Operation Menai Bridge EXPOSED? Charles Wants Harry & Meghan At Heart Of Royal Farewell
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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Spectator by Seema Goswami: Let the cracks show
Last week, for the first time, I tried my hand at the Japanese art of kintsugi. To save you the trouble of Googling, this is the process by which the Japanese join together things that have been broken with a lacquer dusted with gold or silver. The joints are covered with this veneer so that the repaired object looks even more beautiful than it did in its original state (it's all part of a Japanese concept called wabi sabi – you can look that one up yourself!). Kintsugi is the Japanese art of joining broken pieces with a lacquer dusted with gold or silver. (ADOBE STOCK) It so happened that one of the saucers of my favourite tea set was broken into three while washing up. But the breaks were clean and the edges such that they could be glued together. So, once I had got over my disappointment at ruining a perfect set, I decided that kintsugi was the answer. So, I used some glue to stick the pieces together and then using a golden metallic paint that I bought online, I painted over the cracks in as delicate a line as I could manage. And even though I am no expert, I have to say the end result looked splendid. In fact, the saucer looked even more amazing than it had before. Truly luxurious objects are the ones that you fix, so that they live to give you joy for years to come. (ADOBE STOCK) I guess you could draw the usual lessons from this episode: that we should not become a disposable culture; that we need to learn to mend and make do; and that sometimes repairing something can provide an added patina of beauty. But the lesson that I took from it was this: That truly luxurious objects are the ones that you don't throw away when they get damaged, but fix lovingly so that they live to give you joy for many more years to come. In my case, it was a part of a tea set that I am particularly attached to, but it could be anything from clothes to shoes to bags, or even objects that we use for home decor. It is a lesson that the English aristocracy have learnt well over the many centuries they have been around. They revel in a look dubbed shabby-chic in their country homes, with curtains and carpets that are well-worn but carry the weight of decades very well. They take pride in using the furniture they inherited; in fact, buying your own furniture marks you out as nouveau riche. They never throw out their suits or shoes when they get a tear; instead they send it off to be repaired by experts and get a few more years out of them. British royals are often seen in public wearing suits with a darning patch over the pocket or lapel. (SHUTTERSTOCK) Prince Philip, famously, never bought any new clothes for the last few decades of his life, just fixing the suits he had bought in younger days. His son, King Charles, has often been seen in public wearing suits with a darning patch over his pocket or lapel. And his shoes often sport patches where some discreet repair work has been done. Well, if something is good enough for the King of England, then surely it should be good enough for the rest of us as well. So, even if you draw the line at doing a spot of kintsugi on a humble saucer, perhaps you would consider mending and making do when it comes to home décor or your wardrobe? Believe me, it sparks a joy entirely unlike any other. From HT Brunch, July 05, 2025 Follow us on
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Operation Menai Bridge EXPOSED? Charles Wants Harry & Meghan At Heart Of Royal Farewell
King Charles has already begun preparing his future state funeral and surprisingly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to play a major role. Despite years of royal tension, the Sussexes have been written into key parts of the plan, including walking beside Prince William in the final procession. Even their children, Archie and Lilibet, are expected to be present at the service, marking their first inclusion in any royal ceremonial planning. According to sources, the King personally insisted on Harry reclaiming his 'rightful place' in the family. The move is being seen as a clear gesture of reconciliation, with Charles aiming to unite the royal family, even in death. The plan, known as Operation Menai Bridge, also includes the couple joining the vigil at Westminster Hall. Though the King remains in good health, the palace is leaving nothing to chance. Read More
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to play key roles in King Charles' funeral: Report
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are an integral part of the funeral arrangements being prepared for King Charles III, according to The Telegraph. Though ongoing tensions still keep the Duke and Duchess of Sussex apart from the royal family, the monarch has reportedly insisted on his youngest son and daughter-in-law playing key roles at his funeral. File photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle(AFP) The plans, known by the code name Operation Menai Bridge, represent a standard procedure undertaken well in advance, ensuring a seamless state funeral. Another New York Post report quoted sources saying that King Charles, 76, has specifically included Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children Archie (6) and Lilibet (4) in the official arrangements. The monarch, reportedly, has expressed that Harry, 40, should take his rightful place at the heart of the royal family, walking side-by-side with his older brother, Prince William, during the funeral procession from Westminster Abbey through streets of London. According to the report, Meghan Markle will also be included throughout the ceremonies, and the Sussexes will participate in the family vigil during the lying-in-state at Westminster Hall. Archie and Lilibet also considered in arrangements Reportedly, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are also being considered in the plans. Because of their age, they would traditionally be excluded from such formal royal occasions, but King Charles is said to be making deliberate efforts to engage with his grandchildren in California. King Charles reportedly aims for a sustainable, family-focused service Although there is no suggestion that King Charles' reign is nearing its end, the detailed planning is standard for monarchs, the NY Post report stated. Sources close to the development were quoted saying that Charles' funeral will be reflecting his lifelong environmental advocacy and there will be strong emphasis on sustainable practices. Insiders claimed that this could involve green materials and carbon-conscious logistics. The period of royal mourning usually observed by the family will also be shorter than that of the previous generation, according to Charles' wish to modernize some aspects of the monarchy. FAQs: 1. Why are Harry and Meghan included in King Charles' funeral plans? Despite the royal rift, King Charles reportedly wants his youngest son to take his place in the family and has included both Harry and Meghan in all major aspects of the funeral plans. 2. What is Operation Menai Bridge? Operation Menai Bridge is the code name for King Charles' funeral plan, mirroring the planning code names for previous monarchs, such as 'Operation London Bridge' for Queen Elizabeth II. 3. Will Archie and Lilibet attend the funeral? Yes, according to reports, arrangements have been made for the couple's children to attend the service with their parents. 4. Will Prince Harry walk with Prince William during the procession? Yes, Prince Harry is expected to walk alongside his brother, who would succeed King Charles as the monarch, as part of the main royal procession.
