Last night, on Monday 8th March 2021, the highly anticipated interview between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Oprah Winfrey was broadcast to more than 11 million viewers on British television. Discussing everything from their relationship with their family, their new life in California, and even their struggles with poor mental health and wellbeing at the hands of ‘the Firm’, this candid account into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their growing family has sparked a lot of conversation. The event is sure to be one that will remain in the Monarchy’s minds and history books for many years to come, but how have the Empoword Journalism contributors reacted to the interview?
“I went into the Harry and Meghan interview with a lot of expectations. All day in the British media it was reported as being highly disrespectful. People judged it before watching it. When I watched it I was shocked by the way both Harry and Meghan spoke of the family with such love and respect – especially the Queen. They had issues with the institution of the royal family, not the family themselves and that is completely understandable. What struck me was the way Meghan described her own mental health problems, it was incredibly moving and sadly relatable for many watching. By her standing up and saying she wasn’t ok, hopefully more people will do the same.” – Orla McAndrew
“It became harrowingly evident what victimisation, the press and a lack of humanity can do. In accusing Meghan of lying, we only continue to build unnecessary stigma around mental health and speaking out when needing help. It’s certainly raised awareness around the harmful consequences of systematic oppression, racism, sexism and victimisation. I view them highly for sharing their truth and inspiring others to do the same. To dismantle and rebuild a system that’s led with kindness, equality, peace and respect. I appreciate that it’s one side of the story but I wholeheartedly stand with them. Most of all I congratulate their bravery!” – Danielle Saunders
“Finally, after being silenced for too long, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry can hold power to account.”
“The reactions to the racism and the consequent mental health struggles that Meghan Markle has faced has been appalling but unfortunately unsurprising. It is very much reflective of the polite veneer of British society, of covert racism and stiff upper lip, that most of Britain and its mainstream media are more upset about the racism and lack of support being publicly called out than the fact that such extreme racism actually happened and happens every day in British society.” – Sanjana Idnani
“Finally, after being silenced for too long, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry can hold power to account. Despite the royal family belonging to the upper echelons of British society and adored by many, certain palace members’ outright racist comments and refusal to stand up for the media tirade against Meghan place the royal family on equal footing with the ruthless British tabloid press. The interview with Oprah will shift worldwide perceptions of Britain’s royal elite for years to come.” – Shannon Cook
“The interview itself was very insightful and will hopefully raise concerns within the institution over their shocking treatment of members of their own family. What shocked me even more was the reaction by the public and the press. Meghan was accused of making up her suicidal thoughts even though speaking up about mental struggles is incredibly difficult and makes her very vulnerable. I’m incredibly disappointed by the behaviour of the Royal Family and the Press especially when they are supposedly advocating for mental health in the light of tragedies like Caroline Flack. I am left speechless by the whole turn of events whilst having so much that I feel needs to be said.” – Ella Gilbert
“I think that, after the many months we have all spent in lockdown, it is not hard to see how easily anyone could have found themselves struggling with mental health issues. Meghan’s narrative of finding herself alone in an institution who clearly didn’t want her, locked away whilst people continued to spew rumours and gossip about her even as she kept a low profile (as she was told to do) resonates with many. Anyone who contests her claims is either wildly ignorant or employing the ‘if I shout my opinion louder than you, then mine will be right’ tactic because they’d rather not accept that those who caused her harm need to change.” – Aarthee Pari
“I commend Harry for standing by his wife after her abhorrent treatment by the UK tabloids.”
“I was furious after watching the interview on ITV last night. Furious that Meghan asked for support for her mental health, and was turned away; furious that rampant racism within the Royal Family continues to persist in 2021; and furious that people still fail to recognise the toxic environment that forced Harry and Meghan into this position in the first place. In the words of Oprah, Meghan seemed to have been silenced not silent; I believe it was incredibly courageous of her to find her voice again during this interview, and I commend Harry for standing by his wife after her abhorrent treatment by the UK tabloids.” – Eva Bailey
“After the diabolic onslaught on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on social media following their phenomenal interview, I am glad that Meghan claims she doesn’t look at anything that is broadcast about her. As a pregnant woman who is recovering from a very dark time both in her personal life and with her mental health and wellbeing, she needs nothing other than support. Though I am disappointed but not surprised that figures in the media have publically claimed to ‘not believe’ that Meghan has experienced suicidal thoughts, I am so glad to see an outpouring of support and commendation for her bravery in speaking out about her experience in the Royal Family and for becoming a role model to those who have experienced these feelings as a result of racism, bullying, sexism, and oppression before.” – Caitlin Parr
“This interview has been like the Diana Interview for our generation. Except, instead of just hearing about divorces and the private details of royal life, we’re also hearing about racism and mental health. We’re listening to a mixed-race, pregnant woman, outside of the institution on which far too much of this country’s culture is built. All I can say is, it’s about time. About time someone finally held people to account who would (unsurprisingly) make racial comments about a great-grandson, refuse to allow a granddaughter-in-law to present herself as a powerful woman of her own making, yet still happen to include and maintain a relationship with a son who has been accused of being a paedophile.” – Meghna Amin
“Some of the facts that came to light were, quite frankly, disturbing to hear.”
“I think Meghan and Harry are within their rights to speak about the problems they have faced. With Meghan’s comment about feeling “silenced”, I feel this issue should be aired out and it is within the public’s right to know. It’s clearly been an incredibly tough time for both of them, especially Meghan, who has faced racism and a lack of support. Some of the facts that came to light were, quite frankly, disturbing to hear. I honestly wish them the best, and hope they find the happiness they’ve been striving for.” – Gemma Nettle
“It feels like all of this is just getting brushed under the carpet”
Featured image courtesy of Roméo A. via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
Caitlin Parr
Caitlin is an MA student at Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Media and Culture alongside distance learning with the NCTJ. Outside of Empoword, she works in local news and radio in Cardiff, whilst also working with/writing for organisations such as Cardiff Women's Aid, Girlguiding and Change Grow Live. In her spare time she's a musician!