Fashion

It’s Hard to Watch “The Crown” Season 4 Without Thinking of Harry and Meghan

As The Crown Season 4 shows with Princess Margaret, the British monarchy has always struggled when it comes to second-born siblings….

In episode seven of The Crown season four, Princess Margaret starts screaming at her mother on a beach in Scotland. She’s sick of it all: the family’s secrets, her dropping place in the line of succession, and transitively, her growing irrelevance as a public royal figure. “If you’re not first in line, if you’re an individual character with individual needs,” she says, “you’ll be spat out or hidden away.”

It’s an imagined conversation between two characters in a show that’s historical fiction. But when Helena Bonham Carter utters the lines, it’s hard not to think that perhaps Crown creator Peter Morgan wrote it with a real-life figure in mind: Prince Harry.

Nine months earlier, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the monarchy in an abrupt move that took the world, and even their own family, by surprise. Their official reasoning was, as they wrote on Instagram, for “space to focus on the next chapter.” The press reported more personal motivations: a desire for more privacy, exhaustion from the negative tabloid reports. But also another factor that was intrinsic and unfixable: their apparent sidelining. They felt senior family members’ initiatives—William and Kate’s, Charles and Camilla’s— were prioritized over theirs. They may have wielded megawatt star power, but it still wasn’t enough to overcome the inevitable: William and Charles one day would be kings ordained with divine power. Harry, as sixth in line to the throne, would not.

The royal family is, yes, a family. But it’s also a business—one that Forbes estimates makes £1.8 billion for the UK economy per year. Their money-making model is one of crowns, castles, pomp and circumstance, and most of all, the concept of the monarchy itself: that, among us mere mortals, there are those with a birthright to serve as custodians of a country’s history and morals. The Crown’s plotlines show that personal-professional dichotomy season after season: Princess Margaret can’t marry Peter Townsend not because the Queen doesn’t like him, but because she’s the head of the Church of England, which doesn’t approve of divorcés. Queen Elizabeth can’t share her opinions about the Commonwealth with Margaret Thatcher because as an unelected head of state, she’s not allowed to politically pressure Prime Ministers. And despite skills, experience, or even vested interest, there’s only one monarch born into the job.

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Fashion

Raekwon Unveils “The Emperor’s New Clothes” With All-Star Lineup

Raekwon, a legendary rapper known for his role in the Wu-Tang Clan, has just announced his long-awaited eighth studio album, titled “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” set to be released through Mass Appeal. Although no singles have been shared yet, the album is already creating a buzz and is highly anticipated this summer. It’s been seven years since Raekwon last released a solo album, and this new project feels more like a grand return than just another release.

He’s teamed up with a mix of familiar faces from the Wu-Tang Clan and some fresh talent in hip-hop. Listeners can look forward to clever lyrics and captivating stories filled with raw emotion. Raekwon has invited his Wu-Tang brothers Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck to feature on the album, ensuring a classic blend that fans love. He’s also brought in well-respected artists outside of the Wu-Tang family, like Nas and members of the Griselda collective, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway The Machine, who are known for their gritty style.

Adding to the variety, singers Stacy Barthe and Marsha Ambrosius will provide soulful vocals to complement Raekwon’s hard-hitting verses. The album’s production features talented names like Swizz Beatz, Nottz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, Frank G, and Roadsart, promising a rich, cinematic sound that matches Raekwon’s lyrical skills. Even with such an impressive lineup, there’s still a sense of mystery around the album. There have been no early songs or previews released, just the announcement itself, which builds even more expectation.

But for Raekwon, this is part of his journey. He has always delivered powerful lyrics and relatable street stories without much introduction. The title, The Emperor’s New Clothes, suggests a fresh start and a daring vision that might challenge the current state of rap. With his experienced flow and storytelling still sharp, Raekwon seems prepared to reestablish his place among the top artists in hip-hop.

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Fashion

Wendy Williams Makes Stylish Splash At Columbia Supporting Her Designer

In a delightful surprise for fans and fashion enthusiasts, Wendy Williams made a rare appearance at Columbia University on Tuesday, and everyone couldn’t help but notice her. The former talk show host was in high spirits as she showed up to support her longtime friend and fashion designer, Mel Maxi. Wendy looked fantastic in a stylish black-and-white outfit that included a Yankee hat and her trademark flair.

Designed by Maxi himself, her outfit was not just chic but also had a personal touch that highlighted her vibrant personality. In a heartwarming moment recorded on video, Wendy told Maxi, “This is amazing! This was specifically designed for me… this is really hand done.” Wendy came to cheer on Maxi, who was set to give a lecture about fashion design at the prestigious university. Her appearance was a meaningful moment between two creative friends who have supported each other for years. Wendy’s presence emphasized the importance of friendship and collaboration in the creative world.

As she walked by, a nearby fan shouted their love for Wendy, and she instinctively responded with her signature warmth and enthusiasm: “Thank you!” she exclaimed with a big smile. After being away from the spotlight for months, Wendy’s visit was a refreshing change for fans who have missed her lively spirit. There were no fancy events or flashing cameras, just Wendy enjoying the moment, supporting a friend, and reminding us all of the significance of showing up for the people we care about.

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