Knitting can be a tedious process. Most often than not, that requires skills, too, except, of course, if it’s simply for past time. But for those who take knitting seriously, it’s unfair to hear someone say that knitting is easy. And one woman took knitting to the next level by making a special piece for one of the most important milestones in her life.
Helsinki-based Veronika Lindberg is a content creator who focuses on knitting as her main content. She has also grown her following, amassing 244,000 followers on her YouTube channel called Kutovakika as of writing.
Lindberg shared her story – including when she started knitting – through a story published on Insider. Apparently, she has been knitting for most of her life and started doing so as early as the age of 5.
“My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was five years old, and ever since then, it has been one of my biggest passions in life,” she said.
And now, she gets to share precious moments about her love for knitting through her blog, where she also offers knitting courses.
“In 2017, I started an Instagram account to share pictures of my knitting and launched my own YouTube channel a year later, where I’ve recently been sharing tutorials on knitting for beginners,” she said.
In June 2022, she and her partner decided to get married. And since she loves knitting, she thought about making her own dress. And what better way to do it than knit using the same materials she uses for knitting?
“In late June, my partner and I decided to get married, and immediately, I thought it would be so cool to knit my own wedding dress and document the experience for a YouTube video, even though I only had about six weeks until our wedding date in September, so I could tell it was going to be a stressful ordeal,” she said.
She released a video where she shared her experience designing and knitting her own wedding dress in six weeks. For some, it takes days to weeks or even months to finish a piece, depending on the size or length of the creation.
While Lindberg is a professional knitter, she admitted that she encountered a lot of challenges along the way. So, she made sure to pour all her energy into the knitting process over the next 45 days.
“For the next 45 days, I practically did nothing other than knit. It took me around 200 hours to finish the design, and I had to put all other video ideas on hold while I concentrated on this one project,” she said.
When she finally wore the dress, she couldn’t be any happier with the final product, which only cost her $290 to make.
“By the time I finished the dress, I felt so tired and frustrated, and only had four days to rest until the day of the wedding. But when I put it on for the ceremony, I felt such relief, and I could not have been happier with the finished product,” she remarked.
But the best part? Her partner loved it!
“My partner, who was initially a bit skeptical about how achievable it would be for me to make an entire dress in such a short space of time, thought it looked great as well.”
When Lindberg released her vlog documenting the dress-making process, she didn’t expect people would react positively to it — until it became one of her most-watched vlogs and raked in more than 3 million views on YouTube.
“I was delighted to see how positively people reacted to it, and that it’s inspired some commenters to make their own wedding dresses one day (which I definitely think is possible for people with less knitting experience, I would just recommend that they give themselves closer to six months than six weeks!),” she said.
She then became inspired to go on a mission and debunk the idea that knitting is only for elderly people.
“I think the success of the video has really fuelled my own personal mission to debunk the myth that knitting is something that only grannies in rocking chairs do,” she stated.
Lindberg also highlighted that several brands have been making knitted outfits with modernized designs in recent years. Her creation adds to the growing list of fashionable knitted dresses — and one a woman can wear on one of the most important occasions in her life.
She went on to share how the sky’s the limit with knitting, giving people the freedom to create whatever they want based on their preferences.
“It’s wonderful to be able to choose your own materials and produce something that is tailored to your own liking and vision,” she said.
While some people might disagree with her, Lindberg said she’s happy that people have become increasingly interested in slow fashion. In the end, she has this to say: “Knitwear can truly be fashionable.”
A young Arizona couple who just discovered they were pregnant couldn’t wait to tell their families the great news over the festive season, but now all their loved ones are left with is sorrow. The couple lost their lives along with their future baby.
Days before Christmas Day, a young and pregnant couple sadly lost their lives in a car crash. On December 22, 2023, an Instagram and Facebook page dedicated to Parker and Chloe Stott, 24, revealed what happened to the pair. The couple was on their way to Arizona from Utah on December 20, 2023, when a semi-truck crashed into them head-on just before 8:20 p.m.
At the time, they were driving along Wickenburg, Arizona’s U.S. 93, on their way to visit with family for the holidays. While driving southbound, they kept going past cars in the legal passing zone. Sadly, an incident changed the trajectory of the festive season for their families.
The Stott’s car suddenly failed to complete a pass and was struck by a Volvo truck-tractor hauling a trailer. Parker’s wife, described as inspiring, uplifting, a bright influence, and accomplished, sadly died on the scene. Their story was worsened because the duo had recently discovered that they were expecting. They were excited for their next chapter and couldn’t wait to tell their loved ones over Christmas.
Chloe was expecting a baby boy, but he was also lost in the accident. Parker survived with extensive injuries and was flown to Phoenix’s Valleywise. While his lower body suffered the most injuries, his face and neck were unscathed.
Sadly, after hours of working on him, surgeons concluded her needed to get a right leg amputation because of how severe his burns were. He had his first major surgery and was allowed to rest for a few hours before his family saw him for the first time, adding:
“He is intubated and heavily sedated and will probably need to remain in that state for a while until all the surgeries are complete.”
The page revealed that more updates would be posted and thanked those who’d sent prayers and love their way. On Christmas Eve, the couple’s joint page had a heartbreaking update to give.
What Happened to Parker after He Had His Third Surgery?
On December 24, 2023, in the early morning, Parker needed to get cleaned up from his burns and to start some skin grafting for his leg, so he went in for his third surgery. After it was done, the surgeons confessed that Chloe’s husband’s injuries were worse than anticipated, and things didn’t look good.
Not long after, Parker’s family was informed that his vitals were dropping and he was passing quickly. His loved ones gathered around him shared hugs and kisses, held his hand, and even told him how proud they were of him and how much he was loved.
She described her late friend as a huge inspiration in the aesthetics industry, the kindest soul…
They acknowledged how hard he’d fought and how strong he was, but by 6:47 p.m., he left to join his wife and son. Sheldon, his father-in-law, also waited for him on the other side, and they would meet for the first time.
As heartbroken as his family is for their loss, they know he impacted people positively and brought them happiness. They are grateful for God’s mercy in him getting to be with his wife without the constant pain. Parker’s family knew he and his family were in a better place and together, stating:
“We know they will be watching over us, cheering us all on until we get to reunite with them again. We love you forever, Chloe & Parker.”
Losing loved ones is generally hard, but it’s even more complicated during the festive season, incredibly so close to Christmas Day. Chloe’s friend tried to lessen the sting of loss for her and the couple’s family by sharing a fundraiser in the pair’s honor.
How Are Parker and Chloe’s Family Getting Help?
On the same day that Chloe and Parker’s story started getting shared, a friend named Kristie Michaela took to her Facebook page with a post of her own. She revealed that Chloe was a “beautiful aesthetician friend of mine” who passed away in a car accident.
By that point, more than $100,000 had been raised to fund the couple’s funerals, and more money was needed, no matter the amount. Kristie asked people to continue donating to help both families before admitting:
“I cannot imagine the hurt they all must be feeling, and my heart is heavy for everyone involved.”
She described her late friend as a huge inspiration in the aesthetics industry, the kindest of souls, and an incredible friend before signing off writing: “Chloe + Parker forever.” Kristie also included a link to the GoFundMe account for those who wished to contribute.
Celebrity couple Denzel and Pauletta Washington’s nearly forty-year marriage, often seen as a perfect love story, has weathered infidelity rumors. The journey began when they met during a film shoot in 1977 but didn’t interact until a party six months later. Their love deepened through common interests, and their accidental encounters, including watching the same play in a Manhattan theater, felt destined.
Despite a seemingly straightforward romance, it took three attempts before they wed in 1983. The couple, blessed with four kids, prioritized family and credited their background and religious beliefs for successful parenting. Pauletta, a talented actress who sacrificed her career for motherhood, faced challenges but found solace in faith.
Denzel praised Pauletta’s role as a dedicated mother and the backbone of their home. The couple maintained defined roles, ensuring a harmonious home. In 2013, rumors of infidelity surfaced, but they weathered the storm, emphasizing shared values, maturity, and understanding. Denzel humorously attributed their success to following instructions and keeping his mouth shut. Their enduring love story continues to inspire, proving that fame and fortune don’t define a successful marriage.
Frank Caprio is a beloved judge who is known to have his judicial work televised on various shows. His most notable productions include “Caught in Providence” and “Brotherhood.” He also previously appeared on “The Wendy Williams Show.”
More than just a judge who stars on court television programs, Caprio is quite professionally distinguished. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Rhode Island.Caprio, who recently turned 87, was one of five recipients who received the degree that recognized his stellar contributions to not just the University but to the people of Rhode Island and the U.S. nation as a whole.
Before becoming known as the honorable Judge Frank Caprio, Honoris Causa, the “Caught in Providence” star, was a man of humble beginnings whose passion for and commitment to education and being of service to the public catapulted the trajectory of his life and career.Following his obtainment of a bachelor’s degree from Providence College, Caprio juggled two jobs at Hope High School, teaching American history and acting as the school’s wrestling team’s coach. At the same time, he also managed to commute to Suffolk University School of Law each night.
By the time 1965 rolled around, Caprio had earned his Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) and forged his path as a senior partner at his own law firm. In 1985, the beloved icon became the appointed judge of the Providence Municipal Court.
The manner in which Caprio has conducted himself throughout his life and career has garnered him a respectable reputation for being fair, kind, intellectually sharp, compassionate, and respectful. Not only is Caprio well-respected among his peers and within his industry but he is also held in high regard by viewers around the world who enjoy watching him on their screens.Apart from marveling at his repertoire of skills as a judge, Caprio’s supporters love his cognizance of the power he holds to shape and change an individual’s life forever, which he uses wisely and does not take lightly.
Of how he decides to carry out his decisions while presiding in court, Caprio mentioned, “One thing I’ve committed myself to is to treat people with respect, compassion and understanding…and I try to place myself in the shoes of the people before me. I don’t wear a badge under my robe — I wear a heart.”
Caprio’s unparalleled sense of kindness and compassion have even seen him score the title of “The Nicest Judge in the World” with millions of followers on social media. The kind judge is also known for having a soft spot for children, whom he has let help him decide on court penalties on many occasions.
Frank Caprio Revealed That He Has Cancer
Six days ago, the beloved and kind-hearted judge announced devastating news. He took to his Instagram to share his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in a video.
After reflecting on the joys of his past birthday celebrations, citing his receipt of abundant messages from people all over the world wishing him a happy day, Caprio explained that he learned he had cancer recently. He then went on to say that a dedicated and incredible team of medical professionals is treating him in Rhode Island, in addition to receiving care at the Dana-Fabar Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.
Though he made it a point to mention that he knows of the enduring and challenging journey ahead of him, Caprio also stated that he is prepared to fight to the best of his abilities. While reiterating that one of the most frequent questions he receives regarding his diagnosis concerns people asking what they can do for him, Caprio thanked everyone for their outpouring of love and support.
He also pleaded, “I would ask each of you in your own way to please pray for me. I am in need of the power of prayer.”
Caprio strongly believes that knowing his fans are keeping him in their thoughts and prayers, in addition to receiving expert medical care, will be the key to him surviving his illness. Toward the end of the video, he lays his head in his hands sorrowfully as he gets overcome with emotions.
Now that he is dealing with his tragic diagnosis, Caprio’s close-knit family remains steadfast by his side.In what appears to be an uncanny foreshadowing of what was to come, after Caprio posted the announcement, he shared another video on his Facebook account. The timing of the two videos is uncanny because he filmed the latest one right before learning about his cancer diagnosis. In this video, the 87-year-old talks about the importance of courage and the value of overcoming fear.Once Caprio’s fans learned of the sad news, they wasted no time in showing their support for their favorite judge. Many took to the comment sections of both his posts to express their sorrow and healing prayers for Caprio’s health. One fan expressed: “You are a very good person, Judge. Thank you for the unwavering inspiration you give to all of us, around the world. Praying for your health.”
From 1985 to 1989 Bruce Willis and Cybill Shephard starred in romantic comedy Moonlighting, and 34 years after its final Shephard is opening up about her attraction to co-star Willis.
Paying tribute to Bruce Willis, who earlier this year was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, Cybill also spoke about his star appeal and her memories of working with the ‘funny and brilliant’ Hollywood star.
As the show hits US streaming service Hulu, series creators Cybill Shephard and Glenn Gordon Caron spoke to New York Postto give incredible insight into the series and what it was really like behind the scenes.
‘I met Bruce in an office with Glenn and my temperature went up at least 10 degrees and I thought, “This guy is the one,”‘ Shephard said of meeting Willis. Picture: GettyBruce Willis and Cybill Shephard star in Season Two of Moonlighting, 1986. Picture: Getty
Reflecting on how they fought for Bruce to be on the show, series creator Glenn Gordon Caron recalled how he kept on bringing Willis to the ABC offices until they gave in:
Caron: I brought Bruce in 11 times and he was the only one I brought in [for the role]. The problem with Bruce is that he didn’t look like an ABC leading man to [network execs], but I wasn’t interested in doing a show with an ABC leading man. Thank goodness there was a woman there named Ann Daniel, one of the very few women [network] executives at the time — the rest of the room were men. And Ann, in her own way, sort of set them straight. She said, “I don’t know if Bruce Willis is a leading man or an ABC leading man but he sure looks like fun to me.” It froze the room and they reconsidered and we were able to get Bruce the part, which meant the world to him and to me.
Reflecting on how they fought for Bruce to be on the show, series creator Glenn Gordon Caron recalled how he kept on bringing Willis to the ABC offices until they gave in. Picture: Getty“It was just an extraordinary combination of the right casting and a brilliant creator,” Shephard said of Moonlighting. Picture: Getty
Shepherd: I met Bruce in an office with Glenn and my temperature went up at least 10 degrees and I thought, “This guy is the one.” I always knew not to act on it; we came close, Bruce and I, because we were both very attracted to each other, but we managed to just stop and not to fulfill that, and it had a huge amount to do with the success of the show. We fought for Bruce to be in the show; he had to do a screen test and they wanted me to be in it and I said no — what if they decide they don’t want me? Bruce was funny, brilliant, sarcastic and real and we couldn’t have chosen a greater co-star.
Caron: ABC was so convinced that Bruce made no sense next to Cybill that, when they finally gave it the OK, they said, “You can use him, but don’t let the two of them get romantically involved. No one will ever believe it.” So I said, “OK,” and, of course, in the pilot they get romantically involved. I used to take Bruce to ABC and we would walk down the hall and the female assistants would just swoon. But the people making the [casting] choices were 30- and 40-year-old men so they didn’t have the same perspective.
“Bruce was funny, brilliant, sarcastic and real and we couldn’t have chosen a greater co-star.” Shephard said of Willis. Picture: Getty
Memories of Moonlighting
Shepherd: We broke all the walls. There wasn’t a wall that we left unbroken. It was just an extraordinary combination of the right casting and a brilliant creator. A lot of times people don’t want to give the creator credit anymore — you might think of Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel — but in this case it was Glenn. He was not afraid to break the rules any way he could to make the show great so that’s part of his genius that you can’t deny.
Caron: Bruce and I understood each other. We had a lot of the same references — silly references, but they were ours: The Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, The Bowery Boys, Laurel & Hardy. I loved Frank Capra and Bruce said to me one day, “Have you ever heard of Preston Sturges?” He turned me on to him. Cybill, of course, was a great cinephile because she lived for a long time with [filmmaker/film historian] Peter Bogdanovich. So the three of us — we had our differences — but aesthetically we admired the same things and wanted to reach for the same things.
Bruce Willis becomes a grandfather for FIRST time amid dementia battle
Shepherd: People are going to laugh [when they see “Moonlighting”] and they’re going to get the dramatic parts between everybody in the show and then the great chemistry between Bruce and I. The brilliant writing of Glenn Gordon Caron with the comedy and the drama and everything all pulled together. ABC didn’t believe in this show enough to let us try to get away with it — and we did.
When the show finally came to a close in May 1969 after 67 episodes Moonlighting had achieved 41 Emmy nominations (including Shepherd and Beasley) and a 1987 award for Bruce Willis.
Fun, famous, and grounded! Jennifer Garner has all it takes to be an American sweetheart we all love.
On her Instagram, she shares plenty of videos, mostly of her cooking. Her videos also give her fans a glimpse of her life as a mother.
Today, besides being an actress, Garner is also doing something else, saving her family’s history.
Back in the day, Garner’s grandparents from her mother’s side bought a piece of land from the money her grandpa received for fighting in the World War I.
Garner’s mom, Patricia, spent her childhood on that land in Locust Grove, Oklahoma where the family built a farm. Growing up, Garner’s mom would share stories of the life on the farm and those sweet memories stuck up with Garner.
Speaking of the time they purchased the land, Patricia shared, “My parents didn’t even have a car, so when they heard about the land that was for sale, they hired someone to drive them to the property. The farm consisted of a two-room house and 20 acres–minus 1 acre at the heart of the property, which was a Native American cemetery.”
She then added: “Mother told me the story of Dad leaning on his heels and negotiating all day over $20. When they finally agreed on a price, the deal was sealed, and the land was purchased. It’s been in our family ever since.”
Over the years, the ownership of the farm switched from one family member to another until Garner decided to buy it for herself in 2017 from her uncle Robert. They agreed that Robert and his wife would live on the farm in a house they built and that they would maintain the farm.
The Alias star turned the farm into profitable business after she founded Once Upon a Farm and with that, her dream of producing healthy kids’ food that does not leave parents stressed about their children not getting enough nutrients has come true.
Speaking of Once Upon a Farm, Garner says, “We dreamed of bringing baby food back to the roots with organic fruits and veggies harvested from local farmers, blended with love and served fresh from the fridge. We dreamed of feeling less stressed about mealtimes because we could feed our little ones foods that give them all the nutrients they need – and then some!”
With striped overalls and work gloves, Garner said in a TikTok video in May that the Oklahoma farm was her “favorite place.”
“My tractor is calling me,” she said in the video, announcing that she’d be at the Oklahoma farm soon to plant. She signed the video, which has more than 3.4 million views, as “Farmer Jen.”
Her company’s products are sold at some of the biggest retailers in America as well as online on the company’s website.
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Renowned musician Ronnie Wood, aged 76, has recently opened up about the joyous moments he shares with his wife Sally, aged 46, and their twin daughters. In a heartfelt revelation, Wood expressed how snuggling in bed with his family is akin to experiencing “heaven,” emphasizing the profound happiness and gratitude he feels at this stage of his life.
The Rolling Stones guitarist, known for his legendary career spanning decades, has found a new source of fulfillment in his role as a husband and father. Despite the age gap between himself and his wife, Wood radiates contentment as he cherishes the simple pleasures of familial love and companionship.
For Wood, the opportunity to share intimate moments with Sally and their twin daughters brings immeasurable joy and a sense of completeness. He describes the experience of snuggling in bed together as “like heaven,” highlighting the profound sense of peace and happiness it brings him.
At 76 years old, Wood acknowledges that he is indeed a fortunate man, blessed with a loving family and the opportunity to bask in the warmth of their affection. Despite his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and fаme, he finds solace and fulfillment in the quiet moments spent with his loved ones, treasuring each precious memory.
Wood’s candid revelation serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and family in bringing joy and meaning to our lives. In a world often consumed by material pursuits and external validation, he finds true happiness in the simple act of being present with those he holds dear.
As Wood continues to navigate life’s journey, he does so with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings he has received. In the arms of his wife and daughters, he finds sanctuary—a refuge from the chaos of the outside world and a reminder of what truly matters.
In sharing his story, Ronnie Wood reminds us all of the importance of cultivating deep connections and cherishing the moments we share with loved ones. For him, snuggling in bed with his family is not just an ordinary experience—it’s a glimpse of heaven on earth, a reminder of the boundless love that fills his heart.
The Kardashian sisters often face allegations of undergoing excessive plastic surgery, leading to disproportionate body shapes.
However, they view this as more of an asset than a liability, as it has contributed to their distinct recognition.
Khloe Kardashian, in particular, faced criticism from her sisters, Kim and Kourtney, for her weight and appearance in the past. Encouraged by her siblings to improve her image
Khloe eventually sought the guidance of a renowned fitness trainer and, according to speculation, underwent cosmetic procedures.
Today, Khloe boasts similar voluptuous curves to her sisters, which enhance her allure in elegant attire. However, recent candid photos of her in swimwear reveal a different perspective. Some followers have criticized the apparent disproportion of her hips and noted changes in her abdominal area, suggesting potential editing or surgical enhancements.
It seems Khloe may still be grappling with the aftermath of her highly publicized breakup with Tristan Thompson, the father of her children. Despite their split two years ago due to infidelity, Khloe appears to be struggling to regain her previous level of fitness and confidence.
Marta Stewart is, on the whole, a popular figure with fans and followers from all over the world.
Yet she’s come under fire for a recent social media post during a trip to Greenland that many are branding “tone-deaf”.
The 82-year-old was widely praised earlier this year after posing for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in May, but her most recent Instagram offering has failed to inspire the same sort of positivity.
On Tuesday, August 29, Stewart uploaded a photo of herself from a cruise that saw her take in the east coast of Greenland. The picture – one of several – shows the businesswoman and TV personality enjoying a cocktail, along with the caption:
“End of the first zodiac cruise from @swanhelleniccruises into a very beautiful fjord on the east coast of greenland. We actually captured a small iceberg for our cocktails tonight.”
Harmless though Stewart almost certainly intended her post to be, it soon evoked the ire of followers who believed her using of the “small iceberg” for her drink was in bad taste.
Credit / Martha Stewart – Instagram
Before long, Stewart’s comments field was filled with people hitting out at the fact that she’d referenced a small iceberg when the “ice caps are melting”.
“Martha the ice caps are melting don’t put them in your drink,” one Instagram user wrote.
Another added: “I generally love Martha and the excesses of her life because he’s about beautiful gardens, homes, and food, but wealthy white people drinking their iceberg cocktails while the planet is in flames is a bit tone deaf.“
“So as the climate warms due to the profits of a couple thousand people, billionaires vacation to the melting icebergs, scoop them up and use them to keep their cocktails cold. That sounds like a line from a dystopian novel. Can’t make this shit up lol,” a third quipped.
“Global warming and melting ice caps but we need glacier ice for cocktails?! Talk about tone def. Been a fan for years but I’ve seen enough caviar lately as I struggle to buy groceries that I’m out,” said a fourth.
Credit / Martha Stewart – Instagram
Back in May, Stewart made history as she confidently posed in daring swimsuits for cover of Sports Illustrated. The then-81-year-old also spilled the rigorous wellness routine she implemented beforehand.
“I didn’t starve myself, but I didn’t eat any bread or pasta for a couple of months,” Stewart mentioned during an appearance on the Today show.
“I went to Pilates every other day, and that was great; I’m still going to Pilates every other day ’cause it’s so great. And I just, I live a clean life anyway – good diet and good exercise and healthy skincare and all of that stuff.”
During her keynote speech at the Las Vegas event, Stewart shared how fans responded to the “authentic” cover.
“The response to it was really encouraging because it made women of all ages feel like, ‘If she can do it, then I can do it too,’” Stewart noted.
What do you think about Martha’s most recent Instagram post? Let us know in the comments box.
Harry and Meghan’s recent three-day visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games became a huge success. Royal fans and experts in the UK had other ideas. Still, as for the welcoming in Nigeria, it was clear that the Sussexes remain very popular in the second-largest Commonwealth country by population.
While Harry and Meghan had the time of their lives, Prince William, Kate Middleton and King Charles were said to have been “furious” about their trip. However, it will most likely not be the only time the Sussexes do other similar “royal” visits, despite not being royal anymore.
The Duke and Duchess’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are far away from their royal cousins, uncle, aunt, and grandfather, and it appears Harry isn’t keen to visit the UK with them. Soon, Archie and Lilibet might be taking their first step into public life as their parents reportedly have big plans for the future.
Harry and Meghan’s exit from the royal family meant a different life. However, now, it’s not only about them but also their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet
Their firstborn child, Archie, was born in the UK, while they welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, in their new hometown of Montecito, California.
The couple lives in a big mansion dubbed “Fort Knox,” where celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey are among their neighbors.
While the couple has had their hands full in recent years with various projects, including the Netflix series, Harry’s book Spare, and now, Meghan’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, their children will always be their priority.
When Harry and Meghan decided to leave the royal family, many of the perks of being royal disappeared. King Charles evicted them from their UK base, Frogmore Cottage; however, they have kept their royal titles.
The many allegations and sensational stories they revealed about royal life left members of the firm, including King Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, furious. Opinions about the Sussexes differ among royal fans and experts, and in March last year, another controversial happening occurred.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Harry and Meghan announced on March 9, 2023, that Lilibet had been christened by the Archbishop of Los Angeles. Her official title became Princess Lilibet Diana and her brother also received a royal title, Prince Archie. In a statement, Harry and Meghan said they believe the prince and princess titles are their “birthright.”
Harry and Meghan decided to give their children royal titles
The christening occurred privately at the Sussexes’ home in Montecito, where around 20 to 30 people were in attendance.
“The children’s titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace,” a spokesman for the couple said at the time.
The fact that Archie and Lilibet now bear the titles of prince and princess has confused many. While it took some time before they received the titles, Meghan actually spoke about the subject during the now-infamous Oprah interview in 2021.
“They were saying they didn’t want [Archie] to be a prince or princess, not knowing what the gender would be, which would be different from protocol,” she said.
It was understood that Harry and Meghan did not want to deny their children their birthrights. Instead, they want Archie and Lilibet to decide whether to keep or drop their titles when they get older.
Archie and Lilibet will most likely not use their royal titles daily. Instead, they will be reserved for formal settings alone.
Netflix
While children have the right to carry royal titles, this is not necessarily a good thing. According to royal expert and author Angela Levin, it could have an unwanted impact on Archie and Lilibet’s futures.
Expert claimed Archie & Lilibet’s royal titles will be a “burden”
In a piece for Sky, Levin stated that Lilibet now has a significant burden on her shoulders due to her parent’s decision.
“It will take a long time for little Lilibet to realize the extent of the burden her parents have placed on her young shoulders,” Levin said at the time.
She added that by giving their daughter a princess title, Harry and Meghan have now “glued her to the British Royal Family,” the same establishment they have criticized for many years.
“Why on earth would you want your daughter to experience such anguish?” Angela Levin asked, stating that Lilibet’s everyday life will be more challenging since she has the princess title attached to her name.
“Little girls obviously love being a princess at parties, but if Lilibet is the only one in the class who is a real princess, it could lead to jealousy that could easily be avoided,” the royal expert concluded.
Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left royal life behind, which meant no more engagements to attend to. However, some weeks ago, Harry and Meghan embarked on what some saw as a ‘royal’ visit when they spent three days in Nigeria to champion the Invictus Games.
Harry & Meghan’s Nigeria trip – a “royal” visit?
The couple arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, to a vast crowd, smiling and taking selfies. They wanted to highlight mental health problems for young people affected by conflicts, and the trip included a visit to the Lightway Academy, which received support from Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation. As per AP, the school trains young girls affected by conflicts in Nigeria.
Harry and Meghan also met with wounded soldiers and their families, and the three-day trip was a huge success. The Sussexes have battled bad press in the last couple of years, not least because of the many allegations made against the royal family, but now, at least for Meghan Markle, it appears that the tide has turned.
However, the Nigeria visit is sparking different reactions in the UK. According to a royal insider speaking with the Mirror, Prince William and Kate Middleton are “furious” about Harry and Meghan’s visit.
Before the three-day visit, Harry and Meghan received hefty criticism as it was seen as somewhat of an “unofficial royal tour.” Meanwhile, they were accused of damaging the royal family’s ties to the Commonwealth.
Royal expert Tom Bower suggested that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were playing the “royal card.”
Meanwhile, author Phil Dampier stated that the Nigeria visit seemed “ironic” since the Sussexes had previously criticized the Commonwealth.
“It’s ironic that the late Queen wanted Harry and Meghan to very much be her ambassadors throughout the Commonwealth and spread goodwill among its fifty or so nations, but they didn’t want to do it as royals,” Dampier told the Daily Mail.
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“Now they are happy to pick and choose invitations they receive from these countries.” He also suggested the Sussexes are trying “to set up a rival court, their own royal roadshow.”
Royal family “furious” over Sussexes’ Nigeria tour
Prince William and Kate Middleton have a lot on their plate at the moment. That they are now, as royal expert Tom Quinn says, “furious” about Harry and Meghan’s Nigeria visit doesn’t make things easier.
The royal expert told the Mirror that the Prince and Princess of Wales are not only angry with Harry and Meghan Markle. Moreover, he suggests that the couple fears that their nightmare has come true.
“William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to stop this happening in the future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him,” Quinn told the Mirror, adding that William is upset that the Nigerians “treated Meghan and Harry as if they too thought this was an official tour.”
“It’s as if Harry and Meghan have gone rogue—their Nigeria trip is a bold statement that they refuse to accept they are no longer working royals. William and Charles are scratching their heads and thinking, ‘How are we going to control this nightmare situation?’”
The royal expert concluded that Harry and Meghan Markle were welcomed in a way that included all the elements of an official royal visit.
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Quinn said the Sussexes’ speeches in the African country “gave the impression that they are still fully paid-up royals.”
“For Charles and William, it’s as if Meghan and Harry are saying, ‘We don’t need your permission to be working royals – we will do it on our own terms whenever and wherever we like,’” Tom Quinn told the Mirror.
Harry & Meghan consider bringing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on future tours
Harry and Meghan have repeatedly stated that they want to live a more secluded life, not least for their children’s sake. While Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will slowly be schooled into public life and have already been seen at official outings, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet can become whatever they want.
But now, it appears that Harry and Meghan could put their children in the spotlight. According to royal expert Tom Quinn, the Sussexes are considering bringing Archie and Lilibet on appearances when traveling abroad in the future.
Prince Archie joined his parents when they visited South Africa on a royal tour in 2019. Lilibet, however, has been kept out of the spotlight.
“Meghan is acutely aware of what a great look this will be – the charming royal couple with their charming royal children will attract the sort of publicity that Harry and Meghan crave, especially now that they are so determined to be billionaire entrepreneurs,” Quinn told the Mirror.
The royal expert added, “While Harry and Meghan go on with their increasingly prominent royal lives, Kate and William are left floundering and Meghan and Harry know it.”
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