God. The Sussexes are at it again with their parallel lives thing that drives royal watchers absolutely bonkers. While Harry's over in London fighting for his security detail, Meghan's busy launching not one but TWO separate money-making ventures back in California. The contrast is... well, jarring.
Shop Till You Drop (Your Credit Card)
So I was scrolling through Instagram yesterday when a friend texted me: "Have you seen Meghan's new shopping page?" I hadn't, and honestly wasn't prepared for what I found. Meghan has created this "ShopMy" page that she describes as "a hand-picked and curated collection of the things I love — I hope you enjoy them." Sounds innocent enough, right?
Then I saw teh prices.
We're talking about a "Windsor" gown from Heidi Merrick that costs £1,068. Like, who has that kind of money just lying around? There are also £600 Saint Laurent sandals (which, I'll admit, are gorgeous), a £400 necklace, and a £148 linen shirt that probably looks exactly like the £30 one I bought at H&M last summer.
Wait... Is She Getting Paid For This?
The answer appears to be yes. There's this tiny little disclaimer at the bottom that reads: "Please note, some products may contain commissionable links!" Translation: Meghan gets a cut when you buy that overpriced linen shirt. Classic influencer move, just with a royal twist.
I spent three hours back in 2018 going down a rabbit hole of celebrity affiliate marketing rates. My best guess? She's probably making anywhere from 10-20% on each sale. Do the math on that Windsor gown alone...
Jam Today, Gone Tomorrow
As if the shopping page wasn't enough, she's also launched this limited edition food line called "As Ever" with fancy raspberry jam and honey. My editor bet me $20 I couldn't find out the prices without signing up for something. He was right. Couldn't figure it out.
The packaging is admittedly beautiful though. All cream-colored and minimalist with that perfect California aesthetic that makes you feel inadequate about your own pantry. You know the type.
Meanwhile, Across the Pond...
While Meghan's busy building her lifestyle empire, Harry's fighting a very different battle. He's in the UK for his ongoing security case at the Court of Appeal – a two-day hearing that started today.
This isn't some minor squabble either. The four-year legal battle has already cost British taxpayers £618,622 to defend. Harry lost his 24-hour protection after stepping back as a working royal in 2020, and he's been fighting to get it back ever since.
No one seems to know if he's actually attending the hearing in person. Or if he managed to see his father.
The Royal Ships Passing in the Night
Speaking of King Charles... awkward timing much? Charles and Queen Camilla flew to Italy yesterday for four days of official engagements. This means if Harry did land in the UK on Sunday as reported, the father-son reunion window was extremely tight. Or maybe non-existent.
It's been months since Harry has seen his dad in person. Not since Charles announced his cancer diagnosis back in February.
Poor Charles. (Though I'm sure the Italian trip is a nice distraction.)
The Business of Being Meghan
Look, I don't begrudge anyone making money. But there's something about the timing here that feels... calculated? While Harry's fighting courts and potentially missing his cancer-stricken father, Meghan drops not one but two commercial ventures.
It's like they're living in completely different worlds sometimes.
I remember when they first left the royal family, there was all this talk about privacy and security. Now it seems like one half of the couple is fighting for that original mission while the other is... selling jam?
Listen. Maybe I'm being unfair. Running a household in Montecito can't be cheap. Those security bills alone must be astronomical.
But I can't help wondering what Harry thinks about all this while he's sitting in London, battling the institution he was born into, while his wife launches lifestyle brands back home.
The contrast is just... a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of royalty?
Historically, royalty has played a pivotal role in shaping nations, influencing laws, and establishing social order. Monarchs often acted as mediators in conflicts and were seen as embodiments of their nation's identity and unity.
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Royal weddings typically feature grand ceremonies with significant media coverage, elaborate attire, and extensive guest lists that include dignitaries and members of the aristocracy. They often adhere to traditional protocols and customs unique to royal families.
What are some controversies surrounding royalty?
Controversies surrounding royalty can include issues of privilege, the relevance of monarchy in modern society, and scandals involving royal family members. These situations often spark public debate and media scrutiny.
What is royalty?
Royalty refers to individuals who are members of a royal family, holding specific titles and privileges, often associated with governance and ceremonial roles within a state or nation. This includes kings, queens, princes, and princesses.
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There are several types of royalty, including constitutional monarchs who have limited powers defined by a constitution, absolute monarchs who hold complete authority, and ceremonial monarchs who perform symbolic duties without governing powers.
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What are the financial aspects of royalty?
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Statistics
- Approximately 43 monarchies currently exist around the world, with varying degrees of power and influence.
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- In Spain, the monarchy was restored in 1975 after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and the current king, Felipe VI, ascended to the throne in 2014.
- Public engagements and charitable work by royal family members have been shown to improve public perceptions of the monarchy, as seen in various surveys across Europe.
- Some modern monarchs, such as Norway's King Harald V, have chosen to live modestly, with their annual income being largely funded by the state.
- Research indicates that public support for monarchy in the UK remains strong, with around 70% of the population favoring the institution.
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How To Trace Your Royal Ancestry
Tracing royal ancestry requires diligent research and access to historical records. Start by gathering as much information as possible about your family tree, including names, birth dates, and locations. Utilize online genealogy databases such as Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org to locate records. Look for documentation like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and census data. You may also consult specialized resources on nobility and heraldry to identify connections to royal lines. Collaboration with local historians or joining genealogical societies can provide additional insight and support in your quest for royal heritage.
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