The Prince and Princess of Wales are believed to have pushed for a “tougher statement” as they clapped back at Meghan Markle’s racism claims after her explosive interview, a royal expert claims

Prince William and Princess Kate were insistent on releasing a tougher statement in order to “slap down” Meghan Markle’s racism claims, a royal expert has said.

Three years on from Meghan and Prince Harry’s jaw-dropping interview with Oprah Winfrey, it has been claimed the Prince and Princess of Wales insisted of releasing a harsher statement in response to the racism allegations made by the couple. The interview divided opinion on Meghan and Prince Harry, with some celebrating that they had lifted the lid on the inner workings of the Royal Family, while others said it was tantamount to treason for being so honest.

In the weeks that followed the explosive interview, many labelled the British monarchy racist, with the Royal Family coming out swinging and defending itself. In an unprecedented statement released on behalf of the late Queen, the Royal Family said: “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.”

Royal commentator Robert Jobson has now claimed in his new biography of Kate Middleton that it was Kate’s decision to go harder on Meghan. Writing for the Daily Mail, he said: “The original draft of the statement had been much milder, but both William and Catherine had been keen to toughen it up.

“It was the then Duchess of Cambridge herself who came up with the powerful phrase ‘recollections may vary’. Her husband also challenged the allegations, telling reporters: ‘We are very much not a racist family’. As far as William was concerned, Harry and Meghan’s behaviour was unforgivable, and they could no longer be trusted.”

After the couple resigned from their royal duties, they are yet to visit the UK with their son Archie. Following their move across the pond, they have since had their second child, Lilibet, who is also yet to meet King Charles.

Harry told the High Court earlier this year that he believed there was “no possibility” of keeping his children safe if they were to visit the UK after his security was downgraded. This came after his round-the-clock security was stripped when he informed his family he would no longer be fulfilling royal duties in 2020.