Will Queen extend 'olive branch' to Prince Harry? Monarch set to speak to grandson over phone, claims insider
The Queen reportedly plans to contact the Duke and Duchess of Sussex personally to offer an "olive branch" to the couple, as she takes charge of the fallout from their bombshell CBS television interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 9, according to reports. It is understood that she intends to try to wager peace by reaching out to her grandson and his wife in California.
With senior royals still "reeling" following a series of tense allegations by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Queen is expected to speak to the couple on the phone in the next few days, according to reports. She has also issued a “three-line whip”, the breach of which would normally have serious consequences, to prevent staff from discussing the situation publicly. She is also expected to "privately quiz" senior members of the royal family.
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A statement released on Tuesday, March 9, by the Buckingham Palace on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II read: "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. 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."
The Monarch's decision to seize the initiative seemed to be a sensible one, as other family members, notably Prince Charles and Prince William, have been left deeply wounded by the way in which they were attacked by the couple.
Harry said he felt let down by his father, who, he claimed, refused to take his calls, and admitted there was still a huge rift between him and his brother. He also noted the reasons behind his and Meghan's decision to quit the UK, as racist comments from an unnamed member of his family and the lack of support he and his wife received from other royals.
However, both Harry and Meghan tried to provide a protective barrier against criticism to the Queen and Prince Philip, with the duchess saying how "wonderful" and generous the Monarch had been and boasting of being able to call her without requiring to first speak to officials.
The Duke of Sussex also insisted he had too much respect for his "colonel in chief", also making it clear publicly on the show that the person who supposedly talked about the "darkness" of Archie's skin tone was neither of his grandparents.
Courtiers are hoping the Queen's approach will help to "de-toxify" the situation. “It is difficult to overestimate how shellshocked everyone is by what has happened,” a source told the Daily Mail, adding that some staff would "dearly love to publicly rebut" some of what has been said about them. “But the Queen has taken a very measured, sensible approach. She is leading by example. This is a matter for her and the family to deal with."