Meghan Markle is ready to put differences aside and forgive the Royals after Prince Philip’s passing

By
Monica Pop
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Many of his closest family and friends were there to say their final goodbyes to Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. Among them was his grandson, Prince Harry, who stepped foot on British soil after over a year in the States. His wife Meghan Markle, however, missed the funeral ceremony. The reason why, according to her, was that her physician advised her not to travel, having in mind she and Harry are expecting their second child.

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Some of her closest friends spoke to the press and said how the former actress didn’t accompany her husband to Britain because she wanted to avoid being “the center of attention.” She, however, sent a wreath and a handwritten note.

Meghan was said to had had a good relationship with Prince Philip, but as we all know, the things between The Sussexes and the rest of the royal family haven’t been smooth sailing. It started with Harry and Meghan stepping down from their royal duties and leaving Britain and continued with the interview the couple had with Oprah during which they revealed a lot of things.

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Meghan, for once, indicated she had been silenced and not much was done for her well-being after she opened up about her suicidal thoughts to some senior royals. The couple also said how there were conversations of how dark Archie’s skin might be. Harry said he was trapped in the system, saying that his father and brother still are.

All these comments and accusations created a stir, and the interview was a top topic for quite some time.

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With the passing of prince Philip, many hoped the things between the brother, William and Harry, would get better. They didn’t walk shoulder to shoulder at their grandfather’s funeral, but were seen talking to one another.

As quoted by Express, royal commentator Christina Garibaldi said: “William thinks Harry chose fame over family. A source tells us that ‘William feels that Harry has got too big for his boots since moving to California and that success and Hollywood has gone to his head.”

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Royal author Penny Junior spoke to Daily Mail. “My hope is that if something good can come out of the Duke’s death it will be that it brings the family together. But clearly there is a lot of hurt there on all sides, and I imagine they will all be feeling apprehensive about seeing one another again,” she said. “With luck, their desire to support the Queen and pull together for her sake, which I am sure is what the Duke would have wanted, will win the day.”

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Daily Mail reports that according to a source, Meghan also wants to put her differences with the royals aside and is ready to forgive the family. “Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry” the friend told the Daily Mail. “She said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral. Meghan said it’s during these times when family should come together, put their differences aside and unite as one.”

Hopefully, it will all turn out for the best for the Royal family.

Queen Elizabeth said goodbye to Prince Philip with a wreath and a handwritten note she placed on his coffin

By
Monica Pop
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“We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will,” American journalist Chuck Plahniuk said, and late Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh and Britain’s longest-ever serving consort, had a lot to be proud of as his legacy will live forever.

Remembered as the man of his people, Prince Philip dedicated his entire life supporting the love of his life and wife of 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II.

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The love story between the two is one of the most beautiful ones. The dedication and affection he had for his queen was profound, and with his passing, she lost what she has described as her “strength and stay.” The emotions the Royal family expressed publicly after losing Prince Philip is something we have seen quite rarely, and that spoke of the importance this man had in their lives and hearts.

After a month-long stay at the hospital, Prince Philip returned home, where he died peacefully. It was his last wish to die in the comfort of his home, and the Queen granted it.

The funeral was watched by over 13 million viewers in UK only and was attended by 30 of his closest family members and friends. Prince Philip’s body was laid to rest at the St. George’s Chapel.

According to the Daily Mail, Prince Philip once told Queen Elizabeth that he wanted his body to be “stuck” in the back of the Land Rover he helped design himself and “driven to Windsor.”

On the day of the funeral, the mighty Queen could be seen sitting all by herself nearest the alter, wrapped in grief and pain. Dressed in black from head to toe, she said her final goodbye to her beloved husband. She placed a wreath on his coffin made of white lilies, small white roses, white freesias, white wax flowers, white sweet peas and jasmine, and a hand written note which simply read: “In loving memory.”

“The Duke of Edinburgh is irreplaceable and the Queen’s dedication to duty is undiminished,” a source told the Daily Mirror. “But senior officials and members of the family have long had an eye on ensuring she is more supported in the future and it seems sensible to start employing this now.”

Our hearts go out to the Royal family and Queen Elizabeth. Rest in peace, Prince Philip, you gave so much to your country and its people.

Adopted boy who is dedicated to saving old shelter canines so “they don’t feel the way he did” asks to hold a dying dog for one last time

By
Monica Pop
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One proud mom shares an incredibly touching story that triggers tears rolling down our face. She speaks of the love children have for the dogs who have been part of their life and made it a better place and the sadness of letting them cross the rainbow bridge.

Maria Henry Gay opened her heart to Love What Matters and taught us all that “it is during the hardest times that we learn the best lessons and feel the most gratitude.”

That day was unlike any other for their family. The brought their dog Buffy for a vet’s check up and all they hoped for was to leave the place with the dog’s teeth cleaned and some of them removed. However, the vet had some devastating news. Buffy showed signs of advanced kidney failure. The condition was very severe so the family decided it would be for the best to let their furry pal go before she started experiencing excruciating pain, as the vet informed them that would be what follows.

Source: YouTube/CBS Evening News

Maria’s son, Robbie, who was adopted from the foster care system after experiencing years of abuse, was at school at the time. Maria went to pick him up and told him about Buffy’s condition. She had no idea how the boy would react, as the two were very close.

Robbie was heartbroken and asked his mom whether he could be the one holding Buffy when she goes to heaven. Maria was stunned by the love and the compassion Robbie showed, and said she was certain Buffy would want exactly that.

Source: LoveWhatMatters

After Maria told him how proud she was of him for understanding that no animal should be left to suffer, Robbie said:

“I know how it feels not to be loved or cared for and I don’t want any animal of mine to ever feel that way. It’s only sad for us when they go to heaven. It’s a happy day for them. Thank you for being proud of me. Are you okay, Mom?”

Maria shared what the family is doing for senior dogs in need of company during their last days on Earth. They adopt them and make sure they know how much they are loved. Speaking of the decision to welcome older dogs in, she explains how Robbie believes they should be there for the dogs who are less likely to be adopted, because they all deserve a loving home, just like he found one with Maria and her husband.

Source: YouTube/CBS Evening News

“‘If all you guys had wanted was a baby, you would have never gotten me.’ He relates to our ‘old people’ (that’s what we call our senior dogs) in much the same way. He has also reminded me on several occasions that it doesn’t matter how long you have something for how much you love it. I asked him what he meant and he said, ‘Well, you’ve only known me for two years, but you love me like it’s been forever.’ Yes, my son is the coolest,” Maria said.

Take a look at the video below to learn more about Robbie and his love for the dogs he saves.

LSU student, 21, and a father, 55, lost their lives while trying to save others from rip current in Florida

By
Monica Pop
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Two men, a 21-year-old student and a 55-year-old father, lost their lives trying to rescue others during an incident that took place April 8 in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Layne Gravois, who was studying electrical engineering at the Louisiana State University (LSU), was on a spring break in Florida with two other friends, Jordan Servat and Reed Boudreaux, when they spotted a young boy drowning. Wanting to prevent a tragedy from taking place, the boys rushed into the water and helped create a human chain of around 70 people in a bid to fight the water currents.

Sadly, the chain “broke.” Sharing details of the accident, one of Gravois’ friends, Dexter Troxclair, told Fox 8 News: “The chain was about 60 to 70 people long and everyone was locking arms and about 50 people down the line into the ocean or the gulf, the chain broke.”

“It was like a war zone. You just saw person after person getting pulled into the water,” Troxclair shared with ABC affiliate WBRZ. “It was almost not real. I felt like I was looking at someone else. I just couldn’t believe in my head that that was my friend laying on the ground.”

Former lifeguard Ryan Doberstein also found himself at the scene and described the incident as “the most traumatic experience of his life.”

All the three fiends, along with a group of people, were taken out of the water and transferred to a hospital. Unfortunately, brave Gravois died. His friends were injured.

His grieving mother, Kristi Gros Gravois, said of her son, “He only went in the water to try and save him. Amazing son, athlete – loved football, baseball. Loved fishing, traveling, being with friends and family. He was the absolute best and we were blessed with him,” as reported by WWL-TV.

On the same day, at the same time and place, another hero who sacrificed his life in order to save others died. 55-year-old Kim McGrady drowned before saving three people. “Kim was always one to put others before himself. Kim McGrady left this world a hero,” the memorial set up for this courageous man said.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office released a statement which read: “During these water rescues, the flags stood at single red. That still indicates the water as an incredible threat to human life with high surf and strong rip currents. Know that just because we cannot keep you out of the Gulf during single red, does not mean you should be in it.

“Mother nature can be very unforgiving. This is a difficult post for us. We know there are families still grieving. But, we’re begging visitors to please continue to educate themselves regarding the flag system. We will continue to do our part.”

Rest in peace. Our hearts go out to the grieving families.

Virginia police officer fired after pepper-spraying an Army lieutenant during traffic stop

By
Monica Pop
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Joe Gutierrez, a police officer with the Virginia State Police, was fired after a video of an incident which took place on December 5 emerged showing him holding an Army officer at gunpoint during an illegal traffic stop.

The footage clearly shows how Army Second Lieutenant Caron Nazario has his hands visible out of the window of his new SUV, but he’s still ordered to get out of the vehicle by Gutierrez. Apparently, Lt. Nazario was pulled over for not having tags displayed on his SUV although the temporary dealer plate is visible in the officer’s body camera video.

As he’s ordered to get out, Lt. Nazario could be heard saying, “I’ve not committed any crime,” after which the police officers pull their guns on him. At that point, Lt. Nazaro says, “I’m honestly afraid to get out,” to what one of the officers responds, “Yeah dude, you should be.”

In the next moment, Lt. Nazaro is paper-sprayed and handcuffed.

The case is currently at court as Lt. Nazaro is suing the town for the way he was treated for no apparent reason. The lawsuit claims unlawful seizure, illegal search, excessive force, violation of his constitutional rights, battery and false imprisonment. The lawsuit also says that the assault was racially motivated as Lt. Nazario is Latino and African American.

The cruelty expressed by Gutierrez and the other officer, Daniel Crocker, was highly condemned by both the citizens and their colleagues.

“The Town of Windsor prides itself in its small-town charm and the community-wide respect of its Police Department,” the town said. “Due to this, we are saddened for events like this to cast our community in a negative light. Rather than deflect criticism, we have addressed these matters with our personnel administratively, we are reaching out to community stakeholders to engage in dialogue, and commit ourselves to additional discussions in the future.”

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston spoke of the incident as well and twitted that he was extremely proud of Lt. Nazario because he “represented himself and our Army well through his calm, professional response to the situation.”

Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia took to the social media to express his opinion regarding the matter, writing: “The incident in Windsor is disturbing and angered me — and I am directing the Virginia State Police to conduct an independent investigation.

“Our Commonwealth has done important work on police reform, but we must keep working to ensure that Virginians are safe during interactions with police, the enforcement of laws is fair and equitable, and people are held accountable.”

“He took care of her” – The bond between Prince Philip and Princess Diana

By
Monica Pop
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According to many, what Princess Diana and Prince Philip had in common was that they were both some sort of outsiders when they joined the Royal Family. Over time, however, both of them became much loved members of the royalty.

Prince Philip, who passed away on April 9, 2021, in the comfort of his home, was the longest serving consort in British history. He was someone the whole country admired not only for serving the people, but for being the Queen’s “strength and stay” for more than 73 years.

After his death, his beloved family paid tribute to him the best they knew. Harry spoke of him as of “a rock” for the Queen “with unparalleled devotion,” as per BBC. “While I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, ‘Oh do get on with it!'”

William said in his statement, “My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.”

With Prince Philip’s passing, many magazines decided to take a look back at his relationship with late Princess Diana, his former daughter-in-law.

It has been revealed that Prince Philip and Diana were in contact and exchanged a number of letters after her marriage with Prince Charles started struggling and was put to an end eventually.

According to the book Prince Philip Revealed, written by the royal author Ingrid Seward, previewed by People, “When (Diana) found the restrictions of royal life difficult, it was Philip who helped her.”

“Once she was married, she never sat next to her husband; she was always sat next to Philip at the endless black-tie dinners, and he took care of her,” Ingrid continued.

“Diana found the Balmoral dinners a massive strain and the atmosphere stifling. When the piper came around the table after dinner with his kilt swirling and his pipes whining, she couldn’t wait to leave the room.”

The mail correspondence between the two leaked in 2003 by former royal butler Paul Burrell. According to him, one of the letters Price Philip addressed to the Princess said: “I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind leaving you for Camilla,” as per Daily Mail.

“We do not approve of either of you having lovers. Charles was silly to risk everything with Camilla for a man in his position. We never dreamed he might feel like leaving you for her. Such a prospect never even entered our heads.”

Further, it was revealed that Prince Philip wrote that if he was invited to help his son and Diana overcome their differences, he would do his best, to what the Princess replied: “I would like you to know how much I admire you for the marvelous way in which you have tried to come to terms with this intensely difficult family problem.”

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Apparently, after the marriage ended and things became rough between Diana and Charles, resentment grew between Prince Philip and Diana. He believed that her behavior was affecting the family’s reputation, while she was reported to had thought that her former father-in-law was trying to be way too involved in her relationship with Charles.

We will remember both Prince Philip and Princess Diana as individuals with hearts of gold and immense love for their people.

Cancer survivor kicked off from bridal party because bride didn’t want someone with bald head on the photos

By
Monica Pop
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When we think about it, the wedding day is all about family and friends for some brides, and all about perfect photoshoot and a chance to brag for others.

The bride in this story is described like a real bridezilla by some, but there are also those who believe she didn’t do anything wrong when she asked her friend of many years, who is a cancer survivor, not to be her bridesmaid because of her bald head.

A woman that goes under the name bridesmaidwoes123, took to Reddit to ask the fellow redditors whether she was the selfish one, as the bride claimed, or she had all the right to be mad and refuse to attend the wedding.

Source: Getty Images (Representational Image) | Photo by Slavica

This what she wrote: “I am very good friends with the bride to be, lets call her Karen for simplicity. She got engaged about 1.5 years ago and immediately asked me to be a bridesmaid which I was thrilled about (she was my maid of honor for context). To make a long story short I got some real bad news in the past year and had to undergo radiation and chemotherapy.”

Karen was quite supportive of her and helped her overcome the tough period which came with the devastating diagnosis. Not only that, but Karen invited her out to celebrate her remission and took her to spa. The two had a lot of fun until Karen said she had a special surprise.

“At the end of the day she takes me to a special hair salon which specializes in high quality wigs. I am a little taken aback by this because Karen knows that a lot of the work I have been involves psychological treatment in cancer patients and avoiding the shame associated with hair loss for instance. I politely go through the appointment and even try on some wigs although I was quite upset honestly,” the woman wrote.

Karen offered to pick a wig for her, but the woman sharing this story didn’t want one. What’s most, she wanted to forget all about that day.

Source: Getty Images (Representational Image) | Photo by Slavica

Later that day, Karen called the woman and told her that she couldn’t be part of her bridal party because the minister believed there were too many people invited already.

“This completely floors me because basically I am her number 2 girl after her sister (who she barely gets a long with),” the woman explained. “I call around and it although some of the other bridesmaids are reluctant to tell me anything hint at the fact that Karen was worried about how the pictures are going to look with someone with a bald head.”

She also added that she tried contacting Karen but there was no answer back. Later, however, Karen called her back and tried convincing her that her hair had nothing to do with her decision to remove her from the bridal party.

Source: Getty Images (Representational Image) | Photo by photoraya

A lot of redditors took a stand. One person wrote: “…I think brides like this ought to just cancel their weddings and host fancy photo shoots instead. It’s all about the pictures for them. To hell with friends, family, the comfort of guests, etc… It sucks to lose a friend. But then again, she doesn’t really seem like a friend at this point. The phrase, ‘when people show you who they are, believe them’ comes to mind.”

Another person, however, posted: “Wig shopping after cancer treatment seems like something super personal to me. I think Karen should have discussed this with you, before she took you to this shop and tried to buy you a wig. She crossed a boundary here by trying to change your look and your body, when you’ve just been through an experience where you didn’t have control over your own body. Does that make sense?”

Third person said: “Wouldn’t having a healthy friend in her wedding be a great gift? You’re a warrior. Screw the wig. Also, as a minister’s kid, I can safely say that ministers know enough to not stick their noses into bridal planning. So she’s a shit liar and a shit friend. Congrats on remission!”

Share your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.

Meghan Markle will not be attending Prince Philip’s funeral because she doesn’t want to be “the center of attention”

By
Monica Pop
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The plans for The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral were made long ago and were dubbed “Operation Forth Bridge.” Initially, it was planned for around 800 people to attend the ceremony. However, due to the restrictions imposed because of the ongoing pandemic, the number of people who will be attending Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday is limited to 30. Sources say the Queen had a hard time choosing who will be there by her husband’s side to say their final goodbyes.

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Among those attending the service will be Prince Philip’s children and their spouses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke of York, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, as well as his grandchildren, including Prince Harry, who stepped foot on British soil after spending over a year in the States.

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However, Meghan Markle will miss the service. According to reports, she has been advised by her doctors not to travel considering she’s carrying her second child. It has been also reported that Meghan had a good relationship with Prince Philip. But, according to some magazines, including Daily Mail, the real reason why Meghan didn’t accompanied her husband to Britain is the stir they caused after the interview with Oprah during which a lot had been revealed.

“Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry. She said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral,” the source told Daily Mail.

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Her friends, on the other hand, say she opted to stay in America because she didn’t want to be “the center of attention.”

A source close to Meghan said that the Queen understands her absence and adds: “Meghan said this is the opportune time for Henry to mend his relationship with his brother and his dad. She doesn’t need to be there for that.”

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Buckingham Palace released a statement which included the details of the funeral which will take place on April 17, at three o’clock, and will start with a national minute of silence.

According to The Sun, Prince Philip spent quite some time helping design the specially built Land Rover in which his coffin would be carried.

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The Independent reports that the specially designed vehicle will be flanked by several pall bearers to reflect the late prince’s relation with the military, the Royal Marines, Regiments, Corps and Air Stations. As per the Daily Mail, in a conversation with the Queen, Prince Philip once said: “Just stick me in the back of a Land Rover and drive me to Windsor.”

Rest in peace, Prince Phillip.

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