Prince Philip ‘not aware of the full extent’ of fallout from Meghan and Harry’s Oprah interview

Efforts made ‘to protect him from the full force of the fallout’

Prince Philip is “not aware of the full extent” of the fallout following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, a royal commentator has claimed.

Royal correspondent Kate Nicholl told Australian news channel 9Honey that the royals are trying to protect the Duke of Edinburgh from the startling revelations that occurred while he was in hospital.

“The family are very keen that he's not aware of the full extent of the interview,” Nicholl said.

She added that the widespread media coverage may have made it “impossible for him to completely avoid it”, but that “efforts were made to protect him from the full force of the fallout”.

The news follows Prince Philip’s departure from hospital on Tuesday, where he has been recovering after heart surgery.

The Duke spent 28 nights as an in-patient - his longest ever stay - after he was admitted on 16 February.

Read more:

• Prince William speaks to Harry for first time since Oprah interview but talks ‘unproductive’
• Kate Middleton ‘mortified’ by Meghan Markle telling Oprah she made her cry
• Kate Middleton can’t vote, and other everyday things she’s not allowed to do

He was initially taken to King Edward VII’s Hospital after feeling unwell at Windsor and was moved to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London two weeks later.

He underwent surgery for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew's on 3 March, before being transferred back to King Edward's to recover and continue treatment.

He has now returned to Windsor Castle to be reunited with the Queen.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s extraordinary interview with Oprah Winfrey aired in the UK on Monday 8 March and sent shockwaves across the globe.

Some of the startling allegations made during the conversation include comments made by an unknown royal – although not the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh – about the colour of baby Archie’s skin.

Meghan also spoke of feeling suicidal during her time at the palace and said she had been denied help and support from “the institution” when she asked for it.

Prince Harry also spoke candidly about his difficult relationship with his father, the Prince of Wales, and his brother, Prince William.

The royal family issued a response following the interview saying: “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning.

“While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”

And Prince William defended the royal family, saying they are “very much not a racist family” in response to a question about the allegations.