On Sunday (March 7), Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a candid sit-down interview about their decision to step back from their royal duties. During the wide-ranging conversation, Meghan spoke about the reasons that drove her away from being a working member of the Royal Family, including not being supported by the institution and racist discussions about Archie's skin color.

In the months leading up to Archie's birth in May 2019, Meghan revealed there was "concern" among certain members of the Royal Family about "how dark [Archie's] skin might be" when he was born. "In those months when I was pregnant all around this same time—so we have in tandem the conversation of he won't be given security, he's not gonna be given a title, and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he's born," Meghan shared, explaining the discussions revolved around "what that would mean and look like" to have the first royal descendant of color in the Royal Family.

Oprah then asked Meghan if she'd reveal who brought up these "concerns" about Archie, however, Meghan declined to comment. "I think that would be very damaging to them," she said. "That was relayed to me from Harry. Those were conversations that the family had with him," Meghan added.

Following those discussions about her son, Archie, and his future role within the institution, including whether or not he would receive an official title and security on behalf of the Crown, Meghan fell into a deep depression. As things began to worsen between the Sussexes and The Firm, Meghan's depression also worsened. She told Oprah it got so bad she lost her will to live. "I was ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry," Meghan said through tears. "But I knew that if I didn’t say it – then I would do it. I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. That was clear and real and frightening and constant thought."

Meghan, who was pregnant with Archie at the time, said she thought her death "would solve everything for everyone." Once she shared what she was feeling with Harry, she went to the Human Resources department of The Firm for help, however, help never came. Meghan said she was told that "there is nothing" the palace could do to help because you are not a paid member of the institution." Meghan says: "Nothing was ever done."

"I went to one of the most senior people to get help," Meghan added. "I was told I couldn't because it wouldn't be good for the institution." Meghan and Harry said they ultimately left their "senior" roles within the family when they didn't receive help from the establishment.

Photo: Getty

Theresa Lucas

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