It has nearly been two weeks since CBS and ITV broadcasted the Oprah interview with Harry and Meghan, where 12.4 million people watched the insightful interview on ITV, which shocked many people by surprise.
On Sunday 7th March, the couple sat down with Oprah Winfrey to tell their story on why they stepped back from being senior royals; it contained some revelations where Harry and Meghan opened up on what went on behind the scenes of The Royal Family.
After airing on Sunday, it became the topic that drove popularity amongst people. From debates on TV shows and on social media to headlines rushing through about the story of Harry and Meghan.
So what occurred after this interview aired?
Piers Morgan left GMB after a heated debate:
At the beginning of the week, on 8th March, the ITV morning show, Good Morning Britain, discussed the interviews allegations.
On Monday’s episode, Piers Morgan commented on how he disbelieved how Meghan could not receive help from the royal family for her mental health. Stating how “I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says. I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report.”
Mind Charity, who supported the ITV ‘Get Britain Talking’ campaign announced how they were “disappointed and concerned to see Piers Morgan’s comments on not believing Meghan’s experiences about suicidal thoughts today.”
The next episode on Tuesday led to another intense conversation, a debate between Piers Morgan and his work colleague, presenter Alex Beresford. Speaking their thoughts on the claims made by Harry and Meghan, both presenters agreed on how the couple needs to make it clear who was the member who made a racist remark about Archies skin colour. However, both made distinct fair points in the show.
Talking about the racist allegations, Piers analysed the comment about Archies skin colour; how it can have two perspectives. It could have been a general question and not had intended to be racist, or it could have aimed to be racist. Either way, the pair agreed on how it needed to be clarified.
Furthermore, Piers addressed how the claim stating Archie not being a prince was false, as he is not yet in the process of having his title. From the declaration made by George the 5th, it states how “The grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of dukes of this realm.” So Archie would be entitled to the role of a Prince when Prince Charles is on the throne.
Alex also made a valid point on how it is vital to listen to other peoples experiences; we need to value and respect this.
Throughout the debate, Alex disagreed with how Piers continued to ‘trash’ Meghan Markle. From this, the presenter stormed off the GMB set and quit the show, and in the outcome of these two episodes of the morning program, Ofcom received over 41,000 complaints.
The royal family gave a public statement regarding the Harry and Meghan interview:
While starting a chaotic week, Buckingham Palace made a statement that recognised the allegations made by Harry and Meghan. They also made a delightful comment on how the family are loved and part of the family, despite taking a step away as senior royals.
Prince William commented on plans to talk to his brother Harry:
On 11th March, Prince William and Princess Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited Stratford, London, attending a school that reopened after lockdown, to show their appreciation to teachers for their hard work during the pandemic.
A video report on Thursday from ITV news Royal editor, Chris Ship, released this story which discovered Williams thoughts and comments. He said that he would be talking to his brother Harry soon, and he believes that the royal family are not racist.
Overall, this interview has created agreements and disagreements between people, and this is inevitable to happen. The thing that matters now is Harry and Meghan had an opportunity to present their story to the media and the world, now they can move towards hope and a fresh start for themselves and their family.