Following Meghan's surprise interview with Vanity Fair, which made headlines all over the world during the week, I anticipated we would see some interesting reports and stories regarding the couple's future in the Sunday papers and thankfully that is very much the case. The VF story has proved a divisive move. My own take on it is this; we are in very different territory with Meghan than previous royal girlfriends. She's already an established and known public figure. In many ways, doing the interview provided an opportunity to take control of the narrative and present an accurate portrayal of herself. Certainly, I have no doubt this was done with Harry's full knowledge and likely a level of involvement from Kensington Palace. I imagine it's one of several carefully planned steps arranged to introduce Harry and Meghan to the public on their terms before an engagement announcement.
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| Vanity Fair |
Camilla Tominey reported the follwing in the Sunday Express:
Aides rubbished reports as “incorrect” that the Queen had been unhappy with the coverage, as one of Meghan’s closest confidantes revealed she spoke to the US magazine with Harry’s full approval.
'A royal source revealed: “Behind Palace gates everyone is expecting an announcement. It’s a case of when not if. The consensus is there will be a wedding next year.”
The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, rallied against suggestions Meghan was courting publicity, saying: “She hasn’t spoken for a year and all she did say was that she was in a relationship and in love. Any suggestion that she is milking this for publicity is ridiculous. Of course Harry knew all about it, the palace okayed it.”
A royal insider also confirmed Harry’s closest aides at Kensington Palace were told about the interview and gave it their full approval. “The Palace knew about it and sanctioned it,” said a well-placed source. “Meghan hadn’t done much in the past year. She’d been very quiet but there is an understanding that this is not a sustainable position for her to be in as an actress. She has a career and media work is an inevitable part of that.'
A friend told Tominey:
“She has said on numerous occasions she doesn’t want be a lady who lunches. She is actually very low maintenance. She appeared on the front cover of Vanity Fair without any mascara on and insisted there was no airbrushing of her freckles. Most cover girls take hours getting ready for such shoots but Meghan was only in hair and make up for 30 minutes. What you see is what you get with Meghan. She’s not at all Hollywood. Yes, she’s beautiful but she’s got brains, she’s smart and engaged.”
Roya Nikkhah wrote an insightful article for The Sunday Times in which she revealed Meghan has returned to Toronto "She is thought to have a contract until the end of the year, leaving open the possibility of an engagement announcement before Christmas, with a royal wedding next year". Roya also notes Harry is eager to pursue a modern royal marriage "allowing Meghan to pursue charitable interests and career options. One source said Markle was unlikely to become an Identikit Duchess. The source added Harry will push hard for this: "I don't think the Queen will stand in the way of a more modern kind of royal marriage; she back her grandsons to the hilt. Palace courtiers must not stand in the way. If Harry is frustrated on this, it will be the royal family's detriment." In terms of a career, I could easily see Meghan forging a royal role slightly different to the norm. Aside from her duties on behalf of the Queen, I think she will want to continue and expand on her roles including UN women's advocate. I also envisage Harry wanting to do more work in Africa, something both might explore in the early years of their marriage.
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| Vanity Fair |
The Mail on Sunday reports on 'Operation Princess', claiming the Palace is making plans for Meghan to join the Firm:
'Significant changes are even afoot within the palace itself, changes which will open up the possibility of a new family home at Apartment 9 for Harry and Meghan.
They currently stay in Nottingham Cottage, a small two-bedroom house in the palace grounds. It has become clear that Royal solicitors Harbottle & Lewis, which acts for Prince Charles, William and Harry, has been asked to represent Meghan, too. And it is understood that Kensington Palace has been playing a key role in reducing the actress’s publicity commitments to the TV legal drama Suits, an apparent clearing of the decks and part of what some are calling ‘Operation Princess’.
If the Vanity Fair interview could be perceived as 'Stage One' of the official unveiling of the couple, what's next? Roya Nikkhah reports "Meghan Markle is to join Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Canada later this month. It will be the couple’s first public appearance at an official event. The American actress will join him in Toronto during the week-long Paralympic-style games for war veterans, founded by Harry." This move makes perfect sense in so many ways, not only have royal watchers pinpointed the event as the ideal venue for their debut, it's perfect for Meghan. Toronto is home turf for the Suits star who has called the Canadian city home for years. I believe, we can expect to see several appearance from Meghan over the week. The opening ceremony takes place on Saturday, 23 September, at 7.30 p.m.
The Sunday Express article concludes with "It is thought the couple will spend Christmas together". I have a feeling we're in for a very interesting Autumn :)