Queen Elizabeth Focused on Prince Philip’s Health Over Sussex Drama During 2021 Crisis
During the 2021 public relations crisis following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Royal Family faced serious allegations, including racism, lack of support, and media leaks. However, royal author Robert Jobson reveals that Queen Elizabeth’s primary concern during this tumultuous period was the declining health of Prince Philip.
In his new book, Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography, Jobson claims that while the Sussexes aired their grievances to millions, the Queen was more focused on her husband’s deteriorating condition. He writes, “The Queen had more important concerns than her petulant grandson and his wife.”
Jobson details how, during the interview, Meghan “took no prisoners” in her criticisms of the Royal Family, but the Queen’s attention was firmly on Prince Philip, who had been admitted to King Edward VII Hospital as a precaution. After spending a month in the hospital due to an infection and heart issues, Philip was discharged in a frail state and passed away three days later, on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99.
In response to the Sussexes' claims, the Queen issued an unprecedented statement via Buckingham Palace, stating, “Recollections may vary.” Prince William also responded, asserting, “We are very much not a racist family.”
Royal expert Tom Quinn noted that King Charles had asked Harry not to make any further public statements that could exacerbate tensions within the family, emphasizing, “When a king asks you to do something, there are going to be consequences if you do not obey.”
