Lorraine Kelly pleaded with King Charles not to weigh in on his son Prince Harry ’s bombshell memoir amid reports he could be set to break his silence in a landmark BBC interview.
Palace aides are reportedly in discussions on a possible interview with the monarch to give his side of events following a string of claims in his son’s memoir Spare and the Netflix documentary with his wife Meghan Markle.
The King as well as Prince William and wife Kate have so far maintained a unanimous silence on a string of sensational claims.
BBC bosses reportedly want the King to do a piece to camera about his life and his plans as monarch, which would feature in their coverage celebrating his coronation on May 6.
The broadcaster could also be set to use veteran broadcaster and long-time friend Jonathan Dimbleby, 78, to conduct the interview.
However, as Lorraine discussed the reports on her programme on Monday with Daily Mirror journalist Russell Myers, she begged: “Please don’t. No. Take the high ground.”
Russell replied: “Of course we all would want to hear from him. He gave an eloquent speech just when he was taking over the top job, talking about unity, togetherness.
“I’m sure he would want to convey those sorts of messages. However, it’s all getting a bit soap opera-y.”
Lorraine agreed it was, adding: “You know full well he could go and do that interview with Jonathan Dimbleby and it could be 99 percent all about his good works and what he’s planning and all the rest of it.
“Then there would be one question about Prince Harry and that would dominate the whole thing so, no. Do not do it. Step away from the situation, Your Majesty.”
Russell then joked: “Unless we get him on the sofa ourselves,” and Lorraine replied: “He’s got an open invite.”
Palace aides are concerned about the line of questioning, it is claimed, but sources have claimed the monarch is mulling over the interview offer.
Regardless of what decision is made, it has been reported that the BBC is planning a profile of the King.
ITV has also asked for an interview but insiders say their chances are slim after Harry’s chat with the channel’s Tom Bradby, 56, earlier this month.
King Charles has the option of dodging a pre-coronation interview altogether and instead releasing his own footage for use by the media, which would follow a similar path to his Christmas Day message.
Lorra ine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV
