Could Meghan and Harry’s interview create a new era of inclusivity for the Royal Family?

On January 8th 2020, Mehgan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down as senior members to the Royal family in what was called “Megxit” by some Brits. On March 7th, 2021, for the first time since they made the announcement that they were stepping down from the royal family, they spoke out about their reasons for leaving the family and the trauma that Markle went through during her time as a senior member to the Royal Family.
The interview was conducted at an outdoor venue obliging with social distancing measures. Both Meghan and Harry went onto the show willingly with the decision to reveal their reasons for leaving the family. Oprah made it very clear that the interview conducted was not prestaged and would be more of a natural conversation with Meghan and Prince Harry
The interview started by discussing Meghan’s experiences meeting and joining the Royal Family. One theme that stood out was the idea that Meghan was surprised at the formality and lack of genuinity. Meghan stated that she started to dislike being part of the royal family when Kate Middleton judged Meghan’s choice of bridesmaid dresses and caused Meghan to cry, and then the family let the media turn the argument on Meghan saying she caused Kate to cry. Meghan felt as though she was outcast and pinned as a villain by the media. Oprah then hinted that perhaps the media was pinning it on Meghan’s role as the first mixed race member of the family. While Meghan did not say that she agreed with this analysis, she did not deny it either. Meghan being pinned as a villain was a continuous theme. She was constantly told she could not get out of the house because of her image and months would pass where she could not leave.
One of the most shocking things that Meghan and Harry went through was when one senior member of the royal family told Harry that because they were concerned about the color of his and Meghan’s child, they would not be giving him a title. Harry did not state who in the family said this, only that it was not Prince Philip or Queen Elizabeth. In the many efforts that England as well as the world have made to become more inclusive, hearing that a leader in England has said this is clearly a step in the wrong direction.
Another topic that Meghan spoke to Oprah about was regarding her mental health while being a part of the Royal family. Meghan spoke about her struggles with depression and the lack of support she received from the family. The royal family would continuously lie and make up stories to the media about other family members, but would let the media run false stories villainizing Meghan without offering her protection. This, along with isolation left Meghan suffering with depression and receiving a lack of support. Meghan explained her experience of seeking out help from the royal family; “I was told that I couldn’t [get help], that it wouldn’t be good for the institution,” and she continued “I went to one of the most senior people to get help. And I share this because, there are so many people who are afraid to voice that they need help, and I know how hard it is to not just voice it but to be told no.”
The conversations during the interview revealed some very shocking and dark truths about the Royal Family which some supporters are now questioning the validity of. One such person is Piers Morgan, a British talk show host, who was in disbelief by the remarks regarding the color of baby Archie’s skin. Morgan said that because Meghan and Harry didn’t say who said that, they cannot trust the accusation. After these remarks, Piers Morgan stepped down from his position at “Good Morning Britain.”
The Royal family reacted to this interview in various ways. The released statement by the family reads: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” and “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately” the statement ends with “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.” While this statement seems like a valid and sympathetic statement, there are still aspects that they left out and by reserving it as a family matter there is fear that no change will be made. Harry and Meghan are facing criticism for going to the media rather than working out issues as a family, but perhaps they would have been silenced had they gone to the family.
According to People.com, Prince William responded to the interview by stating that the royal family, “are very much not a racist family” and that he hadn’t yet spoken to Harry about the interview on March 11th but planned to do so.
The question remains about what changes the family plans to make regarding the allegations made by Meghan. Will they investigate Megan’s remarks and make positive changes? Or will they silence and ignore her as they did in the past?
Overall, Oprah did an amazing job conducting the interview and getting concrete and emotional answers out of Meghan while letting both Meghan and Harry feel comfortable. The interview brought to light deep rooted issues within the British Royal family. Going off of the reaction by the Royal family, it is hopeful that in future situations there will be change and more inclusivity, but the public remains shocked by cruel and traumatizing the events Meghan witnessed.