Why The Queen Is Worried About Meghan And Harry's Oprah Interview

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will sit down with Oprah Winfrey on March 7, 2021, for a tell-all interview, which has been sold to various media outlets around the world, according to Variety. Recent reports suggest the British royal family is nervous about the televised special, with Prince William and Queen Elizabeth II allegedly "furious" about what the couple might share, according to Us Weekly.

The interview comes after Harry and Meghan officially and permanently separated from their royal duties in February. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California with their son Archie one year ago, and Buckingham Palace confirmed the couple would not return as working members of the royal family in a statement, adding, "While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

Even so, a source told Us Weekly that the Queen feels "that by sharing [Harry and Meghan's] side of the story, the entire royal family will be painted in an unfair way."

In a clip from the upcoming CBS special, Meghan Markle tells Oprah Winfrey that the royal family assisted in "perpetuating falsehoods" about the couple and refers to Harry's family as "the firm," a term that is often used to refer to the royal family, according to ABC News. The clip follows a recent report by London newspaper The Times in which three royal aides have accused Markle of bullying them during her time at Kensington Palace. The report alleges Markle drove two personal assistants to quit and "undermined the confidence of a third staff member."

Royal experts have suggested Prince Harry and Markle left their royal responsibilities because of tensions caused primarily by a rift between Harry and his brother, Prince William, and between Meghan and Catherine Middleton, according to The Daily Express. The outlet also revealed a poll which shows most Britons side with the Queen and royal family against the couple.

 In a recent interview with The Late Late Show, Prince Harry said he remains in touch with his grandparents, often Zoom-ing with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, according to E! News. He also told host James Corden that he stepped away from his royal duties to protect his family. 

"It was stepping back, rather than stepping down," Harry added. "We all know what the British press can be like, and it was destroying my mental health. I was like, this is toxic."