The royal family and their aides have been in crisis talks for much of the last two days as they formulated a response to Meghan Markle andPrince Harry’srevealing interviewwith Oprah Winfrey.
A palace source stresses to PEOPLE that at the “heart of this is a family, and they should be given the opportunity to discuss the issues raised privately, as a family.”
For more on how the Royal Family is reacting toPrince HarryandMeghan Markle’s interview with Oprah, listen below to the episode of PEOPLE Every Day.
“It has been important for us to carefully consider any response before issuing,” the source tells PEOPLE. “And of course releasing something today meant viewers in the U.K. had the opportunity to watch the interview, if they wished to, first.”
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey.Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions
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On Tuesday, Buckingham Palacereleased a statementon behalf ofQueen Elizabeth.
It continued, “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
With the palace in turmoil over the racism claims made in the interview, the source went on to stress that “diversity, equality, inclusion and mental health are important issues, and highlighting them has formed part of the work of members of the Royal Family for many years.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty
In response,Prince Harryand Meghan pushed back with a statement that pointedly referenced the Queen’s: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
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Prince Harryand Meghan’s office also said that the pair “remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role.”
source: people.com
