Queen admits concern over racism claims as Buckingham Palace breaks silence on Harry and Meghan interview

The Queen has said accusations of racism in the ranks of the royal family will be “taken very seriously” following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.

The rare intervention from the head of state, who has historically kept quiet on matters of controversy, came after claims of “crisis talks” in the palace due to the fallout from the televised interview, in which the couple detailed their reasons for stepping down as working royals.

However, the statement released by Buckingham Palace on behalf of the monarch said “some recollections may vary” on the issue of racism.

In the two-hour interview, it was claimed that while Meghan was pregnant with her son, Archie, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born”.

“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” the palace statement read.

“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.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”

The Sussexes announced they would step back from senior royal life in January last year before the palace confirmed last month that the couple would not be returning as working royals.

Read more: Follow the latest Harry and Meghan news live as palace breaks silence to say racism claims ‘taken very seriously’

And their tell-all interview with one of America’s most revered television hosts has shone a light on the couple’s reasons for leaving royal life – including claims of racism and a failure to act on the mental health concerns of the Duchess, who said she was denied help after having suicidal thoughts.

Following the interview, Ms Winfrey clarified that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were not involved in the alleged conversation around the skin tone of Harry and Meghan’s child.

She told CBS This Morning on Monday: “He [Harry] did not share the identity with me, but he wanted to make sure that I knew, and if I had an opportunity to share it, that it was not his grandmother, nor his grandfather, that were a part of those conversations.”

The Buckingham Palace statement followed the first public appearance by Prince Charles since the interview aired, with the royal electing not to respond to a question on the matter to the press who had gathered.

The Prince of Wales was visiting an NHS vaccine pop-up clinic at Jesus House church in north London. Responding to one worker, who said she was from Nigeria, he said: “Oh fantastic, yes, I’ve been there. Lots of different ethnic groups. Do give them my kind regards next time you speak to them.”

Prince Harry had told Ms Winfrey that he had felt “really let down” by his father, adding that the Prince of Wales had stopped taking his calls after the couple moved to North America.

“I will always love him,” Harry said of this father, “but there’s a lot of hurt that’s happened. And I will continue to make it one of my priorities to try and heal that relationship.”

While Ms Winfrey was not seen questioning Meghan about her relationship with her father in the main interview, a clip released later showed the Duchess saying she found it difficult to discuss his actions.

Meghan said: “I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child.”

Thomas Markle was caught up in controversy days before the Sussexes’ wedding after he allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself.

Appearing live on Good Morning Britain from his home in Mexico, he said he had repeatedly apologised for what had happened and that he speaks to the press because “I've never heard back from Meghan or Harry in any way, shape or form”.

He added: “When they decide to talk to me I’ll stop talking to the press.”

Mr Markle said he was “disappointed” after seeing Meghan’s comments.

On Tuesday evening, Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan stepped down from his role on the show following thousands of complaints over his response to the news about the Duchess’s mental health the previous day.

Media regulator Ofcom said it had received more than 41,000 complaints after Mr Morgan said he did not believe the Duchess was telling the truth about her mental health.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

For services local to you, the national mental health database – Hub of Hope – allows you to enter your postcode to search for organisations and charities who offer mental health advice and support in your area.