Oprah Winfrey seems to have decided to erase any memory of her infamous interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—an interview once touted as the "event of the century."
Just a few years ago, Oprah undoubtedly envisioned herself as the fearless journalist who would unravel the monarchy’s mysteries with one groundbreaking sit-down. Instead, she found herself caught in a whirlwind of controversy, tarnished by what many now see as a collection of unsubstantiated claims.
At the time, Oprah was visibly enthusiastic about her opportunity to interview the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This was her chance to make history, to be remembered as the bold woman who challenged the British royal family’s traditions and secrets. She may have imagined herself achieving the same cultural impact as Martin Bashir’s interview with Princess Diana, but the reality proved otherwise. Instead of solidifying her reputation as an investigative icon, Oprah inadvertently became a target for criticism, with her career trajectory taking a hit almost as steep as Prince Harry's relationship with his family.
The interview itself was packed with dramatic revelations that quickly unraveled under scrutiny. Meghan Markle claimed that she and Harry had a private wedding ceremony before their official public nuptials—a statement that was swiftly debunked by none other than the Archbishop of Canterbury. Another contentious point came when Meghan implied her son Archie was denied a royal title due to his race. However, a quick dive into royal protocols would have clarified that titles are determined by longstanding traditions and legal precedents, not personal biases.
In hindsight, Oprah’s lack of rigorous fact-checking became glaringly evident. Many pointed out that while Oprah is a celebrated entertainer and television host, this debacle underscored the distinction between entertainment and responsible journalism. The supposed royal exposé spiraled into what critics now call a royal disaster. The media dissected the interview piece by piece, exposing inconsistencies that dented not only Meghan and Harry’s credibility but also Oprah’s.
Realizing the extent of the backlash, Oprah reportedly began to distance herself from the Sussexes and the interview itself. It must have been a sobering moment for the talk show queen, who likely envisioned this project as a powerful statement on racial issues and systemic injustices. Instead, the interview became a lightning rod for controversy, undermining her intentions and exposing her to ridicule.
What made matters worse was the perception that Oprah had been swept up in Meghan and Harry’s narrative—a carefully constructed tale designed to capitalize on the couple's grievances. Oprah seemed eager to ride the wave of public discourse on race and privilege, yet the fabricated elements of the story surfaced almost immediately, leaving her efforts to champion their cause feeling hollow.
As Oprah attempts to move forward, it's evident that the interview remains an indelible part of her legacy. The idea that she might have envisioned herself forming a bond with the British royal family, perhaps even Queen Elizabeth II, adds an ironic twist to the tale. Far from becoming a royal confidante, Oprah found herself facing public skepticism and diminished credibility.
This misstep also casts a shadow on Harry and Meghan. Harry’s alignment with Meghan’s "us against the world" mentality has alienated him from his family and left him entangled in controversies that seem to grow with each passing year. For Oprah, whose career had already been facing challenges before this interview, the fallout was a critical blow—a “straw that broke the camel’s back” moment.
Today, as Oprah tries to distance herself from the fiasco, the internet remains a repository of reminders. While she may wish to rewrite this chapter of her life, the reality is that this interview will likely be remembered as a significant and controversial milestone in her career. It’s an enduring testament to the risks of prioritizing sensationalism over scrutiny, leaving Oprah to grapple with the repercussions of being "Markled" in the public eye.
