Meghan Markle supposedly agreed for one of her longest and closest friends to participate in an interview on This Morning this week, despite The Queen issuing a rare, personal statement.
The Duchess of Sussex recently told American television icon, Oprah Winfrey, that she doesn’t read the media and that her closest confidantes and relatives had been ordered to say “no comment” when approached by the media.
However, Meghan, 39, has now appeared to break that rule with American actress Janina Gavankar speaking to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on Wednesday’s episode of This Morning.
The actress who described Meghan as “low maintenance” told the presenters that Meghan had given her, her blessing before appearing on the show via video link.
When asked by Phillip if Meghan knew of Janina’s intentions to appear on the show, she replied: “Oh yes, absolutely – I talk to them all the time.”
Phillip responded: “So she is happy you’re talking to us today?”
“We’re all happy that we are in a new era, we get to tell the truth. Things are different now. But, I will say that I don’t speak for them, I speak for myself.”
Janina, 40, speaking from her home in Los Angeles told Holly and Phil that she sat down with Meghan and Prince Harry, 36, to watch the interview which aired in the States on Sunday, before being broadcast by ITV in the UK on Monday.
Her appearance on This Morning came just 24 hours after Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, who said that she was “saddened” by the claims Meghan and Harry made in their tell-all interview.
Former Suits actress Meghan claimed that while she was dating Prince Harry, unidentified members of The Royal Family had made racist comments surrounding the colour of their then-unborn child, who turned out to be Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
She also alleged that while contemplating taking her own life, she was denied any access to mental health support, despite pleading with palace officials to allow her to “check-in somewhere for help”.
Ms Gavankar says that The Royal Family and members of The Royal Household staff “were well aware of the extent” of Meghan’s troubles.
Janina added that during Meghan’s lowest points, she turned to Prince Harry and disputes claims that Buckingham Palace’s “recollections may vary” as Meghan’s friends had experienced her troubles with her.
“I don’t know who knew, but I know members of the family and staff new,” said Janina.
Following the claims made by Meghan and Harry, Buckingham Palace said: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.
“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”