#chumleys

There are two things about the kids being in the UK.

First one is that Meghan and Harry both like to talk about how much like Diana their kids, especially Lili, are. Because they don't share photos of the kids' faces and because there are no videos of the kids, we have to take Harry and Meghan at their word how Diana-like the kids are. So if they bring the kids to the UK, they can't actually hide them from the press and the family - meaning the odds are very, very good that if the kids are in the UK, we might finally get to see their faces or videos of how they are/interacting with other people and in doing so, we'll be able to see truly how Diana like they are.

The second one is how close they are as a family. We can tell a lot about relationships through people's body language. Like we know the Waleses are a close, intimate, familiar family because they're always close together in their photos. We don't always see that familiarity in the Sussexes in their photos and more often than not, the kids are usually at arm's distance from Meghan in their photos. This contradicts Meghan's PR, which is that they're a close, cuddly family who love up on each other all the time and the kids are always sleeping in Meghan's bed with her. You can fake that kind of familial closeness in photos and in PR (which is all talk) but you can't fake it in public appearances and videos. Plus Meghan isn't that mediocre of an actress to be able to fake it either. So taking the kids to the UK means Meghan and Harry will be seen in public with the kids - no nannies, no friends, no doting grandmother (remember, the kids don't have a relationship with the royals so they're not going to be cuddly with Charles the way they might with Doria or Markus - and yup, I said that) - and we'll get a very good understanding of their relationships and parenting styles.

So the kids being in the UK means Meghan's jig is up because she won't be able to hide them (she can't obscure faces from cameras she can't control), she won't be able to perpetuate how Diana-like or Spencer-like they are (she certainly can't use red filters in reality), and she won't be able to fake their relationships if they don't have one - which is important considering the rumors that staff do all the work while Harry and Meghan do just enough to make it look real for when People Magazine interviews Meghan in their bedroom.

See this post for the details on the Rose rumors:

^ VOLTA NY

^ Spring/Break Art Show

^ Art on Paper

Program: Ace AIR Location: Ace Hotel New York Date of Stay: Sundays in March, 2018 Artist: Tug Rice

New York City-based actor, writer and illustrator Tug Rice works both digitally and with traditional watercolors, and is endlessly inspired by Manhattan and its colorful cast of characters. In March of 2018 we asked Rice to attend and document the scene at the VOLTA NY, Art on Paper and Spring/Break art shows; selects from these missions are above.

We also asked Rice about some of his favorite spots around the city, to consider it’s grime and glamor and everything in between. Here’s a few, both illustrated and on his to-draw-someday list:

Chumley’s Former Speakeasy, 86 Bedford St.

“Imagine clinking glasses with F. Scott Fitzgerald when UH OH! someone spots the cops outside and they’re heading this way. (It’s Prohibition, remember.) But, luckily, you know just what to do: make a mad dash for a hidden bookcase in which to conceal yourself. That kind of pandemonium was a regular occurrence at Chumley’s, one of the most famous speakeasies of all time. It’s been recently renovated and the handsome new interior pays homage to the establishment’s tradition of displaying pictures and books of its most celebrated patrons. You can still feel the essence of the 1920s except now you don’t have to worry about getting caught with an illegal martini in your hand. Eat your heart out, Midnight in Paris.”

Shalel Lounge Restaurant, 65 West 70th St.

“If I had to choose a favorite restaurant in New York, I’d probably have a panic attack. And then I’d probably choose Shalel, located on the Upper West Side. Forget the fact that the Moroccan cuisine is to die for (and it is -- especially the desserts). The ambience is unlike anything else you’ll find in Manhattan: you descend down a staircase scattered with rose petals (really) and then enter a candlelit cellar that seems to have no shortage of secret alcoves in which to dine. It’s exotic, decadent, and a gateway into another world.”

Three Lives & Company Bookstore, 154 West 10th St.

“Just mention the words “Three Lives” to any book lover in New York and watch their shoulders relax and their eyes narrow in ecstasy. A charming bookstore can have that effect and this West Village staple is as charming as they come. I’ve devoted entire afternoons to perusing the shelves there and my bank statement is proof. More interesting than most small bookstores and less overwhelming than the big ones, you could basically close your eyes and be happy with whatever book you pointed to. And for a really indulgent afternoon, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is steps away. How’s that for urban hygge?”

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party at Birdland Nightclub, 315 West 44th St.

“Every Monday night at 9:30, the legendary Birdland jazz club hosts Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, where you never know who might step up to the mic. Cabaret icons, Broadway hoofers, international tourists, the barista who just might be the next Ella Fitzgerald . . . they all come to Cast Party. It’s a true New York night, with good food and drinks and world-class musicians interpreting classics from the American songbook. If you’re feeling courageous, maybe the crowd will get to hear your best Strangers in the Night. If not, sit back and enjoy the show.”

Caffe Reggio Coffeehouse, 119 Macdougal St.

“Every artist needs a local coffeehouse in which to contemplate la vie boheme over a perfect cappuccino. The cappuccino, as a matter of fact, made its American debut in this Greenwich Village favorite, currently enjoying its tenth decade of excellence. It has also appeared in a number of major films, including The Godfather Part II. A great spot for people watching, newspaper reading, and sketching, Caffe Reggio has become as solid a fixture in New York as roasted chestnut carts at Christmastime. They also make a really exceptional apple and walnut salad.”

New York Public Library Library, 476 5th Ave.

In March 2019, Richard Eden wrote an expose that Kate and Rose Hanbury had a falling out that had split the 'Turnip Toffs' (aka William and Kate's social set in Norfolk) in half but he couldn't figure out what happened. Much of the rota hightailed it to Norfolk to figure out what had happened and what caused the falling out. It became a big nothing-burger of a story but was something social media hyperfocused on.

About a week after the Richard Eden article, when no one could turn up a source or a comment about what happened between William and Kate, Giles Coren tweeted that William and Rose had had an affair and that everyone knew about it in response to a question or a discussion he was having with other twitterati. Coren's tweet was picked up by Omid Scobie and Lainey - both Sussex mouthpieces at the time - which blew it up and the rota all went back to Norfolk with this new lead to see if anyone would talk now.

Aside from Scobie and Lainey, how does Meghan fit in?

Well, in July 2018, Meghan, Harry, and Giles Coren all attended the Amsterdam Soho House opening party, and Coren is on the record with having said that he spoke to Meghan at the party. Here's the (not archived) article:

Now why did Meghan choose Rose as her victim? Most royal-watchers agree that Rose was used because of Meghan's anger and jealousy - see, back in 2017, Harry attended his first and only state dinner, where he escorted/was accompanied by none other than Rose Hanbury. Maybe Meghan expected to go to the state banquet and thought she got shafted by Rose? 🤷‍♀️

Why did Meghan wait until March 2019 to "activate" the rumor? Well, some royal watchers theorize that it was to retaliate against William for everything that had happened in Fall 2018: the first bullying allegations, the Sussexes getting kicked out of KP and the Royal Foundation, the Sussexes getting Frogmore Cottage instead of something more glamorous.

SMM has a detailed timeline spelling out what they think led to the affair rumor, if you're interested.

Or alternatively, here's my timeline about the Turnip Toff rivalry/affair rumor and what I think really happened:

Neither. Anon is speculating.

Anon's Point A: Most people rebut the affair rumors by saying there's no physical proof like photos or eyewitnesses.

Anon's Point B: Last week it was revealed Kate moved around London for six months undergoing chemotherapy and no one - not even the rota - knew where she was receiving treatment from.

Anon's Speculation/Conclusion: Since it was proved last week that Kate could spend six months getting treatment in central London without anyone knowing or being photographed, then couldn't William have an affair without anyone knowing or seeing?

No idea. Given the way she reacted to Colbert's talking of her when he discussed the affair rumors on his show, I think she dislikes it and probably wishes she could do more to squash it in the UK but her hands are tied given the way their tabloids and UK society works.

In other words, if she (or William or David or Kate lowered the boom with angry denials, then it's not proving innocence, it's "the lady doth protest too much and she's really got something to hide." Which gives the story legs for days. But if they keep their mouths shut and keep living their lives normally, then hopefully it goes away.

Comparing Camilla to Rose is so different, it's not even apples and oranges; it's apples and airplanes.

There was a ton of physical evidence that Charles and Camilla were having an affair and much of it was reported on by the press. There's no physical evidence that William and Rose have even gone to dinner together without their spouses - just gossip.

Charles and Camilla didn't hide their relationship from the press or society. And since William has never had a poker face, if he's hiding an affair with Rose, then let's give him all the acting awards because he's really pulled one over on us being so stupidly in love with Kate every time they're seen together (with and without cameras around).

Diana herself spoke about the affair and publicly discussed her suspicions with friends and reporters. Kate doesn't even talk to reporters while on her engagements, so she's not going to call one up with a tearful interview about her suspicions that her husband is stepping out.

You could see and watch the total deterioration of Charles and Diana's marriage yourself in photos, videos, and press coverage of their work and tours just by looking at their body language and the way they interacted with each other. The state of William and Kate's marriage is strong - very strong, very healthy, and very committed, as seen in the photos from Trooping.

You can think whatever you want to about Kate, but if she left William in 2007 because he wouldn't commit, she's not going to stick around in a marriage where her husband doesn't respect her.

I think it's often forgotten that DM is owned by aristocrats and employs alot of journalists with aristo connections and or aristos themselves. It's not always the circle giving Richard info directly. With few exceptions, they all ran in the Tatler, Spectator, The Lady, Country life, Evening Standard crowd. Information can come from anywhere within those interlocking publications who in turn hear it at their parties and country weekends, vacations and or friend groups. 

At one time, DM hired the editor of Tatler to helm it. The same Tatler editor who had been in charge over there during Kate and William dating years and who'd become the Middletons' media advisor in those years. After he left Tatler, he went on to The Evening Standard. 

We tend to think of Soho house as a hotbed of urbanites and celeb wannabes, but Soho Farmhouse has Rose Astor ( wife of Hugh Van Cutsem) as it's founding member and most of it's devotees are people in the aristo set and includes most of the Gloucestershire/ Coswolds residents which intersects politics, media and UK trendy wealthy, home counties aristos. 

Even the Made in Chelsea ( reality show) is cast from the aristo set eg Millie Mackintosh's husband is or was a good friend of Eugenie. Millie was deliberately befriended and later discarded by Markle and all we have of their friendship is that photo of them on bicycles at Soho house.

Then you have the other private members clubs eg Annabel's and it's sister clubs eg Lou Lou's, Birley's and 5 Hertford - owned and named by the Goldsmith family whose mother/ step-mother is Queen of the London Aristo society, friend of the Royals and in particular Camilla and her sister Annabel, Diana and Fergie, the Michael Kents). Almost every aristo/ royal circle has membership or parties at these 3 clubs including the young royals such as the York sisters, William and Kate. One of the ladies in William and Kate's inner circle, Astrid Harbord, works for Annabel's. 

Olswang, White's and The Lansdowne club are the other three private members clubs that cater to the crowd and also have that incestuous royal/ politics/ establishment/ media/ aristo circle as members. 

Forgot to mention that Rose and Marina Hanbury's father is a close friend of Tony Blair and the two family couples ( Hanburys and the Blairs) are known to holiday in Italy every year. Tony Blair has a very gossipy friend/ consigliere in Peter Mendelson is an incorrigible networker who befriends everyone who is anyone across all the different establishment groups. Both men remain friendly with Alistair Campbell, infamous PR advisor to Tony Blair and now media columnist in various outlets including the DM. 

Sidenote: Peter somehow escaped the Epstein sting even though he is pictured with him on numerous times. Naturally, Peter also knows Andrew, Clinton and Kevin. 

Lady Victoria Harvey has direct connections to media AND the appropriate royal circles. Though Lady Victoria tried and failed to have some sort of Los Angeles Social doyenne career - wrong city for such ambitions, has returned to London and welcomed back to the Annabel crowd with open arms. 

No one leaked affair rumors because an affair never happened in the first place.

If you go back and look at my timeline of the affair rumors (link below), you’ll see that no one from Norfolk or the legit Royal rota press said anything about an affair. The story was, and has always been, that Rose and Kate went through a rough patch and stopped hanging out for a bit. Which is natural. Everyone has disagreements and sometimes friendships are paused until everything cools down.

And I suspect Richard Eden’s source is someone from the Cholmondeley side. Like Rose’s sister or someone close to the sister.

It became an affair rumor when Sussex Squad grabbed the story and twisted it into an affair to justify why Harry stopped talking to William because they refused to acknowledge it had anything to do with Meghan.