Buckingham Palace has broken its silence on explosive claims by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

A palace statement released on behalf of the Queen said: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”

In their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan claimed an unnamed member of the royal family had questioned, before his birth, what skin color their baby Archie might have. Meghan also claimed that she had felt suicidal, but her pleas for help with her mental health were ignored.