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Why progressives must not ignore Harry and Meghan’s interview

The treatment alleged by the Sussexes risks turning ambivalence towards the monarchy into outright opposition.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey has dominated the new cycle around the world – and even the New Statesman podcast has been unable to ignore it. Neither should we.

The interview contained explosive accusations of racism at the heart of the British Royal Family, as well as details of Meghan and Harry’s own mental health struggles. It also revealed once again the essential oddness of an instution which is so important to UK politics.

On this episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss what impact the interview might have on public perception of the monarchy, and why this matters – even for the most ambivalent observer.

Then, in You Ask Us, they answer your question on why the government keeps setting themselves up for U-turns.

Further reading

Louise Perry argues that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle show the triumph of bohemian values over bourgeois ones.

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In other news, Stephen explores how the row between the UK and the EU over the Irish border might be resolved.

Anoosh discusses the “great irony” of Nightingale Britain, arguing that the pandemic has exposed our weakened State.

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The New Statesman podcast is available on all major podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, Google Podcasts, and more. Search ‘New Statesman podcast’ in your favourite podcast app, and subscribe or follow to make sure you receive episodes as soon as they publish. While you’re there, please leave a review for the podcast – it helps others find the show, which in turn makes it possible for us to keep making it.

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If you have an Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple HomePod smart speaker, ask it to “play the latest episode of the New Statesman podcast”. The same command also works with virtual assistants on mobile devices.

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