Prince Harry’s ‘slap in the face’ to Queen discussed by expert

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The two-hour-long chat between Meghan, Harry and Oprah first aired on Sunday, March 7, in the US and was broadcasted on ITV in the UK on the following day. During the interview, Meghan and Harry made damaging claims of racism and neglect against the Royal Family and the palace. 

But the Firm waited until Tuesday afternoon, March 9, to issue a statement.

According to royal author Robert Lacey, it was the Queen who wanted to “sleep on it” before providing the public and the media with a reply.

In an extract from the updated version of Mr Lacey’s book ‘Battle of Brothers’ published by the Times, the author said: “Harry and Meghan had gone out to the world on a Sunday night.

“On Monday morning, Buckingham Palace went into crisis mode. 

“The three royal households representing the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William were locked in discussions that lasted all day.

“By the end of Monday the combined efforts of the three households had hashed out a statement — a very short statement — and the press was panting at the gates.

“The media wanted and expected some reaction in time for the evening TV news.

“But Elizabeth II — in touch with all the family and palace discussions that day via telephone and video conference from Windsor — decided they could wait.

“The Queen wanted ‘to sleep on it’. And the interview had not yet been seen by most people in Britain, since it was not scheduled to go out on ITV until 9pm that night.”

Almost 40 hours after the interview first aired, the palace issued its statement.

This 61-word-long message released on behalf of the Queen stated the whole family was “saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.”

It continued: “The issue raised, particularly that of race, are concerning.

“While 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.”

Speaking to Ms Winfrey, Meghan claimed “concerns and conversations” in regards to Archie’s skin colour were going on while she was still pregnant with him.

Among other topics the Sussexes touched upon, Prince Harry also discussed the steps taken before they released their bombshell statement announcing their intention to step back as senior royals in January 2020.

And he spoke about his relationships with Prince Charles and Prince William.

Speaking about his father, he said he feels “let down” by him, “because he’s been through something similar”.

On his brother, he said their relationship is one of “space”.

He also said about William: “You know, as I’ve said before, I love William to bits. 

“He’s my brother. We’ve been through hell together.

“I mean, we have a shared experience. But we… you know, we’re on… we’re on different paths.”

Following that interview, Prince Harry publicly met his brother on April 17, when they both attended the funeral of Prince Philip.

Next month, the brothers are expected to meet again and attend the unveiling of the statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.

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