With all the turmoil caused and diverse opinions whirling around in the wake of the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview, it might be time to cool down a little and attempt to take a more balanced perspective.
So what is the truth, what are the distortions and PR twists surrounding the events that led to the couple’s self-imposed exile?
Difficult to believe
- Oprah started the interview by reassuring viewers that none of the questions were shared with the Sussexes before sitting down. If that’s the case, why weren’t awkward subjects such as estrangement from Meghan’s father broached? Fallout with her half-sister Samantha Markle? All carefully avoided.
- Did Meghan really not know anything about the British Royal Family before dating Prince Harry? Did she never google him? Well if she didn’t, it’s a very poor reflexion on her as a naive and ignorant woman with no knowledge or interest in 1000 years of British history and one who is about to embark on a relationship and possible marriage to a prominent member of the Institution. Especially from a savvy and ambitious woman such as Meghan.
- No help with royal etiquette? All the new brides were introduced to the dos and don’ts of the royal protocol including Princess Diana. The Duchess of Cornwall in particular was reported to have taken Meghan under her protective wings, mentoring and supporting her when she first joined the family.
- No help with mental health issues? Both Prince Harry and Prince William have been highly vocal about their own struggle with mental health problems. In fact the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have all been closely involved in the charity Heads Together that tackles stigma attached to mental health. So it’s very hard to believe that Harry felt embarrassed to bring up his wife’s problem in front of the family.
Allegations of Racism
- Harry admitted that Meghan was very warmly received by the family at first. What happened then? He suggested things changed after their successful trip to Australia where Meghan was so enthusiastically received. Hinting at Princess Diana’s equally successful trip there nearly forty years ago – which was reported to have caused some jealousy - the implication was that Harry’s and Meghan’s trip resulted in similar negative feelings within the royal family. So racism didn't have anything to do with the start of the problems. Diana wasn’t dark skinned yet Harry implied Meghan fell victim to the same resentment, and things went downhill from there.
- It was further implied that the title Prince or Princess would be withheld from the baby because it risked to have a dark skin tone. In fact nothing’s further from the truth. It was George V, Harry’s great-great-grandfather who ruled over 100 years ago that only offsprings in direct line of descent inherit the titles. Therefore while Prince William’s children would be princes, Prince Harry’s wouldn’t be whatever the colour of his wife’s skin might be. Does one sense a whiff of jealousy towards the higher recognition accorded to the Duchess of Cambridge’s children?
- Harry alleged that somebody in his family speculated whether the child would have dark skin. Such speculation is not any more racist than wondering if the child would have ginger hair. It’s normal for families to wonder what a baby will look like when born. Will it look more like the mother or the father? Thomas Markle was probably right when he suggested it might have been simply a ‘dumb question’ blown out of proportion. And he didn’t think the royal family was racist. He has a point. Weren't there black gospel singers at the wedding ceremony ? Wasn't the fourteen minute long sermon delivered by black preacher the Reverend Michael Curry? Didn’t Prince Charles graciously give his arm to Meghan’s unaccompanied dark-skinned mother to lead her smiling into church ?
Prince Charles
- Harry admitted relations with his father were strained. He complained that he was financially cut off. Has he forgotten that his father gave the couple an allowance and had been paying their bills, including Meghan’s expensive wardrobe, from his own private income before they abandoned their royal duties and left the country?
- One of the main gripes was the withdrawal of security for the family. While one sympathises with a mother’s concerns for the security of her child, it’s estimated that protection would have cost anything between £4 m and £17 m per year. These fees are normally paid by the taxpayer for the Metropolitan Police to provide protection service for members of the working royal family based in the UK. Once the couple decided to give up ‘their job at the Firm’ they automatically lost that privilege.
But credit where credit is due
- It must be noted however, that Meghan was most gracious towards the Queen and had nothing but praise for her.
- Though there’s no denying that Meghan’s relationship with her sister-in-law had been strained, she was generous enough to tell viewers the Duchess of Cambridge had sent her flowers and a warm note after a tiff over the petty story involving bridesmaids' dresses at the wedding. ‘She’s a good person’ Meghan acknowledged
- On another positive note, it was heart-warming to see that the couple are so devoted to each other and still seem to be much in love after four tumultuous years of marriage
Let’s leave the story to blow over and let’s move on. Everybody is delighted for Meghan to be expecting a little girl. Just don’t dare to speculate if she’ll have ginger or black curly hair!
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