Prince Philip latest news – Harry and Meghan Oprah interview 'could burn final bridge' with stricken Duke and Queen

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell Oprah interview could burn the couple's final bridge with Prince Philip and the Queen, it has been claimed.

Royal expert Victoria Murphy said the Oprah interview put the popularity of the monarchy on the line.

But she said the row had gone beyond criticism of the institution — and could burn any personal bridges Harry and Meghan still have.

"There's only so much you can separate the individuals and the people from their roles and the positions that they have within "The Firm", and if you're attacking one, then you're also attacking the other," she added.

The news comes as the Duke of Edinburgh, who is just three months from his 100th birthday, underwent surgery for a pre-existing heart condition.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke of Edinburgh yesterday underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

"His Royal Highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days.

He is undergoing testing for his pre-existing heart problem at the hospital, which is one of the country’s leading specialist cardiac centres.

Follow our Prince Philip live blog below for the very latest on his condition…

  • Patrick Knox

    LONGEST HOSPITAL STAY

    The duke has now spent 16 nights in hospital his longest stay. 

    He was moved by ambulance to St Bartholomew's in the City of London on Monday for tests for a pre-existing heart condition and treatment for an infection.

    Barts is home to one of the world's largest specialist cardiac sites, with consultants that are expert in treating the elderly and severe cases.

    Infections can place considerable strain on a person's heart in old age, especially if they have pre-existing problems.

  • Patrick Knox

    OPRAH INTERVIEW TO GO AHEAD DESPITE PHILIP’S HEART OP

    Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive Oprah interview WILL still air despite Prince Philip’s heart operation.

    The bombshell tell-all interview will be shown by CBS in the US on Sunday night – as the broadcaster has “no intentions” of changing the date, a source said.

    A source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “There are a lot of people who are going to talk about this until the programme airs, but the programming and all the rest of it is ultimately up to CBS, we’re not involved in that side of things.

    “As it stands, I don’t think there is any intention from the programme maker to change its air date.”

  • Patrick Knox

    PHILIP’S FANS SEND GET WELL MESSAGES AND BALLOONS

    Kind-hearted Brits are sending ailing Prince Philip get well messages and balloons while he remains in a specialist cardiac unit.

    Pics taken at St Barts Hospital in London show cops bearing people’s gifts to the 99-year-old royal.

    One sweet message decorated with butterflies and flowers was from someone “sending a prayer” his way.

  • Patrick Knox

    BUSINESS AS USUAL

    The Queen has carried on with her royal duties after Prince Philip's heart operation while Harry and Meghan strike a global TV deal.

    Queen Elizabeth II held a telephone audience with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston, Buckingham Palace announced on Twitter.

    The monarch heard about the RAF's "commitment to supporting the nation's response to the pandemic", the post said.

  • Patrick Knox

    ‘REST AND RECUPERATION’

    Buckingham Palace said Philip, the nation's longest-serving consort, had the procedure for his pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London on Wednesday.

    The Palace said the 99-year-old duke will remain in hospital for "treatment, rest and recuperation" for a number of days.

    Concern will be heightened for the duke because of his advanced age, with the Duchess of Cornwall saying on Wednesday that Philip was "slightly improving" and adding: "We'll keep our fingers crossed."

  • Patrick Knox

    INTERVIEW COULD ‘BURN REMAINING BRIDGE WITH ROYAL FAMILY’

    Royal expert Victoria Murphy said the Oprah interview put the popularity of the monarchy on the line.

    But she said the row had gone beyond criticism of the institution — and could burn any personal bridges Harry and Meghan still have.

    "There's only so much you can separate the individuals and the people from their roles and the positions that they have within "The Firm", and if you're attacking one, then you're also attacking the other," she added.

  • Patrick Knox

    THE IRON DUKE IS STILL ACTIVE

    Despite retiring, the Duke has remained active – sending a message to frontline workers at the outbreak of Covid to thank them for their work.

    He also made a rare public appearance last year to pass on his role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to Camilla Parker Bowles.

    And Prince Harry very recently reportedly called the Queen about Prince Philip’s health from his home in the US.

  • Britta Zeltmann

    PRINCE PHILIP REMAINS IN HOSPITAL

    Prince Philip has spent another night in hospital after undergoing a "successful" heart operation.

    The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, was transferred to St Bartholomew's in London on Monday where he will stay until at least the end of the week.

    A statement from Buckingham Palace said yesterday: "The Duke of Edinburgh yesterday underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

    "His Royal Highness will remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days."

  • Britta Zeltmann

    OPRAH INTERVIEW 'TO GO AHEAD'

    Prince Philip yesterday underwent a "successful" heart operation as the Royal Family prepares for Harry and Meghan's bombshell interview with Oprah.

    There have been calls to delay the airing of Meghan and Harry's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey out of respect for Philip as he recovers in hospital.

    But a source close to the couple said US network CBS is not believed to have any intention of changing the date.

    The insider told PA: "There are a lot of people who are going to talk about this until the programme airs, but the programming and all the rest of it is ultimately up to CBS, we're not involved in that side of things.

    "As it stands, I don't think there is any intention from the programme maker to change its air date."

  • Hana Carter

    WHEN IS PRINCE PHILIP’S BIRTHDAY?

    Prince Philip, otherwise known as the Duke of Edinburgh, turned 99 in June, 2020.

    He will hit a significant milestone this year when he turns 100.

    He was born in 1921 in Greece, and has been married to the Queen for more than 70 years.

    His father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, while his mother was Princess Alice of Battenberg.

    Raised in the UK, he was also educated in France and Germany, later joining the Navy and serving in World War II.

  • Hana Carter

    'LOST CONTROL'

    Meghan and Harry have "lost control" and their rift with William is "the last thing" Princess Diana would have wanted, according to a top royal expert.

    Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond spoke out just days before Oprah Winfrey's much-heralded chat with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is due to air.

    She told Sky News: "It's a really unedifying spectacle and I feel sorry for the Queen that as the husband, Prince Philip, lies in hospital she has to watch her family disintegrate. 

    "The two brothers, a huge rift between them… all these accusations flying around… it must be really depressing for the Queen.

  • Hana Carter

    QUEEN'S NEW CORGIS

    The Queen is being helped through the royal crisis by some new additions to her household — two adorable corgi puppies.

    The dogs have cheered her up while Prince Philip, 99, is in hospital — and as Buckingham Palace braces itself for Prince Harry and Meghan’s bombshell Oprah interview.

    The 94-year-old monarch — who has had more than 30 dogs over the years — is said to be delighted with the extra company at Windsor Castle, having had only one since the end of last year.

    An insider said: “The Queen is delighted. It’s unthinkable that the Queen wouldn’t have any corgis.

    “It’s like the Tower of London not having any ravens. They have only been there a couple of weeks but are said to be adorable and made the castle their home.

  • Hana Carter

    KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

    The Queen kept calm and carried on with royal duties while Philip remains in hospital.

    Her Majesty continued her official duties by holding a call with the Chancellor.

    On Tuesday evening, the monarch carried out her traditional pre-Budget audience with Rishi Sunak, ahead of his statement today.

    The Royal Family tweeted: “Earlier this evening, The Queen held an Audience via telephone with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak MP.”

  • Hana Carter

    QUEEN PRESSES ON WITH DUTIES

    A video of the Queen pressing on with her royal duties was released tonight hours after Prince Philip was transferred to a specialist hospital as he battles a heart condition.

    The upbeat clip shows the hard-working Monarch in good spirits during a video chat with high-ranking officials in Australia – even cracking a few jokes.

    The call – made on February 24 – was with the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Hon. Hieu Van Le, and the Hon. Steven Marshall MP, Premier of South Australia.

    Looking relaxed the dedicated 94-year-old made three jokes as she was shown a new statue of herself which has been erected on the other side of the world.

  • Hana Carter

    MEGHAN ACCUSES ROYALS OF LYING

    Meghan Markle accused the Royal Family of lying in an astonishing escalation of her war of words — and no sign of backing down over her TV interview.

    The allegation emerged as another trailer for her bombshell Oprah Winfrey chat was released indicating it will still be shown this weekend.

    The US show, which has already sparked controversy, looms as Prince Philip, 99, recovers from critical heart surgery and Meghan is embroiled in a scandal over alleged bullying of her staff.

    In the latest trailer, the Duchess of Sussex accuses Buckingham ­Palace of “perpetuating falsehoods”.

  • Hana Carter

    QUEEN’S SPECIAL BROADCAST TO COMMONWEALTH

    The Queen will address the Commonwealth in a special TV broadcast on Sunday, March 7.

    It’s not known how long the Duke of Edinburgh will remain in hospital for, but the Monarch is still scheduled to share her annual message this weekend.

    She will make a rare televised address to mark Commonwealth Day, as the usual church service has been cancelled due to Covid.

    And her address is expected to air on BBC One just hours before Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s tell-all with Oprah Winfrey is aired in the US.

    The Queen’s message will be pre-recorded at Windsor Castle then broadcast as part of BBC programme A Celebration for Commonwealth Day.

  • Niamh Cavanagh

    KEEP MA'AM & CARRY ON

    The QUEEN has carried on with her royal duties after Prince Philip's heart operation while Harry and Meghan strike a global TV deal.

    Queen Elizabeth II held a telephone audience today with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston, Buckingham Palace announced on Twitter.

    The monarch heard about the RAF's "commitment to supporting the nation's response to the pandemic", the post said.

    It comes as Prince Philip underwent successful heart surgery just three months before his 100th birthday.

    Buckingham Palace said Philip, the nation's longest-serving consort, had the procedure for his pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London on Wednesday.

  • Hana Carter

    THE CAMBRIDGES TO JOIN TV SPECIAL WITH THE QUEEN

    Prince William and Kate Middleton will join a rare TV special with the Queen – before Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey airs.

    Buckingham Palace has this afternoon revealed some of the royals will unite for a celebration of the Commonwealth – and the show will screen hours before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's chat appears on US TV.

    The news was released amid the latest bombshell twists in the Megxit saga, and hours after the Queen last night launched an unprecedented probe into allegations Meghan and Harry bullied their staff.

  • Hana Carter

    "THE SUSSEX SURVIVORS CLUB"

    Melissa Toubati, Samantha Cohen, from Australia, Samantha Carruthers, Jason Knauf, Simon Case have all been described as the 'Sussex Survivor's Club' after a turbulent time working for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

    Amid claims of difficult demands, tears and upset they have, for one reason or another, dramatically parted ways with the Duke and Duchess.

    Harry and Meghan have denied all claims of impropriety, describing a "smear campaign" against them.

  • Hana Carter

    PRINCE EDWARD SAID PHILIP IS ‘LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING OUT’

    The visit is Philip’s longest stay in hospital since June 2013 when he had an exploratory operation on his abdomen. 

    Prince Edward said he had spoken to his father on the phone, who was “looking forward to getting out”.

    He told Sky: “As far as I’m aware, well I did speak to them the other day, so he’s a lot better thank you very much indeed, and he’s looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing.

    “So we keep our fingers crossed."

  • Hana Carter

    PRINCE PHILIP’S FANS SEND GET WELL MESSAGES AND BALLOONS

    Kind-hearted Brits are sending ailing Prince Philip get well messages and balloons while he remains in a specialist cardiac unit.

    Pics taken today at St Barts Hospital in London show cops bearing people’s gifts to the 99-year-old royal.

    One sweet message decorated with butterflies and flowers was from someone “sending a prayer” his way.

  • Hana Carter

    PHILIP HAS ‘SUCCESSFUL’ HOSPITAL PROCEDURE FOR PRE-EXISTING HEART CONDITION, PALACE SAYS

    The Duke of Edinburgh has undergone a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition, Buckingham Palace said.

    Philip was treated at St Bartholomew’s Hospital on Wednesday.

    The Palace said the duke, 99, would remain in hospital for treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days.

    Philip, the nation’s longest-serving consort, has spent 16 nights in hospital – his longest ever stay.

    He was moved by ambulance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London on Monday for testing for a pre-existing heart condition and treatment for an infection.

  • Hana Carter

    QUEEN IS ‘KEEPING CALM AND CARRYING ON’

    The Queen is “keeping calm and carrying on” while Prince Philip is in hospital.

    She has bravely put aside any worries about Prince Philip’s health to fulfil her “duties as head of state”, the Daily Express reports.

    Royal correspondent Richard Palmer said: “The Queen spoke by phone with the head of the Army, the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, earlier today.

    “Buckingham Palace is sending out the message that she is keeping calm and carrying on with her duties as head of state despite Philip’s illness.”

  • Hana Carter

    CAN PRINCE PHILIP HAVE VISITORS?

    Prince Philip was transferred on Monday from the private King Edward VII hospital to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, which is a centre of excellence for cardiac care, in London.

    On Tuesday he had tests for a pre-existing heart condition and treatment for an unspecified infection which is not Covid-related.

    Although Prince Charles visited Philip at King Edward, visitors are only allowed into clinical areas of St Bartholomew’s for very limited reasons, explains Reuters.

    Buckingham Palace has said he is comfortable and responding to treatment.

  • Joseph Gamp

    BUCKINGHAM PALACE DECLINES FURTHER DETAILS ON PRINCE PHILIP'S HEART SURGERY

    St Bartholomew's is home to Barts Heart Centre – Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular service.

    The Palace declined to give details of the exact surgery.

    Philip is patron of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) which sent its best wishes, saying the duke has been a "long-term advocate for heart research".

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