In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry addresses the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview with Meghan Markle, defending their decision to speak out. He argues that their move wasn’t so different from actions taken by his family in the past, but with one key difference: they were upfront about it.
Prince Harry’s Defense of the Oprah Interview: A Bold Stand
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 stirred up controversy, making headlines across the world. In “Spare,” Harry doesn’t shy away from defending the couple’s decision to sit down with Oprah. The 12-word response he offers in his memoir provides clarity on his perspective, especially when compared to the way the Royal family and their staff have operated in the past.
He wrote, “The only difference was that Meg and I were upfront about it.”
For many, this statement cuts straight to the heart of the matter: why did Harry and Meghan’s interview cause such a stir when, according to Harry, similar actions were carried out by the Royal family behind closed doors?
The Royal Family’s History of Media Briefings
Harry’s accusation suggests a long history of media collaboration and secretive press briefings within the Royal family. He points to the countless books, interviews, and press stories that have been released with the cooperation of various members of the monarchy.
- Prince Charles’s 1994 autobiography with Jonathan Dimbleby.
- Camilla’s collaborations with editor Geordie Greig.
In these cases, Harry argues, the Royal family didn’t face the same backlash for their press interactions because the information was often filtered through Palace sources and kept out of the public eye. According to Harry, what made his and Meghan’s decision different was the fact that they didn’t hide behind these sources.
An Interview Above Reproach
A significant part of Harry’s defence revolves around the choice of interviewer. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex deliberately selected Oprah Winfrey for their explosive interview, believing she was the right fit for the job because of her credibility and ability to ask tough questions without any bias.
In contrast to the usual “Palace sources” that leak information, Harry claims that they wanted people to hear directly from their own mouths, without any intermediaries. This decision, according to Harry, is what distinguishes their interview from those of other Royals.
Harry writes:
“We chose someone above reproach, and didn’t hide behind phrases like ‘Palace sources’.”
This candid approach of presenting their side without filters, according to Harry, was necessary in order to reveal their truth in a world of mistrust and misinformation.
Meghan Markle’s ‘Jealous Move’ Sparks Royal Rift
In addition to defending the Oprah interview, Harry and Meghan’s relationship with other celebrities has also drawn attention. Recently, a report detailed how a supposed “jealous move” by Meghan Markle led to a fallout with the Beckhams, one of the most prominent celebrity couples.
The claims, however, are speculative and paint Meghan in a negative light, suggesting tension in her friendships, adding another layer to the scrutiny the couple faces. Whether this claim holds any weight is still uncertain, but it further contributes to the ongoing narrative of Meghan Markle being an outsider in the Royal fold.
Prince Harry’s Ongoing Media Challenges
Despite his memoir’s revelations, Prince Harry continues to face challenges regarding his media portrayal. The couple recently came under fire due to a German TV documentary titled “Harry – The Lost Prince,” which explored the Duke’s expected role in the Royal family and the way he balances his charitable efforts with his luxurious lifestyle.
The documentary, directed by Ulrike Grunewald, interviewed a wide range of people close to the Sussexes, including their neighbours, military colleagues, and Royal commentators. It brought attention to the disparity between Harry and Meghan’s privileged lifestyle and their public image as advocates for change.
While this documentary is far from the first to question the couple’s actions, it does highlight the increasing tension between their desire for privacy and the scrutiny they continue to face.
Tyler Perry’s Two-Word Response on Harry and Meghan’s U.S. Transition
In a related development, Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry has also weighed in on the Sussexes’ life in the U.S. When asked about whether he gave Harry and Meghan any guidance upon their arrival in California, Perry’s response was simple yet telling:
“I didn’t.”
This two-word comment paints a picture of the couple’s independent transition into American life, showing that despite their high-profile friendships, they largely navigated the move on their own. Perry, known for his support of the couple, seems to have refrained from offering significant advice, adding a layer of complexity to the Sussexes’ post-Royal life.
The Criticism and Support for Harry and Meghan
Harry and Meghan’s decision to speak out against the Royal family has sparked strong opinions from both sides. On one hand, their defenders argue that the couple deserves to share their side of the story without fear of retribution. On the other hand, their critics point out the contradictions between their charitable goals and their lavish lifestyle.
For many, the key takeaway from the Oprah interview and their other public appearances is that the couple is determined to live life on their own terms, regardless of the public perception that comes with it.
Conclusion: Harry and Meghan’s Media Battles Continue
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Prince Harry’s statements in “Spare” provide valuable insight into his view of the Royal family’s history with the media. His 12-word defence underscores the tension between transparency and traditional media manipulation. While his and Meghan’s choices to speak directly to the public have been controversial, Harry’s perspective suggests that this is a necessary step in an evolving media landscape.
Moving forward, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will likely continue to face mixed reactions, but their unwavering stance on speaking out suggests that they will not back down from sharing their truth.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Prince Harry’s “Spare” Book Overview
- Oprah Winfrey’s Interview with Harry and Meghan
- Tyler Perry’s Relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
- Harry and Meghan’s Charitable Efforts
Photo credit: Daily Express US
