I posted this on an old thread, but it didn't bump to the top, so

[Sogo]

I'm leaving this here....

I watched the entire Harry and Meghan series this weekend:

The most important part of it was exposing the trolling that caused the hatred toward Meghan. (Something like only 83 trolls who had millions of followers.) Sure, the controllers surrounding the monarchy could not allow an American actress to upstage the senior royals and so floated all the negative stories, but I also noticed that this was happening just after Brexit. Not only were Harry and Meghan wildly popular at that time, but I believe their wedding and popularity were softening the division in the country, and so the trolls (Russian, no doubt) had to further the negativity and hatred so that the Brexit wounds in their society would not heal. It's widely understood that Putin hates UK and USA, and wants to sow divisions in both societies to weaken them.

Overall, I became very sympathetic to Harry and Meghan and understood their story, after having not paid much attention to it to this point. My belief is that UK is foolish for having driven them off. They had a lot to offer the future of the monarchy. Oh well, UK's loss is America's gain!

Another important feature of the series was learning the extent of the white privilege/supremacy inherent in the British society. Not only did they historically have a much bigger slave trade than America, via the West Indies, but they currently have over 2 billion people of color under their commonwealth who work, basically, to fatten the British coffers. And when the royals deign to tour the commonwealth, these people of color are required to shower them with adoration!

A really good series that I highly recommend....

[live love laugh]

1. If they can tear apart the royal family they can tear apart countries.

[Irish_Dem]

2. The royal family is the Head of State of the UK.

So they are tearing apart the UK government and country.
Our closest ally.

An American calling another country racist is ironic indeed.

[live love laugh]

9. Are you thinking I am criticizing the UK? Im not.

I’m referring to the trolls.

[Irish_Dem]

10. I was agreeing with you.

About the part that certain people are tearing apart a country.

[live love laugh]

11. Ok 👍🏾

[pnwmom]

19. There is nothing ironic about recognizing that racism is as strong in England

as it is in the US.

Americans are in a good position to recognize racism when we see it.

[Cha]

53. Not really.. we're allowed to recognize

Racism in America and in other countries. It's all over the world.

I appreciate that Harry and Meghan stood up for themselves.

[maynard]

3. Meghan was bullied by the "Firm"

I totally agree with you. I was amazed at how one negative story could be traded for another. Bartering with the press. I was at dinner with friends and the topic came up. My MAGA friend was full of hate for Meghan. I defended Harry and Meghan while reminding her of what took place with Diana. She stopped spouting the negative talking points. Harry has finally found happiness and needs to be able to protect his family despite being pushed out of the family.

[mahina]

4. Who is the firm?

Used to mean the CIA. That’s not what you’re saying right?

[Elessar Zappa]

5. "The firm"

is the royal family. That’s how they refer to themselves.

[UTUSN]

6. Here's what a Brit soldier/veteran says.

And I've been let know on DU that it's none of my business. Although my democratic/democracy crosses borders.

[pnwmom]

16. It's funny to encounter monarchists here, isn't it? Always a surprise. nt

[cilla4progress]

7. I heard this complaint from some righties:

If Harry and Meghan want their privacy so badly why do a big expose? Meghan is a big whiner.

These are friends I share an intense hobby with and I think of them like sisters. I also want to stay in their fold with the small chance of influencing them. I pick my battles.

So I responded that I believe H&M want to control their own image, publicity. Also that Meghan was a full-fledged career woman, activist in her own right, before the marriage and that this is the pattern ...Diana. I suppose they think Meghan should demure.

These friends know my politics. It gets awkward on the rare occasion politics comes up. I've known them way before it became so divisive. I didn't respond when one complained about the money we are sending to Ukraine. Not sure one would have grasped it, anyway. All the typical talking points. I'm sure their hostility to Meghan is racism.

[crickets]

28. Apparently the privacy issue has been trumpeted by the same press

that has been bullying them in other ways. Criticizing them over privacy concerns was just another insidious cudgel in their arsenal, alongside the silly stories about baby bumps and avocado toast.

I have a friend who harps on about Meghan and the same privacy issue and gets quite nasty about it. No counter discussion sways her, so we avoid the subject. It's sad.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63922657

The Sussexes' global press secretary, Ashley Hansen, said in a written statement: "The Duke and Duchess have never cited privacy as the reason for stepping back. This distorted narrative was intended to trap the couple into silence.

"In fact, their statement announcing their decision to step back mentions nothing of privacy and reiterates their desire to continue their roles and public duties. Any suggestion otherwise speaks to a key point of this series.

"They are choosing to share their story, on their terms, and yet the tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative that permeates press coverage and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them."

[twodogsbarking]

8. I'm not a fan of monarchies.

[Irish_Dem]

12. Politics should not prevent celebrities from getting the help they desperately need.

Much needed treatment for mental illness and substance abuse should be the first consideration.

[Sogo]

13. I totally agree!

I think that, more than anything else, won my sympathy for Meghan. She was sincerely seeking help, but had no recourse. Such a shame....

[Irish_Dem]

14. She had access to the finest mental health treatment in the world.

It is nonsense to assume she was blocked.

People falling for lies is what is preventing much needed treatment.

[Sogo]

15. Are you saying that content of the series was lies?

??

[Irish_Dem]

18. I am tired of watching narcissistic sociopaths blow up the world.

Yes. Most of the series we saw lies and nonsense.

Whining about what color clothing she had to wear.
Whining about their royal accommodations.
Whining about their multimillion dollar wedding.
Good grief.

No one helped her. A lie.

There are many facts which contradict both Harry and Meghan's statements.

Who videotapes their life from the moment of engagement on?
Has a film crew following them around.

The British public adored Harry and Meghan and spent a fortune on their
wedding, clothing, rent, expenses, etc.

It was not enough for H and M. They wanted to be billionaire celebrities.
Making a fortune trashing the Royal Family and the UK.

It is well known in the UK that Harry has substance abuse problems.
And anger issues. In the military he beat up prostitutes for example.
Incidents like this were carefully covered up. The Royal family always covered up for him.
So they are partly to blame for what is happening now.

Harry blowing up his own family.
For cash.

I won't even get into Meghan's story.

Listen, I am Irish American and have no love for the British Royal Family.
My grandparents were never more proud when Ireland was declared a Free State.

But the Royal Family is head of state. And represents the UK our closest ally.
And I am tired watching narcissistic sociopath politicians and celebrities blow up the world.

[CatWoman]

20. wow. just wow.

it's better if I don't continue.

[Cha]

56. I replied to one of the posts

upthread.. after reading the one you replied to .. I am pissed.

I don't know right now if I'll respond or not.. but it needs to be called out.

[Cha]

86. 💙

[Hekate]

91. Someone is pretty bitter, it would appear

[pnwmom]

21. I'm tired of seeing Americans fawning over the Royal Family,

whether they admit to doing so or not.

Though the people of England are our allies, the celebrities who style themselves "The Royal Family" represent everything we -- and Ireland -- fought against.

[Irish_Dem]

23. This is not about the RF at all. I have no love for them at all.

It is about entitled, privileged narcissistic sociopaths damaging the world
With constant lies.

Like the GOP and Donald Trump.

All of them seriously mentally ill people funded by the Russians.

[Martin68]

27. Wow, IrishDem, you've swallowed the royal propaganda hook, line, and sinker.

The fact that the Royal Family is "head of state" is an absurd feudal remnant.

[CatWoman]

38. Parliament and the Prime Minister must be jealous

[Irish_Dem]

41. I don't care about the RF at all.

The Royal Family subjugated my ancestors for 1000 years.
The entire monarchy can go to the devil for all I care.

I care about Russian oligarchs funding mentally ill celebrities to destroy western democracies.

And I hate to see my respected friends fall for Russian propaganda.

Both houses H and M lived in were from Russian oligarchs.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-island-mansion-harry-meghan-yuri-milner-pandora-1.6419328

https://www.the-sun.com/news/1307491/harry-meghan-markle-mansion-oligarch-sergey-grishin/

It is well known the Russians love to fund narcissistic sociopath celebrities to damage western democracies.

Who benefits from Trump destroying the US?
Who benefits from the UK being destroyed?

(And it is not America's place to tell the Brits how to run their government.
They love the royal family, believe it or not.
We are in no position to give advice to anyone on that score.)

[Martin68]

98. It is well-known that Russia uses any disagreement or dissatisfaction in society to drive wedges

between different groups of people. This whole "Russian oligarchs are funding Harry and Megan" strikes me as just such a ploy. And it is clearly working if people like IrishDem repost it to defend the British RF against critics.

[Cha]

57. Thank You! nt

[question everything]

67. Thank you! With so much suffering in the world, the misery in Ukraine

that spills into its neighbors; the famine in Africa enhanced by missing Ukrainian grain; refugees all over the world including our Southern border... and this is what people are worried? The pathetic complaint of spoiled rich individuals?

On DU??

[Irish_Dem]

85. My point exactly, more entitled, privileged millionaires living in mansions complaining endlessly.

Mad because they wanted to be celebrity billionaires instead of just millionaires and cash in on their titles.
The Queen said no. This is public service, not Hollywood.

So they cook up a victim story like Trump and Musk and away they go selling their story
to anyone who will buy it. Whining endlessly for years, devastating the Brits.
Like Trump devastates the US, and Musk ruins Twitter.

While the real injustice is the fact children are being raped, tortured and murdered by Putin.
People cannot afford to heat their homes or buy food all over the world.

The era of the narcissistic sociopath cannot end soon enough.

[Martin68]

100. All this angst about "The pathetic complaint of spoiled rich individuals?" and no empathy for

being slimed on the international stage for the peace of mind of other "spoiled rich individuals?" The British Monarchy is not only an obsolete and expensively useless fossil. It is toxic and can destroy lives at a whim.

[pnwmom]

17. No one's "assuming" anything -- except the Palace has always demonstrated

a willingness to protect its own image over the well-being of individual members of the Royal Family.

[Irish_Dem]

25. It is well know that various members of the royal family obtained mental health treatment.

They never lied about it.

ETA Again as an Irish American I have no love for the RF.

But I hate vicious sociopaths destroying the world for cash.
Ones supported by the Russians.

[Sogo]

30. I must ask:

Where do you get all your information?

[Irish_Dem]

34. I frequent a number of British forums.

Made up of people from all over the world.
Who are intelligent, thoughtful, sensible people.
(Like the people on DU.)

These people are knowledgeable and have many facts at hand.

They are heartbroken that Prince Harry has turned traitor with so many obvious lies.
All for cash, and some of the cash is Russian.

I am also a retired psychologist and recognize the signs of serious mental illness.
In both Harry and Meghan.

[pnwmom]

39. LOL. So you are buying into the Royal Family propaganda.

The idea that the British don't have the same problem with racism that we do is ludicrous.

[Irish_Dem]

43. It is not about the RF at all. It is about falling for Russian propaganda.

Copy below of my recent reply to accusations I was on the side of the RF.

The Royal Family subjugated my ancestors for 1000 years.
The entire monarchy can go to the devil for all I care.

I care about Russian oligarchs funding mentally ill celebrities to destroy western democracies.

And I hate to see my respected friends fall for Russian propaganda.

Both houses H and M lived in were from Russian oligarchs.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-island-mansion-harry-meghan-yuri-milner-pandora-1.6419328

https://www.the-sun.com/news/1307491/harry-meghan-markle-mansion-oligarch-sergey-grishin/

It is well known the Russians love to fund narcissistic sociopath celebrities to damage western democracies.

Who benefits from Trump destroying the US?
Who benefits from the UK being destroyed?

(And it is not America's place to tell the Brits how to run their government.
They love the royal family, believe it or not.
We are in no position to give advice to anyone on that score.)

I care about Russian oligarchs funding mentally ill celebrities to destroy western democracies.

And I hate to see my respected friends fall for Russian propaganda.

Both houses H and M lived in were from Russian oligarchs.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-island-mansion-harry-meghan-yuri-milner-pandora-1.6419328

https://www.the-sun.com/news/1307491/harry-meghan-markle-mansion-oligarch-sergey-grishin/

It is well known the Russians love to fund narcissistic sociopath celebrities to damage western democracies.

Who benefits from Trump destroying the US?
Who benefits from the UK being destroyed?

(And it is not America's place to tell the Brits how to run their government.
They love the royal family, believe it or not.
We are in no position to give advice to anyone on that score.)

[pnwmom]

47. I already responded about the CBC article in another post. It doesn't prove what you think it does.

So now I read the piece from your fav tabloid, The Sun, and it's even worse. They're trying to smear Harry and Meghan with the sins of the PREVIOUS owner of the house, whose trust SOLD IT TO THEM.

So now we're responsible for wrong doing of anyone we buy a house from? When you buy a house, do you always investigate the seller-- and reject a house if it was owned by a bad guy? Apparently you think everybody should.

[Irish_Dem]

49. I wouldn't buy a house from Russian oligarchs. And then trash western democracies.

Especially when the Russian owner took a big loss when selling to me.

Looks suspicious.

[pnwmom]

52. According to the Sun article, the owner struggled to find a wealthy buyer willing to purchase

the house at his asking price, so he listed it in January at a reduced price.

The following summer, the Sussexes offered him a couple million less, and he accepted their offer.

The Sussexes probably benefited from all the turmoil in the previous owner's divorce, but there's nothing nefarious about that.

This is a typical Sun tabloid smear. It would fit well in the National Enquirer.

P.S.

Oligarchs who need to launder their money often pay inflated prices for fancy real estate. Having to sell at a loss is just a cost of doing business.

[Irish_Dem]

32. Harry and Meghan's mansions were funded by Russian oligarchs.

Both houses H and M lived in were from Russian oligarchs.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-island-mansion-harry-meghan-yuri-milner-pandora-1.6419328

https://www.the-sun.com/news/1307491/harry-meghan-markle-mansion-oligarch-sergey-grishin/

ETA It is well known the Russians love to fund narcissistic sociopath celebrities to damage western democracies.

Who benefits from Trump destroying the US?
Who benefits from the UK being destroyed?

[pnwmom]

40. The UK wouldn't be destroyed by the loss of their Celebrity Family

any more than Ireland was destroyed by freeing itself from it, or the U.S.

[Emrys]

60. "The UK wouldn't be destroyed by the loss of their Celebrity Family"

As a Brit, thanks for pointing this out. Saved me the trouble.

[pnwmom]

62. You're welcome.

I respect and appreciate the people of our longtime ally, but I don't think the UK's continued existence depends on the survival of the monarchy.

[Emrys]

65. Here in the UK, I can count the number of my acquaintances who are in any way royalist

on the fingers of one hand with several to spare. I'm constantly bemused by the avidness and vehemence about the royals that I find on DU! I guess it's like a soap.

The tiresome aspect of it all is that the media continually go through this cycle of building celebrities up only to knock them down, and this applies in spades to the royals. Diana was an extreme case, and the over-the-top reactions to her death were the height of humbug.

It's Harry and Meghan's turn in the barrel, that's all. Maybe it makes a handy distraction from the disgusting conduct of Andrew. It certainly distracts some from all the other problems that are besetting the country and are much more likely to bring it down.

[pnwmom]

68. I only personally know a couple of British families, who are living here

for job related reasons, but they aren't monarchists, either.

Nice to meet you here!

[Emrys]

69. You too.

I have no intention in getting involved in the other debates ongoing downthread, but thanks for your efforts. The irony is that Charles's hands aren't exactly clean when it comes to oligarchs' money, but then that's in line with the Tory Party's enjoyment of such donors, and our government as a whole.

[pnwmom]

45. I wasted a lot of time reading the CBC article, trying to figure out the Russian connection

Last edited Mon Jan 2, 2023, 06:53 PM - Edit history (3)

which is supposedly through someone named Yuri Milner, who owned the property till 2013.

The Sun's piece was a simpler -- and worthless-- read.

In short, neither of your articles demonstrate that the houses were "funded by Russian oligarchs."

If you read the whole CBC article yourself, you know Milner is a Jewish man born in Russia, who left Russia and became an Israeli citizen. According to the article, “Milner has never been sanctioned, and isn't generally considered to be an oligarch.”

It goes on to say, “Milner and his wife decided in 2013 to pledge to give away the majority of their wealth to charity. The next year, Milner had himself removed as a beneficiary of the trust he'd created, in favour of newly formed charitable foundations that the statement didn't name. In 2018, all his relatives were also removed as possible beneficiaries, the statement adds.
“He is therefore no longer ‘affiliated with’ the mansion, the statement said.”
But the article concludes with: “So yes, he may not be the owner, but he may very well be the ultimate beneficiary.”

“He may very well be” are the words of a stubborn reporter who’s clinging to his original theory, which he’d failed to prove. And the article doesn't support your conclusion, either, because it says Milner, an Israeli citizen, isn't considered to be a Russian oligarch.

You also linked to an article in the Sun, which is an example of its usual National Enquirer tabloid style of reporting. It's a bunch of garbage. I responded to the specifics here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=17516039

[Cha]

75. TY.. that throws that Gaslit

talking point right in the Dumpster Fire.

[Martin68]

99. "She had access to the finest mental health treatment in the world." Not without permission from the

RF and their handlers. You clearly do not understand the dynamic at play.

[sheshe2]

101. Thank you, Martin.

I was going to make a similar response but just didn't have it in me to argue when their mind is set. She wouldn't have been allowed anymore than Diana, that would have shown badly on the RF.

[tiredtoo]

22. You should watch "The Crown" also on Netflix

For confirmation of your thoughts here. The Monarchy puts itself above anything else including family.

[Sogo]

26. To be clear, I think it's the monarchy's handlers.

Like Meghan said, the Queen was always very warm toward her.

The handlers go to great lengths to protect their own positions, IMHO....

[tiredtoo]

31. Yes for sure. EOM

[crickets]

33. +1

[muriel_volestrangler]

95. "The Crown" does not confirm anything. It's fiction, designed to keep you watching

It may show the opinions of the writer, though I think it's more likely he writes to get a compelling story. But it doesn't tell you anything more about the reality than reading The Sun does. Possibly even less, since The Sun will use a variety of sources to keep the drama going, so there's more chance of an opposing view getting in there.

[Martin68]

24. The maneuvering within the royal family turned out to be toxic. When Meghan and Harry got good press

on their Australian trip, jealous family members began leaking negative stories to the press. That's apparently long been SOP.

[CatWoman]

36. ironically, the exact same thing happened to Diana

when she went to Australia after getting married, no one wanted to see Charles.

That set the stage for her tragic demise.

[Sogo]

37. Exactly.

[Martin68]

29. I lived in Japan for two decades, and learned a lot about the way the Imperial Family destroys

any wife of the emperor if they show any signs of education, individuality, or humanity. Mental illness has been a real problem for those who have been forced by public pressure to agree to marriage within the Imperial family. It is a toxic institution.

[Irish_Dem]

35. Harry and Meghan's mansions were funded by Russian oligarchs.

Both houses H and M lived in were from Russian oligarchs.

Who benefits from Trump destroying the US?
Who benefits from the UK being destroyed?


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-island-mansion-harry-meghan-yuri-milner-pandora-1.6419328

https://www.the-sun.com/news/1307491/harry-meghan-markle-mansion-oligarch-sergey-grishin/

ETA It is well known the Russians love to fund narcissistic sociopath celebrities to damage western democracies.

[Sogo]

42. They rented the house in Canada and

bought the house in Santa Barbara.

How is that being "funded by Russian oligarchs"?.....

[CatWoman]

44. and if I'm not mistaken

does not the Royal Family do business with the Russians as well as the Saudis?

Apt that he quotes "The Sun".......

[Irish_Dem]

48. Questions must be asked when Russian oligarchs give people money.

Especially people who trash western democracies.

A Russian oligarch owned the mansion in Canada and gave them rent free accommodations.

Another Russian oligarch sold them the house in California at a huge loss.

There are also questions about ongoing funding.

And now the couple is trying to damage the UK and its people.

Same thing the Russians did with Trump here in the US.

I know I am going to get pushback, but at least I am trying to show what is really happening.
We cannot be naive.

Who benefits when the US and UK are damaged?

[Sogo]

54. Sounds to me like they got a good deal....nothing untoward....from the Sun article:

Their huge 14,563-square-foot 'palatial' pad, known as 'The Chateau', was bought by Grishin in 2009 for $25m - however he has struggled to find wealthy buyers able to meet the asking price.

It was eventually listed again in January, for around $17m and sold to the royal couple for around $2.5m under that asking price.

They have a mortgage for $9.5M of that....again, nothing untoward about the sale that I can see.....

They rented the house in Canada....

[Irish_Dem]

59. People got mad at me for warning about Trump/GOP/Russia/China.

I said they were dangerous, very dangerous.

People laughed at me and made fun of me.
Or called me names.

Told me I was wrong, that all of them, Russia, China, Trump, GOP were silly, stupid and harmless.

My curse or blessing is connecting dots before others do.

Harry and Meghan are being paid to play a very dangerous game.
And it is going to hurt them badly in the end.

I actually feel bad for them.

[Sogo]

63. Those are all dangerous actors, to be sure.

I doubt, however, you were the first to connect the dots between Trump and Russia and all the rest....As a matter of fact, Trump was under counter intelligence investigation (spying) while he was a candidate, according to Malcolm Nance.

The connection between Russia and the UK appears to be with the monarchy's handlers and not Meghan and Harry. It was the handlers' lies about Meghan that the Russian trolls ran with and amplified it exponentially.

[Irish_Dem]

79. I do not believe those are the correct dots.

Meghan and Harry are playing a very dangerous game.

They are the ones taking help from Russian oligarchs and damaging the UK.

The Brits are devastated that Harry would commit treason and lie about them for cash.

I stand by my early warnings about Trump, the GOP, Russia and China.

[pnwmom]

76. Nobody around here was disagreeing with you about Trump or Russia. nt

[Hekate]

55. They bought their Montecito house below market value? That would have been of local interest...

…and by that I mean Santa Barbara in particular and the Central Coast generally. Real estate prices are of keen local interest in Santa Barbara County. Definitely public records would be involved.

So — any links to anything?

[Irish_Dem]

72. Yes the huge luxury mansion was sold to them by a Russian for only $14 million.

In 2009 the Russian Sergey Grishin bought the home for $25.3 million.

Most articles about the sale call it a cut rate deal and a bargain.

The mansion price was very low for a sprawling nine-bedroom and 16-bathroom mansion in upscale Montecito.
The 14,563-square-foot home, known as 'The Chateau', sits on 5.4 acres of land. And includes lush landscaping throughout the private property and unobstructed views of the ocean.

They now have it up for sale and asking $35 million only a couple of years after paying $14 million for it.

California is known for the high price of real estate.

I have a family member who lives in California in a run down tiny house in dire need of much work and it is valued at
$1.5 million as is! Unbelievable. Harry's mansion price makes no sense in comparison.

The Russian oligarch who sold them the mansion claimed to be friends with Trump and had a criminal background.
He was also accused by his ex of abuse.

The Vancouver mansion they stayed in while visiting Canada was also owned by a Russian oligarch and buying Canadian property was a way he laundered money.

Harry and Meghan are playing a dangerous game.


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8624021/The-Scarface-oligarch-sold-Meghan-Harry-cut-price-mansion.html

https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-montecito-chateau-20150612-story.html

https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/116224/inside-prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-15m-california-mansion#:~:text=Meghan%20and%20Harry's%20family%20home,-Trulia&text=The%20luxurious%20house%20was%20sold,million%20(%C2%A322.1m).

[pnwmom]

74. Money launderers often pay inflated prices for fancy real estate. They don't care

because the money would be worthless if they couldn't launder it.

But regardless of that, the Sun article you posted said that the Russian had struggled to sell the house for some time, so he finally dropped the price in January, and the Sussexes bought it in the summer. That doesn't sound suspicious.

That Daily Mail article was nothing but a piece about how awful the seller was -- the guy who had tried and failed to sell his house at an inflated price.

The LA Times piece from 2015 was about a totally different house.

[Irish_Dem]

77. It doesn't make sense.

I know what my sister in law's house in California looks like for $1.5 million.
It is totally trashed and tiny. $14 million for a huge, palatial mansion doesn't add up.

All the articles say that Harry bought the mansion for a bargain or cut rate price.
And the mansion he stayed in while in Canada was also owned by a Russian oligarch.

And then Harry turns around and destroys the UK and the British people.
It looks suspicious because we know the Russian agenda is to destroy western democracies.

Putin bought Trump who claims victim status and destroys the US.

Why wouldn't they buy a British Prince who claims victim status and destroys the UK?

The Brits are devastated that Harry would commit treason by lying about them.
And make money by destroying their country. And they cannot believe the
American public would buy it lock stock and barrel.

Same situation we face here with the GOP and Trump.

[Hekate]

92. Just admit it: you didn't like either one of them from the get-go & nothing else will do

Saying they’re “destroying” the UK is just bizarre. I believe it still stands.

“Treason”? Oh never mind.

[Sogo]

96. Wholeheartedly agree.

I sense an agenda in operation here....

"Methinks ID doth protest too much."

[pnwmom]

73. Good question. They didn't sell it below market, according to the Sun article.

The article said the owners had been "struggling" to find a buyer to purchase the house, so they finally dropped the price to $17 million in January. The Sussexes didn't buy the house till the summer.

I bet the owner paid an inflated price when he bought it because he was using it to launder funds. Oligarchs often over-pay for that purpose.

[Hekate]

78. Even without the specter of money laundering, sellers and their agents can be over-optimistic...

That happened with the house we bought in Ventura when we left SB County (totally priced out as far as moving to a larger one story home, so we took our life savings 40 miles south).

We adore this house, but would not have bought it for the first list price, or the second, or even later. We made a good offer when it got low enough for us to start dealing, and let our agent do the dickering. The 90 year old owner who had designed and built it when he was 60 never really got over the disappointment, as far as I know. In the end we were the only offer. He made out fine — just not as much as his realtor had promised.

And that is the real estate game, whether you live in Oprah Winfrey’s celestial environs or just slightly up the mountain on Planet Earth.

[pnwmom]

80. Right -- and the bigger and the more unique a property is, the harder it is

to determine the market value -- till someone finally comes along and makes an offer.

[Hekate]

83. I've written about Montecito before & it's unique all right. It's an unincorporated area...

… it is not a gated community (although individual compounds may be) and all you need to move in is enough money to do so — which admittedly cuts out 90% of the rest of us. There’s a certain segment who are active in charities and Democratic politics, and this is where I came in, because at one time I was exceedingly active in Dem politics and allied progressive causes as a volunteer.

I just don’t think people here believe me when I say there are some Dems in that place — but honestly, if you need big bucks from a fundraiser, go where the money is. When Bill Clinton came to town he gave a free outdoor speech at City College to several thousand enthusiastic local supporters, but his real aim was schmoozing in Montecito.

[Martin68]

97. Sounds like Russian and/or royal family disinformation is at work. I can guarantee you Russia would

jump at the opportunity to drive wedges between groups to intensify simmering social conflicts in Britain.

[FakeNoose]

46. They bought the house in Montecito from a (nasty) Russian oligarch who was the former owner

But so what? Are people judged by who owned their houses before they bought them? I don't think so.

Harry and Meghan left Britain because they were treated awfully by their own relatives who didn't stick up for them. The royals especially didn't support Meghan, and their racism has been discussed here (and elsewhere) ad nauseum.

If the Essexes decided they'd rather live and raise their children here in the US rather than England, then I say "Hooray for them!" Let's show them the respect and the privacy that they couldn't receive in England.

[Irish_Dem]

51. Perhaps if they desire privacy they could cut back on the non stop public self videos.

[pnwmom]

66. I think they should be able to defend themselves. The Celebrity Family was pushing negative

stories about them to the British media to deflect from negative stories about other family members. Now that they're free of The Firm, they can finally defend themselves.

[Irish_Dem]

81. The Brits are dumbfounded, heart broken and angry.

They see no facts presented, only endless whining about their life of privilege.
And trashing the UK and all British people.

They embraced Megan and Harry with open hearts.
They loved Harry and only wanted the best for him, for him to be happy.
He was their favorite son.

The British taxpayer paid millions and millions of pounds to them.
While the Brits are struggling with the cost of heating, food and rent.

Now the Brits see a couple who clearly hates the UK and British people,
wishes to bring burn it all down. But the couple hangs on to their titles to make money.

The Brits have been hearing this story for years now.
Over and over. It is time for this couple to live the private life they claim to want.
And try to do some good, instead of devastating the UK.
And they need to stop taking money from the Russians.

[pnwmom]

82. You don't speak for all the Brits, just the ones you talk to.

Meanwhile, millions of other people in the UK avidly watched the whole series.

Would you watch a 7 part series produced with the help of the Trump family? Brits who think the Sussexes are endlessly "whining about their life of privilege" wouldn't have bothered to watch it. But millions of Brits who still like Harry and Meghan did.

You should stop claiming the Sussexes have taken money from the Russians. Not one of the articles you've posted, including from your hateful tabloid, the Sun, shows that.

[Irish_Dem]

87. Nearly half the British public want Harry to lose his title.

Harry has dropped from the top of British popularity polls down to on par with the hated Prince Andrew.

People did watch the Netflix series and as a result Harry's poll numbers dropped 13 points.

60% of the British people hold a negative view of Harry now.

That will continue as he continues to lie and trash the UK and the Brits.

I stand by my statements the couple took money from the Russians via low cost and free housing.


https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-title-netflix-survey-b2254050.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11533095/Prince-Harrys-popularity-slumped-13-points-Meghan-Markles-seven-says-YouGov-poll.html

[pnwmom]

88. You've posted a bunch of links about Russian funding that don't support your statements.

Do you even read the pieces you post?

The Sun story said that the Russian owner had been struggling to find a wealthy buyer for his home, so he finally re-listed it at a lower price in January. That summer, the Sussexes bought it. This is how real estate sales happen. Sellers try to sell at higher prices but when that fails, they agree on a lower price, or take a property off the market.

And the CBC story you posted said that the owner of the Canadian house (till 2-13) wasn't a Russian oligarch. He's an Israeli Jew, who had been born in Russia.

But the weirdest link you posted connected to a 2015 piece about a whole different house. I don't know what your point was with that.

What British polls show is that old white people still love the monarchy -- but they're dying off. The future doesn't bode well because young people, more and more diverse these days, don't have the same regard for it.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/16/britain-grief-polling-figures-monarchy-popularity

Britain may look united in grief – but polling shows a growing generational divide

(snip)

The present level of support for an elected head of state among under-25s (33%) is largely in line with the average since 2020 (37%). Prior to late 2019, that figure had never been higher than 24%. By contrast, the oldest Britons – those aged 65 and over – have remained resolutely in favour of the institution.

The notion that the monarchy is good for the country also no longer seems to wash with young people. While 61% of 18– to 24-year-olds were convinced of the benefits in 2015, today that figure stands at 33%, and the 24% it was in May probably better reflects attitudes in more stable times.

[Irish_Dem]

89. The Brits:

The Brits feel it is their country and their right to make decisions.
They feel Americans have been gullible and easily led.

The owner of the Canadian mansion is Yuri Milner.
The owner of the California mansion was Sergey Grishin.

Perhaps I posted the wrong article by mistake.

If you google the names you can get other sources which may be to your liking.

I could care less if the Royal Family continues to exist.
They subjugated my ancestors for 1000 years.

Harry and Meghan taking money from the Russians aside,
they are burning down their country for cash every day via
all their deals.

I care about western democracies with a passion.
And I hate to see them damaged by anyone.
Especially the rich and privileged.

[pnwmom]

90. Of course it is their country and right to make their own decisions.

However, I think they're in denial about the amount of racism there, and how it was directed at Meghan. Just as many white Americans want to believe concerns about racism here are overblown, many white Brits want to believe the same thing about racism in the UK. They're in denial.

Britain, just like the US, will be a stronger, better, more united country if it can overcome its racism, both structural and individual.

Our main point of difference: you think that the Sussexes speaking out about the monarchy will damage Britain. I disagree. Yes, it could damage the members of the monarchy, but they aren't the democracy. They're just the figureheads.

[pnwmom]

64. Exactly. According to the Sun article, the owners were having trouble selling it

so they dropped the price in January. And in the summer the Sussexes made an offer and it was accepted.

I never knew I should investigate a house seller before buying a house, but I guess if I want to avoid the tabloids I should.

[Hekate]

50. Good observations; good post

Thank you & happy new year

[Sogo]

58. Thank you, Hekate.

Happy New Year to you!!

[pnwmom]

70. Neither of the two articles showed what the poster said they did.

The CBC article specifically said that the previous owner of the Canada house wasn't generally considered a Russian oligarch, and that while he was born in Russia, he was Jewish with Israeli citizenship.

The Sun article also didn't say the Russian "funded" the Sussexes. He put the house on the market in January and they purchased it in the summer.

[Hekate]

71. You mean post #48? Hence my reply #55.

[betsuni]

84. According to some comments here, liking Harry & Meghan and their docuseries makes one a monarchist.

Supposedly they are vicious mentally ill sociopath narcissist lying celebrities paid by Russian oligarchs to destroy the UK and its people because H & M hate them. Trust British tabloids!

How very dramatic. I imagine them as gigantic Godzilla monsters lurching out of the Pacific Ocean and stomping all over the UK, destroying it, people screaming while they try to flee the Wrath of Harry & Meghan.

[pnwmom]

102. Which is ironic, since the people who are defending the Royal Family against all criticism

are the real monarchists -- not the couple who left The Firm.

[Catherine Vincent]

93. I always knew there were hateful people in this world

But the hate toward Harry and Meghan is ridiculous. It's mostly prejudice and a lot of it is coming from jealous Kate fans.

[muriel_volestrangler]

94. If the series gave you that impression of the Commonwealth, then it fucked up

The Commonwealth is a talking shop for the leaders of the countries. There's no "work to fatten the British coffers" now; there's no economic arrangements or flow of money. That was the Empire, up to the sixties or so (the main part of it being India/Pakistan, which became independent in 1947). People are not "required" to show anything when there's a visit; sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't. Like DU, there are both pro- and anti-monarchists in Commonwealth countries.