Shortly after the interview aired, Buckingham Palace released a brief statement expressing regret over learning the extent of the challenges faced by Harry and Meghan in recent years. However, they also noted that some of the recollections presented may differ. It is now evident that several recollections have indeed varied.
Renowned lawyer Anthony Jay Lester reviewed the claims made during the Oprah interview and compiled a list of 30 statements that he argues have been proven false or significantly embellished. For instance, Meghan claimed she had done little research into the royal family before marrying Harry and was unaware of what she was getting into. However, it has since come to light that she had met the queen and conducted extensive research, even hiring a royal family historian for assistance.
Another claim was that Meghan and Harry had a secret wedding three days prior to their televised ceremony. Records indicate that this is untrue, as they were officially married only during the televised event. Additionally, allegations of an unnamed royal raising concerns about Archie's skin color were denied by Buckingham Palace, stating that no family member had made such remarks. They clarified that Archie's lack of security and title were not based on his race but rather the usual practice of great-grandchildren not receiving titles or publicly funded security.
While Oprah herself did not assert these claims as facts, lawyer Anthony Lester argues that she had a duty of care to properly verify such damaging allegations before airing them to a global audience of 50 million people. In a strongly worded 17-page letter sent to Oprah, Lester calls for her to submit to questioning under oath to clarify the sources and veracity of these claims, as well as whether due diligence was carried out. Oprah has yet to publicly respond, but sources close to her indicate that she stands by the interview and does not feel obliged to comply with legal demands or questioning regarding its contents.
However, it is clear that this controversy will not fade away easily. With prominent figures like Anthony Lester now challenging Oprah's actions, the pressure on her is mounting, especially considering the sentiments expressed by allies of the royal family in the United States. Royal biographer Robert Jobson, in a series of scathing TV interviews, has criticized the credibility of Oprah, Harry, and Meghan, accusing them of deliberate deception to escalate the rift with the royal family and enhance their commercial brand overseas.
In the UK, public opinion toward the Sussexes is souring as more details emerge that contradict their version of events. A recent poll revealed that two-thirds of Brits now consider them damaging to the monarchy, while only 15% hold a positive view. While the queen is said to be dismayed by the constant public attacks on her family, she will not engage in a tit-for-tat war of words. However, other senior royals like Prince William and Prince Charles are less inclined to stay silent in the face of ongoing accusations.
The scrutiny on Meghan and Harry has reached its peak panic mode, with their every move under intense scrutiny as discrepancies continue to emerge between their claims and emerging facts. Oprah, a formidable media figure, is not easily intimidated, but the mounting pressure from various angles is undeniable. Back in Montecito, California, it is likely that the once-golden couple is anxiously following the news updates as the backlash against them intensifies overseas.
