Queen speaks of ‘unity’ as Prince Harry and Meghan share astonishing revelations in Oprah Winfrey interview

The Queen spoke of “unity” and appreciating the importance of loved ones during “testing times” just hours before Prince Harry and Meghan’s shocking Oprah Winfrey interview aired.

• The Queen appeared in BBC’s A Celebration for Commonwealth Day yesterday, speaking of “friendship, spirit of unity and achievements”. 
• Her words came the same day her grandson Prince Harry and Meghan’s “tell-all” Oprah interview aired. 
• In other royal news, Meghan Markle’s heartbreaking ‘one regret’ after leaving the Royal Family revealed.

The Queen praised “unity” and “selfless dedication to duty” in her Commonwealth Day message ahead of her grandson Prince Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey airing yesterday. The couple’s “tell-all” interview has now been shown in the US, the same night as Her Majesty’s message was shown, but is set to air on ITV in the UK tonight. 

Speaking to Oprah, Meghan made some deeply personal revelations, opening up about her struggles with mental health in the first few years after marrying Prince Harry. The monarch has yet to respond to what Harry and Meghan said, though it’s been suggested that she will be taking things “carefully and constructively”. 

In advance of the couple’s interview airing, however, the Queen appeared in the BBC’s A Celebration for Commonwealth Day and spoke of the “friendship, spirit of unity and achievements of the Commonwealth”.

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What did the Queen say in her Commonwealth Day message?

“Whilst experiences of the last year have been different across the Commonwealth, stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory, notably by those working on the front line who have been delivering health care and other public services in their communities”, she declared.

The Queen went on to reflect on what these challenging times have taught so many about the importance of loved ones, stating: “The testing times experienced by so many have led to a deeper appreciation of the mutual support and spiritual sustenance we enjoy by being connected to others.”

The 94-year-old monarch also acknowledged the importance of communicating via “innovative technology” throughout the pandemic. She explained that: “Increasingly, we have found ourselves able to enjoy such communication as it offers an immediacy that transcends boundaries or division, helping any sense of distance to disappear.”

It has previously been claimed that the Queen thoroughly enjoys seeing her young great-grandson Archie over family Zoom calls, now that he, Harry, and Meghan have settled in California.

What was Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s last royal engagement?

While this year, the Commonwealth Day Service was sadly cancelled due to the pandemic, last year’s service was the last royal engagement carried out by the Sussexes before they stepped back as senior members of the Royal Family. 

The couple have recently confirmed they will not be returning as working royals, days after announcing that they are expecting baby number two.

The Queen was instead joined in this BBC special by other members of the Royal Family, including her son Prince Charles; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince William; Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge; and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.