surfing destination.

Harry and his companions probably aren’t surfing there from morning till night. People who go to the ranch probably enjoy the social aspect of just hanging out with friends.

Queen Claude said:

I don't know surfing but that looks impressive!

I read the Vanitatis article and they mention Surf Ranch is in Leemore, California.and since that town was unfamiliar, I googled the town and Leemore is quite far inland and thought it was a mistake. But come to find out Harry was not surfing in the ocean, rather Surf Ranch's waves are a human-made. I then recalled that at the end it did look like the shallower water was over what looked like black tarp. ETA: Also upon rewatch, you see in the background he is very close to land9 for most of the ride.

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Here's information about the Surf Ranch if you're familiar with California, it's close to the city of Fresno.