Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan
Your Oprah interview shouldn't harm the royal family
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan: what does your TV appearance bring?
© imago images / Parsons Media
Is the palace facing a new PR disaster with the TV interview from Harry and Meghan? Experts say: The Queen doesn't have to worry.
Prince Harry (36) and Duchess Meghan (39) do not want to "embarrass Queen Elizabeth II (94) with their planned TV interview," reports the Guardian, citing insiders. The announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have been living in the US since spring 2020, will give talk show host Oprah Winfrey (67) a big interview, had previously caused a lot of excitement in the UK. The TV appearance of the royal couple, which can be seen on March 7, is touted by the broadcaster CBS as an "intimate conversation".
British media had predicted that Harry and Meghan would tear down all bridges to the British royal family with the interview. The palace will withdraw the patronage they have held since their resignation from their royal duties in 2020, it is speculated in the rumor mill. A source quoted by the Guardian says on the other hand: The Sussexes have "the greatest respect and love for the Queen", they will not say anything "to undermine this" and are determined to keep their patrons and Harry's military Honor title fight.
If the palace urges them to hand them over, there are practical reasons, they say. After all, the couple live thousands of kilometers away from the organizations they are supposed to support.
Interview is "carefully planned"
According to media reports, the palace was said not to have been informed in advance of the Oprah interview. Since they are no longer working members of the royal family, the Sussexes are also not obliged to announce media appearances, according to the royal family. Oprah Winfrey is a friend of Meghan and Harry and also lives near the couple. The Sussexes, who are currently expecting their second child, live with their son Archie (1) in Montecito, California.
Royal family observers such as Joe Little from "Majesty" magazine assume, according to the Guardian, that the TV interview took place on a friendly basis and was "carefully choreographed" before the recording. About the big TV appearance of the Sussexes, the broadcaster has said so far that Winfrey will initially speak to Meghan alone. The topics: her entry into life as a royal at the time, her marriage to the Queen's grandson, her motherhood and her charitable work.
In addition, the audience should learn in the interview how life feels under the strong public pressure for Meghan and how she deals with it. "Later the two will be accompanied by Prince Harry as they talk about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their growing family," the program announcement continued.