Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Royal Family

[Kataryn]

Well, it starts...


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/...ography-bombshell-called-Finding-Freedom.html



The title?. As if the BRF enslaved them. Who the heck will have any sympathy for them? Plus, they chose to ditch the Royal life, yet they are still trading in the connection.

How can you write a book about Harry and Meghan without bringing up who Harry is and who they were after the wedding? How can that be "trading on their connections"?

The description of the book is just so expected, lol. “Unafraid to break with tradition, determined to create a new path away from the spotlight....” Away from the spotlight? That’s why they moved to LA, why they hired the same PR firm as represents several celebrities, why they cooperated for this book...

They moved to Meghan's hometown where her mother lives. Just living in LA does not mean "in the spotlight" - especially now. Why can't you wait for them to do what you blame them for? Like being on Red Carpets, dancing with the stars, drinking champagne in Bel Air? As for the need of a PR firm - the media is interested in them, so they need specialised people who cope for them with the media. No matter who these people work with as well, they are specialists for public relations and Harry & Meghan need them.

As for the cooperation? We don't know enough about that, just that the "Daily Mail" will know nothing from the source and that the Mail on sunday (their source) knows nothing either. As for "fears" - well, one better calls that "hope" as this would sell papers.

Let me say it again: Harry would do nothing to hurt his grandmother or his father in the beginning of a new reign.

I think this book will take shots at the BRF, but I don’t think it will hurt them because I believe most of the British public - and, I think, Americans who truly follow the Royals- side with the BRF in terms of how Megxit played out. In fact, how things have played out since...

Just saying that Meghan and Harry have been lying low, not given interviews, just done some charity work. While the MoS today again claims, they were interested in just another 10 mil. $ Plus house in LA next to superstars. A real Royal mansion, when they showed us with Frogmore Cottage instead of Apt. 1 at Kensington Palace, that they prefer smaller and more private places as long as security is okay.


So I think people will be very disappointed in the book when they think of re-telling of Royal scandals and insider infos, I rather think it will be fuill of cloudy words about "empowering" people, positive thoughts and "loving and helping humanity".

 

[Missjersey]

How can you write a book about Harry and Meghan without bringing up who Harry is and who they were after the wedding? How can that be "trading on their connections"?


They moved to Meghan's hometown where her mother lives. Just living in LA does not mean "in the spotlight" - especially now. Why can't you wait for them to do what you blame them for? Like being on Red Carpets, dancing with the stars, drinking champagne in Bel Air? As for the need of a PR firm - the media is interested in them, so they need specialised people who cope for them with the media. No matter who these people work with as well, they are specialists for public relations and Harry & Meghan need them.

As for the cooperation? We don't know enough about that, just that the "Daily Mail" will know nothing from the source and that the Mail on sunday (their source) knows nothing either. As for "fears" - well, one better calls that "hope" as this would sell papers.

Let me say it again: Harry would do nothing to hurt his grandmother or his father in the beginning of a new reign.







Just saying that Meghan and Harry have been lying low, not given interviews, just done some charity work. While the MoS today again claims, they were interested in just another 10 mil. $ Plus house in LA next to superstars. A real Royal mansion, when they showed us with Frogmore Cottage instead of Apt. 1 at Kensington Palace, that they prefer smaller and more private places as long as security is okay.


So I think people will be very disappointed in the book when they think of re-telling of Royal scandals and insider infos, I rather think it will be fuill of cloudy words about "empowering" people, positive thoughts and "loving and helping humanity".

Three paragraphs up...I believe they hurt Gran and Dad the way they left, jmo....

 

[Kataryn]

The difference is that they were supposed to be working for the Firm. They had a role, they had tehir HRH, they had opportunities to work for charities.. but for some reasons, whether dislike of the press, dislike of the UK, they opted out, left the RF short of 2 workers.. I wont say they were vital workers but they were considered to be important and it had been planned fior them to do royal work for their lives. The other royals who do work for themselves have always been meant to do that...

They were harrassed, humiliated and the tabloids lied about them, turning Harry into a weakling and Meghan into a witch. They were lambasted for their use of public money - (see what Associated Newspapers said about that in their reply against Meghan's claim) - all was wrong, even if all the other Royals did the same. When the media went against their child after harrassing the mother through her pregnancy, they decided to go and look for "freedom" - of their enemies in the media.



Now they live in Meghan's hometown and look what they can do there. If being Royal beens that you can all jump on them and use them as your doormat, it just makes no sense to stay "Royals". What is a HRH or a title worth if your child is compared to an ape, because his mother is biracial? For them,. obviously nothing. But for the tabloids, it gives them the "inner right" to push them down and throw with mud. What a terrible life!

 

[Kataryn]

Three paragraphs up...I believe they hurt Gran and Dad the way they left, jmo....

Ok, do you mean as persons? Yes, I think they did. Because they saw how they hurt and couldn't help them enough to make them stay.


As a prince and his wife hurting the queen and the Prince of Wales? Not so much, as William is the heir and Harry "just the spare" who has a right to search of another situation in life where he feels more accepted and respected. For that is a right every human has, even the Royals.

 

[Missjersey]

Ok, do you mean as persons? Yes, I think they did. Because they saw how they hurt and couldn't help them enough to make them stay.


As a prince and his wife hurting the queen and the Prince of Wales? Not so much, as William is the heir and Harry "just the spare" who has a right to search of another situation in life where he feels more accepted and respected. For that is a right every human has, even the Royals.

Yes Kataryn, I also think,, IMO, that they hurt the Queen and Prince of Wales.

Not going to rehash it, we have a difference of opinions

 

[HighGoalHighDreams]

One thing is for certain: Omid has spent too long building a favorable relationship with the Sussexes to burn that bridge by printing anything they don't approve of. That connection is too valuable to him. If he continues to act as their de facto spokesperson, we will know what we need to about the Sussexes' feelings about the book's contents.

 

[Missjersey]

One thing is for certain: Omid has spent too long building a favorable relationship with the Sussexes to burn that bridge by printing anything they don't approve of. That connection is too valuable to him. If he continues to act as their de facto spokesperson, we will know what we need to about the Sussexes' feelings about the book's contents.

Seems like he’a become their parrot

 

[Lumutqueen]

Thoroughly Modern Royals:The Real World of Harry and Meghan.

How do you mean?

I feel like this book is going to reflect exactly what Harry and Meghan want it to, that it’s closer to a ghost written memoir/tell-all than it is straight non-fiction with one (even if it was long) interview.

I agree, previous posters suggested that this book was nothing more than other previous corroborations we’ve seen which has simply done a “day in the life” of a royal. The DM article, if true, smashes that theory. This is their attempt at the Andrew Morton...

One thing is for certain: Omid has spent too long building a favorable relationship with the Sussexes to burn that bridge by printing anything they don't approve of. That connection is too valuable to him. If he continues to act as their de facto spokesperson, we will know what we need to about the Sussexes' feelings about the book's contents.

If this is, as they say it is, I hope this burns any non Sussex bridges for him in the UK. He’s not a reporter, he’s a repeater.

Seems like he’a become their parrot

I’ve been shot down on this forum for saying he was their mouthpiece, now they’ve only gone and proved me right.

 

[Kataryn]

I agree, previous posters suggested that this book was nothing more than other previous corroborations we’ve seen which has simply done a “day in the life” of a royal. The DM article, if true, smashes that theory. This is their attempt at the Andrew Morton...

Why do people still believe anything the Daily Mail or the other tabloids write. We know that their employees and their informant were locked out of Harry's and Meghan's life and that they have a big agenda against the, So why believe their "fears" that scandalous things might happern? And what things? It's not like H&M had an enemy in the Royal family! The queen and Charles love them and William is Harry's brother! So what kind of stories will come out that will hurt the family members? I can imagine there can be stories about the staff collaborating with the tabloids, but how could this hurt H&M or the RF?

 

[Lumutqueen]

Why do people still believe anything the Daily Mail or the other tabloids write.

Did you read the part where I wrote, “if true”?....because your response to my comment says you didn’t.

 

[Eskimo]

'Modern Royal Family' after they opted out?
And Finding Freedom? The latest pictures from Harry delivering the food show him angry/sulking as usual with Meghan patting his back or touching him to calm him down.
But thankfully, this is the book they would always write. I am glad it's done with in August already.
The attention they will get now will not be enough for a second book. At some point the story gets lame and more interesting people will be in town.

Depends on how well the book sells. No matter what they have to say, if this book does not make enough money for the publishers they are not going to bother paying for a "sequel"

 

[Rae]

Why do people still believe anything the Daily Mail or the other tabloids write. We know that their employees and their informant were locked out of Harry's and Meghan's life and that they have a big agenda against the, So why believe their "fears" that scandalous things might happern? And what things? It's not like H&M had an enemy in the Royal family! The queen and Charles love them and William is Harry's brother! So what kind of stories will come out that will hurt the family members? I can imagine there can be stories about the staff collaborating with the tabloids, but how could this hurt H&M or the RF?

It's straight from Amazon, submitted by the publisher and the article provides the link to Amazon. See below.

I've been enjoying the browsing the threads without posting but it does get tiresome when goalposts are constantly shifted re media by specific people. If the article is favourable, believe, if not, cast aspersions. It doesn't work like that. We all know the usual caveats re articles/media but people should be able to have a simple discussion (and others enjoy the discussion) with differing opinions on an article (verified or not) without someone trying to shut down an argument by attacking the media.

If it comes to it, they have good innings in breaking stories that end up being accurate.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product...&pf_rd_p=e632fea2-678f-4848-9a97-bcecda59cb4e

When news of the budding romance between a beloved English prince and an American actress broke, it captured the world’s attention and sparked an international media frenzy. But while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have continued to make headlines—from their engagement, wedding, and birth of their son Archie to their unprecedented decision to step back from their royal lives—few know the true story of Harry and Meghan.

For the very first time, Finding Freedom goes beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan’s life together, dispelling the many rumors and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond. As members of the select group of reporters that cover the British Royal Family and their engagements, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand have witnessed the young couple’s lives as few outsiders can.

With unique access and written with the participation of those closest to the couple, Finding Freedom is an honest, up-close, and disarming portrait of a confident, influential, and forward-thinking couple who are unafraid to break with tradition, determined to create a new path away from the spotlight, and dedicated to building a humanitarian legacy that will make a profound difference in the world.

 

[Queen Claude]

Amazon Link - I don't think it's been posted:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087ZTTCFC

Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family Hardcover – 11 Aug. 2020
by Omid Scobie (Author), Carolyn Durand (Author)

 

[Durham]

Finding Freedom!!?

This has to be a parody surely. Is this from the same people who make "The Windsors".

They could launch it to the theme from the film Born Free or maybe Freddie Mercury singing "I want to break free".

 

[Betsypaige]

Deleted post

 

[Betsypaige]

Ok, do you mean as persons? Yes, I think they did. Because they saw how they hurt and couldn't help them enough to make them stay.


As a prince and his wife hurting the queen and the Prince of Wales? Not so much, as William is the heir and Harry "just the spare" who has a right to search of another situation in life where he feels more accepted and respected. For that is a right every human has, even the Royals.

If you recall, HM and Charles wanted to find a way for Harry and Meghan it make their exit...badly, because they wanted their happiness. What they asked and hoped for was time to work out all the arrangements, which when H and M decided they’d had enough, they dropped the bomb. That was unacceptable to me. This has never been about H and M leaving - all HM and Charles want, ultimately, is for Harry’s happiness even though they would have much preferred H and M to stay.

As far as I’m concerned, there’s no need or reason to divide the roles. Harry’s granny is the Queen and his father is PoW. In each of their roles, they wanted Harry and Meghan to stay and to ultimately be happy.

Durham, the sequel - for primarily American audience - will be called “Let Freedom Ring”, lol (from “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)

Finding Freedom!!

This has to be a parody surely. Is this from the same people who make "The Windsors".

They could launch it to the theme from the film Born Free or maybe Freddie Mercury singing "I want to break free".

 

[Betsypaige]

I agree, previous posters suggested that this book was nothing more than other previous corroborations we’ve seen which has simply done a “day in the life” of a royal. The DM article, if true, smashes that theory. This is their attempt at the Andrew Morton...

I agree, except I hope without the nastiness (I never read the book, but it’s infamous, lol) towards the family. Even so, it’s still bound to hurt because no doubt there will be criticism of father, brother, grandmother. etc.. I don’t believe Harry (who is the one I’m primarily concerned about) would deliberately seek to hurt those he truly loves, but as the saying goes, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Three paragraphs up...I believe they hurt Gran and Dad the way they left, jmo....

Of course they did ....

 

[ACO]

So its still boils down to the fact that Omid has written a book (no different than many on the royal beat) but because it is not trashing them it is bad? The description says "access to close circle" but I pulled up a few books about other royals that literally says the same in the description. That can mean just about anything. It is an easy general cover base.

DM claimed there were interviews and yet other publications say otherwise. I mean that says plenty right there. No one has read this book but seems everyones knows exactly what has been written. Fascinating. People don't have to like Omid but I do find is interesting that other correspondents are just fine to write all kind of things and it is all good.

Heck I would bet money that books about "Megxit" are in publication as I type. There is currently a book about Kensington Palace (also with "close sources") coming out and no one seems to care whatsoever. But this one? Pearl clutching. If you find fault in Meghan all is swell. If you don't think... well....

Read the book or don't. Just like the rest of them out there. I bet this forum is more dramatic than this book.

 

[Lumutqueen]

No one has read this book but seems everyones knows exactly what has been written.

How did you come to that conclusion?

 

[Nico]

I bet this forum is more dramatic than this book.

As if the title "Finding Freedom" was not dramatic enough ...

 

[Kataryn]

Did you read the part where I wrote, “if true”?....because your response to my comment says you didn’t.

If you didn't believe it (at least some bits), you wouldn't take time to think about it - much less discuss it. And I hate it because that's the way you say the most shaming things, discuss them while not take an open position.



I mean, we can discuss it - but then we all should stand by what we say or believe or refrain from using diminishing words. We should all accept that we here are no first-hand witnesses, but influenced by the media and thuis be a bit more careful.

 

[Durham]

Will there be a film as well? I hope so.

 

[Lumutqueen]

If you didn't believe it (at least some bits), you wouldn't take time to think about it - much less discuss it. And I hate it because that's the way you say the most shaming things, discuss them while not take an open position.

I would refrain from making personal assumptions about a poster, who are, like the royals you don’t have first hand experience of.

I think if you read my posts properly, you would see what my position was.

 

[Osipi]

All of this has pointed out to me one, big, glaring thing that I don't believe either Harry or Meghan realized the implications of before making their grand exodus out of the Firm and into a life of their own.

The loss of a platform. That was their biggest asset, I believe, when working for the "Firm". It was a grand and glorious global platform where it was exclusively their own with their own causes, incentives and it reached far and wide across the globe. It had a strong foundation being built on models used by the BRF for generations. There was teamwork, there was family and it came with a lot of perks and security and peace of mind (well.. for most royals anyways).

Without this platform, Harry and Meghan are trying to build one in their own style, in their own way and in their own time. Its flimsy at most as if its sitting on poles in swamp land. Their platform seems to mirror other personal platforms out there that really don't get noticed all that much. This book, I believe, is an attempt to cement that platform but when the platform is constructed with paper mache (pages of a book), its not a strong one.

Their biggest loss, to me, was losing their global platform with which they really could have accomplished so many things. Some say that its the media that has driven them away but the media has never looked at the platform itself but rather the people standing on it.

It'll take time and a whole lot of trial and error with some errors impossible to come back from but I'm hoping Harry and Meghan do find what works best for them and they lead happy, productive lives. Only time will tell.

 

[Sun Lion]

Having the main title as “Finding Freedom” makes me think the book will be focused mostly on the Duke and Duchess exiting the Monarchy.

“Finding Freedom” doesn’t sound like their childhoods, courtship, charity work and such things as might constitute a regular biography. More about getting out and well, finding their freedom.

I’m expecting an expose of all they found “wrong” and their “escape” from it.

I’m also seeing a lot of outlets are running with reports that “The Tig” - either under that name or a new one - may be resurrected and be a big part of the couple’s ongoing plans.

(Another insider has spoken.)

 

[Curryong]

Harry and Meghan didn't commission this biography, nor did they write it themselves. Like several other royals they gave access to authors for a book featuring themselves in the form of an interview, one interview.

However, to read some reactions here, one would think that Harry and Meghan had written every word themselves, all of it attacking the BRF, Harry's relatives, and personally approved every word written by Omid and Carolyn.

Speaking for myself, I'll wait and see until August and then read this book before speculating on its contents.

 

[acdc1]

So if I’m understanding this correctly, this is of course no means an official autobiography or biography, but they have given an interview to the author? That indicates, to me at least, that they’ve authorized this and have at least some degree of participation.

For a couple who constantly decry the media and purportedly left the royal family in large part to escape media attention and the spotlight, it seems like they’ve been doing their darndest to stay in the spotlight (moving to LA- the world capital of paparazzi and the media, their many announcements, this book). I hope that they are able to find their own happiness and a role in society that gives them meaning and joy, but it seems to me like they have lost their platform and footing and they know it, and are desperately trying to grasp any kind of attention that they can to stay relevant.

 

[akina21]

Finding Freedom ... but not from Daddy's money .

 

[Osipi]

The whole concept of "freedom" is what gets to me. Insinuating through that word, they're insinuating that they were in some kind of bondage and restricted and curtailed as puppets on strings rather than being given the opportunity to have a global platform to make a difference, wealth and security and perks that, of course, no longer exists and the "freedom" to make their lives as they wished it to be.

I don't think its sunken in yet just how much they've really lost by finding "freedom". Harry more so than Meghan as Harry has never known differently. Its like the old saying to tell a teenager to leave home while they still know everything. Growing into adulthood is a rude awakening to say the least. I think both Harry and Meghan are going to find their own "awakenings" that comes with their "freedom".

 

[Countessmeout]

They don't have to be royal to have a platform. Meghan already had a platform for her charity work.

I am sorry it may have been a gilded and very luxurious one, but being a senior royal still has many restrictions and bonds. Where they live, what they can speak out about, what charities they work with. And you're right, it is 'daddy's money' because as senior working royals they couldn't have jobs. Unlike the Cambridges who will one day have Cornwall and later Lancaster as their own source of money, Harry and Meghan would always have to rely on Daddy and later brother for income. And that is not freedom.

They didn't want to cut all binds. Their plan to be part royal was vetoed. They wished to have the freedom that the Yorks do. To have jobs, and make their own lives, and still support charities and be a visible royal. Honestly it makes far more sense. People constantly whinging about the size of the royal family. How better to deal with that, then other then the heir and his wife (and his heir and wife), have the other royals be part time.

Meghan already knows what they face. She isn't some trust fund child who is going into the world for the first time on her own. She worked hard all her life to build what she had before Harry. She is just going back to that, not to some new life she has no idea about.

Now yes they are free. They are free to make money, support what charities they choose and make their every day decisions themselves. Not have to worry their charity choice is 'too political'. Worry that their business is 'only using royal links'. Decide where to live, travel, educate their son, choices that wont be dominated by what the royal image is expected to be.

And if the royals are hurting for their help, well the Yorks are around to step up. Shame just like the Yorks, that they have members who are going to be working so hard for charity and helping others and the BRF will get no credit, because they are 'private'. All the people complaining the royals aren't doing enough work to be worth the value they are paid, will never take this work into account. That their loss.