There is one detail in the story of the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah that had not come to light so clearly until now. According to royal historian Hugo Vickers, in his forthcoming biography of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip was taken to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on March 1, 2021, for heart surgery, during which his medical team “nearly lost him twice.”
Prince Philip was admitted to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on March 1, 2021, for heart surgery, during which his medical team “nearly lost him twice.”
Six days later, on March 7, the Sussexes’ special aired on CBS. The interview had been recorded earlier, before Prince Philip was admitted to the hospital, but the question that remains unanswered is whether there was ever any consideration of postponing it. According to the book, no.
The interview included allegations that shook the monarchy, including Meghan’s account of conversations within the family about the skin color of her unborn child.
The Queen responded with a phrase that became famous: “Some recollections may vary.” Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021, just over a month after the special aired.
As Vickers himself explains in the book, his claims are based on sixty years of observation and research.
The fact that much of what he writes contradicts the public narrative Harry has created about his relationship with the family is, at the very least, a significant counterpoint to the story the Sussexes have maintained since they left.
What Hugo Vickers says about Elizabeth II’s reaction
Vickers doesn’t mince words in his conclusions. He writes that the Queen “took a dim view of her grandson” and that she told a close confidant that Harry had chosen to leave the royal family “for what? To be a carer for Archie.”
He also reveals something that is quite striking for anyone who has always believed the narrative of the close relationship between Harry and his grandmother: every time the prince called Elizabeth, she would ask her lady-in-waiting to stay with her during the call. It seems that the “special relationship” Harry described did not exist.
What the royal family thought of Meghan before the wedding
The book also reveals that several family members had reservations about Meghan long before everything blew up. Charles gave Harry the same advice that Lord Mountbatten had given him before he started courting Diana: Have fun, but don’t marry her.
The Queen suggested that he wait a year. William asked him to take it slower. For his part, Philip curtly referred to her as “the American.” None of that advice was heeded.
The wedding took place just six months after the engagement was announced, although Meghan had previously been invited to spend Christmas 2017 at Sandringham, which was unusual for a royal fiancée at that stage.