Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first public appearance

First things first, I’m not a royalist. But I don’t dislike them. I mean, we’re a country that’s known for it’s Royal family, and it’s not like they’re going to disappear anytime soon (and, if they did, we’d have Theresa May as our head of state which is, quite frankly frightening). I truly believe they bring in a lot of tourist money to the country, and the Queen is an absolute stalwart. I wouldn’t want my Nan still working in her 90s. Plus imagine how hard it must be to be Queen? You always have to be nice to people, and there’s the distinct possibility that you’ll have to sit down to dinner with that oaf Donald Trump. In fact I wrote a post about why I’d hate to be Queen a while ago. Have a read!

Anyway, I digress. I think the younger Royals, William and Harry, are doing a lot to improve the face of the monarchy. It doesn’t feel forced either. I don’t think they’re doing it for popularity; purely because they’re younger, they’re more in touch with society, and they’re more aware of real life than their older relatives. Not to mention the fact that they’ve suffered real tragedy. Yes they may have had a charmed life in terms of money, education and where they live, but they’ve grown up without a Mom, which is ridiculously tough on anyone, regardless of whether your background is privileged. I like that they spoke openly about their grief and their experiences during the recent TV coverage of 20 years since Princess Diana’s death. Their human side is definitely what will keep the monarchy relevant for years to come.

Rumours abound that H is about to propose to Meghan Markle, and I even read one article that said he already has but the Palace are sorting out the timing of the announcement so that it doesn’t overshadow other occasions. If that’s true, it’s bonkers! I also read that if they do get married, Meghan will have to be known as Princess Rachel, because Meghan is actually her middle name so she’ll have to go by her actual name. But Harry isn’t called Harry, his name is Henry?

It’s such a shame that they can’t just be dating without the press being so keen to marry them off. It’s a lot of pressure on both of them.

Anyway, no doubt bowing to “popular demand”, Meghan Markle appeared in Vanity Fair magazine last week and spoke about her relationship with Harry. And I think they summed it up perfectly, they’re two people who are in love. That’s all that really matters. The photographs that have started to appear from Invictus Games events show them looking relaxed and happy, holding hands and laughing, which is exactly what they should be doing at this stage in their relationship.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

They shouldn’t have to be bowing to pressure to make statements, or get engaged, or anything that they’re not comfortable or ready to do. They shouldn’t really be under such scrutiny by the Press either, especially when Harry has asked for the scummy paparazzi to back off and leave them alone, and even more especially after what happened with Princess Di.

I thought it was especially nice that Meghan didn’t sit front and centre during the launch event; instead sitting a few rows back. It was reported that she didn’t want to take any attention from the focus of the event – the games and the incredible athletes taking part. And rightly so.

Of course, that scuzzbucket Piers Morgan couldn’t help himself but to have an opinion. And opinions are fine, everyone’s entitled to them. But where he proved his scuzzbucket qualities was referring to Meghan Markle as “the woman that Harry is having sex with”. Say what? Not actress, or philanthropist, or even Harry’s partner? No, instead he demeaned her, reducing her existence to a woman who is purely there for Harry’s pleasure. What a disgraceful human being he is.

To finish on a brighter note, how amazing are the athletes in the Invictus Games? Ex servicemen and women from around the world who may have been injured in conflict; using the power of sport to rehabilitate and give themselves a focus. To see them given a world platform and to shine is incredible.

Do you like the Royals? Let me know your thoughts on it all!

Thanks, as always, for reading. x

Happy Birthday Freddie Mercury

Today would have been Freddie Mercury’s 70th birthday.

Freddie Mercury

Wow. It’s hard to imagine the flamboyant exuberant performer as a man of 70. I hope he’d still be wearing sparkles and fur and playing up to the crowds. I hope he’d still be touring with Queen. I hope I would have got to see him, at least once.

I was only a teenager when he died, and was very very moved and upset. I’d grown up listening to 80s Queen in my Dad’s car – it was part of the soundtrack to my childhood. Seeing him so poorly, so frail, so unrecognisable in the last video for “These Are The Days Of Our Lives” was so sad. HIV and AIDS was still a fairly unknown and uncommon disease at the time, and unfortunately was a death sentence. But he was a performer right to the very end.

When Queen announced a tour with Adam Lambert as the front man, I knew I had to go. A lot of die hard fans were up in arms, and didn’t agree with another singer. And of course I, and any Queen fan, would have preferred to see the band in full, with Freddie at the helm. But with that not being an option, I still wanted to soak up the songs I’d grown up with in a concert setting.

It was an outstanding gig. Adam Lambert is a more than worthy front man – theatrical, camp, full of energy and with an amazing voice. I read an interview with Brian May where he said that Adam could reach some notes that even Freddie couldn’t reach live, and that he’d hate him a little bit for it! But it’s important to note that that Adam wasn’t trying to replace Freddie, and neither were the band. They toured as Queen with Adam Lambert.

There were homages to Freddie during the show and a fantastic segment where Freddie was shown singing and Brian played the guitar alongside him.

Freddie Mercury is irreplaceable. The band knew that, Adam Lambert knew that and the audience knew that. But the chance for a legion of newer – and older – fans to enjoy the music and the performance was a great one.

So Farrokh Bulsara, I hope you’re enjoying your party in the sky, and rocking out hard.

Have you ever seen Queen live? Let me know!

Thanks, as always, for reading! x

Celebrity crushes

A bit of fun on the blog today (and an excuse to perv over ridiculously hot men!)

Inspired by the fact that I saw one of my big celebrity crushes on stage last night (and again tomorrow, woo!) and that another one of is all over TV chat shows at the moment (I’m not complaining).

So, in no particular order…

First up, Nikki Sixx. Ooh, ooh, ooh! He’s such a tattooed, big haired, guyliner wearing pot of yumminess! We saw Motley Crue in Birmingham last night and he was definitely the member of the band I had my eye on the most! So cool, so passionate!

My favourite picture of him really doesn’t need any explanation!

Tattooed Nikki Sixx

Nikki Sixx 2

Nikki Sixx

Next, we have Adam Lambert. Yes, I know he’s gay. But what does that matter? It’s not like I’m ever going to meet him or try to start a relationship. This is purely aesthetic, and he just looks sooooo good. Plus he’s ridiculously talented – we saw him with Queen earlier this year and he was amazing; vocally great and a true performer. Seeing him on TV he comes across as funny, and cheeky and a good laugh.

Adam Lambert with Queen

Adam Lambert 2

Adam Lambert

Last but not least – Johnny Depp. I mean, who doesn’t fancy Johnny Depp? He’s gorgeous and always has been, he’s an incredibly talented and versatile actor and now he’s taking to the stage with rock and roll legends as a guitarist for the band Hollywood Vampires. Not only that but he’s great at it. Is there nothing the Depp-meister can’t do?

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp Hollywood Vampires

Johnny Depp 2

I’ve already documented my love for Steven Tyler earlier this year; you can read about it here

Now I’m off to send a loving text message to the husband before he reads this post and tells me off!

Thanks, as always, for reading – and let me know your celebrity crushes!