Meghan Markle: Queen faced ‘bigger challenges’ says radio host

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The Queen praised technology for allowing families to remain in touch during the Covid pandemic, emphasising the importance of loved ones at a time the royals are experiencing a dramatic feud with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In what could be perceived as a swipe at Meghan and Harry, the Queen said: “The testing times experienced by so many have led to a deeper appreciation of the mutual support and spiritual sustenance we enjoy by being connected to others. 

“The need to maintain greater physical distance, or to live and work largely in isolation, has for many people across the Commonwealth been an unusual experience.

“In our everyday lives, we have had to become more accustomed to connecting and communicating by our innovative technology, which has been new to some of us.

“With conversations and communal gatherings, including Commonwealth meetings, conducted online, enabling people to stay in touch with friends, family, colleagues, and counterparts who they have not been able to meet in person.

“Increasingly, we have found ourselves able to enjoy such communication as it offers an immediacy that transcends boundaries or division, helping any sense of distance to disappear. 

“We have all continued to appreciate the support, breadth of experiences and knowledge that working together brings.”

The Queen’s focus on family comes at a difficult time for the monarch, who is bracing for Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, set to air in the US within hours.

No topic has been deemed off-limits during the two-hour sit-down chat, which will be shown on CBS in America tonight before being broadcast by ITV in the UK tomorrow.

And the four trailers published ahead of the interview show the Sussexes discussed both their decision to step down as full-time working royals and their relationship with the Royal Family. 

In one clip, Meghan extraordinarily accused the palace of possibly “perpetuating falsehoods” about her and Harry.

Asked by Oprah how she felt knowing the palace would watch the interview, Meghan said: “I don’t know how they could expect that after all of this time we would still just be silent if there is an active role that The Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us.

“And if that comes with risk of losing things, I mean, I’ve…there’s a lot that’s been lost already.”

In another 30-second teaser, Harry appeared to be drawing a comparison between Megxit and his mother Princess Diana’s exit from the Royal Family in 1996.   

He said: “I’m just really relieved and happy to be sitting here talking to you with my wife by my side.

“Because I can’t begin to imagine what it must have been like for her, going through this process by herself all those years ago.

“It’s been unbelievably tough for the two of us, but at least we have each other.”

In her speech dedicated to the Commonwealth, the Queen also paid tribute to “stirring examples” seen throughout the Commonwealth of courage, commitment and dedication demonstrated during the pandemic – in particular by frontline workers. 

She said: “Whilst experiences of the last year have been different across the Commonwealth, stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory, notably by those working on the frontline, who have been delivering health care and other public services in their communities.”

The Queen’s speech was pre-recorded at Windsor Castle, where she is self-isolating, and accompanied on screen by new footage filmed last week showing the monarch walking through St George’s Hall, which was lined with Commonwealth flags.

During her brief walk she was accompanied by two key aides, Master of the Household Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt and her assistant private secretary Matthew Magee.

She then sat at a desk in the middle of the hall and signed her Commonwealth Day’s message. 

The Royal Family put up a united front today during the BBC One special A Celebration for Commonwealth Day.

Kate and Prince William praised the relentless efforts and commitment of frontline staff across the 54-strong union during a call with Dr Zolelwa Sifumba, a South Africa-based advocate for the rights of healthcare workers.

Prince Charles delivered a speech focused on the devastating effects of the pandemic but also hailed the Commonwealth’s efforts to fight climate change and protect its wildlife.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, spoke about the importance of books and reading for children, in particular during highly isolating times such as this one.

And Sophie, Countess of Wessex, spoke to three women from around the Commonwealth about their experiences of supporting other women and their wider communities.   

Watch the full Harry and Meghan interview with Oprah on ITV on Monday at 9pm or on the ITV hub.

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