Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made one of their most controversial moves since stepping away from their royal duties four years ago. Their revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey sent shockwaves through the monarchy, making allegations that continue to have lasting repercussions.
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The Explosive Oprah Winfrey Interview
On this day four years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down for a tell-all interview that exposed tensions within the royal family. The highly publicized discussion lifted the veil on their struggles behind palace doors, shocking audiences worldwide.
One of the most controversial moments was their claim that a senior royal questioned the skin color of their unborn child, sparking global outrage. Additionally, Harry disclosed that his relationship with Prince William had severely deteriorated, and his father, now King Charles III, had cut off communication with him.
Following this bombshell interview, the couple continued to reveal more about their experiences through a Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir, Spare. However, in recent years, they have distanced themselves from openly criticizing the royal family.
The Lasting Impact of Their Revelations
Despite their change in approach, royal expert Jennie Bond believes the repercussions of their interview are still being felt.
She explained, “The interview was a turning point that solidified an irreversible rift between Harry and William. It also created a strained, nearly nonexistent relationship between Harry and his father. The breach of trust was so deep that it is unlikely to be repaired.”
The suggestion that certain members of the royal family displayed racist tendencies left an indelible mark. Bond notes that this controversy has likely impacted Harry and Meghan’s professional prospects. “When choosing between aligning with Harry or William, many will choose William due to his future as King and the prestige that comes with that connection.”
Do Harry and Meghan Regret the Interview?
Even though their revelations caused significant upheaval, Bond does not believe the Sussexes regret their decision to speak out.
“They had bottled up their frustrations for so long, and the interview served as a dramatic release. It likely felt cathartic,” she said. However, she speculates that Harry may have regretted the timing, as it coincided with Prince Philip’s hospitalization.
Meghan’s New Path in the Spotlight
Marking the anniversary of the Oprah interview, Meghan recently appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, embracing her new identity as a celebrity entrepreneur. During the interview, she spoke about her love for physical affection, contrasting the royal family’s reserved demeanor.
Promoting her lifestyle brand, Meghan also made a subtle marketing move by repositioning a jar of her As Ever jam during a baking segment. She further shared insights into her family life, highlighting that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, speak with American accents but pronounce ‘zebra’ in the British style.
In an interesting moment, Barrymore introduced Meghan as “Meghan Sussex,” acknowledging her royal title. This comes after Meghan previously corrected comedian Mindy Kaling for referring to her as “Meghan Markle.”
The Future of the Sussexes
Four years after the explosive Oprah interview, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shifted their focus to personal projects and business ventures. While their decision to air grievances against the royal family caused lasting damage, they appear content with their chosen path. However, the divide within the royal family remains one of the most significant and irreparable consequences of their candid revelations.
