Prince William and Kate Middleton were desperate to issue a stronger statement rebuffing Meghan Markle's allegations of racism in the Royal Family, according to an expert.
The fallout from Meghan and Prince Harry's bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, where Meghan made the shocking claims, continues to be felt. Reports now suggest that the Prince and Princess of Wales wanted a harsher statement to counter the couple's claims.
The tell-all interview sparked controversy, with some hailing the Sussexes for exposing royal life, while others branded it a betrayal. Following the Oprah chat, accusations of racism plagued the British Royal Family, prompting a rare statement from the monarchy.
The statement, which was released on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family, said: "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."
Royal author Robert Jobson alleged in his latest biography of Kate Middleton it was Kate's decision to go harder on Meghan. He said: "The original draft of the statement had been much milder, but both William and Catherine had been keen to toughen it up."
"It was the then Duchess of Cambridge herself who came up with the powerful phrase 'recollections may vary'. Her husband also challenged the allegations, telling reporters: 'We are very much not a racist family'.
"As far as William was concerned, Harry and Meghan's behavior was unforgivable, and they could no longer be trusted." Since stepping down from the Royal Family, Meghan and Harry are yet to bring their son Prince Archie back to the UK.
After relocating to America, they welcomed their second child, Princess Lilibet, who has also not met her grandfather, King Charles. Earlier this year, Harry told the High Court that he saw "no possibility" of ensuring his children's safety in the UK after his security detail was reduced. This followed the removal of his 24/7 security after he announced in 2020 that he would no longer be carrying out Royal duties.
