In the aftermath of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Prince William reached out to his brother via text message. This interaction was documented in the couple’s Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” highlighting the tense relationship between the brothers following the revelations made during the interview.
In the series, Meghan is shown reading a statement from Buckingham Palace when Harry reveals a message from William. Meghan’s immediate reaction was a stunned “Wow,” indicating the gravity of the message. Harry, visibly distressed, expressed uncertainty about how to respond, reflecting the complex emotions and strained family dynamics at play. He confided to Meghan, “I wish I knew what to do,” before she suggested they take a moment to process the situation.
The contents of William’s message have not been disclosed publicly, and the documentary does not elaborate on the specifics. However, the timing and context suggest it was a response to the couple’s claims during the Oprah interview, where they discussed issues of racism and lack of support from the royal family. Notably, William publicly defended the royal family against allegations of racism, stating, “We’re very much not a racist family”. This comment and the text message reflect the underlying tension and differing perspectives between the brothers.
The series also delves into the broader implications of Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties and their allegations against the royal institution. Harry described feeling cornered and unsupported, with tensions peaking during a meeting at Sandringham with his father, King Charles III, and William. He recounted how William “screamed” at him, and Charles made statements Harry felt were untrue, illustrating the depth of the rift within the family.
Overall, the documentary and subsequent discussions have revealed the profound impact of these events on the relationships within the royal family, with Harry and Meghan’s departure marking a significant and public break from traditional royal expectations. The text message from William serves as a poignant symbol of the ongoing struggles to reconcile these differences.
