Media mogul, Oprah Winfrey, has spoken for the first time following reports she played a key role in the decision taken by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to withdraw as senior members of the royal family.
Winfrey made headlines Thursday after a Page Six report claimed she convinced Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, about a possible “breaking free” from the royal family. The report also stated that Winfrey encouraged the couple to move to North America and build their own brand.
However, reacting to the statement, Winfrey told People: “Meghan and Harry do not need my help figuring out what’s best for them.”
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“I care about them both and support whatever decisions they make for their family,” she added.
Winfrey is said to be a very close friend to the royal couple. The TV queen attended the wedding of the couple. Harry and Oprah also collaborated on a mental health series for Apple TV+ which will air later this year.
Page Six also stated that the couple have been receiving advice from some other A-list friends including former president, Barack Obama and actor George and wife Amal Clooney.
On Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, dropped a bombshell when they announced they are stepping back from the royal family in a bid to become financially independent.
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the announcement read.
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment,” they said, adding that they are splitting their time and residency between the United Kingdom and North America.
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity,” they explained.
The unprecedented announcement was widely received with shock, with the BBC reporting that neither the Queen nor Prince William was pre-informed about the announcement, adding that Buckingham Palace is “disappointed”.
Taking to their Instagram to make the unexpected announcement, the couple also affirmed their support for the queen.
