The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, News and Events 7: Oct. 2022 - Apr. 2023

[Toledo]

Admitedly I've only watched couple episodes of South Park few years ago because my housemate at that time was a fan and in those occasion I rarely found South Park to be funny, their type of humour just isn't my cup of tea (I'm more into Nintama Rantaro). I've seen clips from this episode and I feel some of the jokes are crass and just plain rude.

Hopefully the Sussexes don't take it to heart too much and able to just shrug it of, otherwise (particularly with their habit of digging into social media and comments on articles about them) I don't think it would be good for their mental health.

Sometimes I wonder, is this is the kind of fame they want to achieve when they move to US?

South Park is the equivalent of the British show Spitting Image but in cartoon form. It's a social and political adult cartoon shown at 10 PM in the USA just like Spittin Image but they are faster to produce an episode as close as the event or people are on the news.
In the USA, Saturday Night Live does exactly the same thing in their Cold Open skit and their News report segments. But the twist in South Park's parodies is to show how national events, scandals or celebrities affect people living in this mountain town in Colorado.

When I saw the episode, my thought was that the many topics on the parody, especially the focus on having a Brand to exploit, were based on everything we discuss in here but with humor. If you dissect the short episode on the topics, you get in 24 minutes all of the discussion pages we had lately. And it was so funny now I need to find the episode they dedicated to Will and Kate's wedding several years ago too.

The best part was the episode shows hope for Harry, because in the end he just wants to be accepted as he is. And that was a nice moment to watch.

 

[Kaye1850]

Here’s South Park:
https://southpark.cc.com/episodes/3ne660/south-park-the-worldwide-privacy-tour-season-26-ep-2

 

[Denville]

IMO, the Obama approach can only be achieved from a track record of public service and delivery, and with a positive message.

Whilst Harry had certanly achieved a reasonable amount in the charitable world (eg, Invictus) whist a working royal, their exit from the RF and their behaviour since has hardly been graceful or seamless. Their judgement can certainly be questioned when in their pointless airing of family disputes and endlessly attempt to position themselves as victims.

I am yet to see any attempts to use their worldwide fame to create a positive impact in a situation, just shameless and cynical attempts to cash in on their royal past.

They never wanted to be serious minded philanthropists like the Obamas, they went ot the US to make money and hang out with HOllywood.

 

[Curryong]

How do the Sussexes ‘hang out with Hollywood’? They are hardly ever seen at social events with people in show business. Nor are they seen on red carpets at award shows etc.

 

[Denville]

I seem to remember a party at Courtenay Cox's house. Not to mention being at Ellen's commitment ceremony or whatever it was.

 

[Curryong]

The party at Courtenay Cox’s house was years ago. And one commitment ceremony at a friend’s house hardly signifies a constant whirl of fun and gaiety with the Hollywood set. When was the last time you saw the Sussexes on the red carpet, since they moved to the US?

 

[Sunnystar]

For the better part of the first two years that the Sussexes have lived in the US, there was a pandemic happening and there weren't a lot of "red carpet" events happening in LA/Hollywood, and the ones that were held had very limited capacity, so I wouldn't have expected them to get an invitation unless they were a nominee. They certainly are moving in those social circles in SoCal, though, whether they're being snapped on the red carpet or not.

 

[Denville]

For the better part of the first two years that the Sussexes have lived in the US, there was a pandemic happening and there weren't a lot of "red carpet" events happening in LA/Hollywood, and the ones that were held had very limited capacity, so I wouldn't have expected them to get an invitation unless they were a nominee. They certainly are moving in those social circles in SoCal, though, whether they're being snapped on the red carpet or not.

very true. Those are the ones we've heard about, and odds are that they are now going to a lot more private parties with Hollywoold types. Its obvious anyway that that is where their heart is, that's what they wanted out of life... to go to the US, make money and hang out with the rich and starry.

 

[Heavs]

South Park satirises everyone (including religions and ideals held by their own staff and actors) and Trey Parker and Matt Stone used to talk a lot about how it was their version of dealing with growing up in Littleton Colorado (the healthy version). From the clips I've seen I think it hits a couple of nails with the "we want privacy" whilst giving interviews. I haven't watched a full episode in years. It in itself probably won't do them any harm but there is a bit of a steady drip now.

The party at Courtenay Cox’s house was years ago. And one commitment ceremony at a friend’s house hardly signifies a constant whirl of fun and gaiety with the Hollywood set. When was the last time you saw the Sussexes on the red carpet, since they moved to the US?

Getting awards on The Intrepid Gala and The Ripple of Hope. Those show they want to be included in big humanitarian events but have to settle for just off A list. There were many articles from the usual suspects that "They would turn down a Met Gala invite if it was sent". And They were "busy with family celebrations during Obama's big bash" sure.

I don't know who they socialise with and don't necessarily think it's fair to drag anyone into this but considering the complete lack of discretion both have shown in all circumstances they would tell us who they here hanging out with one way or the other if it was beneficial. A People article confirmed that Harry liked spending time with billionaire silicon valley types (albeit without naming names) FFS. There's a reason beyond "Meghan was born in LA" to where they positioned themselves instead of buying house in say Jackson Hole Wyoming or Telluride or another discreet wealthy enclave.

Samantha is to the Sussexes what the Sussexes are to the BRF. I don't want it to come to trial in the slightest but I don't think it's about money and Meghan and Samantha definitely share many of the same traits. I think both would be happier if they actually did concentrate on themselves for a while and take an internet/SM break.

 

[muriel]

very true. Those are the ones we've heard about, and odds are that they are now going to a lot more private parties with Hollywoold types. Its obvious anyway that that is where their heart is, that's what they wanted out of life... to go to the US, make money and hang out with the rich and starry.

And, IMO, H&M are entitled to make the choices that they have made. A life of public service is not for everybody. To quote, "service is " not "universal"!

 

[Erin9]

Both Markle sister's behaviour is pretty unbecoming, so the less said the better, IMO.

Agree. They share similar unfortunate character traits. Sad really.

 

[HenRach Dominion]

A lot of discussion has been about how HRH The Duchess of Sussex has disparaged the BRF and ripped HRH The Duke of Sussex and their children away from they family in Great Britain. Now, I haven't read all of the comments TRH The Sussexes have stated over the years, so I may have missed some, but I wanted to compare what each of TRH The Sussexes have said or done, mostly in regards to the BRF.

HRH The Duchess of Sussex
- Stated that she loved HLM The Queen
- Stated that she is close to Princess Eugenie
- Stated that HRH The Princess of Wales made her cry but apologized afterward
- Made HRH The Princess of Wales cry but apologized afterward
- Stated that Sarah, Duchess of York helped her out immensely
- Stated that the BRF in general are reserved publicly and privately
- Stated that the BRF in general were not supportive of her
- Repeated a story that her husband told her about comments about their incoming child's skin color
- Aired BRF business to the media
- Criticized the British media
- Doesn't seem to understand BRF customs and allegedly never tried
- Complained about the removal of BRF security
- Allegedly bullied BRF staff
- Has not said anything specific about HM The King
- Has not said anything specific about HM The Queen Consort
- Has not said anything specific about HRH The Prince of Wales
- Has not said anything specific about the Wales's children
- Has not said anything specific about the British people

HRH The Duke of Sussex
- Has accused his father of being jealous of his sons and leaking stories to the press
- Has accused his brother of being short-tempered and violent and jealous of him
- Has accused his stepmother of planting stories about him to make his father and herself look better
- Has accused his father and grandparents of generational trauma
- Stated that the BRF and/or the British people suffer from unconscious bias because of his wife's race
- Stated that everyone is trapped in the BRF and slaves to the British press
- Condemns the British press with everything in his being
- Airs specific details about specific family members to the media
- Accuses the BRF of being jealous of his wife
- Downplays bullying allegations against his wife
- Criticize the removal of BRF security
- Loved his grandmother but also feared her
- Loves his niece and nephews but stated that one of them will be treated like the "bad one" in the media
- Criticized the British people for their interest in the British press

The reason why I point this out is because, it spite of HRH The Duke of Sussex being more critical of his own family and country, being more specific in targeting certain family members, airing out more private details, and discussing his hatred of the media long before his current relationship, many people and especially the media lie the blame at HRH The Duchess of Sussex's feet, with her husband as her dim-witted mouth piece. All the vitriol, therefore, goes to her, with the Clarkson article being the most extreme.

So, yes. Criticize HRH The Duchess of Sussex for leaving the BRF without giving it an honest go. Criticize her for not learning more about British culture in general and the British Royal Family in particular. Criticize her for complaining about the BRF in public. Criticize her for condemning the media when it's against her but engaging in it when it's for her. Criticize her for bullying her staff.

But don't lay her husband's specific, detailed accusations about his own family and his own countrymen at her feet. He's a nearly 40-year old man...he can make his own decisions.

 

[Prinsara]

- Loves his niece and nephews but stated that one of them will be treated like the "bad one" in the media

Sadly, he might be right about that one. Niece and nephews can help when they get older by not giving the media extraneous incidents to feed from, though.

The reason why I point this out is because, it spite of HRH The Duke of Sussex being more critical of his own family and country, being more specific in targeting certain family members, airing out more private details, and discussing his hatred of the media long before his current relationship, many people and especially the media lie the blame at HRH The Duchess of Sussex's feet, with her husband as her dim-witted mouth piece. All the vitriol, therefore, goes to her, with the Clarkson article being the most extreme.

...

But don't lay her husband's specific, detailed accusations about his own family and his own countrymen at her feet. He's a nearly 40-year old man...he can make his own decisions.

The thing is, though, Harry was known to lack critical reasoning skills and self-restraint and say and do some generally stupid things before Meghan. Since their relationship began, all of those tendencies seem to have gotten worse. I think it is reasonable to fault Meghan for having the sort of presence and character that seemingly intensifies her husband's flaws (like anger and paranoia), and vice-versa. A truly loving relationship finds a way to make things better (or at least does not appear to be the catalyst for pushing things into a downward spiral).

 

[Alison H]

I think it's because Harry *seemed* happy within the Royal Family in the few years before he met Meghan, for example on the tour of the West Indies and promoting the "Heads Up" campaign with William and Kate. From what he's saying now, he wasn't happy, but that's not how it seemed, which I think is why Meghan's being blamed ... as well as the fact that (Henrietta Maria, Marie Antoinette, Alexandra Feodorovna) wives tend to get blamed for their husbands' misdeeds.

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

Meghan has sued and won twice. She sued a tabloid for infringement and a paparazzi's agency for invading her child's privacy. Not sure how that is serial. She was correct and was proven as much.

Samantha is attempting to sue Meghan because she refused to claim her a sister. That is her right but I mean... hardly the same thing.

Meghan hasn't even done much these days and folk out here being "where is Meghan." Weird behavior.

Exactly! A bit of a reach to compare the two.

 

[tihkon2]

Exactly! A bit of a reach to compare the two.

Nah, not a reach at all. She is Samantha Markle to the royal family. The same invasions of privacy and bad mouthing that Samantha does to Meghan, Meghan does to the royal family. I think the two daughters are both chips off the old block of Thomas Markle. All 3 of them are exactly alike in my opinion.

 

[Lee-Z]

Read on dm that Commonwealth Trust website has been updated and H&M are no longer on it, but as i take everything from dm with loads of salt:
does anyone know if indeed they were on it before?

 

[TLLK]

Read on dm that Commonwealth Trust website has been updated and H&M are no longer on it, but as i take everything from dm with loads of salt:
does anyone know if indeed they were on it before?

Admittedly I never viewed it before, but I can imagine that they were there under the "About us" section when he was the President and she was the Vice-President until 2021.

 

[Ista]

Several posts have been deleted.

This is a reminder that one of the rules governing discussion on the Sussex thread is

"Rehashing of events from 2017-2021, unless DIRECTLY relevant to the new information"

is prohibited.

There has been extensive--some might even say exhaustive--discussion in the past and on the now closed "Spare" thread about the Sussexes departure, motivations, etc. and we do not need to continue it here, especially since at this point everything has been said before, multiple times.

If members have questions about what may and may not be discussed, the rules are on the first page of this thread, or any of the British forum moderators would be happy to clarify any confusion if you PM one of them.

 

[Toledo]

I'm exhausted.

Here are other news these past few days related to the Dukes of Sussex

Archewell Foundation received over £8m from one donor

Meghan and Harry praised for 'bringing hope' as their Foundation raised £13m on first year

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

Nah, not a reach at all. She is Samantha Markle to the royal family. The same invasions of privacy and bad mouthing that Samantha does to Meghan, Meghan does to the royal family. I think the two daughters are both chips off the old block of Thomas Markle. All 3 of them are exactly alike in my opinion.

I don't think Meghan has bad-mouthed the BRF at all. She has recounted experiences, yes. Is it bad-mouthing someone when you recount their poor behaviour? I don't think so. Harry is the one who has criticised the institution.

In any way, if you read the context of the post you replied to, I was referring comparisons between Meghan's lawsuits and Samantha's. There's a pretty major difference between the two[.....]

 

[Alison H]

Meghan undoubtedly bad-mouthed the Royal Family in the Oprah interview, but that's rehashing old ground.

Is it known who made the £8m donation?

 

[muriel]

Is it known who made the £8m donation?

Might it be a Getty? ?

 

[Alison H]

£10m in total, of which £8m was from one person - it's someone very rich and very generous!

 

[tausi]

£10m in total, of which £8m was from one person - it's someone very rich and very generous!

It might even be Harry & Meghan donating to their foundation through this scheme. It is like restructuring. It makes more sense to me, trying to show legitimacy of their foundation. This is my opinion not fact.

 

[SirGyamfi1]

I don't think Meghan has bad-mouthed the BRF at all. She has recounted experiences, yes. Is it bad-mouthing someone when you recount their poor behaviour? I don't think so. Harry is the one who has criticised the institution.

In any way, if you read the context of the post you replied to, I was referring comparisons between Meghan's lawsuits and Samantha's. There's a pretty major difference between the two[.....]

What poor behavior have the family shown to them? Most of their grievances are just imagined slights. She literally said that her child was being treated differently because of titles that they weren’t entitled to at the time. You can’t really separate the institution from the family because the Head of the family is involved with the “so called institution”. It is even worse when some of the recollections weren’t accurate or embellished or lies.

 

[tihkon2]

What poor behavior have the family shown to them? Most of their grievances are just imagined slights. She literally said that her child was being treated differently because of titles that they weren’t entitled to at the time. You can’t really separate the institution from the family because the Head of the family is involved with the “so called institution”. It is even worse when some of the recollections weren’t accurate or embellished or lies.

Exactly...

 

[FigTree]

It might even be Harry & Meghan donating to their foundation through this scheme. It is like restructuring. It makes more sense to me, trying to show legitimacy of their foundation. This is my opinion not fact.

I don’t see how they could afford that. Figures like 100 million…personally to them are fantastical. They are the super rich or anywhere near it.

 

[Lee-Z]

I'm exhausted.

Here are other news these past few days related to the Dukes of Sussex

Archewell Foundation received over £8m from one donor

Meghan and Harry praised for 'bringing hope' as their Foundation raised £13m on first year

I'm probably annoying saying this, but i think the headlines have their currencies mixed up, as far as i can tell it's
raised: 10 million GBP (13 million USD)
one generous donor: 8 million GBP (10 million USD)

For their first full year (2021) that's good, i'd say, and as i expect that money to be spend on various good causes, i'd say the more the better.
In 2022 i think they had more time to network and mingle with potential sponsors, so i'd expect 2022 to even increase on that.
If there would be a fall-out from Harry and Meghan's public utterances regarding Britain, British media and his family, i don't expect it to have effect in 2022 yet.
And the 2023 effect should be minimal if from now on they focus on moving on and getting their philantropy out and noticed instead of the other stuff.

(the article mentions 3 million USD being granted from the foundation, not really sure what the rest was spend on, but i didn't try to look really hard

 

[Denville]

I don’t see how they could afford that. Figures like 100 million…personally to them are fantastical. They are the super rich or anywhere near it.

who said 100 million?