Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to comment on the various shocking claims that arose from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s “bombshell” interview. The interview with Oprah Winfrey aired in the UK on Monday night on ITV.
Following the airing of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey, it has been said that Johnson “broke the habit of a lifetime” by not commenting on something that will certainly dominate conversations for weeks to come.
A reporter for the BBC, Ben Wright, presented Johnson with the allegations of racism made by the couple in the interview. 12.4 million viewers watched as it was aired, 54.4% of all UK television viewers.
When asked whether Buckingham Palace should investigate such allegations, Johnson declined. Alongside allegations of racism, concerns were raised regarding the treatment of Meghan as she suffered badly with her mental health. The former Suits actress revealed that, at the worst of times, she contemplated suicide.
Boris Johnson refused to comment and instead reiterated how he has “always had the highest admiration for the Queen”. He praised the tireless work Her Majesty does fir the UK and the Commonwealth, but chooses to refrain from commenting on other “Royal Family matters”.
The question arose from a particularly shocking part of the 2-hour long interview, where Meghan and Harry claimed a family member was “concerned” about the potential colour of baby Archie’s skin. Given Meghan’s mixed-race heritage, these claims were particularly alarming. The couple has, however, chosen not to name said relative.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed that Mr Johnson did watch the interview when it was broadcast on ITV. It was, however, reinforced that Johnson “won’t be adding any further to what he said”.
Nia Thomas
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Nia Thomas
Nia is a Gender Studies Masters student at the University of Sussex. Having recently graduated with a degree in Political Science, she is keenly interested in current affairs and stories concerning equality and diversity. Away from writing, she is an avid reader and lover of reality TV.