BBC star hits out at Meghan Markle’s ‘orchestrated reality’ interview swipe

BBC broadcaster Mishal Husain has said she ‘didn’t know what to make’ of Meghan Markle’s criticism of her interview.

The 51-year-old was granted an in-depth television interview with Meghan, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, in May 2018 several months after their engagement was announced.

But the Duchess of Sussex later took aim at the sit-down chat and branded it an ‘orchestrated reality’ and said it was ‘rehearsed’ during Netflix documentary Harry and Meghan.

Now, Mishal has addressed Meghan’s claim and wrote in Saga Magazine: ‘What I remember about that day was two people who were excited about their engagement and in love.

‘They seemed to have thought through what their new lives would be like and what marriage would mean for her life in particular. There was nothing that pointed to what would happen.

‘It was two people who were full of joy in each other and life.’

Meghan blasted Mishail’s interview as ‘orchestrated reality’ (Picture: BBC)

Meghan claimed in her Netflix documentary the interview was ‘rehearsed’ (Picture: BBC NEWS)

The interview took place following the pair’s engagement photoshoot with the press in Kensington Palace’s sunken gardens, with Meghan saying in her Netflix documentary: ‘We went right inside. Took the coat off. Sat down and did the interview. It was all in that same moment.’

It was organised by the Kensington Palace press office as part of the handling of the announcement of Harry and Meghan’s engagement.

In the documentary, the couple were asked whether they were prepped with questions they might be asked, with the duchess saying: ‘Yeah. But then also like “and then there’ll be a moment when they’ll ask to see the ring”.’

She added: ‘My point is we weren’t allowed to tell our story because they didn’t want…’ with Harry interjecting ‘We’ve never been allowed to tell our story…that’s the consistency.’

Meghan and Harry announced their engagement in 2017

Meghan agreed, laughing: ‘That’s true…that is consistent…until now.’

While the Duchess of Sussex might have not rated Mishal’s interview, viewers branded the broadcaster ‘brilliant’ for her handling of an ITV General Election debate before Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

She oversaw a seven-way debate with Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt and deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner taking the place of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir respectively.

On X, @madonadventure wrote on X: ‘#BBCDebate at this point the only one showing control, understanding and leadership is @MishalHusain Brilliant as ever. Vote Mishal.’

‘Mishal bossing this,’ @connjam said, while @curu wrote: ‘Mishal Husain is good at this, isn’t she?’

@Lambo88 added: ‘#BBCdebate > #ITVdebate Mishal Husain is a far superior moderator giving everyone a fair say.’

Meghan, meanwhile, has recently unveiled her new home, garden, food and general lifestyle wares brand American Riviera Orchard.

Its launch is expected to coincide with the premiere of her latest venture for Netflix, a cookery programme. It has not yet been given a release date or name.