‘Do I need a British accent?’ When Harry interviewed Barry
LONDON :If you’re set to guest edit a nation’s flagship morning radio show, it probably helps to have the rolodex of a royal.
Kensington Palace has revealed that Prince Harry had called on the former US president Barack Obama to star in his guest editing slot on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on December 27.
The newly engaged prince has questioned Obama about his memories of the day he left office, his post-presidential work with the Obama Foundation and his hopes for the future. The interview was recorded in Toronto in September during the Invictus Games, a sports event for injured military personnel championed by Harry, Kensington Palace said on Sunday.
In a teaser released by the palace, Harry outlines how the interview will proceed. A relaxed Obama asks if he will have to speak more quickly, as he has a slow voice – then jokingly inquires if he’ll have to speak with a British accent.
Harry responds “not at all” but warns the former commander-in-chief that he can expect “the face” if there are any long pauses between answers. Displaying an exaggerated stern face, Obama responds: “I don’t want to see that face.”
Prince Harry and Obama have enjoyed a relaxed public friendship for several years, having become acquainted during the Invictus Games.
Last year the former president and former first lady posted a mock challenge to Harry on Twitter before the Invictus Games, telling him to “bring it”. The prince replied with a video of himself watching the challenge with his grandmother, the Queen. Having watched the video, the Queen simply says: “Oh really? Please.”