Mishal Husain astonished at Meghan’s criticism of ‘rehearsed’ engagement interview
Mishal Husain, the BBC Radio 4 presenter, has admitted she was taken aback by the Duchess of Sussex’s claim that their engagement interview was an “orchestrated reality show”.
Meghan used the Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, to criticise the way in which the interview in November 2017 was conducted, claiming it was “rehearsed” and that they were not allowed to tell their story.
But Husain expressed astonishment at the backlash.
She told Saga Magazine: “When the Duchess of Sussex said that my engagement interview with her and Harry was an ‘orchestrated reality show’ I didn’t know what to make of it.
“They seemed to have thought through what their new lives would be like and what marriage would mean for her life in particular.”
She added that there was no hint of the trouble to come.
“There was nothing that pointed to what would happen,” Husain added. “It was two people who were full of joy in each other and life.”
The Sussexes gave the interview shortly after their engagement was announced, following in the footsteps of the now Prince and Princess of Wales, who were interviewed on their engagement by ITV’s Tom Bradby in November 2010.
It was organised by the Kensington Palace press office.
The couple appeared happy and relaxed as they sat together on a sofa and spoke about how the “stars were aligned” when they met, and how Harry proposed during a cosy night in as he cooked a roast chicken dinner.
They also spoke of how the now Prince and Princess of Wales had been “amazing” and “wonderful”.
However, in the third episode of the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary, streamed in December 2022, the Duchess branded it an “orchestrated reality show” and said the interview was “you know, rehearsed”.
‘Not allowed to tell our story’
The interview took place after their engagement photoshoot in Kensington Palace’s sunken gardens.
Meghan said: “We went right inside. Took the coat off. Sat down and did the interview. It was all in that same moment.”
The couple were asked by the documentary’s makers whether they were prepped with questions they might be asked.
The Duchess replied: “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…”
Harry interjected: “We’ve never been allowed to tell our story … that’s the consistency.”
Meghan agreed, laughing: “That’s true … that is consistent … until now.”
The Netflix interviewer replied: “I guess that’s why we’re here”, prompting Meghan to agree.
The episode included archived footage of the engagement interview, with Meghan showing off her ring as Harry described it, before they spoke about the support the Royal family had given them
Harry said of his sister-in-law: “Catherine has been absolutely amazing.”
Meghan agreed: “She’s been wonderful,” before Harry added: “As has William as well”.