“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” the statement said. “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately,” the missive continued. “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.” In the Sussexes’ sitdown with Winfrey on Sunday, Meghan alleged that while pregnant with Archie, at least one person in the royal family had conversations with Harry about how dark their son’s skin might be and would “that would look like” for the monarchy. The couple did not specify which family member or members made the remarks, with Duchess Meghan saying it would be “too damaging” to the guilty party, but Harry later told Winfrey that it was neither the Queen nor Prince Philip. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also claimed that “The Institution” of the monarchy (the royal family and its courtiers and staff) refused to let them make Archie a prince and also refused to provide him with security protection, despite Meghan and the baby boy receiving racially-charged threats. Harry said that racism “was a large part” of why he and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior royals, but that they believed it was the British tabloid media, not the British public, who were racist. The incessant bullying Meghan faced in the press led her to contemplate suicide, and she claimed that when she approached The Institution to get mental health treatment, she was refused help. The Duke of Sussex maintains that no one in the Firm previously reached out to apologize or correct any of the alleged misdeeds that were said and done to him and Meghan leading them to their exit. “The feeling is that this was our decision, therefore the consequences are on us,” he said, “despite three years of asking for help and…visualizing how this might end,” he said, later adding that it would make a “huge difference” if they did attempt to make amends for the bigotry and hurt: “The very people who don’t see or can’t see it choose not to see it.” Next, find out the biggest bombshells from Oprah With Meghan and Harry: A Primetime Special.
