The whole world is talking about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s bombshell Oprah interview RN.
Whether you love or loathe the couple, there’s no denying that the candid interview raised a plethora of vital issues: that of entrenched racism; the white privilege on which our monarchy is built and sustained; and the very real dangers of ignoring fractured mental health.
And now, after calls by the public, Buckingham Palace has released a statement on behalf of the Queen in reaction to the topics raised in the interview.
It said: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.
“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
A senior palace source added: “At the heart of all of this there is a family.
“They should be given the opportunity to discuss the issues raised privately, as a family.
“It has been important for us to carefully consider any response before issuing; and of course releasing something today meant viewers in the UK had the opportunity to watch the interview, if they wished to, first.
“Diversity, equality, inclusion and mental health are important issues and highlighting that has formed part of the work of Members of the Royal Family for many years.”
As anyone who watched the gripping interview will know, Meghan, 39, told Oprah she had suicidal thoughts as she struggled with life inside the Firm, and also divulged how a member of the Royal Family questioned ‘how dark’ her son Archie’s skin would be. The couple confirmed it was not the Queen nor Prince Philip but have refused to reveal who said it.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry said he felt let down by his father, Prince Charles, and added that the rift between him and his brother, Prince William, sadly still exists. He told how he and Meghan left the UK due to a “lack of support and lack of understanding” from his family.
Harry said he had been “trapped within the system, like the rest of my family are” in the interview the whole world has been talking about.
The Royal Family’s statement comes as Ofcom launched an investigation into Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, which amassed more than 40,000 complaints following comments made by Piers Morgan, who has now left the show.
In the couple’s interview with Oprah, Meghan said she felt like she “didn’t want to be alive anymore” and delved into the mental health issues she’d experienced during her time in the royal family.
But on Monday’s Good Morning Britain, Piers said he “didn’t believe a word” of it – and 40,000 complaints rolled in.
Mental Health charity, Mind, said it was “disappointed” by his comments and now thousands of viewers have followed suit making official complaints.
And then today, Piers Morgan stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain after clashing with fellow presenter Alex Beresford about the interview with Oprah.
A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “We have launched an investigation into Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain under our harm and offence rules.”
Piers Morgan then announced he will leave Good Morning Britain following the row over Meghan and Harry. In a statement, ITV said: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.
“ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”