Meghan Markle: Expert discusses Diana’s statue unveiling

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Prince Philip thought Meghan and Harry’s two-hour-long interview with Ms Winfrey was “madness”, his friend and biographer Gyles Brandreth said. Mr Brandreth’s claims over the late Duke of Edinburgh’s thoughts about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s groundbreaking tell-all chat have been reported in the updated version of Robert Lacey’s book Battle of Brothers.

An extract from the book published by the Times recalled calls by royal commentators and watchers to push back the screening of the Oprah interview due to concerns over Prince Philip’s health, who was in hospital at the time.

However, the book claims Prince Philip, did not care about when the interview would be aired.

But, Mr Lacey wrote, Philip did worry about what would result from the Duke and Duchess’ of Sussex decision to sit down for an interview with Ms Winfrey.

Mr Lacey wrote in his book: “Philip was unconcerned, according to his friend and biographer Gyles Brandreth.

“What did worry him, said Brandreth, was ‘the couple’s preoccupation with their own problems’.”

Reporting the words of Mr Brandreth, Mr Lacey’s said: “I know from someone close to him that he thought Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey was ‘madness’ and ‘no good would come of it’.”

During their interview with Ms Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan launched blistering accusations of racism and neglect against the Firm.

Meghan said “nothing was ever done” to help her after confessing she was hugely struggling with her mental health.

She also claimed there were “concerns and conversations” about how dark the skin of Archie would be while she was pregnant with him.

These discussions were happening “in tandem” with talks about whether the baby would have security and royal titles, Meghan also said.

Moreover, Meghan dismissed reports first emerged in the autumn of 2018 claiming she had left the Duchess of Cambridge in tears in the run-up to her wedding, telling Oprah “the reverse happened”.

Prince Harry opened up on the reasons why he decided to step back as senior royal, citing “lack of understanding and lack of support”.

He also opened up on his relationship with Prince Charles and Prince William.

Despite their criticism against the Firm, the Sussexes spoke highly about the Queen.

Her Majesty responded to the interview with a 61-word statement issued two days after the interview was broadcasted in the US.

In it, she said the “whole family” was “saddened” to hear how challenging had been the past years for the Sussexes.

She also acknowledged that some of the issues raised, “particularly that of race” were “concerning”.

After saying “some recollections may vary”, the Queen said the claims made by the Duke and Duchess would be addressed privately by the family, which continued to see Archie, Meghan and Harry as “much loved members”.

Following this statement, Prince William was the only member of the Royal Family to break ranks and comment publicly, albeit briefly, on the Oprah interview.

Asked during an engagement in London whether the Royal Family was racist, the Duke of Cambridge replied: “We are very much not a racist family.” 

Prince William and Prince Harry met in person for the first time in 13 months on April 17, at the funeral of Prince Philip.

That journey by the Duke of Sussex lasted nine days, during which he reportedly had the chance to meet Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s son August and speak twice with the Queen.

Harry is now set to return to the UK again to attend the unveiling of Princess Diana’s statue on July 1. 

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