Oprah Winfrey has faced criticism after expressing hope that the death of Queen Elizabeth II might lead to a reconciliation between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the rest of the Royal Family. The talk show host, 68, made the comments during an interview with Extra on Sunday, referencing the funeral of her own father as an example of how family ceremonies can bring people together.
Winfrey said: 'I think in all families... 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.' Her remarks come just over a year after she conducted a bombshell interview with Harry and Meghan, in which they made allegations including that an unnamed royal had raised concerns about the colour of their son Archie's skin.
Many social media users accused Winfrey of hypocrisy, given her role in the couple's decision to step back from royal duties and move to the US in early 2020. One user wrote: 'Oprah talks about ''burying the dead'' and says she hopes it will help Prince Harry and Meghan ''make peace'' with the royals. She's priceless isn't she.' Another commented: 'Oprah forgets she started this. Maybe an apology would help with the peacemaking.'
Critics also pointed out that Winfrey had not challenged the couple's claims during the interview. One user said: 'Oprah, you had plenty of opportunities to ask real questions and dispute some of the things said. But, you didn't.' Another added: 'Hey @Oprah if you cared for that family you wouldn't have given them a platform to badmouth the RF family.'
Harry and Meghan were seen alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton on Saturday, in a show of unity following the Queen's death on 8 September. However, commentators have questioned whether Winfrey's intervention is helpful, given the perceived damage caused by the earlier interview.
