Oprah Winfrey says she hopes the Queen’s death will allow the royal family to come together and provide “an opportunity for peacemaking”.
The US talk show host sat down with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2021 for a widely publicised and explosive interview.
Oprah made the remarks while attending the 2022 Toronto Film Festival, during which she was asked about the recent reunion of Harry and Meghan with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
“My father passed recently, this summer,” she told US outlet Extra.
“When all families come together for a common ceremony, the ritual of, you know, burying your dead, there’s an opportunity for peacemaking.
“And hopefully, there will be that.”
Over the weekend, Meghan and Harry joined Prince William and Kate – the new Prince and Princess of Wales – at Windsor Castle to greet mourners.
On Monday, Harry paid an emotional tribute to his late grandmother as he thanked her for her “sound advice” and “infectious smile”.
Oprah’s bombshell interview in March 2021 saw Meghan reveal she felt suicidal at the height of her crisis in the monarchy.
Harry and Oprah later reunited in May 2021 for an Apple TV series entitled The Me You Can’t See: A Path Forward, which explored issues of mental health.
In the series, Harry lambasted his father’s parenting skills and criticised him for expecting his sons to endure the pressures of royal life,
He also accused his family of “total neglect” when Meghan faced harassment on social media.
Help and support:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.