A freshly released book suggests that Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, had a substantial impact on the way Buckingham Palace responded to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. The Duchess reportedly pressed for a "stronger" stance in the statement.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in their first major interview after their royal exit in 2020, brought forward several severe allegations against the royal institution. Notably, they recounted discussions within the family about the potential skin tone of their son, Archie. They also criticized the monarchy for ignoring Meghan's pleas for mental health support when she was in a state of suicidal distress, expressing concern about the institution's reputation.
Reacting to these revelations, Buckingham Palace issued a brief 61-word statement, acknowledging the hardships endured by the couple and underlining the family's love for them. Notably, the statement also hinted at divergent accounts of the events, stating that "some recollections may vary."
The new edition of "Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown" by Valentine Low suggests that Kate Middleton played a crucial part in inserting this phrase into the official response. The initial draft was allegedly "much softer," according to an excerpt revealed by The Times.
The source, speaking to Low, described the internal debate within the Palace: whether to respond solely with familial affection, or to offer an implicit rebuttal to the couple's accusations. Both Middleton and Prince William were united in their desire for a "stronger" response, the source claimed.
The insider revealed to Low, "Both William and Kate agreed that it was important to assert that the institution did not concur with many of the allegations."
Another source confirmed to Low that the Duchess of Cambridge was adamant about keeping the phrase "some recollections may vary," emphasizing its potential historical significance. She reportedly cautioned, "Unless this phrase or a similar one is included, everything that they [Harry and Meghan] have said will be accepted as truth."
The source also praised Middleton's strategic thinking, claiming she always has her future role as queen in sight.
The book names other possible contributors to the response, including Prince William's private secretary Jean-Christophe Gray, and Sir Clive Alderton. It also notes that Queen Elizabeth II waited to watch the interview before releasing a statement. No official comment has been made by Buckingham Palace or representatives for Middleton and Prince William regarding these revelations.
In a later interview, Oprah Winfrey confirmed that neither Queen Elizabeth II nor Prince Philip had commented on Archie's skin color. Despite conjecture that Queen Camilla may have made such comments, Harry and Meghan have kept the identity of the senior royal under wraps.
