Duchess Meghan Comfortable and Content as Baby Sussex Wait Continues
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Duchess Meghan Comfortable and Content as Baby Sussex Wait Continues

As the excitement (and hysteria!) for the arrival of Baby Sussex continues to build in the town of Windsor, all is calm over at Frogmore Cottage.

Sources tell BAZAAR.com that despite being past her due date, Duchess Meghan is taking pregnancy overtime in stride. “Comfortable and content,” says a friend of the mom-to-be. “She’s got this.”

With mother Doria Ragland and husband Prince Harry by her side, the source adds the three are virtually unaware of the growing media presence in Windsor. “They’re in their own bubble at the moment,” the pal adds. “Meg is with the most important people in her life … she’s calm.”

Earlier today Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke of Sussex has postponed his May 8 trip to Amsterdam, cutting his two-day Netherlands visit down to one. He will now fly to The Hague and back on Thursday to launch a one-year countdown to the 2020 Invictus Games.

While suggestions have been made that the date was postponed due to Baby Sussex’s late arrival, palace aides explain the cancellation is simply to prevent “logistical conflicts” for press covering Prince Charles and Camilla’s diplomatic trip to Germany from May 7 to 10. Charles’s four-day visit is not only important to the future monarch but also for Britain’s Foreign Office, as the U.K. works to secure its exit from the European Union. One of the couple’s appointments includes a private meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

There is, of course, a chance that Harry may not travel at all. While he has every intention of flying out to the Netherlands on May 9, a palace source says he would most likely stay in the U.K. if Meghan is in labor or their baby has just arrived. “It’s a unique situation, but he’s doing his best to make it work,” says the source.

Source: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/

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What is the truth in claims Harry & Meghan are ‘moving to Africa’?
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What is the truth in claims Harry & Meghan are ‘moving to Africa’?

If you paid any attention to the newspaper front pages over the Easter weekend, you’ll have noticed the Queen’s 93rd birthday on Sunday was not the only story in town.A Sunday Times front page which landed on social media late on Saturday evening screamed: ‘Revealed: palace’s Africa plan for Harry and Meghan’.So, is the most talked-about royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, about to quit the UK?The answer is: not yet and not for too long but they are discussing a role which would see them relocate to a Commonwealth country in Africa for a few months when their baby is a little older.

Beyond that, little else is clear. I get the impression this plan is in an embryonic stage, but it has been discussed with Harry’s father, the Prince of Wales. That figures because Prince Charles provides most of the money for the new Sussex Household (the Duchy of Cornwall pays for the Heir to the Throne and his offspring).
The Queen is also aware of the conversations. So here is where I think we are on this. Harry and Meghan are looking for a new role for themselves sometime after their baby is born (he or she is due any day).
Continue reading What is the truth in claims Harry & Meghan are ‘moving to Africa’?

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have Officially Moved to Windsor Ahead of Royal Baby’s Birth
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have Officially Moved to Windsor Ahead of Royal Baby’s Birth

Welcome home, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry!

The royal couple have officially moved out of their Kensington Palace home and into their new cottage in Windsor, PEOPLE confirms.

Meghan and Harry, who are expecting their first child in a matter of days, are now set up in Windsor Castle’s Frogmore Cottage, close to the house where their evening wedding reception was held and where their engagement photos were taken. Windsor, located about 25 miles west of London, is a “special place” for the couple, their spokesman says — and was, of course, the setting for their wedding last May.

Plans for the move were originally announced in November, just one month after Meghan announced her pregnancy.

Harry and Meghan have lived in Kensington Palace’s Nottingham Cottage since their engagement, but the two-bedroom home was never likely to be a long-term residence — especially once they had children.

With all the pressures that come with bringing a baby into the world, the parents-to-be are resolved to build a sanctuary for their little family. “This is a very happy time for Meghan and Harry,” says a source. “This baby has brought them even closer.”

The cottage was in need of major renovations, as it was initially divided into five units as home to the palace staff. As a new family residence, “it would need considerable, lengthy refurbishment,” a royal source told PEOPLE. Windsor, meanwhile, “has more space for children” and “has a special place in their hearts,” the source added.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have their London home at Kensington Palace — at Apartment 1a, which has around 20 rooms. It had been suggested that Harry and Meghan might have the neighboring Apartment 1, but one of the Queen’s cousins lives there.

It was recently announced that Harry and Meghan have official split royal households from William and Kate. The Sussexes and the Cambridges have broken up their joint “court” at Kensington Palace by creating two separate offices, the palace announced.

“This long-planned move will ensure that permanent support arrangements for The Duke and Duchess’s work are in place as they start their family and move to their official residence at Frogmore Cottage,” a statement from the palace reads.

With William one day set to be the Prince of Wales — and all that entails as heir to his father Prince Charles — Harry and Meghan will want to forge their own path, so it’s a natural time to split up, insiders believe.

Their new home at Windsor Castle’s Frogmore Cottage is rich with history – and a connection to another American who married into the British royal family.

Wallis Simpson – the American-born socialite who wed King Edward VIII, forcing him to give up the throne after less than a year because his family (and parliament) wouldn’t accept Simpson, the woman he loved (who was twice divorced) as Queen – is buried next to her husband near the cottage in the Royal Burial Ground.

Simpson and Edward are buried behind the mausoleum that entombs Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Three of Queen Victoria’s children – Princess Helena, Prince Arthur and Princess Louise – are also interred there, along with many other members of the royal family. In the adjacent Frogmore gardens is the mausoleum of Queen Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent.

Meghan and Harry also have some new royal neighbors: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip! Nearby Windsor Castle is one of the monarch’s primary residences.

Source: https://people.com/

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A Hashtag in Meghan Markle’s Honor Has Helped Raise Charitable Donations All Over the World
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A Hashtag in Meghan Markle’s Honor Has Helped Raise Charitable Donations All Over the World

Sometimes, social media can be used for good. While Meghan Markle has been on the receiving end of some horrendous online abuse since becoming a duchess, it seems that some kind-hearted folk have decided to pay it forward in her honor instead.

Royal commentator Omid Scobie revealed that several charities that Meghan is involved with have been receiving donations in honor of Meghan and Harry’s baby. Scobie tweeted, “Proof that social media can be a positive place. Charities including @themayhew @Camfed and @WellChild have been receiving donations from Duchess Meghan fans around the world who started the hashtag #GlobalSussexBabyShower to celebrate Baby Sussex’s impending arrival. Very cool.”

As Meghan has faced quite so much abuse online and in the press since she married Prince Harry, it’s heartening to know that social media can actual have a positive impact, too.

Back in March 2019, Meghan took part in a panel for International Women’s Day at King’s College London. The duchess revealed that she tries to avoid social media saying (via ITV News), “I don’t read anything, it’s much safer that way, but equally that’s just my own personal preference, because I think positive or negative, it can all sort of just feel like noise to a certain extent these days.” But hopefully, the donations made in honor of #GlobalSussexBabyShower will show Meghan that she has a lot of supporters worldwide, too.

Source: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/

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March 17 – The Christening of Lena Tindall
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March 17 – The Christening of Lena Tindall

On March 17, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended The Christening of Lena Tindall, the daughter of Mike and Zara. Zara Tindall is William and Harry’s first cousin and Prince Harry was chosen as one of the godparents. The couple joined other members of The Royal Family including The Queen at the low key event.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > March 17 | Lena Tindall Christening

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Inside Harry and Meghan’s Split from William and Kate to Start Their Own Royal Household
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Inside Harry and Meghan’s Split from William and Kate to Start Their Own Royal Household

After months of speculation, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace announced the full plans for Prince Harry and Prince William to go their separate ways and create separate households on Thursday, March 14.

The move will see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex break away from the Cambridges to create an entirely new office of communications staff and courtiers at Buckingham Palace, with former Hillary Clinton campaign advisor Sara Latham taking on the role as press secretary.

Staff who previously worked for Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have chosen to remain at Kensington Palace, focusing their efforts wholly on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as William continues to prepare for his eventual role as king.

Among those staying at the previously joint court are former head of communications Jason Knauf, who has been promoted as senior advisor to guide the Cambridges on their charitable initiatives, and Christian Jones, who joined the team in December 2018 as Knauf’s deputy and will now lead the entire communications operation.

A statement released by Buckingham Palace revealed that the Queen, supported by Prince Charles, agreed to the creation of a new household for Harry and Meghan, allowing the couple to break away and continue with their philanthropic endeavors. “This long-planned move will ensure that permanent support arrangements for the Duke and Duchess’s work are in place as they start their family and move to their official residence at Frogmore Cottage,” says a Buckingham Palace spokesperson. Continue reading Inside Harry and Meghan’s Split from William and Kate to Start Their Own Royal Household

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Duchess of Sussex Appointed Vice-President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust
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Duchess of Sussex Appointed Vice-President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex will today become Vice-President of the Trust. The Trust, of which Her Majesty The Queen is Patron and The Duke of Sussex is President, exists to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are driving positive social change, serving their communities and providing hope, work and self-employment opportunities for others.

In this new role, The Duchess will highlight the Trust’s partnerships with young people across the Commonwealth, and in particular its work supporting women and girls. In celebration of International Women’s Day and to mark this appointment, Her Royal Highness will this afternoon join a special panel discussion of female thought-leaders and activists convened by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, to discuss a range of issues affecting women today.

Lord Geidt, Chairman, said:

“The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is thrilled to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as its Vice-President. The support and encouragement which Her Royal Highness will bring to the young leaders with whom we work promises to have a profound effect. We are enormously grateful to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for this signal of commitment they are making to our work, helping The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust to pursue its ambitions right across the Commonwealth and beyond.”

Nicola Brentnall, Chief Executive, said:

“We are particularly delighted that the first opportunity of formally working together with Her Royal Highness comes on International Women’s Day. This squares perfectly with our focus on amplifying the work and contribution of those furthest away from power. Women across the Commonwealth and the globe often face the biggest impediments to success. So we are delighted to have our Vice-President’s support in helping others to overcome those obstacles.’

Those joining The Duchess for the unique panel today include Annie Lennox OBE, founder of The Circle, an organisation supporting and empowering women’s lives around the world; Adwoa Aboah, founder of Gurls Talk, an open community where young girls can talk about the issues that matter to them; Julia Gillard, Former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London; Chrisann Jarrett, Founder of Let Us Learn; and Angeline Murimirwa, Executive Director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa and co-founder of CAMA, a pan-African network of young female leaders. The panel will be chaired by Anne McElvoy, Senior Editor of The Economist.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust will be live posting on its social channels on Friday 8th March 2019 and a full video of the discussion will be shared by 5:00pm GMT on the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust website.

Source: Official Site of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust

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How Meghan Markle Is Continuing Her ‘Passion’ for Supporting Girls in Education
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How Meghan Markle Is Continuing Her ‘Passion’ for Supporting Girls in Education

When Meghan Markle steps onto the stage Friday for a public discussion on girls’ education, she will be continuing a fight she has championed for many years around the world.

Angie Murimirwa, executive director of Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED)this link opens in a new tab, will be among those joining Meghan on a panel discussion for International Women’s Day — along with musician and activist Annie Lennox, model and activist Adwoa Aboah and former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard.

“[Meghan’s] a long-standing supporter for women’s rights, for equality and for equal opportunities, and it is really exciting that she is doing this along with other women who are in the space of education on International Women’s Day,” Murimirwa tells PEOPLE.

“I’m really excited that she’s carrying forward this passion here in Europe.” Continue reading How Meghan Markle Is Continuing Her ‘Passion’ for Supporting Girls in Education

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March 06 – The Duchess of Sussex Steps On Stage At WE Day
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March 06 – The Duchess of Sussex Steps On Stage At WE Day

Today, March 06, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance on stage at We Day in London. Kensington Palace had announced last week that Prince Harry would be attending the event which supports and encourages young people to take part in positive social change. There was no mention of Meghan of attending. At the end of his speech, Prince Harry invited Meghan up on the stage, she didn’t speak, but during his speech Harry quoted one of Meghan’s favorite Martin Luther King quotes:

As my wife often reminds me with one of her favourite quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. – “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

I highly reccommend that you check out Prince Harry’s full speech, which you can read here.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > March 06 | WE Day UK

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How Duchess Meghan Won Morocco’s Heart Just Weeks Before Her Due Date
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How Duchess Meghan Won Morocco’s Heart Just Weeks Before Her Due Date

Climbing into a helicopter to fly deep into Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, you would be forgiven for forgetting that Duchess Meghan is over seven months pregnant. In fact, given how busy recent months have been for the new royal, it would be tough for anyone to object if she wanted to sit out the early-morning expedition—especially after flying in from London less than 48 hours earlier.

But the February 24 trip was a chance to visit a charity championing a cause close to her heart—universal education opportunities for women—and there was no way she was going to miss it. With Prince Harry’s help, she carefully sat down in the cabin and placed noise-isolating headphones over her head. Ready for takeoff.

“Her energy is boundless,” British Ambassador to Morocco Thomas Reilly, who escorted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their three-day visit to the country, tells BAZAAR.com. “Here’s a woman jumping into a helicopter to fly 1,400 meters [almost 4,600 feet] high, still smiling and ready to do it all, ready to push the issues that matter.”

Adds a friend of the duchess, who notes that she’s “feeling so great” in her final trimester, “That’s ‘Super Meg’ for you—giving it her all. Her energy levels have never failed to impress me.”

From gender equality and universal education opportunities to social entrepreneurship and female empowerment, the visit’s three-day itinerary shone a spotlight on the issues most important to the duchess. Prince Harry, already established as a humanitarian force of his own, often let Meghan take the lead during their nine Moroccan engagements, leaning in to her ear periodically to see if his wife was feeling “okay” along the way. She always was.

After their helicopter dropped them off in the small town of Asni, Meghan spoke to executives from Education For All, a charity that provides education opportunities to girls from rural parts of Morocco, about the importance of universal literacy. “It’s important that every girl has access to further and higher education,” she said. Meghan, conscious of a potential language barrier, even prepared questions in a French to ask the 12- to 18-year-old students who live at the boarding house. Continue reading How Duchess Meghan Won Morocco’s Heart Just Weeks Before Her Due Date

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