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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry laid bare their brief lives as a working royal couple, alleging that a member of the family made a racist comment about their unborn son. The Times' Diplomatic
Correspondent Catherine Philip has since commented on their interview. She wrote: "Whatever your personal feelings on the napalm raid that was the Harry and Meghan interview, have no
mistake that it is a soft power disaster for Britain."
Speaking to Times Radio, Ms Philip said: "I say that because this isn't just a domestic issue about a spat in our Royal Family.
"It went out on American TV before it was seen here and it was sold all around the world so, lots and lots of people have seen this and even more people have read the headlines.
"It is not a good look for Britain. Whatever your personal feelings about this, a young woman of colour is alleging some pretty horrible things about her experience in the Royal Family which
echo those of the woman who would have been her mother-in-law.
"I think the fact she is a young woman of colour also amplifies this abroad.
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"It's going down very differently in America to the way it is here.
"I think some of the things that grate on the British public so much is some of the language she may use and the privilege of sitting in Californian sunshine, apparently oblivious to the
ravages of the pandemic at home.
It comes as the royal family is taking "very seriously" the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's shocking allegations of racism and a lack of support despite "some recollections" among royals
varying.
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The Queen has taken the first step in healing divisions after Meghan and Harry's incendiary Oprah Winfrey interview by publicly acknowledging the "challenging" period the couple experienced
when working royals.
The family appear to be at odds over the version of some events described by the Sussexes, but the sympathetic tone of a Buckingham Palace statement suggests a reconciliation through
dialogue in private is the aim.
The highly-anticipated palace statement - issued on behalf of the Queen - also mentioned the Sussexes and their son by their first names and not titles.
The statement said: "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.
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"The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst 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 palace statement will be an attempt to draw a line under a series of bombshell claims made by the Sussexes that have thrown the monarchy into a crisis that threatens to damage its
reputation around the world.
There was mounting criticism about the picture painted by Harry and Meghan of an uncaring and racist institution which failed to support the couple, especially as the duchess struggled with
her mental health.
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