How the Queen is ‘extending an olive branch’ to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following bombshell Oprah interview

Interesting!

Queen Elizabeth II talks with residents in the new Appleton Lodge care facility run by the RBLI during a visit to the Royal British Legion Industries village to celebrate the charity's centenary year on November 6, 2019
The Queen is 'extending an olive branch' to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
(Image credit: Photo by Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

A royal expert has claimed the Queen is extending an olive branch to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, despite the shocking claims they made about the institution in their interview with Oprah Winfrey. 


Years ago, it was unheard of for the royal family to respond to any media stories, unless it was of significance - like a birth, death or marriage.

So the Queen’s statement following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s shocking tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, came as a shock to some royal watchers.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the 94-year-old said, “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. 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.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”

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In the 120-minute interview with Oprah, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex discussed many topics - including rumours Kate Middleton made Meghan Markle cry in the run-up to her wedding, issues surrounding the colour of Archie’s skin and whether or not he would have protection and the notion that Prince Charles and Prince William are both “trapped” within the institution. 

Yet, despite all of the above, the Queen made an official statement responding to the media frenzy surrounding the interview - a sign she is keen to “pacify” the situation and build bridges, according to a royal expert.

Vanity Fair’s Royal Correspondent, Katie Nicholl, told True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, “I think she [The Queen] wanted to give it a moment and come back with something that was going to pacify a situation.”

Responding to claims the royal family are simply trying to brush the crisis under the carpet,  Katie said, “She is not brushing it under the carpet, she is extending an olive branch, which I think is very clear in that statement.”

Georgia Farquharson

Georgia writes across Woman & Home and Good to Know and specialises in all things royal. Previously labelled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows the whose who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind; "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."