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Home / Lifestyle

Meghan and Harry interview: Royal insiders claim prince's nickname was 'the Hostage'

NZ Herald
6 Mar, 2021 11:14 PM3 mins to read

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Ex-staff at centre of Meghan and Harry's 'bullying' storm. Video / News.com.au

Royal insiders have revealed the nickname that palace staff gave Prince Harry before his wedding to Meghan Markle.

The UK Daily Telegraph today reported staff had dubbed Prince Harry "the Hostage".

This is one of many damning claims to have emerged this week as the palace prepares itself for Harry and Meghan's tell-all interview with Oprah.

Recent reports also quote palace insiders as claiming Meghan was "constantly looking" for drama, despite saying they did everything in their power to accommodate her wishes.

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The reports said Harry was furious when Meghan's tiara she had chosen to wear for the wedding could not be available for an unscheduled hair appointment.

He and the Queen's closest aide Angela Kelly argued over the tiara.

"Angela told Harry it was priceless and couldn't suddenly be handed over at short notice," a source told The Telegraph.

"He was furious and shouted: 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets.' Suffice to say it didn't go down too well."

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their interview with Oprah Winfrey. Photo / CBS
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their interview with Oprah Winfrey. Photo / CBS

It was also claimed Meghan was given first choice from the Crown Jewels, but was still unhappy.

"They insisted that they had the same inflation-adjusted budget for the wedding as William and Kate – she got the choir she wanted, the dress, the carriage procession, the tiara – she got everything she wanted but it still wasn't enough" a royal insider claimed.

"She was constantly looking for reasons to say she had been deprived. Also, she wanted drama from the very beginning."

The Queen will make her own TV appearance on Monday. Photo / Getty Images
The Queen will make her own TV appearance on Monday. Photo / Getty Images

The 2018 wedding was said to be "hugely stressful" for everyone involved.

Discover more

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Meghan 'called all the PR shots' - royal source

06 Mar 09:28 PM
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UK monarchy and television have complex ties

06 Mar 08:00 PM
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Why Harry and Meghan are winning the PR war in America

06 Mar 07:01 PM
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05 Mar 09:17 PM

The Queen has not been given a preview of the Oprah interview.

Senior royals have reportedly urged for "calm amid the storm" before the bombshell interview which will be aired this weekend.

Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle for her wedding to Prince Harry watched by (middle row from left) Queen Elizabeth II. Photo / Getty Images
Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle for her wedding to Prince Harry watched by (middle row from left) Queen Elizabeth II. Photo / Getty Images

The Queen is set to make her own move hours earlier with her own television broadcast.

It is understood American broadcast television and radio network CBS paid more than NZ$9 million for the rights to air the interview. The Wall Street Journal has reported CBS paid between US$7 million and US$9 million for the two-hour interview.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex share a kiss after their wedding at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2018. Photo / Getty Images
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex share a kiss after their wedding at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2018. Photo / Getty Images

A spokesperson confirmed to the Wall Street Journal the Sussexes were not paid for the interview.

It is also understood the American network is charging US$325,000 for every 30 seconds of commercial time.

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• CBS presents Oprah with Meghan and Harry will broadcast in New Zealand on Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30pm on Three.

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