Four years ago, on this very date, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey took place, making global headlines and causing a stir within the royal family.
Sitting under the California sun, Harry and Meghan shared details about their experiences in the royal family, claiming they were ready to speak out on what they called “the truth” behind their lives in the monarchy.
This 85-minute interview had everyone talking and left many questioning what really happened behind the palace doors.
Revisiting the Claims: Did the Sussexes Speak the Truth?
In the book Charles III: The Inside Story, columnist Robert Hardman referred to the interview as “the most astonishing unburdening of family secrets” since Princess Diana’s famous 1995 interview with the BBC.
Harry and Meghan made several serious allegations, from comments on their son Archie’s skin color to accusations involving Meghan’s strained relationship with Princess Catherine over bridesmaid dresses.
In response, the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, issued a statement saying the matters would be dealt with privately.
However, the fallout from the interview has continued, and many of the claims have been revisited over the years.
The Secret Wedding Claim: What Really Happened?
One of the most shocking claims made during the interview was that Harry and Meghan were married three days before their public wedding at Windsor Castle.
Meghan explained that they secretly tied the knot in a private ceremony with only the Archbishop of Canterbury present.
However, two weeks later, the General Registrar Office released the couple’s official marriage certificate, confirming their wedding had taken place on May 19, 2018, as the world witnessed.
A spokesperson later clarified that the “secret ceremony” was simply an exchange of personal vows, with the Archbishop admitting he did not marry them legally before their public ceremony.
The Bridesmaid Dress Feud: Was Meghan Really the One in Tears?
Another point of contention was the story of the bridesmaid dress debacle.
Meghan claimed that she was the one who cried over the dress fitting for Princess Charlotte, her niece.
This version of events contradicted earlier reports that Meghan had caused Kate to cry due to her strict demands.
Prince Harry later added his own perspective in Spare, confirming that Meghan had been the one upset.
However, royal insiders have now revealed that both Meghan and Kate were equally distressed over the situation, with both women expressing regret over the heated exchange.
Meghan’s Passport and Personal Documents: Was She Trapped?
A jaw-dropping moment in the interview came when Meghan revealed that her passport, driver’s license, and keys were taken away when she married into the royal family.
She described feeling “trapped,” but experts have since questioned this claim.
Royal historian Robert Lacey explained that it’s standard protocol for members of the royal family to hand over certain personal documents for their own protection, especially when traveling.
Meghan’s narrative of being isolated doesn’t align with the fact that she was regularly seen traveling on private jets and attending high-profile events.
Archie’s Birthright and the Title Confusion
Meghan also addressed the issue of Archie’s royal title, claiming that her son should have been granted a title of prince due to his heritage.
However, under the 1917 rule established by King George V, Archie was not entitled to the title of prince until Charles ascended the throne.
As a result, it wasn’t until Charles became king that Archie and his sister Lilibet received their royal titles.
Security Concerns: Did the Sussexes Have Their Protection Revoked?
Another claim Meghan made was that her security was unfairly removed after they stepped down from royal duties and moved to Canada.
Harry spoke about the shock of having their protection withdrawn, especially given the threats they had received.
Meghan added that she had written letters to the royal family, urging them to ensure Harry’s safety, but the couple’s security was never reinstated.
However, royal experts noted that security is not automatically granted to all members of the royal family, with some royals like Princess Anne and Prince Edward not receiving taxpayer-funded protection.
Meghan’s Claim of Not Googling Harry: Fact or Fiction?
Perhaps one of the more surprising statements was Meghan’s claim that she never Googled Harry before dating him and had no idea about the details of royal life.
She insisted that everything she needed to know, Harry shared with her.
However, some critics, including the authors of Finding Freedom, suggested that Meghan did her research, especially regarding the royal family, before meeting Harry.
Friends of Meghan also revealed that she had been fascinated by Princess Diana from a young age, even owning books about the late princess.
The Fallout with Samantha Markle: What’s the Real Story?
Meghan’s relationship with her half-sister Samantha has been a contentious subject.
During the interview, Meghan claimed she hadn’t seen Samantha in almost two decades and grew up as an only child.
However, photographs from 2008 show Meghan and Samantha together at Samantha’s graduation.
Samantha has since accused Meghan of fabricating the story and shared documents and photos to counter her sister’s claims.
The tension between the two has only grown since the interview, with Samantha asserting that Meghan’s portrayal of their relationship was false.
Did Meghan Receive Royal Guidance?
Meghan also stated that she was not given proper guidance or advice when joining the royal family.
She claimed there was no “royal training,” such as learning how to curtsy or behave properly at public events.
However, the Finding Freedom authors suggest otherwise, claiming that Meghan underwent extensive royal training, including lessons on royal etiquette and even security courses.
Some sources even said Meghan had been told to seek advice from Princess Catherine if she needed it, which contradicts her assertion of being left to navigate royal life on her own.
Looking Back at the Oprah Interview: What Have We Learned?
As the Sussexes’ Oprah interview continues to resonate, many of the claims made by Harry and Meghan have been revisited and questioned over the past four years.
While some statements have been refuted or clarified, others remain part of the couple’s narrative of feeling trapped and misunderstood within the royal family.
As time goes on, it seems the truth remains a complex and evolving story, with both sides continuing to present their perspectives on what really happened.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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