Palace ends silence on ‘concerning’ remarks made by Harry, Meghan

Buckingham Palace issued a statement Tuesday, saying the family was “saddened” to learn of the struggles that Harry and Meghan revealed this week — and that they would be taken seriously. The statement is the first comment by the palace following Harry and Meghan’s TV interview with Oprah Winfrey in which they alleged Meghan experienced racism and callous treatment during her time in the royal family.

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,’’ the palace said in a statement issued on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. “While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.’’ The statement said “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

The interview, which aired Sunday in the U.S. and Monday in Britain, has rocked the royal family and divided people around the world. While many say the allegations demonstrate a need for change inside a palace that hasn’t kept pace with the #Metoo and Black Lives Matter movements, others have criticized Harry and Meghan for dropping their bombshell while Harry’s grandfather, Prince Philip, 99, is hospitalized in London after a heart procedure.

British TV host Piers Morgan, 55, on Tuesday abruptly quit “Good Morning Britain” after making contentious comments about Meghan. The U.K.’S media watchdog said it was launching an investigation into the show under its harm and offense rules after receiving more than 41,000 complaints over Morgan’s comments about the duchess.