The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry’s tell-all interview with Oprah aired this week on CBS. The exclusive, which garnered 17.1 viewers on Sunday night, hit home on disturbing subjects; from colorism and racism to suicide and depression.
Here are our noteworthy takeaways from the couple who has finally broken their silence about the royal family:
1. Their Son’s Skin Color Was Brought Into Question
Conversations about Archie’s complexion may be the most surprising confession out of the nearly 2-hour interview. Meghan revealed that royal family members and affiliates questioned Harry about their son’s skin tone before he was born. The couple also told Oprah that their son would not be granted any of the privileges that come with being a royal family member, such as the title of prince or security.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zonIksJbuvo]
2. Meghan’s Deteriorating Mental Health
Meghan left no topic untouched, including her worsening mental health after marrying into the family.
“Look, I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry, especially, because I know how much loss he has suffered, but I knew that if I didn’t say it, then I would do it,” Meghan told Oprah (0:34). “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H8Z4WlBIE8]
3. Meghan’s Breaking Point With Her Estranged Father
Markle’s relationship with her father is anything but smooth sailing. Of course, most have known this since his staged paparazzi photos in 2018 and leaked letters from his royal daughter the year after. The latter event signified Markle’s tipping point: her father had been dishonest about his dealings with the press one too many times.
“I look at Archie and I think about this child and I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child,” she said. “I can’t imagine it. So it’s hard for me to reconcile that.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkTVoLamPio]
4. They Got Married In Private Before The Wedding
The duo also revealed to Oprah that they got married in a private ceremony before their traditional royal wedding. The couple said they wanted to say how they felt before exchanging their vows’ television-appropriate version.
5. Baby No. 2 Is A Girl!
Now, some good news: Meghan and Harry’s second child is due sometime in the summer, and it’s a girl! A month ago, the couple revealed that baby no. 2 was on the way on the anniversary of Princess Diana’s announcement of her second pregnancy with Prince Harry. Photographer Misan Harriman shared a photo from the couple’s maternity shoot on his Instagram.
“Welcome to the #girldad club,” he captioned it.
On Tuesday, Kensington Palace released the following statement about the interview: “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,” the statement continued.
“Whilst 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.”
