How Buckingham Palace Should Respond to Oprah Interview to Restore Peaceful Relations

Carol Barkes, CPM, MBA, is a conflict resolution expert, mediator, national speaker, educator and bestselling author who uniquely applies neuroscience to the fields of conflict resolution and negotiations. Her expert perspective is always fresh and relevant.

What Carol Barkes could say in an interview
on the Meghan  Markle & Prince Harry Interview:

• •  When dealing with family matters that become public, emotions and stakes are especially high. This means responses must be both kind and politically corrected in order to preserve both fronts. Consequently, Buckingham Palace should release statements of solidarity and empathy.

• •  Harry and Meghan were very clear that they were hurt on several fronts and felt an inherent sense of unfairness with situations they had experienced. Buckingham Palace would benefit from speaking to their emotions and values with validation. Doing so can be a very effective way to diffuse the emotions and help Harry and Meghan feel heard and understood.
  •  Buckingham Palace should NOT be defensive in their responses. No doubt there were things in the interview that BP did not enjoy hearing. That said, their position will be diminished if they issue a defense-based response. Instead, their responses should be tailored to understand the situation more fully from Harry and Meghan’s perspective, repair and rebuild.
  •  Never underestimate the power of an apology. Whether BP feels all the information was accurately portrayed or not, a sincere apology focused on the hurt feelings and isolation felt by Harry and Meghan could do wonders for all involved, as well as for all observing. No matter who was at fault, the drive to feel the need to consider suicide is something that could benefit from a kind acknowledgment of the challenges which follow the obligations of members of the royal family. This could be a fantastic example for others who are struggling alongside those who have also considered suicide. In short, it could pave the way for others to do better and maybe even save a life.
  •  Own it. If there are some truths that were shared last night, even if they are highly embarrassing, it can be a great political move to claim them and say, “Yes, we blew it. We see now how we should have done better, and these are the steps we will take in the future to prevent these types of divides.” People respect vulnerability and truth even if it is messy.

 

Interview: Carol Barkes