The executive producer of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah Winfrey interview has spoken out for the first time about the “judgement” received by the Duchess of Sussex, especially.
In March 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down for an explosive interview with the TV legend to speak about their experiences as working royals and the decision to “step back” from their senior positions.
Terry Wood, the former executive vice president at Harpo Productions, Ms Winfrey’s production company, said: “Meghan understands her voice better than you, better than any producer could put it out there.”
The 2021 interview caused huge shockwaves in the UK, leading to an unprecedented statement from Queen Elizabeth II.
The statement read: “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.
“While 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.”
During the interview, Meghan expressed that she had suicidal thoughts during her time as a working royal, and claimed an unnamed senior member of the Royal Family had “concerns” about Prince Archie’s skin colour, who at the time had not yet been born.
The Duchess also alleged that Princess Kate “made her cry” over an issue concerning bridesmaid dresses at her royal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.
Ms Wood, who additionally worked with Meghan on the production of her podcast Archetypes, continued to tell Harper’s Bazaar: “She knows how she comes across, and she knows how she wants to connect.
“She understands that so much has been written about her that when she does something, she wants to break through that noise so people see that she is authentically trying to be herself.”
LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS
Terry Wood (left) and Oprah Winfrey pictured in 2022
|
GETTY
The producer went on to talk about the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle business, As Ever, which was launched earlier this year.
Ms Wood said: “Not everyone who starts a business is under the microscope that she’s under.
“What she is learning to weather and ride out is the judgement that happens as a businesswoman when you are that famous.”
In February 2024, Meghan and Ms Wood dined at the Japanese Asanebo Restaurant in Studio City, Los Angeles, suggesting a close friendship has persisted between them.
The talented producer was hired by Harpo Productions in 2019 and became vice president of Ms Winfrey’s company.
Ms Wood was also behind Ms Winfrey’s Apple TV+ mental health series, “The Me You Can’t See”, on which she collaborated with Prince Harry.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.