When Harry grilled Obama...
PRINCE Harry has interviewed former US President Barack Obama for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
The interview is part of Harry’s guest editorship of the programme and features the predecessor to Donald Trump sharing his memories of the day he left office and his hopes for his post-presidential life.
Kensington Palace said the interview was recorded in Toronto in September during the Invictus Games and will be broadcast on December 27.
Radio 4 yesterday tweeted a video clip showing Harry and Mr Obama warming up ahead of the chat, with the former president joking: “Do I need a British accent?”
Harry told his interviewee that if he used long pauses between answers he would probably get “the face”.
When Harry showed him what he meant, Mr Obama said: “I don’t want to see that face.”
Twiddling a pen, Harry tells Mr Obama: “You’re excited about this, I’m nervous about this, that’s what’s quite funny.”
Mr Obama replies: “I’ll interview you if you want.”
But Harry was not keen and said: “No, no, let’s keep it this way.”
A spokesman for the Prince said the conversation features Mr Obama talking about his plans to focus on cultivating the next generation of leaders through the Obama Foundation. Harry, who was recently at the inaugural summit of the Obama Foundation in Chicago, has forged a strong bond with the Obamas, through his work with servicemen and his trips to America.
At this year’s Invictus Games, Mr Obama reportedly quizzed Harry on his romance with Meghan Markle as they watched the wheelchair basketball.
Mr Obama was among those to congratulate Harry and Meghan on their engagement, writing on Twitter: “Michelle and I are delighted to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement.
“We wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together.”
The couple will be married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on May 19 next year. Mr Obama and his wife Michelle are expected to be on the guest list for the wedding.
The palace said the full interview will be made available as a podcast.