Once seen as a close confidant of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, especially after hosting their bombshell 2021 interview, Oprah Winfrey has now stirred the pot with a subtle but pointed remark on the couple. The media mogul, who played a key role in reshaping the duo's public image post-royal exit, surprised many with what seemed like an unmistakable jab. In a twist no one saw coming, Oprah Winfrey casts shade where it hits hardest.

From trusted confidant to unexpected critic! Oprah Winfrey’s pointed remark leaves the Sussex surname scorched.

Oprah Winfrey appeared on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast on July 17, where she slyly took a dig at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s famous last name, Sussex. The move turned heads and made global headlines, as the billionaire TV personality is not only considered a close ally to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but is also seen as one of their closest friends. When Ripa asked Winfrey what she thinks of receiving chicks as a gift, the latter joked she would run them “straight over to the Sussexes," adding extra "xes" at the end.

Oprah Winfrey went on to divulge why she would send her chicks to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Kelly Ripa’s podcast, and the reason she presented was as heartwarming as it was hilarious. According to Winfrey, a duck once laid eggs in the couple’s pond, prompting the Spare author to seek her help. “Sorry to bother you, O, but we have a duck problem,” Prince Harry apparently told Winfrey, asking if she could provide shelter for the mama duck and her soon-to-arrive offspring, because the water reservoir at his place is more of a stream than a still pond. Winfrey, being a good neighbor, took care of the situation then. However, her latest comments on the Sussexes are reported to have now caused a bit of friction between her and the pair.

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Oprah Winfrey’s words hit a nerve? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may not be amused by her play on their name.

According to prominent British journalist and columnist Rob Shuter, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "stung" by the joke Oprah Winfrey made at their expense, not once but multiple times, on Kelly Ripa’s podcast. Shuter, who divulged the information as a #ShuterScoop citing a source, shared that while Winfrey did not mean “harm” to the couple, they are “sensitive” about statements that make them “sound like a meme.” The situation was more dire this time for them, as it was one of their friends contributing to the trend.

While Oprah Winfrey’s relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are reportedly planning a royal reconciliation, has long appeared supportive, her latest remarks hint at a shift in tone. Whether it was a playful jab or a subtle critique, it is clear that even longtime allies are not immune to feather-ruffling. Only time will tell where the Sussexes stand with Winfrey in the future.

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What are your thoughts on Oprah Winfrey taking a jibe at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s last name? Let us know in the comments.