Queen Elizabeth II has finally responded to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” reads the statement, which was released by the Buckingham Palace on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.
“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,” the statement continued.
“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.”
A Palace source revealed to PEOPLE how at the “heart of this is a family, and they should be given the opportunity to discuss the issues raised privately, as a family.”
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The family and along with aides have been in crisis mode after viewing the interview — which was watched by more than 17 million viewers in the U.S. last Sunday and 11 million viewers in the U.K. last Monday.
“It has been important for us to carefully consider any response before issuing,” the source reveals. “And of course releasing something today meant viewers in the U.K. had the opportunity to watch the interview, if they wished to, first.”
Meghan revealed in the interview how she was “silenced” by the institution and was denied help when she was suffering a mental health crisis.
In addition, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark [Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born” voiced by a member of the royal family. And while they did not want to name the family member, Oprah said the following Monday morning on CBS This Morning that it was not either of Harry’s grandparents, Queen Elizabeth or Prince Philip.
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The source went on to say: “Diversity, equality, inclusion and mental health are important issues, and highlighting them has formed part of the work of members of the Royal Family for many years.”
Harry also spoke to Oprah regarding his relationships with his family members following their royal exit, admitting that there are still conversations to be had with Prince Charles and brother Prince William.
When on the subject of leaving his family and financial independence, Harry revealed how his father had stopped “taking his calls” for a while, but now are allegedly working on their relationship again.
“I feel really let down because he’s been through something similar. He knows what pain is like,” Harry said. “And Archie’s his grandson.” He continued, “Of course, I will always love him, but there’s a lot of hurt that’s happened. And I will continue to make it one of my priorities to try and heal that relationship.”
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