Prince William speaks out on Harry and Meghan interview

Prince William is finally weighing in on the damaging interview that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gave Oprah Winfrey last Sunday, in a broadcast that CBS says was seen by more than 17 million American viewers.

On March 11 the Prince and Kate Middleton stepped out for the first time since the broadcast, when they visited School21 in Stratford, London. They were there to commemorate schools returning to in-person learning, as well as to highlight a new mental health initiative in secondary schools. But upon their arrival they were immediately asked about the Oprah interview, and whether William had spoken to his brother since.

"No, I haven't spoken to him yet, but I will do," he shot in response to SkyNews reporter Inzamam Rashid as he entered the gated yard. When Rashid asked if the Royal family is racist he added, “No, we are very much not a racist family.”

William’s comments are the first time a member of the Royal family has directly responded to the Meghan and Harry interview since it aired on March 7. During the interview the pair opened up about the racism they faced as senior members of the family, the media scrutiny that resulted in mental health issues and suicide ideation for Meghan, the fractured relationship between Harry and Prince Charles, and being cut off financially (among other things).

Two days following the interview, Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” it 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. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

Following the interview, many celebrities weighed in on the issues raised. Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Gabrielle Union, and many more shared their support for Meghan and Harry on social media. Meanwhile, others like Bethenny Frankel, Meghan McCain and Piers Morgan were dragged online after they questioned the interview and wondered about Markle’s intentions. Morgan, whose royal rants have become pretty common on Good Morning Britain, was directly confronted on-air about the way he questioned if Markle was actually suicidal.

"I understand that you don't like Meghan Markle—you've made that so clear a number of times on this program," said weather presenter Alex Beresford. "I understand that you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle or had one, and she cut you off. She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her."

Rather than respond to Beresford, Morgan walked off the set, and ITV later confirmed that the presenter had quit the program.

It seems as though this story is far from over, especially with CBS presenting an encore presentation of the interview on Friday night. In the meantime, royal watchers who have seen Harry and William grow up together can only hope that they mend their relationship soon.

“The relationship is space, at the moment. Time heals all things, hopefully,” Harry told Oprah last Sunday about his feelings towards his sibling. “I love William to bits. He's my brother. We've been through hell together. But we are on different paths.”

Before you go: Meghan Markle’s friend Janina Gavankar voices support

[video_embed id='2157798']Before you go: Meghan Markle’s friend Janina Gavankar voices support[/video_embed]