The Duchess Diary

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What is There to Say About the Name Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor?

A lot, actually. While the sentiment is sweet, the name is one that’s deeply personal to someone who is arguably one of the most famous figures of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor arrived on June 4th, making her 8th in line to the throne that her parents unofficially/seemingly want nothing to do (or so most assume, see: the Oprah interview, Harry’s Armchair Expert interview, Apple+’s “The Me You Don’t See”). Alas, a blood royal is a blood royal is a blood royal, and Lili is named after two of the most influential royal women in modern history: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales. So, just like in January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex kind of want to hold on to their royal ties, but only a little. [Read more…]

A Few Titles That Better Suit the New Harry and Meghan “Finding Freedom” Book

There’s a new book coming out later this summer about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but don’t expect anything juicy. It was written by royal journalists Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand and, according to Deadline, it includes an interview the Sussexes gave before they left the U.K. earlier this year. The book, which promises to dispel rumors about the couple and reveal “unknown details about their life together,” reportedly has their blessing. [Read more…]

Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s “Plans” Post-Royal Life Sound a Bit Irritating

Mugs Featuring Prince Harry Meghan Markle Queen Windsor England January 2020

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

On Friday, the couple posted an update on their official website letting fans know what their plans are once they officially leave the House of Windsor this spring. After reading it once, I thought to myself, “These bullet points sound a little bitter, but maybe I’m overreacting.” So I read it again. Then I read it to a friend who doesn’t follow royalty but is intrigued by Harry and Meghan’s break-up with the royal family. She, too, found it to be defensive and a little whiny.

[Read more…]

Meghan Markle’s Friends are Psyched She’s Getting Her Happily Ever After

Prince Harry Laughs Meghan Markle Holds Hands Engagement Photocall Kensington Palace Gardens

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

Earlier today royal fans and fairweather observers alike woke up to news that Prince Harry and his girlfriend of of 16 month, Meghan Markle, were engaged. The couple held a photocall at Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden before sitting down with the BBC’s Mishal Husain.

Markle, who until recently starred on USA Network’s “Suits,” has moved into Nottingham cottage, Harry’s two-bedroom abode at Kensington Palace. It was there that Harry proposed one evening while she was making them a roast chicken.

[Read more…]

Watch This Incredibly Moving Video From The Invictus Games

prince harry sunglasses cheers track and field invictus

Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games

As a royal watcher, it gives me great pleasure to see the Invictus Games enjoy so much success in its second year.

It was just three years ago when Prince Harry visited the Warrior Games in Colorado, which served as his inspiration for an international show of strength, bravery and sportsmanship.

Prince Harry Joe Biden Smile Watch Wheelchair Rugby Invictus Games 2016

Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games

The Invictus Games have given the participants a sense of pride and confidence in themselves after suffering horrific injuries while serving their countries. [Read more…]

Prince George Asked Uncle Harry Why He Was “So Quiet” Around Obamas

Kate Middleton Leans Down Talks to Prince George Bathroom Kensington Palace Hosting Obamas

Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Images

Michelle Obama has become America’s latest national treasure, for she has divulged secrets of the royal family that her predecessors would have shrugged off as non-newsworthy soundbites.

The First Lady and Prince Harry gave a join interview to Good Morning America‘s Robin Roberts from Orlando, Florida, where the second annual Invictus Games are underway. [Read more…]