Meghan Markle and Harry: Expert issues Oprah interview warning

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Meghan and Harry filmed their first joint interview since leaving the royal frontline with TV legend Oprah Winfrey this month. It’s set to air on March 7, on CBS — the same US network which just aired the Duke of Sussex’s most recent public appearance. He took a bus tour of LA with his long-term friend and famous presenter of The Late Late Show, James Corden, and discussed his own thoughts on his royal departure and his new life in the States.

But it’s Oprah’s “intimate” conversation with both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex which has reportedly triggered a bidding war, as broadcasters scramble to secure the rights to air it in the UK.

However, media magazine Variety claim Netflix has not been involved — even though the Sussexes have a deal of historic value with the streaming giant.

International editor Manori Ravindran explained: “It’s understood that ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group, which will be selling the programme overseas, is keen for the interview to land on a free-to-air broadcaster, which would ensure a significant profile in the UK.

“It will undoubtedly also come down to what platform Markle and Prince Harry prefer.”

The couple signed a deal estimated to be worth $100million (£74million) with Netflix last year.

Using their new platform, Archewell Productions, they will be producing documentaries and programmes on a wide range of topics from female empowerment to tackling the climate crisis — meaning it seems unusual that Netflix did not get first dibs on the rights to the interview.

However, Mr Ravindran said: “It’s not altogether surprising: the most logical home in terms of viewership for such a high-profile, topical interview is undoubtedly a broadcaster, and despite the bitter divorce from the Royal Family and the barrage of negative press while they were living and working in the UK, Markle and Prince Harry have their share of supporters and fans in Britain.”

Amazon Prime is said to be out of the running for the programme, as well.

UK broadcaster Channel 5 is unlikely to receive the rights, as it does not have a history of supporting such high-profile interviews — although it is backed by ViacomCBS which could help its cause.

Channel 4 was also criticised recently for airing an “Alternative Christmas Message” including a deepfake of the Queen, meaning it would be a surprising fit.

The BBC is reportedly out of the running, too.

A source told The Telegraph that the taxpayer-funded broadcaster had no intention of “pulling out its cheque book” for the interview.

The BBC may have also been struggling with the optics if it had taken on the conversation with Oprah.

The broadcaster has already agreed to air the Queen’s annual Commonwealth broadcast on BBC One on March 7 — the same day the CBS interview airs in the US.

This virtual occasion will replace the usual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey and include comments from the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex.

Now that the BBC has stepped back, ITV has become the most likely candidate in the bidding war.

ITV already broadcast the astonishing documentary, ‘Harry and Meghan: An African Journey’ back in 2019, when the Duke admitted to a rift with Prince William.

Meghan also revealed that she was “not OK” living on the royal frontline during the same programme, making headlines around the world.

However, some have pointed out that by talking with Mr Corden first, Harry has arguably already given away Oprah’s exclusive scoop.

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Daily Express royal correspondent Richard Palmer tweeted: “So basically Smithy from Gavin & Stacey has scooped @Oprah?”

Mr Corden played Smithy in the British comedy Gavin & Stacey before moving to LA to become a talk show host.

However, Meghan did not talk to Mr Corden about her own take on their royal exit, only Harry.

The Duchess is set to dominate the interview with Oprah, as her husband will only take part in the second half of the “intimate” conversation to talk about the couple’s future plans.

The formats of each interview are completely different, too.

Oprah reportedly sat down with the couple for two days for the 90-minute heart-to-heart, while Harry and Mr Corden spent the afternoon together having a relaxed conversation with a lighthearted undertone.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams even tweeted that Harry’s time with Mr Corden was “really sad”.

He said: “What the hell is going on? How can Happy appear on a chat show and make a fool of himself like this.

“This is the silliest royal appearance since ‘It’s a Royal Knockout’ in 1987.”

This was the TV game show championed by Prince Edward which saw fellow royals compete in trivial games, and stunned royal spheres with its lack of gravitas.

Mr Fitzwilliams continued: “He [Harry] talks about serious issues in a ridiculously silly way. Demeaning. Really sad.”

The commentator is likely referring to Harry’s rapping of the Prince of Bel Air soundtrack, which is included in the Corden segment, and the presenter’s typically humorous approach to his celebrity guests.

Oprah’s friend and fellow broadcaster Gayle King also claimed “nothing is off limits” for the highly anticipated chat with the Sussexes, just before it was recorded.

However, it’s not known if Harry and Meghan had any input into the final edit for either the Oprah interview or the afternoon with Mr Corden.

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