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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
jo Hemmings, a behaviourial psychologist, gives her take on the interview: The Duchess refutes allegations that she instigated the exit from the royal family. She said she left her career and life for Prince Harry because she loves him.
On her suicidal thoughts, the Duchess said she went to one of Princess Diana’s friends for help. [] If you want to talk to someone about the issues raised, you can call the UK Samaritans Helpline on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
The Duchess claims she went to the institution, a senior person, to seek help which was not forthcoming. Prince Harry says his “grandmother has been amazing throughout” and royal family were welcoming of his wife initially but things changed after the Australia tour.
Buckingham Palace has yet to respond to the comments. He also admits to having watched some of The Crown series.
The Duchess speaks of the breaking point about the coverage about her in sections of the media. Prince Harry said it “hurts” that no-one from the royal family spoke out against media coverage of his wife.
She said she felt “I just didn’t want to be alive any more” and it was a “constant thought”. Prince Harry said he was in a “dark place” after his wife confided to him about her mental health.
The duchess said “several conversations” were had with them about concerns about the colour of Archie’s skin. He described the royal family as a “trapping environment” and felt ashamed at seeking help from them.
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. Prince Harry added: “My biggest concern was history repeating itself.
She also speaks of the frustration at the suggestion that Archie would not receive a title. “And what I was seeing was history repeating itself.”
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. But he said this time it was “far more dangerous” compared to his mother’s situation, taking into account the race and social media dimensions.
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. Prince Harry denies claims that he “blindsided” the Queen and suggests the story may have emanated from the royal family.
Meghan speaks about her mental health during the couple’s tour of Africa and the “pain” she felt, saying she felt “fried”. He said his father stopped taking his calls and asked him to set out his plan in writing.
She says she asked the institution for help while pregnant with Archie. Prince Charles has yet to respond to the comments.
Buckingham Palace has yet to respond to the comments. On why he left the UK, Prince Harry said: “Lack of support. And lack of understanding.”
A point to add: Oprah said the duchess was not paid to do the interview. Worth reiterating that this is only one side of the story and we have yet to hear from the Palace.
The duchess speaks of her frustration at her loneliness and not being able to leave the house to see her friends. Prince Harry says they both went to all the places to seek help from the royal family but did not receive it.
At one point, she says, she left the house twice in four months. On stepping back from royal duties, The Duchess said: “We are in a lot of pain. We want to take a breath.”
Meghan says the Queen’s first gift to her was a set of pearl earrings and matching necklace. Prince Harry says the couple were told at short notice their security was going to be removed while they stayed in Canada, “their justification was a change in status”.
And she says the Queen’s warmth and “welcoming” behaviour reminded her of her grandmother. Prince Harry has joined the interview to disclose that the couple will be having a girl which is due this summer.
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 accuses the royal family of playing an “active role in perpetuating falsehoods about us” and that she will not be afraid of speaking out.
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.
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”.