THE JOURNALIST behind Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s controversial royal tour documentary has opened up about his relationship with the couple.
Tom Bradby, who presents ITV’s News At Ten, revealed how he tried to explain the British respect for the monarchy to the Duchess of Sussex the first time he met her.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 podcast ‘Fortunately…with Fi and Jane’, the documentary maker, 52, told hosts Fi Glover and Jane Garvey how he had tried to relay to Meghan, 38, the country’s continued close ties with the royal family.
“Sometimes you try and explain to people not from this country our relationship with the monarchy – I remember trying to explain it to Meghan a long time ago,” Tom recalled.
“It was one of the first times I met her. I remember thinking, ‘good luck with that one’.
“But you’re trying to explain the way, for so many people, our view of our country and who we are is to some extent tied up with the people on the balcony.
“Because every time there’s a big national occasion, whether it’s VE Day, they’re up on the balcony. Or the Golden Jubilee.”
The journalist also spoke about his experience being friends with the royals – who, as well as Meghan, include 35-year-old Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
“Sometimes it’s difficult navigating [being friends with the royals],” he said.
“It’s difficult because…on the one hand I guess there’s a positive in that you hope you’re encouraging people to speak in a way they wouldn’t otherwise.
“On the other hand, you’re aware you’re in a relationship and you’re aware that they’re in an unusual position and you don’t want to let them down.
“It is a little bit complicated, I won’t lie, and it definitely has its moments.”
Tom – who attended last year’s royal wedding with wife Susannah Warren – added that he wouldn’t make a programme like ‘Harry and Meghan: An African Journey’ too frequently.
“Funnily enough I wouldn’t want to do [the documentary] very often,” he admitted.
“I needed to go and have a long lie down after it because the psychological complexities are a bit trick.”
Tom was asked “specifically” to do the engagement interview with William, 37, and Kate, 37, in 2010 after building a close relationship with them during his time as ITV’s royal correspondent.
In October, his documentary with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex generated mixed reviews when they spoke about their “struggle” with royal life.
In other royal news, we told you how the Queen “drinks martinis at Christmas and Prince Philip decorates the tree”.
We also revealed that Meghan Markle received pearl earrings from the monarch as a “welcome to the family gift”.
And Princess Beatrice “to throw engagement party at Chiltern Firehouse this month”.
