On March 11, Prince William became the first senior royal member to directly deal with the Sussex allegations in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. At the same time, William also confirmed the rift between himself and his brother. The 38-year-old prince admitted he hadn’t even spoken to Harry about the interview – four days after it aired. The Duke of Cambridge’s reaction showed his deep trauma to the statements made by his brother and sister-in-law.
The prince’s words were praised by insiders last night. According to royal sources, Buckingham Palace and Clarence House – the official homes of the Queen and Prince Charles – are both said to be very supportive of William’s bluntness. Meanwhile, royal experts say that Prince William has “done very well”.
William made the announcement when he and his wife Kate Middleton visited a school in east London to support youth mental health services. Aides initially insisted the royal couple would not respond to questions about the Sussex’s interview as it was “inappropriate” in the school setting.
This is not uncommon for official royal affairs, as members prefer to focus on the issue and the individuals they are providing assistance to than on marginal issues. However, this time alone, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge do not want to be put in the position to discuss disagreements with her brother and sister-in-law, but do not want to be seen dodging questions.
As the Cambridge family was about to leave, Sky News correspondent Inzaman Rashid seized the opportunity to ask two questions. “Sir, have you spoken with your little brother since the interview?”. William replied succinctly: “I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I will.”
This answer is understood that the once inseparable prince brothers have not talked to each other for a long time. As William and Kate moved on, reporter Rashid continued: “Can you tell me the royal family is a racist family?”
William turned his body toward the reporter and cameraman, his voice loud and clear despite wearing a mask: “We’re definitely not a racist family.” The disappointment in his voice and on his face was clearly evident.
Currently, Kensington Palace declined to comment on William’s statement and said the duke had said very much what he wanted to say. But the sources confirmed that the questions were purely spontaneous and indeed the prince expected the reporter to ask another question.