'Recollections may vary': Is the Queen hitting back at Meghan Markle's claims? Experts say phrase is 'telling'
After much speculation around the world, Buckingham Palace finally broke its silence on the explosive interview of Meghan Markle and Harry conducted by Oprah Winfrey that aired on CBS on Sunday, March 7. Among the many statements made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the one that stood out most was that an unnamed royal had "several conversations" with Prince Harry regarding his then-unborn child Archie's skin color.
Markle and Harry sat down with Oprah for their first exclusive interview about what happened during Markle's time with the royal family and what led to them distancing themselves from the British monarchy. Markle opened up about her struggles and also reflected on having "suicidal thoughts", even stating that she did not receive any help from the royal family.
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The 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."
Experts have taken to analyzing the official statement and what the phrasing might convey. According to The Daily Mail, former Press Secretary to Her Majesty, Charles Anson told Sky News that her message was "edged with sadness", saying, "I think these developments are difficult to deal with and she wants to do it in a fair way but in the family circle rather than by public diplomacy."
However, it is the use of the phrase "recollections may vary" that commentators are looking at. Royal author Phil Dampier said that the use of the phrase is "telling". "The Queen is really saying that Harry and Meghan might be giving their version of events or their interpretation of a conversation a couple of years ago, without going so far as to say they are lying, which they might not be. Clearly, she has spoken to the person who allegedly made the remark about Archie and they have given her their version of events."
He also added that the Queen wants to keep the identity of the senior royal who made the alleged remark about Archie's skin color a secret, saying, "She knows that if it comes out that person will never be allowed to forget it, rightly or wrongly."
Royal biographer Tom Bower added, "'While recollections may vary...' is an exquisite phrase to accuse the Sussexes of Disney style fantasy, they need to name names and give dates and circumstances to justify their accusations."
He continued, "Faced with their unsubstantiated allegations and a huge wave of support for Meghan and Harry, the Palace's statement is a masterpiece of polite rejection and diplomatic embrace. The moment to establish the truth will come but the Queen is right to let first the storm die down and then begin to reestablish the monarchy's enduring status."
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Daily Mail, "The Queen, part of whose life's work has been to nurture the Commonwealth, a symbol of diversity, has rightly expressed concern about the issue of race being raised. As has been widely reported, the views expressed on several issues by the Sussexes were highly questionable. The Queen's use of the phrase 'while some recollections may vary' handles this with sensitivity."
Dampier also said that by saying Harry, Markle and Archie are "much loved family members," the Queen is "throwing out an olive branch and pleading with them not to say anymore and to calm down and start to build bridges."