Meghan and Harry already knew they were being stripped of their titles and patronage when they sat down for their no subject off-limits interview with Oprah Winfrey, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
But the Sussexes have reportedly been let down by the tone of the strongly worded statement in which the announcement was made on behalf of the Queen.
Sources say their shock explains at least in part the anger and pain the pair exhibited during the trailers released ahead of tonight’s primetime CBS interview.
The Queen had several private conversations with Harry over the past few weeks explaining that it would be impossible for him and Meghan to maintain their patronage if they confirmed they would stay away from official duties.
The Sussexes knew their titles were being stripped prior to the interview with Oprah (pictured)
But the statement announcing the move, released by Buckingham Palace on Feb. 19, was potentially explosive from the perspective of the royal family – and risked the kind of on-screen reaction that American viewers are likely to see tonight.
References to ‘a life of public service’ were a particular point of contention for Harry who served with the British Army on two tours of Afghanistan.
The pair are also said to have been upset that the Queen chose to sign off her announcement by saying ‘we are all saddened by their decision’ rather than wishing them the best for the future.
The timing also sparked anger, as a review of the couple’s decision to relinquish royal duties should not take place until later this month.
For her part, billionaire Oprah, a chat show veteran with over 40 years of television experience, has described the broadcast to colleagues as “ the best interview she’s ever done. ”
Within hours of the Buckingham Palace statement, photos had been taken of her aboard a plane at Santa Barbara airport, 15 miles from Sussexes £ 11 million mansion.
Reports suggest that Oprah had only met Meghan once before guest at the royal wedding in May 2018, when she was described as a ‘friend of the couple’. They are believed to have been introduced through the US network CBS and met while Oprah was in London.
The 67-year-old said she had previously requested an interview with Meghan, but her request was denied and the Duchess apparently told her it was ‘not the right time’.
“I remember that conversation,” Meghan tells Oprah in one of the trailers for the interview. ‘I wasn’t even allowed to have that conversation with you in person. There had to be people there. ‘
Meghan goes on to say now is the right time because ‘we have the opportunity to make our own choices in a way that I couldn’t have said yes (to an earlier request for an interview). That was not my choice. ‘
So, as an adult who lived a truly independent life, and then went into this construction that is different from what I think people think it is, it’s really liberating to have the right and privilege to say, ‘Yes I’m ready to talk. ”
In addition to losing his military titles, Harry was also forced to relinquish his position as a patron of the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League.
The couple had served as president and vice president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, an organization established by the Duke’s office in 2018 that it was hoped would give them both international roles.
But these also returned to the Queen, as the Duchess lost her position as a patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
The decision also meant that Meghan was stripped of her protection from the National Theater, a role the Queen bestowed upon the former actress after holding it for 45 years.
After the Queen’s announcement, the Sussexes – clearly stung – responded shortly afterward. As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and the rest of the world and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented, regardless of their official role, ” wrote.
Prince Harry, pictured with James Haskell, was also forced to relinquish his position as a patron of the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League
We can all live lives of service. Service is universal. ‘
The farewell was described by commentators as “insulting” and “terribly disrespectful” to the Queen.
The Sussexes later claimed this was “taken out of context.”
But it was noteworthy that the couple’s recently updated logo for the couple’s Archewell Foundation features the word “ Service ” prominently.
The couple will retain their personal patronage. These include Harry’s role at Sentebale, a mental health charity, and the Invictus Games Foundation. Meghan is also a patron of Smart Works, which provides interview clothing and training for women in need, and the Mayhew animal organization.