Great piece as always. I did comment a bit on Twitter but it's difficult with the word limitation :) Here is my take for what it's worth. I first hasten to say that I am a Royal follower (not expert) of many decades and a "California movie star" follower for an equal length of time. Having lived in Canada, the UK and the US, my take on Royals and movie stars is tempered by those three cultures. Having said all of that here is what I think:
(1) I was not at all surprised by the announcement. I had said on Twitter several days ago that I was fairly certain BP already knew what Harry was doing and that I was fairly certain he, at least was coming. Looking at what happens in "celebrity" marriages, there is a definite pattern emerging that bodes ill for Harry. First it's "stand by your man (or woman)". That happened at the Queen's funeral and Meghan waited to see what the reaction to the Netflix documentary would be. It wasn't good. And then came Harry's book and its promotion, during which period Meghan was nowhere to be seen. That's the distancing period that happens in celebrity marriages, a time that gives the media a heads up, an opportunity to opine there's trouble in paradise. Hotly denied (opinions have been muted thus far, they may get louder now that Meghan isn't coming.) Denials issued. A photo of a romantic holiday or meals out (anyone remember Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston on holiday weeks before it was announced they were separating?) And then there's the "we have decided to sadly separate although we love each other deeply."
It's a pattern that's happened over and over and I think THAT's why Harry is coming to the Coronation. Even though he is distanced (maybe) from Charles and William, he has loving family in the UK who would provide him a shoulder to cry on, advice to give. Who would take him back because that's what families do once a member is in trouble.
I firmly believe things are in motion and they are NOT looking good for Harry. No way would Meghan miss the coronation if she had any intention of remaining in this marriage for much longer. She might have been mildly booed but the Press coverage in the US would have been worth it. For her to miss it says she has something else up her sleeve and attending the coronation wouldn't play in with her plans. The Royal card has been played but was trumped; now she plays her Ace.
(2) As to the timing of the announcement, it coincides with the release of many of the notables who are attending, crowned heads of Europe and Japan, Dr. Biden, etc. Slot the announcement of Harry's coming among all the other news. Masterful of the Palace.
Thanks for reading and for your insight Valerie! And thanks for adding your background I always think that's helpful. You provide some very interesting context.
I will say you're not the only one who's brought this up to me during the last few hours. The first red flag was the palace making the announcement - which could be nothing - but could be the Sussexes not agreeing on a joint announcement together. The Sussexes generally are adamant about controlling their own press.
It seems very strange that Meghan would miss it. And someone on Twitter made a fantastic point - they brought the children with them and celebrated another birthday at Frogmore over the Jubilee weekend, the same could be done here. (I agree that the press coverage of her attending would trump everything else.)
I definitely think we may see some interesting developments in the months ahead.
And I fully agree about commenting on Twitter! It's very hard to get into proper discussion without losing your place, getting interrupted by trolls, you name it!
Thanks for your comment, great insight to add to the Royal Chat!
Yes, two things I also thought: some on Twitter are saying how wonderful she’s putting Archie’s birthday first. Children are very flexible about birthday parties. My grandchildren often had their parties several days after the actual day so that all their friends, and special adult friends, could be there. Presumably Harry will be at the birthday party (or maybe not) so it’s going to be postponed anyway. And the second thing is where was all that maternal concern last September when they were away from their children three weeks in September. Doria could easily have brought them over to the UK or, with the way these two fly back and forth, one could have flown back to CA.
Great analysis of the situation! I always enjoy your perspective on royal matters. I did have one question - why do you think Buckingham Palace agreed to announce Harry's attendance, instead of leaving it to Harry (since he has been so vocal about speaking for himself up to now)? Even if relations were not strained, it seems a weird subject for a palace announcement, IMO.
Thank you, Iris! I am not sure to be honest, it's a bit strange on both sides. It's odd to me that the Sussexes would allow the palace to speak for them, perhaps it was a show of unity from the King? The palace probably wants to stop these leaks and cross announcements as well. It was a surprise I won't lie!
I’m thankful Meghan is saying she won’t attend the coronation, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Her association with the Royal family is her only entertainment value.
I think at this point she absolutely won't be at the Coronation itself. Whether she decides to fly to the UK or not at the last minute - is always possible.
Great piece as always. I did comment a bit on Twitter but it's difficult with the word limitation :) Here is my take for what it's worth. I first hasten to say that I am a Royal follower (not expert) of many decades and a "California movie star" follower for an equal length of time. Having lived in Canada, the UK and the US, my take on Royals and movie stars is tempered by those three cultures. Having said all of that here is what I think:
(1) I was not at all surprised by the announcement. I had said on Twitter several days ago that I was fairly certain BP already knew what Harry was doing and that I was fairly certain he, at least was coming. Looking at what happens in "celebrity" marriages, there is a definite pattern emerging that bodes ill for Harry. First it's "stand by your man (or woman)". That happened at the Queen's funeral and Meghan waited to see what the reaction to the Netflix documentary would be. It wasn't good. And then came Harry's book and its promotion, during which period Meghan was nowhere to be seen. That's the distancing period that happens in celebrity marriages, a time that gives the media a heads up, an opportunity to opine there's trouble in paradise. Hotly denied (opinions have been muted thus far, they may get louder now that Meghan isn't coming.) Denials issued. A photo of a romantic holiday or meals out (anyone remember Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston on holiday weeks before it was announced they were separating?) And then there's the "we have decided to sadly separate although we love each other deeply."
It's a pattern that's happened over and over and I think THAT's why Harry is coming to the Coronation. Even though he is distanced (maybe) from Charles and William, he has loving family in the UK who would provide him a shoulder to cry on, advice to give. Who would take him back because that's what families do once a member is in trouble.
I firmly believe things are in motion and they are NOT looking good for Harry. No way would Meghan miss the coronation if she had any intention of remaining in this marriage for much longer. She might have been mildly booed but the Press coverage in the US would have been worth it. For her to miss it says she has something else up her sleeve and attending the coronation wouldn't play in with her plans. The Royal card has been played but was trumped; now she plays her Ace.
(2) As to the timing of the announcement, it coincides with the release of many of the notables who are attending, crowned heads of Europe and Japan, Dr. Biden, etc. Slot the announcement of Harry's coming among all the other news. Masterful of the Palace.
We shall see....
Thanks for reading and for your insight Valerie! And thanks for adding your background I always think that's helpful. You provide some very interesting context.
I will say you're not the only one who's brought this up to me during the last few hours. The first red flag was the palace making the announcement - which could be nothing - but could be the Sussexes not agreeing on a joint announcement together. The Sussexes generally are adamant about controlling their own press.
It seems very strange that Meghan would miss it. And someone on Twitter made a fantastic point - they brought the children with them and celebrated another birthday at Frogmore over the Jubilee weekend, the same could be done here. (I agree that the press coverage of her attending would trump everything else.)
I definitely think we may see some interesting developments in the months ahead.
And I fully agree about commenting on Twitter! It's very hard to get into proper discussion without losing your place, getting interrupted by trolls, you name it!
Thanks for your comment, great insight to add to the Royal Chat!
Yes, two things I also thought: some on Twitter are saying how wonderful she’s putting Archie’s birthday first. Children are very flexible about birthday parties. My grandchildren often had their parties several days after the actual day so that all their friends, and special adult friends, could be there. Presumably Harry will be at the birthday party (or maybe not) so it’s going to be postponed anyway. And the second thing is where was all that maternal concern last September when they were away from their children three weeks in September. Doria could easily have brought them over to the UK or, with the way these two fly back and forth, one could have flown back to CA.
Great analysis of the situation! I always enjoy your perspective on royal matters. I did have one question - why do you think Buckingham Palace agreed to announce Harry's attendance, instead of leaving it to Harry (since he has been so vocal about speaking for himself up to now)? Even if relations were not strained, it seems a weird subject for a palace announcement, IMO.
Thank you, Iris! I am not sure to be honest, it's a bit strange on both sides. It's odd to me that the Sussexes would allow the palace to speak for them, perhaps it was a show of unity from the King? The palace probably wants to stop these leaks and cross announcements as well. It was a surprise I won't lie!
I’m thankful Meghan is saying she won’t attend the coronation, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Her association with the Royal family is her only entertainment value.
I think at this point she absolutely won't be at the Coronation itself. Whether she decides to fly to the UK or not at the last minute - is always possible.