Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly not happy with a recent joke made by Oprah Winfrey about their royal title. During her appearance on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast, Oprah playfully added extra “xes” to the word “Sussexes” while talking about the couple. Though it seemed like a harmless joke to most, insiders say the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were “stung” by it.
According to Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop and other Hollywood sources, the couple is especially sensitive to anything that makes them seem like a meme or joke online. What makes this sting more is the fact that Oprah has been a close confidante and ally to Harry and Meghan for years.
One source pointed out that while Oprah likely didn’t mean any harm, her words carry weight, especially coming from someone the couple has trusted. Another added, “Let’s just say… the Sussexes probably aren’t clucking with joy.”
This reaction highlights how important their title is to them. Meghan had even gave importance the value of the “Sussex” name during a recent appearance on her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, correcting guest Mindy Kaling when she referred to her as “Meghan Markle.”
The couple’s history with Oprah goes back years. She attended their 2018 wedding and conducted their explosive tell-all interview in 2021, which was their first major media appearance after stepping away from royal duties. That long-standing connection may be part of why this lighthearted joke hit a little harder than expected.
