Ever since it was first announced that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had filmed a “no-holds-barred” interview with US talk show legend Oprah Winfrey, speculation was rife as to what they would say about their time in the royal family. And they didn’t disappoint.
The tell-all chat was due to be aired first in the US, and then shown in the UK 24 hours later, and in it, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex discussed their “terrible time” in Britain and their new life in America away from all the negativity. At one point, Meghan even seemed to accuse the palace of making up lies about her, and referred to the royal family by its hated nickname of “The Firm”.
Unsurprisingly, their revelations have kicked off a new war with the royal family, who are said to feel utterly betrayed by the Sussexes – and any future reconciliation now looks increasingly unlikely.
The drama kicked off last week, as teasers from the interview were released and shocking allegations made on both sides. There were accusations of Meghan bullying her staff during her time as a royal and lying about a pair of diamond earrings she was given, as well as reports that she believed sister-in-law Kate Middleton and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, were responsible for leaking negative stories about her.
The interview was also very awkwardly timed, as Harry’s 99-year-old grandfather Prince Philip has been in hospital since mid-February, and last week had a heart operation. So, it’s no wonder we’re told the royals – especially Harry’s brother Prince William – feel let down that Harry and Meghan have chosen to do this.
“Everyone at the palace feels betrayed by this interview, they didn’t think it was necessary,” our source explains. “They welcomed Meghan into their family, with Charles even walking her down the aisle when her dad couldn’t make the wedding. They tried to help, but knew it was difficult, so they supported the couple’s decision when they decided to step back as working royals and start a new life in America. They had hoped they could still play a part in moving the monarchy forward. But there seems to be no way back after this.
“The Queen seems deeply hurt by all of it and would undoubtedly have liked any issues to be resolved in private, as that is the way she handles things. Kate and William will feel very let down and betrayed by it, as they were so close to Harry and wanted to repair their relationship. But it now feels like a war has been started between the Sussexes and the rest of the royals. It’s just sad and the timing wasn’t great. William must be furious and feel he’s lost his brother for good.”
In the interview, Oprah asks Meghan, “How do you feel about the palace hearing you speak your truth today?” An emotional Meghan – who is pregnant with the couple’s second child – replies, “I don’t know how they could expect that, after all of this time, we would still just be silent if there is an active role that The Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us.” She also added, “And, if that comes with a risk of losing things, there is a lot that has been lost already.”
Harry also spoke about the press intrusion, and said he had to get away as he didn’t want the same thing to happen to Meghan as happened to his mother, Princess Diana. She was killed in a car crash in 1997, while being pursued by paparazzi. He said, “My biggest fear was history repeating itself.”
CHECK OUT Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship from the start
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry relationship timeline - Grazia - SLIDER
1 of 17July 2016: Meghan And Harry Meet
So when did the future Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were introduced by a mutual friend in July 2016, originally thought to be Markus Anderson (also the director of Soho house) but who was later confirmed to be Violet von Westenholz. Meghan said in an interview that before she met the Harry she didn't know much about him 'the only thing that I had asked [our mutual friend] was, 'Well is he nice?'. According to Harry he knew Meghan was The One from 'the very first time we met.' after only two dates Harry asked Meghan to accompany him on a trip to Botswana.
2 of 17October - November 2016: Kensington Palace's Statement
In October 2016 that the Express became the first newspaper to publish news that Prince Harry had a new girlfriend. However just a month later, Kensington Palace released a statement condemning the 'wave of abuse and harassment' faced by Meghan. The unprecedented statement, which referred to Meghan as Harry's girlfriend for the first time, emphasized that Prince Harry was 'worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.' It continued 'It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm.' The palace were also forced to address speculation that Prince William was unhappy with Harry for confirming the relationship too soon, stating 'The Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him.'
3 of 17December - February 2017: Things Get More Serious
Early in December 2017 Meghan was confirmed as the most Googled actress of 2016. In the same month, the couple were photographed together for the first time in London, shopping for a Christmas tree at the Pines and Needles store and attending a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. By January 2017 a source told US weekly that Harry had introduced Meghan to Kate and Prince Charlotte and that the 'meeting went well'. Meanwhile a source told The Sun that Meghan had 'virtually moved in' with Prince Harry to his cottage on the Kensington Palace estate.
4 of 17March - May 2017: Meghan Attends Weddings With Harry
By March things were openly getting pretty serious between the two: Meghan accompanied Harry to Jamaica for a wedding for the first time (his friend's Tom 'Skippy' Inskip to Lara Hughes-Young). On April the 7th Meghan announced that she was closing down her lifestyle blog The Tig writing 'What began as a passion project (my little engine that could) evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun and frivolity. You've made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy.' In May, Meghan and Harry attended their first public event together at the Polo in Coworth Park (where they also engaged in some PDA). Later in May Prince Harry was seen driving Meghan to the reception of Pippa Middleton and James Matthew's wedding.
5 of 17September 2017: The First Official Public Appearance
Welcome to Meghan the style Icon: at the opening of Prince Harry's Invictus Games in September Meghan wore a maroon midi dress with a pleated chiffon skirt by one of her favourite Canadian brands, Aritzia with a burgundy biker jacket by Mackage. The next day the couple were photographed sitting together at the wheelchair tennis and 'broke with royal protocol' by holding hands and kissing at the closing ceremony. On the 5th of September In an interview with Vanity Fair, Meghan stated: 'We're a couple. We're in love. I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people understand is that this is our time.'
6 of 17September-November 2017: Meghan Leaves Behind Rachel Zane
Late 2017 we saw the end of everyone's favourite legal powerhouse Rachel Zane (sob). In November 2017, shortly after Meghan met the Queen, the actress was reported to be leaving her role in Suits after seven seasons.
7 of 17November 2017: The Engagement
After months of speculation, Prince Charles announced the engagement of his younger son Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after 15 months of dating On November 27th 2017 . The engagement ring, said to be designed by Harry, is made of two stones that belonged to Princess Diana. The couple later appeared at a photocall, with Markle wearing a white dress coat by Canadian brand Line The Label (whose website subsequently crashed). When asked by waiting photographers if the proposal was romantic, Harry joked 'of course!' Speaking about his late mother, Princess Diana, Harry said 'I think they'd be thick as thieves. She would be over the moon, jumping up and down, so excited for me... It's days like today when I really miss having her around and miss being able to share the happy news. With the ring, I'm sure she's with us, jumping up and down somewhere else.' it was announced that the wedding would take place on May the 19th, 2018.
8 of 17December 2017: The Fab Four
In December 2017 Meghan, Harry, Kate and William were photographed together attending the Christmas service at Sandringham. Pictures of the two couples earned them the title 'The Fab Four'. Meanwhile in the following months Meghan earned a reputation for breaking royal protocol on official visits by hugging fans of the couple and kissing them on the cheek.
9 of 17February 2018: Kate And Meghan Appear In Public Together
In February 2018, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle had their first royal engagement together for the Royal Foundation Forum with Prince Harry and Prince William. Harry stated of the two couples 'We have different opinions and they work really well [together]. Working as family does have its challenges; of course it does. The fact that everybody is laughing shows they know exactly what's it like… But we are stuck together for the rest of our lives.'
10 of 17May 2018: The Lead Up To The Wedding
In the lead-up to the wedding it was confirmed 2,640 people would be invited to the grounds of Windsor Palace to watch the royal wedding. Photos of Meghan and Harry's wedding invitations were released, bearing Harry's legal name 'Henry'. Meghan and Harry made a number of public appearances together including to the Invictus game tryouts in April and attend the Queen's birthday at the Royal Albert Hall. Meghan's final episode of Suits is also aired, marking the official end of her acting career.
11 of 17May 2018: Meghan's Family Drama Begins
On May the 14th, three days before the wedding Meghan's father, Thomas Markle sr. who was confirmed to walk Meghan down the aisle pulled out, following an embarrassing incident in which he staged paid paparazzi photos. Thomas Markle later suffered a heart attack, and his son Thomas Markle Jr. penned an unflattering open letter to Harry criticizing Meghan and encouraging him to pull out of the wedding. The day before the wedding, Kensington Palace announced Prince Charles would walk Meghan down the aisle, stating 'The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way.'
12 of 17May 2018: The Royal Wedding
Meghan and Harry wed on the 19th of May for a combined audience of 11.5 million people who tuned in to watch the ceremony. Meghan's gown was made by Clare Waight Keller, artistic director of the fashion house Givenchy which she later changed for a silk crepe dress by Stella McCartney. Her mother Doria Ragland attended the ceremony along with a host of celebrities including Meghan's former Suits cast and her close friends, George and Amal Clooney.
13 of 17May - October 2018: Married Life
Throughout May of 2018 Harry and Meghan made their first official appearances as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. For her inaugural attendance to the Trooping of the Colour Meghan wore an off-the-shoulder dress, reportedly breaking royal protocal. In the following months the newlyweds made a number of public appearances including to Ireland to meet the country's officials. They also took a rumoured trip to visit George and Amal Clooney in Lake Como.
14 of 17October 2018: The Royal Baby Announcement
Speculation began during Princess Eugenie's wedding that Meghan was pregnant owing to her loose coat. The rumours were confirmed when Kensington Palace announced on the 15th of October 2018 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were expecting a child. The announcement also coincided with the first day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's official tour.
15 of 17October 2018: Meghan And Harry's First Royal Tour
In October Meghan and Harry departed for their 16-day Autumn royal tour visiting Australia, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand (obviously featuring some serious style moments from the newly-appointed Duchess of Sussex/Style). By November, sources were telling news outlets that the couple were preparing to move to Frogmore cottage in Windsor in 2019. The couple spent the anniversary of their engagement, November the 27th apart, due to Harry being in Zambia.
16 of 17November 2018 - Present: Feud Rumours
As Meghan and Harry embarked on life as newlyweds there was less plainsailing, as controversy continued to follow closely on their heels. Meghan's family have continued to be the subject of unflattering media headlines and Thomas Markle gave interviews to the media about his distanced relationship with his daughter. Meanwhile Samantha Markle (Meghan's half sister, who also claims to be penning a book about the Duchess) was put on a fixated persons list after showing up at Kensington palace in January. Rumours of a froideur between Meghan and Kate were sparked shortly after Meghan and Harry's nuptials by reports that Meghan reduced Kate 'to tears' during challenging dress fittings with Princess Charlotte. In February, Thomas Markle leaks a handwritten letter from Meghan to the media in response to friends of the Duchess defending her in an interview and following numerous staff changes, rumours arise that Meghan and Harry's staff refer to Meghan by the nickname 'The difficult Duchess'.
17 of 17March 2019: The Royal Household's Split
In March 2019 it was confirmed that the Sussex and Cambridge's 'royal households' will split, meaning the couples will no longer share staff. Royal spokespersons confirm that Kate and William's staff team will stay in Kensington Palace while Meghan and Harry's staff will be based in Buckingham Palace, reflecting the location of their new residence of Frogmore cottage in Windsor. Representatives are quick to confirm this is a planned move, and not due to rumors of growing tensions between the couples.
We’re told Harry knows the interview will upset his family, but the most important people in his life are now Meghan and their 22-month-old son Archie. “Harry won’t be silenced or forced into an apology by anyone. If anything, friends think he’s waiting for the likes of William and Kate to contact him and – more importantly, Meghan – with a grovelling apology,” we’re told. “He still seethes at what they went through in England, and blames his family for failing to control the tabloids in what he sees as a relentless hate campaign against his wife. With each interview or public statement that he makes, Harry is gaining confidence and Meghan’s cheering him on every step of the way.
“For all the negativity and criticism that’s blown up in the press and on social media, he and Meghan have also had a ton of support and encouragement from the people close to them about this strong stance they’re both taking, and that’s given him a lot of confidence to speak out. It mystifies the likes of the Cambridges, and even Prince Charles, that he would be airing this dirty laundry right now when his grandfather is fighting for life in hospital. But that despair is also tinged with a resignation that he’s not capable of acting any other way now. They can only hope that this tell-all isn’t the first of other embarrassing interviews yet to come.”
But with the way things are going, it seems this isn’t the last we’ve heard from Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36. They are said to be furious at the recent negative stories that were leaked in the run-up to the interview. Last week, it was revealed that Buckingham Palace was launching an investigation into claims Meghan had bullied members of her staff, forcing them to quit. The allegations date back to 2018, and their former communications secretary Jason Knauf – who now works for William and Kate – is said to have sent an email about the complaints, allegedly writing, “I remain concerned that nothing will be done.”
While Meghan and Harry have denied any bullying claims, more staff are said to be prepared to come forward and speak of their own alleged bullying. And the palace has said they are “very concerned” by the allegations and will now investigate the affair.
It was also claimed that former actress Meghan had worn a pair of diamond earrings to an event in 2018, which were a wedding gift from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, who had approved the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi just weeks before. At the time, she said she had borrowed them, but was allegedly advised by palace staff not to wear them. Lawyers for the duchess have now explained that she was unaware of speculation around the Crown Prince’s role in the murder, and while she may have stated they were borrowed she did not say they were borrowed from a jeweller. She also denied that she had misled anyone about their provenance.
Look! More news!
The 5 biggest revelations from Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview
This is the text Meghan Markle sent to a friend after meeting Prince Harry
Wait, Harry and Meghan had a secret wedding before their big day?
Soon after her wedding to Harry in 2018, it was claimed she had made sister-in-law Kate cry during a bridesmaid dress fitting for Princess Charlotte. It is now alleged that Meghan feels Kate’s team, or the press team of Camilla, were leaking negative stories about her. Neither Kate or Camilla have commented on the claims.
And we’re told all this backlash has just proved to Meghan and Harry that they were right to leave and give their side of the story, regardless of who gets hurt. “They have made it clear to Oprah that they don’t feel the need to apologise and are living life on their terms,” our source explains. “Harry and Meghan have found their paradise in California, and their consciences are totally clear. Harry is confident the royals will understand in time and see that he still loves his family very much, but a lot has changed in his life and everyone needs to accept it. He simply won’t put up with criticism of his wife from anyone.”
Read more in the latest issue of heat magazine – OUT NOW.