Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey was once hailed as the “interview of the century,” a groundbreaking exposé expected to redefine public perceptions of the British monarchy.
Oprah, celebrated for her fearless journalism and transformative interviews, likely envisioned this moment as her legacy-defining achievement. She may have hoped to be remembered as the journalist who confronted one of the most powerful institutions in the world. Instead, the interview unraveled under scrutiny, leaving even the most sympathetic viewers questioning its credibility.
At the time, Oprah appeared thrilled by the opportunity to sit down with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It seemed like her chance to cement her reputation as a bold and daring journalist, perhaps akin to Martin Bashir's infamous Princess Diana interview. However, rather than achieving acclaim, the interview quickly became a source of backlash. Viewers and journalists alike began dissecting Meghan and Harry’s claims, revealing significant inconsistencies and factual inaccuracies that undermined the couple’s narrative.
One of the most widely criticized moments of the interview was Meghan’s claim about a secret wedding ceremony that allegedly took place before the public spectacle of their royal nuptials. This assertion was swiftly debunked by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who clarified that such a private ceremony could not legally or canonically occur. Another contentious statement involved allegations of racism within the royal family, with Meghan suggesting that her son Archie was denied a princely title due to his mixed-race heritage. Critics were quick to point out that royal protocols established centuries ago dictated Archie’s title, not contemporary prejudices. A basic fact-check could have avoided these embarrassments, but Oprah seemed to prioritize amplifying the Sussexes’ narrative over scrutinizing it.
What began as a potential bombshell revelation of royal dysfunction spiraled into what many perceived as a public relations disaster. Journalists dissected the interview, highlighting discrepancies and raising questions about Oprah’s journalistic rigor. Faced with mounting criticism, Oprah attempted to backtrack, signaling regret for wading into such contentious territory. Perhaps she wished she had focused on safer, more impactful topics—like her past interviews addressing social justice—rather than diving headfirst into royal drama.
The fallout was not merely about factual missteps. It became clear that the interview’s narrative played into broader tensions, with Oprah inadvertently fueling divisive rhetoric. By amplifying the Sussexes’ grievances, she appeared to align herself with their critique of the monarchy. However, this alignment came at a steep cost, as the inaccuracies in their story undermined her credibility and led many to question her intentions. What might have been an iconic moment in her career became a cautionary tale about the risks of sensational storytelling.
Now, it seems Oprah is eager to distance herself from this ill-fated episode. It is as though she wishes to erase it from her professional history, relegating it to the forgotten archives of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Ironically, Oprah likely believed that her association with Meghan and Harry would endear her to royal circles, perhaps even earning her a degree of acceptance from Queen Elizabeth II herself. Instead, the interview left her reputation tarnished, with many viewing her as complicit in the creation of a media frenzy that spectacularly backfired.
Prince Harry’s role in this debacle cannot be overlooked. His apparent embrace of Meghan’s “us against the world” narrative fueled the divisive storyline aired during the interview. Years of feeling overshadowed within the royal family may have made him susceptible to this perspective, and Oprah’s platform became the stage for airing these grievances. However, the fallout has left Harry equally mired in controversy, his image as a beloved royal figure forever altered.
As for Oprah, she appears to be stepping back from her connection to the Sussexes, hoping to disassociate herself from this uncomfortable chapter of her career. Yet, the internet has a long memory, and this interview will remain an indelible part of her legacy. For better or worse, Oprah Winfrey will always be tied to the couple who brought chaos to the royal narrative—and to her own career. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of journalistic integrity, especially when engaging with polarizing subjects.
