On March 7, 2021, Oprah Winfrey made headlines when she aired her highly-anticipated interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The interview was a groundbreaking moment, as it was the first time the couple had spoken publicly about their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family and their struggles with the British tabloid media.
But while the world was captivated by the revelations made by Harry and Meghan, one journalist who had the privilege of conducting the first joint interview with the couple was left shocked by what transpired during the interview. Tom Bradby, a longtime friend of Harry and a journalist for ITV, was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events during the interview.
Bradby, who had previously interviewed the couple during their tour of Africa in 2019, was given exclusive access to the couple for their first joint interview since stepping down from their royal duties. The interview was supposed to be a chance for Harry and Meghan to tell their side of the story and set the record straight on the rumors and controversies surrounding their decision to leave the royal family.
However, as the interview progressed, Bradby found himself caught in the middle of a tense and emotional conversation between the couple and Oprah. It was evident that there were unresolved issues and deep-seated pain that Harry and Meghan had been holding onto for a long time. The couple spoke candidly about their struggles with the intense media scrutiny and the lack of support from the royal family, which ultimately led to their decision to step back.
But what shocked Bradby the most was when Meghan revealed that she had experienced thoughts of suicide during her time as a senior member of the royal family. This admission left Bradby visibly stunned, and he later revealed in an interview with The Times that he was not prepared for such a revelation.
“I had no idea what she was going to say. My job is to get the best out of people, and then sometimes you get more than you bargained for,” Bradby said.
The journalist also shared that he had a personal connection to the couple and had been aware of their struggles for some time. He had previously interviewed them during their tour of Africa, where Meghan had spoken about the difficulties of being a new mother in the public eye. But even then, Bradby never anticipated the depth of their struggles and the impact it had on their mental health.
The shocking revelations made by Harry and Meghan during the interview sparked a global conversation about mental health and the treatment of individuals in the public eye. It also shed light on the toxic and often racist treatment that Meghan faced from the British tabloid media.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Bradby’s professionalism and empathy were praised by viewers and media outlets alike. Many commended him for handling the sensitive topics with grace and allowing Harry and Meghan to tell their story without interruption.
In the days following the interview, Bradby also shared that he had been in contact with the couple and that they were doing better. He also expressed his hope that the interview would lead to positive changes within the royal family and the media.
As a journalist, it is not uncommon to be caught off guard by unexpected revelations during an interview. But it is a testament to Bradby’s professionalism and integrity that he handled the situation with sensitivity and empathy.
The interview may have shocked and surprised many, but it also served as a reminder of the power of honest and open conversations. It is a step towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and a call for society to treat individuals, especially those in the public eye, with compassion and understanding.
In conclusion, the interview between Oprah, Harry, and Meghan may have been a shock for many, but it also sparked important conversations and brought attention to crucial issues. And while it may have been a challenging experience for Bradby, it also showcased his skills as a journalist and his ability to handle difficult situations with grace.
