'Race issues are concerning' - Buckingham Palace reacts to Harry and Meghan's shocking Oprah interview

Buckingham Palace has issued a response to allegations made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their interview with Oprah.
By Christopher Hallam
Published 9th Mar 2021, 20:48 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2021, 20:50 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Queen is “saddened” to hear the full extent of the challenges faced by the Sussexes and the issues raised around race are “concerning”, Buckingham Palace has said in response to the shocking interview.

The Palace has said that while “some recollections may vary” they are to be taken “very seriously”, but would be addressed by the family privately.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will “always be much loved family members”, the statement said.

Photo by Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty ImagesPhoto by Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images
Photo by Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images

The monarchy was left in crisis mode after Harry and Meghan delivered their dramatic revelations on primetime television. Over the course of the interview, the Sussexes opened up on their lives as a working royal couple, while also alleging that a member of the family — not the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh — had a made a racist comment in reference to their son, and also went into some detail over how the Duchess had at one point had suicidal thoughts but her approaches to the monarchy for help in this instance was turned down.

The statement released on behalf of the Queen said; “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

“The issues 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Pressure has been mounting on the Palace to respond to the accusations of racism in the royal family following the explosive interview that was shown in the UK on Monday evening and the previous night in the US.

The statement was released to the media and the public a day and half after the two-hour conversation was aired in the US.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Related topics:Meghan