Oprah Winfrey made a surprise live TV apology to Catherine, Princess of Wales, during a special segment on her syndicated talk show. In what viewers have called “the most jaw-dropping 10 minutes in television this decade,” Oprah addressed what she now calls “a grave misjudgment” during her 2021 sit-down interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
“Looking back, I trusted what I was told without verifying key facts,” Oprah said to the camera, her tone serious and unflinching. “And I now realize that parts of that interview, particularly regarding Catherine, the Princess of Wales, were not the full truth.”
Winfrey then directly apologized to Catherine, calling her “graceful, dignified, and undeserving of the global backlash she endured.” The apology referred to Meghan’s claim that Kate had made her cry over a flower girl dress issue — a claim that Oprah now believes was “misleading at best, fabricated at worst.”
Social media erupted within minutes of the broadcast. Hashtags like #JusticeForKate and #OprahApologizes trended globally, while prominent royal commentators praised the talk show icon for “finally acknowledging the other side of the story.”
But the shock didn’t stop there.
Oprah went on to say that new information had come to light over the past year that contradicted several key claims made by Meghan during the now-infamous interview, including the widely reported accusation of racism within the royal family and the claim that Meghan had been “silenced.”
“I believed her when she said the institution ignored her pleas,” Oprah admitted. “But I’ve since seen documentation and spoken to insiders who tell a very different story — one where Meghan was, in fact, supported, even encouraged, by key royal aides.”
The implications of Oprah’s retraction are massive. Palace insiders say the Princess of Wales was “deeply moved” by the apology but is choosing not to comment publicly. A senior royal source added: “Catherine has always taken the high road. But it’s a relief that the truth is finally being recognized.”
Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry’s team issued a brief statement saying they were “disappointed” by Oprah’s comments and stood by “every word” of their interview.
Royal biographers believe this moment could mark a turning point in the fractured relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family. “If Meghan’s narrative begins to unravel in the public eye, there could be serious consequences for her brand and credibility,” said royal expert Helena Forsythe.
As for Oprah, she ended the segment with a message about truth and accountability: “When you hold the mic, you have a responsibility. And when you get it wrong — especially when reputations are at stake — you own it.”