Queen's ‘focus’ on Philip over Harry’s Oprah interview says expert

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were revealed to have “said some pretty shocking things” in a “first look” teaser ahead of their interview with Oprah being broadcast. In one tense moment, the US talk show host, 67, asked Meghan whether she was “silent or silenced?” The candid chat will send shockwaves through the Royal Family, more than one year since they announced their plan to leave senior roles within the Firm. 

In the trailer, Oprah warned Meghan there was “no subject that is off-limits” and in response to one answer, described the events as “almost unsurvivable”.

This isn’t the first time the TV star has given insight into the Royal Family, as 25 years ago, she geared-up for a tell-all chat with Sarah Ferguson. 

Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, who is affectionately known as Fergie, spoke out after her split from the Queen’s youngest son in 1992 and divorce four years later.

The interview was said to have shocked the royals, who allegedly did not approve of her revealing information about their personal lives. 

It would be fair to believe that the Royal Family are concerned about Harry and Meghan’s sit-down too, which airs in the US this Sunday.

Fergie’s interview caused a stir and royal commentator Neil Sean claimed the Royal Family were not “happy” the interview went ahead.

In 2010, he told Oprah: “The Queen is less than happy [and] Prince Andrew is not very happy.

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“The Queen certainly does not believe in speaking up about anything that happens in public life.”

Mr Sean believed Fergie was “misguided” for going on Oprah but felt compelled to because she needed “to make a living”.

He said: “What she has to do is sell Sarah Ferguson, which is what she’s done time and time again.”

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Similarly, Meghan and Harry have tried to carve their way to financial self-sufficiency by brokering a number of deals in the US.

They have agreed to produce shows for Netflix and a podcast series for Spotify, named Archewell Audio, reportedly worth £81million and £29million.

Experts at Money.co.uk suggested they could also earn up to £715,000 per public speaking event and up to £24,000 per social media post if they partnered with brands. 

Mr Sean felt Fergie’s decision to go on Oprah was a bad idea as it led to “speculation” that there were “deeper demons within” her “judgements”.

He believed she had “put both feet in front of her deep” and quipped: “That’s why we call it, ‘Feet-first Fergie’.”

He added: “I think for Sarah Ferguson, she said once again the wrong thing, once again she has angered the Royal Family.

“I think she should have listened to advice and not bothered with making this interview with Oprah Winfrey.”

Mr Sean suggested that Fergie should have considered moving to the US after her split from Andrew as it would be “easier” to find work.

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He claimed Donald Trump “liked the idea of her on The Apprentice” but she wouldn’t be able to on the UK version because it was a BBC show.

Mr Sean added: “The BBC couldn’t really be seen to [be] giving away our public-funded money over to Sarah Ferguson to appear on reality shows.

“It just wouldn’t wash. It’s very testing times for Sarah Ferguson. Where she goes remains to be seen.”

Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special will air on Sunday, March 7 in the US. 

ITV will air the interview at 8pm on Monday, March 8.

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