The Queen And The Royal Family Just Beat Meghan And Harry To Tell Their Side Of The Story

It doesn't look like Queen Elizabeth will allow Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to have the first word following the news that they're officially leaving their roles as working members of the royal family behind, however, they might have the last. As the pair gears up for their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, which is set to air on March 7, 2021, the queen announced she will address the nation with Prince Charles and Prince William on BBC One mere hours before Meghan are Harry are set to speak their truth, per the Daily Mail.

While the timing might seem suspicious — especially after the queen announced the pair "will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family" — her broadcast comes after the annual Commonwealth Service on March 8, 2021, was canceled for first time in nearly 50 years amid the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the queen will give her annual speech one day prior for what is being called "A Celebration For Commonwealth Day," according to Westminster Abbey.

Although the special will take place hours before Meghan and Harry's interview with Winfrey airs on CBS, a spokesperson said (via the Daily Mail): "The decision was taken jointly by the Abbey, the BBC and the royal household about three weeks ago." The statement suggests the broadcast isn't a result of the queen's decision to strip the couple of their royal patronages as they part ways with their royal duties, however, some adjustments may need to be made to couple's already recorded interview. Keep scrolling for more details.

While it might not seem too harsh for Queen Elizabeth to speak hours before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, those few hours could make a very big difference overseas. While the queen will address the United Kingdom on March 7, 2021, before the couple speaks to Americans on CBS the same day, "It is not yet known how or when U.K. viewers will see the full Oprah interview, with TV companies already locked in an international bidding war for the rights" to the interview, per the Daily Mail. 

The outlet also reported that the pair's interview "may have to be re-edited or even partially re-shot due to the rift it has caused with the royal family" and the hospitalization of Harry's grandfather, Prince Philip. Although sources say the interview was already completed, it "could even be toned down" in light of the family drama.

The couple, who are expecting baby No. 2, are said to have "poured their hearts out" in their two-day long interview with Oprah Winfrey. Sources claim that "no topics [were] off-limits" and one suggested that the royals may want to "hide behind the sofa at the palace" when they do speak their truth. It's also rumored that Meghan touched on her estranged relationship with father Thomas Markle and half-sister Samantha Markle. Only time will tell if the queen will allow Meghan and Harry to have the last word.