Reed Hastings, the co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, has been appointed to the board of directors at Anthropic, an artificial intelligence startup focused on the responsible development of AI technologies. The appointment, made by the Long Term Benefit Trust, underscores Anthropic's commitment to leveraging Hastings' extensive experience in scaling technology platforms and his philanthropic efforts in education and digital infrastructure.

Hastings, who has also served on the boards of Microsoft and Facebook (now Meta), brings a wealth of knowledge in navigating the complexities of rapid technological growth while ensuring societal benefits. His recent $50 million donation to Bowdoin College for an AI and Humanity research initiative highlights his dedication to exploring the ethical dimensions of AI, aligning closely with Anthropic's research priorities.

"Anthropic is very optimistic about the AI benefits for humanity, but is also very aware of the economic, social, and safety challenges," Hastings remarked. His involvement is seen as a strategic move to guide Anthropic through the evolving landscape of AI development, with a keen eye on minimizing potential negative impacts on society.

The addition of Hastings to Anthropic's board signals a strengthened governance framework as the company continues to grow. Alongside other board members, including Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei and investor Yasmin Razavi, Hastings is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the company's approach to AI development, ensuring it remains aligned with the long-term benefit of humanity.

Recent revelations have shed light on the early reservations held by a close confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II regarding Meghan Markle's relationship with Prince Harry. Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin of the Queen and a respected figure within royal circles, reportedly expressed doubts about the sincerity of Meghan's feelings for Harry, suggesting that the former actress might have 'engineered' their romance. These claims, brought to light by royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, highlight the tensions that existed within the royal family prior to the couple's 2018 wedding.

According to Bedell Smith's account, Lady Anson, who was known for her close relationship with the Queen and her role as a royal party planner, initially found Meghan to be 'full of charm' and 'intelligent and thoughtful' upon her engagement to Harry. However, as the wedding approached, Lady Anson's perspective shifted, leading her to question whether Meghan was truly in love with Harry or if she had orchestrated their relationship for personal gain. 'We hope but don't quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all,' Lady Anson is reported to have said.

The biographer also recounts Lady Anson's concerns about the dynamic between Meghan and Harry, noting that Meghan's intelligence and strength could overshadow Harry's more subdued personality. 'Meghan is clearly brighter than Harry, but she has to be careful not to overshadow him,' Lady Anson allegedly remarked. These comments reflect the broader unease within parts of the royal family about the couple's compatibility and the potential challenges their union might bring to the monarchy.

In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has declined to comment, while a source close to the couple dismissed the allegations as 'just gossip.' Nonetheless, these revelations offer a glimpse into the private discussions and concerns that surrounded one of the most talked-about royal weddings in recent history, underscoring the complexities of integrating a Hollywood actress into the centuries-old traditions of the British royal family.