A former senior aide to Queen Elizabeth II has expressed shock at Meghan Markle's claims during the Sussexes' 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Ailsa Anderson, who served as the late Queen's press secretary for 13 years, said she was left 'dumbfounded' by the allegations of racism within the Royal Family.
Documentary Examines Shifting Sentiment
Anderson made the remarks in a Channel 5 documentary titled Harry and Meghan: Has America Had Enough?, which airs this weekend. The programme explores how public opinion towards the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has evolved since they relocated to the United States.
During the Oprah interview, Meghan disclosed that she had experienced suicidal thoughts while pregnant with her son Archie. She also claimed that there were 'concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he is born'.
Anderson's Response to Racism Allegations
Reacting to these allegations, 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.'
Following the interview, the late Queen issued a statement saying that 'some recollections may vary'. In their subsequent Netflix documentary, Meghan claimed she had been given 'strict orders' about her public wardrobe and was forbidden from wearing the same colour as the Queen.
Credibility Concerns
Anderson commented on the impact of such claims: '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.'
Despite this, Anderson believes Harry and Meghan can rebuild their public image in America. She said: '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, Anderson described Prince Harry as 'very warm and very engaging and kind' in an interview with the Daily Mail. She also urged him to 'stop being the victim' in a documentary titled Prince Harry: My Terrible Year.
Harry & Meghan: Has America Had Enough airs on Channel 5 on Saturday, June 13, at 8.35pm.
