The Royal Family is known for their conflicts that seem to constantly circulate the tabloids. Prince Harry’s marriage to Megan Markle in 2018 has only added to their negative attention in the press. Currently streaming on CBS, Oprah Winfrey interviewed Markle and the Prince to discuss their experiences with the royal family and the events that lead to their relocation to Los Angeles, California.

In the interview, Oprah asked Markle a variety of questions about her presence in the Windsor family.

“Did they accept you?” Oprah asked. 

“I think everyone welcomed me,” Markle said.

Markle elaborated on her admiration for Queen Elizabeth and her excitement about receiving pearls as a gift from the Queen. Markle described their close, wholesome relationship As the interview progressed, however, Markle revealed some controversial comments made by family members regarding her pregnancy. More specifically, the Duchess of Sussex explained that there were several concerns regarding the baby’s skin color. 

“That was relayed to me from Harry,” Markle explained. “Those were conversations that family had with him.”

Most interestingly, Markle told Oprah that Archie was denied his birthright of being titled a prince. With Oprah’s encouragement, Markle alluded that the decision was driven by racism.

“Do you think it’s because of his race?” Oprah inquired.

“In those months when I was pregnant, all around this same time, so we [had] the conversation of he won’t be given security,” Markle replied. “He’s not going to be given a title.”

 The family claimed that because Archie is the great-grandchild of a sovereign, he is too far down the line to become a prince. Hypocritically, however, Queen Elizabeth has the power to intervene and name Archie as a prince, as she did for Prince William and Princess Kate’s three children. She deliberately decided not to extend that to Prince Harry’s family. 

While removing Archie’s title may have been disappointing, Markle explained that her biggest concern regarding his lack of a royal title was being denied security. 

 “It was really hard. … This went on for the last few months of our pregnancy where I’m going, ‘Hold on a second. How does that work? … If he’s not gonna be a prince, he needs to be safe,’” Markle told Oprah. 

Instead of his entitlement to being a prince, Archie was entitled to earl or lord, and he may be able to earn his father’s title as Duke of Sussex one day. However, security is exclusive to princes and princesses, so despite being an earl or lord, he will not be protected.

Markle felt as though the family had turned their back on her. The pressure she felt and the “bullying” she experienced in the palace drove her to suicidal thoughts. She reached out to the institution for support, but was told that she wouldn’t receive help because “it wouldn’t be good for the institution.” 

“And I share this because, there are so many people who are afraid to voice that they need help, and I know how hard it is to not just voice it but to be told no,” Markle expressed. 

Since the palace could no longer “support” Markle and her family, they sacrificed their positions as royals moved to the U.S.

“If you had support you would still be at [the palace]?” Oprah asked.

“Without question,” Prince Harry replied. “I took matters into my own hands.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been through a lot together, but have proven their strength and persistence. The couple announced on Valentine’s Day that they are expecting their second child, a baby girl. Hopefully, their new location in California will benefit the couple.