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Harry and Meghan live: ITV broadcasts Oprah Winfrey interview in UK Harry and Meghan live: ITV broadcasts Oprah Winfrey interview in UK
(32 minutes later)
Live coverage of the fallout from revelations by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as the interview airs on UK televisionLive coverage of the fallout from revelations by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as the interview airs on UK television
The Duchess said “the reverse happened” and the Duchess of Cambridge later apologised and gave her flowers. jo Hemmings, a behaviourial psychologist, gives her take on the interview:
The Cambridge’s have yet to respond to the remarks from the interview. On her suicidal thoughts, the Duchess said she went to one of Princess Diana’s friends for help.
The Duchess claims she went to the institution, a senior person, to seek help which was not forthcoming.
Buckingham Palace has yet to respond to the comments.
The Duchess speaks of the breaking point about the coverage about her in sections of the media.
She said she felt “I just didn’t want to be alive any more” and it was a “constant thought”.
The duchess said “several conversations” were had with them about concerns about the colour of Archie’s skin.
Oprah later clarified that it was neither the Queen or Prince Philip but the couple would not be drawn on the name of the individual or individuals.
She also speaks of the frustration at the suggestion that Archie would not receive a title.
She says the couple were not asked to take a picture of them with Archie when he was born, and they felt “fear” over the conversations about his security.
The duchess says it was “really hard” when she claims she was told that Archie would not receive a title, would not be a prince or receive security.
Meghan speaks about her mental health during the couple’s tour of Africa and the “pain” she felt, saying she felt “fried”.
She says she asked the institution for help while pregnant with Archie.
Buckingham Palace has yet to respond to the comments.
A point to add: Oprah said the duchess was not paid to do the interview.
The duchess speaks of her frustration at her loneliness and not being able to leave the house to see her friends.
At one point, she says, she left the house twice in four months.
Meghan says the Queen’s first gift to her was a set of pearl earrings and matching necklace.
And she says the Queen’s warmth and “welcoming” behaviour reminded her of her grandmother.
The duchess believes she was silenced rather than silent on speaking out about media stories about her, one of the soundbites which has been played frequently over the past 24 hours.
The duchess laughs about the negative story about her eating an avocado and links to deforestation while the Duchess of Cambridge was given positive coverage for eating the same fruit.
She joked: “that was a loaded piece of toast”.
Meghan said she has forgiven the Duchess of Cambridge over the incident, and what hurt her more was the false narrative put out and that “everyone in the institution knew” it was false.
The duchess said “the reverse happened” and the Duchess of Cambridge later apologised and gave her flowers.
The Cambridges have yet to respond to the remarks from the interview.
Back to the interview and the tabloid allegations about her behaviour towards staff members and making the Duchess of Cambridge cry.Back to the interview and the tabloid allegations about her behaviour towards staff members and making the Duchess of Cambridge cry.
The Duchess said that rumour was “a turning point” and “a narrative which didn’t happen”. Meghan says that rumour was “a turning point” and “a narrative which didn’t happen”.
The Duchess describes their life now as “peace”, “fulfilling” and “authentic”. The duchess describes their life now as “peace”, “fulfilling” and “authentic”.
Oprah and Meghan now chat in the couple’s garden where they meet their dog Guy and rescued chickens, who stay in Archie’s Chick Inn.
On perceptions of the royal family, the Duchess said: “I didn’t romanticise any element of it. But I think as Americans, especially, what do you know about the Royals - it’s what you read in fairytales, right?
On her first meeting with the Queen, the Duchess said they went for lunch at The Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Prior to the meeting, Meghan said her husband asked her if she knew how to curtsy.
Meghan admits she married into the royal family “naively”, did not do any research and “did not know what the job was”.
Just to reiterate, Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the interview, which was first aired in the US last night.
Meghan says on her wedding day she listened to the song “Going To The Chapel” but said it “wasnt our day, it was planned for the world”.
Oprah and Duchess are neighbours and the interview is taking place at a friend’s garden.
Oprah says the questions have not been shown to the couple beforehand.
The interview starts with just the Duchess of Sussex talking to Oprah Winfrey, who admires her baby bump.
The ITV broadcast has started with images of the couple’s wedding in May 2018.
The Sussexes’ interview has raised a lot of issues. What are the questions that need answering?
How will the royal family respond and how will they restore their damaged reputation?
The family and their aides have some challenging questions to answer about why a suicidal Meghan was not supported and given help, and about accusations of racism.
The Queen, known for her calm approach, is never reactive or rash during challenging times, but the allegations mark a crisis point for the monarchy and its future.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have long been vocal campaigners on the issue of mental health so questions remain about their involvement and what their response will be.
Who made the racist comment about how dark the Sussexes’ baby’s skin would be?
The duke and duchess refused to say which member of the royal family had this conversation with Harry while Meghan was pregnant with Archie.
Winfrey later said Harry told her it was not the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh.
-What damage has been done to Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royal family?
At this stage, the damage could be irreparable. The duke has vowed to try to restore his relationship with his father, the Prince of Wales, and said he hopes he can heal his rift with William in time.
The interview is likely to be seen – by the press or the royals, or both – as an attack on the whole family, and questions will be asked about how William will react to Meghan singling out Kate? Harry has, however, spoken of his closeness to the Queen.
What about Meghan’s father?
The duchess has been estranged from Thomas Markle since her wedding, but Winfrey was not seen questioning her about their relationship in the main programme.
In clips released later, Meghan said she found it difficult to discuss his actions, adding: “I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child.”
Buckingham Palace was under pressure to respond to allegations of racism within the highest echelons of the royal family following an interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that threatened to have a devastating effect on the reputation of the monarchy.
Just a reminder the interview will be aired on ITV at 9pm.