Boris Johnson has finally watched the Harry and Meghan interview, Downing Street revealed today - but his spokesman refused to say what he thought of it.
No10 tried to dodge questions about the bombshell allegations from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex yesterday by saying the PM had not seen the programme.
At a press conference last night, Mr Johnson then flatly refused to take sides, merely stating his 'admiration' for the Queen.
More than a MILLION viewers turned OFF Harry and Meghan interview https://t.co/y2POqgvgQ2
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 9, 2021
The premier's spokesman disclosed this afternoon that Mr Johnson has now watched the Oprah Winfrey interview, which aired in full on ITV last night.
'He did but you have the PM's words from the press conference last night and I won't be adding any further to what he said,' he said.
The spokesman refused to be drawn whether Mr Johnson agreed with climate minister Lord Goldsmith's tweet that Harry was 'blowing up his family'.
Asked if the minister was speaking for the Government, the spokesman said: 'All I can do is echo what the Prime Minister said in the press conference last night.'
No10 also dodged questions on the White House's response to the interview, whether it may affect the UK's reputation around the world, and whether the nation has a duty of care to the monarchy.
Mr Johnson did his best to duck the row over the extraordinary Harry and Meghan interview last night, despite Labour demanding a Palace probe into claims of racism.
The PM batted away questions about his views on the dramatic intervention by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as he hosted a No10 press conference.
Mr Johnson said he had the 'highest admiration' for the Queen and the 'unifying role' she played for the UK and Commonwealth.
But he added: 'I've spent a long time not commenting on Royal Family matters and I don't intend to depart from that today.'
Pushed again for his opinion, Mr Johnson said: 'I really think that when it comes to matters to do with the royal family, the right thing for prime ministers to say is nothing and nothing is the thing that I propose to say today about that particular matter.'
However, climate minister Lord Goldsmith - a close ally of Carrie Symonds - did wade into the raging controversy, tweeting that 'Harry is blowing up his family'.
White House: Biden believes Harry and Meghan interview took "courage" https://t.co/9DqPgnXInG pic.twitter.com/smWbsMr9cN
— The Hill (@thehill) March 9, 2021
'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets,' the peer added in an apparent reference to a remark the Prince reputedly made about his wife.
In contrast to Mr Johnson, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the allegations made by the Duchess must be taken seriously.
This article has been adapted from its original source.