Great article Catherine. At this point the Sussex titles & any royal pretension is just a lingering gasp of what once was, a bit of used toilet paper clinging to the bottom of a shoe. It's just a matter of time before their useless royal symbols are stripped or their royal status becomes an utterly global laughing-stock. Oh she may keep their royal logo doormats still for the dog to wipe his feet on before being let in or the royal monogram wash cloths but those are just sops to their overweening pretentiousness.
But hey what is this Change.org petition i'm reading about - demanding that taxpayers not fund security, logistics, or govt coordination for Harry & Meghan Markle’s planned April visit? With over 10K sigs (may be more by now), petitioners argue that because the couple are private individuals no longer representing the Crown, their trip should not receive public support. I hope it's for real & it make some impact.
I'm told by another Oz resident that the majority of Aussies think all this foo-foo sophisticated, overpriced As Ever merch is way too "toffish" for the "what you see is what you get - no pretensions" folk there but that certain latte sippers in Sydney, Melbourne or maybe certain areas of Perth might be intrigued & fall for the hype. Do you have a take on how these products might go over? Like the California Champagne? The Heritage Library Set for "slower moments"? The calligraphy pens & curated stationary sets for "thoughtful" correspondence?
In 2024 I turned out for King Charles’s tour (and I’m not especially a Charles supporter), and it was genuinely well attended—warm, even joyful. What struck me was how many of those same people had also welcomed Harry and Meghan during their first tour. There was real goodwill then.
By 2024, that goodwill had curdled into something closer to disappointment—even, at times, outright loathing—from people I spoke with across generations. The Netflix mockery of the late Queen was a bridge too far for many. They felt it, and I think they’re entitled to.
There’s speculation the Sussexes may cancel a second visit. Possibly. But if they do come, I suspect the reception will be very different.
Well - i knew there were problems on the Sussex 1st visit, i did read a lot on that. Interesting that there is speculation for them to cancel the trip - this should be an interesting time to watch & see what happens with them - whether they go or not. Thanks so much for your response Catherine, i do so appreciate your articles. ❤💖
Perth is an entirely different breed of people to the East Coast so please don’t align us with the pretentious latte sippers. The Harkles would get short shrift over here, if they were even noticed.
Granny Jude - i didn't mean Perth in general or all the folks in Perth but perhaps those in what's referred to as the Golden Triangle, where apparently in areas like Peppermint Grove (for example) Meghan's over-priced tat might appeal.
Peppie Grove has very wealthy residents who could import Highgrove goods. No way would they look at MM’s tat. She’d be better looking at the disparate electorates that vote Teal
Excellent breakfast time reading for a dose of quiet reality and hope for a calmer, more measured Royal world from the Australian perspective. Especially as I also read your "Frogman Prince...." this morning as well. Thank you Catherine!
Great article Catherine. At this point the Sussex titles & any royal pretension is just a lingering gasp of what once was, a bit of used toilet paper clinging to the bottom of a shoe. It's just a matter of time before their useless royal symbols are stripped or their royal status becomes an utterly global laughing-stock. Oh she may keep their royal logo doormats still for the dog to wipe his feet on before being let in or the royal monogram wash cloths but those are just sops to their overweening pretentiousness.
But hey what is this Change.org petition i'm reading about - demanding that taxpayers not fund security, logistics, or govt coordination for Harry & Meghan Markle’s planned April visit? With over 10K sigs (may be more by now), petitioners argue that because the couple are private individuals no longer representing the Crown, their trip should not receive public support. I hope it's for real & it make some impact.
I'm told by another Oz resident that the majority of Aussies think all this foo-foo sophisticated, overpriced As Ever merch is way too "toffish" for the "what you see is what you get - no pretensions" folk there but that certain latte sippers in Sydney, Melbourne or maybe certain areas of Perth might be intrigued & fall for the hype. Do you have a take on how these products might go over? Like the California Champagne? The Heritage Library Set for "slower moments"? The calligraphy pens & curated stationary sets for "thoughtful" correspondence?
In 2024 I turned out for King Charles’s tour (and I’m not especially a Charles supporter), and it was genuinely well attended—warm, even joyful. What struck me was how many of those same people had also welcomed Harry and Meghan during their first tour. There was real goodwill then.
By 2024, that goodwill had curdled into something closer to disappointment—even, at times, outright loathing—from people I spoke with across generations. The Netflix mockery of the late Queen was a bridge too far for many. They felt it, and I think they’re entitled to.
There’s speculation the Sussexes may cancel a second visit. Possibly. But if they do come, I suspect the reception will be very different.
And your toilet paper metaphor—spot on
Well - i knew there were problems on the Sussex 1st visit, i did read a lot on that. Interesting that there is speculation for them to cancel the trip - this should be an interesting time to watch & see what happens with them - whether they go or not. Thanks so much for your response Catherine, i do so appreciate your articles. ❤💖
Perth is an entirely different breed of people to the East Coast so please don’t align us with the pretentious latte sippers. The Harkles would get short shrift over here, if they were even noticed.
Granny Jude - i didn't mean Perth in general or all the folks in Perth but perhaps those in what's referred to as the Golden Triangle, where apparently in areas like Peppermint Grove (for example) Meghan's over-priced tat might appeal.
Your comment about the teals reflects my own opinion. But shhhh, I try to stay out of politics 😜🤭
Peppie Grove has very wealthy residents who could import Highgrove goods. No way would they look at MM’s tat. She’d be better looking at the disparate electorates that vote Teal
The desperate electorates that vote Teal 🤣😂🤣😂 You’re hilarious. 😆
I like your version best 😂
Excellent breakfast time reading for a dose of quiet reality and hope for a calmer, more measured Royal world from the Australian perspective. Especially as I also read your "Frogman Prince...." this morning as well. Thank you Catherine!
Thank you 🌺