Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s portrayal of their 2017 engagement interview as “scripted” and “rehearsed” has been disputed by experts, including those directly involved in the event.
In their Netflix docuseries, Meghan described the BBC interview as an “orchestrated reality show.” She elaborated on the experience, saying, “So we did the thing out with the Press, then we went right inside, took the coat off, and did the interview, so it was all in that same moment. But then also like, ‘and then there’ll be a moment when they’ll ask to see the ring.’ My point is we weren’t allowed to tell our story because they didn’t want…”
Prince Harry echoed her sentiments, adding, “Well, we’ve never been allowed to tell our story…That’s the consistency.” However, Mishal Husain, the BBC journalist who conducted the engagement interview, responded to the allegations with a pointed remark. “We know recollections may vary on this particular subject,” Husain said, casting doubt on the couple’s claims.
Lord Hall, who was the BBC’s director general at the time of the interview, went further, dismissing Meghan’s accusations outright. He stated that her claims were “simply untrue,” defending the integrity of the original broadcast.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s comments have reignited discussions about their departure from royal life and their ongoing criticism of the institution. Critics argue that such statements undermine their credibility, while supporters maintain that the couple is shedding light on their lived experiences.
The conflicting accounts underscore the tensions between the Sussexes and the royal establishment, as well as their complicated relationship with the media. While Meghan and Harry continue to assert their version of events, the pushback from those involved in the 2017 engagement interview highlights the complexity of reconciling differing perspectives on their journey.