According to a palace source, Meghan’s and Harry’s attempt to “manage their own public image away from select UK media” was an early source of the tension between them and the royal PR machine and is ultimately one of the things which led to their decision to step away.
The insider said: “It was seen as a huge stride away from the usual methodology of Royal PR. It caused friction with the Sussexes, and a feeling that this was forbidden.
“They were emphatically told she could not conduct her own lengthy interviews with US media friends after Archie’s birth.
“That led to tension with courtiers as the pair wanted to tell their stories about philanthropic and personal matters.
“Certainly from their side there was an element of feeling handcuffed and not having full ownership of their image.
“The couple wanted to usher in a new era and mindset about having control, not just in their messaging but also about who they chose to speak with.
“Oprah and Gayle have been supportive publicly of Meghan and Harry, since they dated. So for the Sussexes their friends felt like a safe place.”
