On March 7, CBS aired a Primetime Special of Oprah interviewing Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Prince Harry is a member of the British royal family who began ‘courting’ the American actress in 2016 and eventually announced their engagement in 2017. The interview was based on clarification of the relationship between the couple and the crown. Oprah set the stage for Meghan and Harry to disclose their experience when they decided to take a step down from the crown.
Though being part of a royal family may seem like a fairytale, Markle shares with Oprah this was not the case. Markle discloses her intimate experiences; like facing racism from the British tabloids and royal members, and the strain the crown put on her mental health. Markle explained to Oprah about a conversation that took place, among the royal family, about how dark Prince Harry’s and Markle’s first child, Archie, would be. Neither Markle nor Harry shared who started such conversation. “So we have in tandem the conversation of you won’t be given security, he’s not going to be given a title, and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born,” said Markle.
Queen Elizabeth, Harry’s grandmother, made an official statement that stated, “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.” When the Queen refers to the racist instances, like the discussion of their child’s skin tone, as a conversation that can be subjective it is a form of gaslighting. Trying to influence Markle to feel as though she was misremembering the moment, that her emotions are unneeded. This was a discussion that was blatantly based on the concern of introducing a prince of color as a part of the crown.
The racist concern reveals itself further when the royals not only informed Harry and Markle that they would not be taking a traditional photo of showing off their newborn son, but that he wouldn’t be given a title or security. The decisions came with no explanation. The queen’s statement also includes her saying that “Harry, Meghan, and Archie will always be much-loved family members.” If they were considered beloved family members then why would they be denied the birthright of a prince? Actions speak louder than words, and from what was gathered in the interview, love and acceptance were never a priority. Especially when it was needed the most; when Markle was not only facing racism but struggling with her mental health.
Markle continued, sharing that she and Harry struggled to find help within the institution. When Markle began to feel suicidal there was no help offered to her. Harry went on to say that he went to the people and places he thought could help his hurting wife, but they were denied assistance. When it came down to it, he and Markle were denied access to any resource because this was simply the “lifestyle” as royal.
It takes an immense amount of courage to ask for help and no matter who the individual is, anyone’s mental health is just as important as the next. The responses they received were not only discouraging but also insensitive. From watching the interview, it is clear that the crown may have been more so embarrassed to allow Markle to get help with her mental help, afraid the British tabloids may write a negative story regarding her and the crown.
Being part of the British royal family seems like a luxurious lifestyle, however, Markle and Harry both confirm this is not the case. The interview with Oprah cleared the air with rumors, like how Markle was being described as being a mastermind of taking Prince Harry from the crown. Also, Markle and Harry were allowed to share their perspectives of being part of the crown without the fear of the British tabloids, which is safe to say that they are a huge influence on the British royal family. With all that was shared, it is no surprise Markle and Harry would attempt to step down to the less intense role of the crown.
