A former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II has revealed she was left utterly "dumbfounded" by Meghan Markle's allegations of racism within the Royal Family. Ailsa Anderson, who served the late monarch for almost 13 years, made the comments in a new Channel 5 documentary titled Harry and Meghan: Has America Had Enough?
Documentary examines Sussexes' shifting public sentiment
The programme, set to air this weekend, explores how public opinion towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has changed since they moved to the United States. It revisits the couple's explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, during which Meghan made several startling claims.
Meghan's revelations about pregnancy and racism
Among the most distressing revelations was Meghan's disclosure of her struggles during her pregnancy with Archie. She spoke about having a "very clear and real and frightening constant thought" of no longer wanting to be alive. She also told Oprah: "So we had in tandem the conversation of he won't be given security, he's not going to be given a title, and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he is born."
Reacting to these allegations, Ailsa Anderson told the documentary: "This was not the monarch I recognised. I worked for the late Queen for almost 13 years. I have never ever heard any utterings, in private or in public, of anything of a racial nature, ever. Absolutely ever. So I was dumbfounded... I really was."
Queen's response and Meghan's wardrobe claims
Following the Oprah interview, the late Queen issued a statement saying that "some recollections may vary" regarding the racism allegations. Meghan later claimed in the couple's Netflix documentary that she received "strict orders" about what she could wear publicly and was forbidden from wearing the same colour as the Queen.
Ailsa responded to this by saying: "When those queries and doubts start creeping in, the public start doubting everything else you are talking about. It's a gradual erosion of her credibility."
Anderson's view on Harry and Meghan's future
Despite her criticism, Ailsa believes Harry and Meghan can rebuild their standing in America. She commented: "I don't think it's too late for them. I mean, who would have thought President Trump was going to be president again? The world is a very forgiving place. They haven't murdered anyone. If they can't find a place in America, where can they find a place?"
Last year, Ailsa offered a glimpse into her positive experiences with Prince Harry, telling the Daily Mail: "My engagement and my experience with Prince Harry has only been positive. He is very warm and very engaging and kind, so only fond memories of him, truly." She also advised him to "stop being the victim" in a previous documentary, adding: "I think potentially it is almost a crossroads for him now, what does he do next?"
