Nearly two weeks after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wide-ranging interview with Oprah Winfrey, more stories continue to emerge about the realities of royal life. If you missed any of the major stories from this past week, including details on Harry's first conversation with his brother and father after the interview, here are the biggest headlines from this past week in one place. A quick scroll will have you all caught up on everything coming out of Buckingham Palace.
Meghan Markle is reportedly planning a presidential bid.
Meghan Markle is reportedly planning to run for President of the United States, according to a recent report from The Daily Mail. The outlet claims the Duchess of Sussex has been "openly networking among senior Democrats to help build fundraising teams and a campaign for the White House."
“The Blairite, internationalist and Democratic party networks are buzzing with talk about Meghan’s political ambitions and potential backers,” an anonymous source, who used to work for former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, told the Mail.
Prince Harry had "unproductive" conversations with Prince William and Prince Charles following his interview with Oprah Winfrey.
On Tuesday (March 16), Gayle King revealed Prince Harry has spoken to his Prince William and Prince Charles in the wake of his bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, which aired last week. The CBS host also divulged that no members of the Royal Family have personally reached out to Meghan Markle.
"Well, I'm not trying to break news, but I did actually call them to see how they were feeling, and it's true, Harry has talked to his brother and he has talked to his father too," King said on CBS This Morning. "The word I was given was that those conversations were not productive. But they are glad that they have at least started a conversation."
"I think what is still upsetting to them is the Palace keeps saying they want to work it out privately, but yet, they believe these false stories are coming out that are very disparaging against Meghan, still," King continued, adding that "no one in the royal family has talked to Meghan yet, at this particular time."
"I think it's frustrating for them to see that it's a racial conversation about the royal family when all they wanted all along was for the royals to intervene and tell the press to stop with the unfair, inaccurate, false stories that definitely have a racial slant," King said. "And until you can acknowledge that, I think it's going to be hard to move forward. But they both want to move forward with this and they both want healing in this family. At the end of the day, that is Harry's family."
Kate Middleton was reportedly 'mortified' when Meghan Markle publicly revealed she made her cry.
Meghan debunked a widespread rumor that she had made Kate cry days before her wedding. Kate and Meghan had a disagreement about Princess Charlotte's flower girl dress, which resulted in tears. It was initially reported that Meghan made Kate cry during the argument, however, Meghan shared with Oprah that "the reverse happened" and "it made me cry, and it really hurt my feelings."
“It was a really hard week of the wedding and [Middleton] was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologized, and she brought me flowers and a note,” Meghan added.
Following the interview, Kate was reportedly "mortified" to have the incident brought up publicly again. “Kate is so discreet and respects her personal life. You never hear about her falling out with anyone because she is very careful with how she treats others,” royal reporter Katie Nicholl told OK! Magazine. “So for this story to be circulating is very hard."
While Meghan brought up the incident with Kate to demonstrate the difference in the way the two Duchesses were treated in the Palace, Kate reportedly felt the situation "was all sorted" between them. "To have it brought up again was mortifying," Nicholl said.
Overall, Kate feels "saddened, disappointed and hurt” by the Oprah interview. “Kate and William feel they were hugely welcoming to Meghan and Harry. Any accusations against the monarchy are accusations against their family. It’s hurtful and they feel let down,” the royal reporter continued. “Obviously, they still love Harry and Meghan, but this interview has ruffled feathers."
A private investigator revealed he illegally obtained Meghan's private information, including her social security number, on behalf of a British tabloid.
A bombshell report from Byline Investigates revealed British tabloid The Sun used illegal measures to obtain the Duchess of Sussex's private information. According to the report, the tabloid hired Los Angeles-based private investigator Dan Hanks to obtain sensitive information about the Duchess, including her social security number and her family members' addresses.
Hanks spoke with Byline Investigates about his business dealings with The Sun, sharing that he produced a 90-page report on Meghan when she first started dating Harry back in October 2016. In addition to her social security number, the 90-page report also included Meghan's cell phone number, the numbers of many of her relatives, and background information on her ex-husband.
The way Hanks obtained the information was illegal, as well. He admitted to retrieving the information from a database intended for use by licensed private investigators only. Selling information obtained from that database to news organizations is legal. Hanks also alleges that The Sun made him sign a letter stating he would not use illegal practices but then "the reporters came back to me and said, 'but if you want to get work, keep doing what you’ve been doing,' with a nod and a wink.'"
Prince Philip was released from the hospital after a nearly month-long stay.
Prince Philip was released from King Edward VII hospital in London on Tuesday (March 16). The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted for a lengthy stay of 28 days.
"The Duke of Edinburgh has today been discharged from King Edward VII's Hospital and has returned to Windsor Castle, following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition," a statement from the Palace confirmed after Prince Philip was photographed leaving the hospital.
"His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII's Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes," the statement concluded.
Photo: Getty