Prince William says royals 'not a racist family' on first engagement since Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview

Prince William said the royals are "very much not a racist family" as he and his wife the Duchess of Cambridge made their first public appearance since Harry and Meghan's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

The Duke of Cambridge said he had not yet spoken to his brother, but promised he would, adding they are "not a racist family" when asked by a reporter.

Prince William and Kate visited a school in East London on Thursday morning, in a rare face to face engagement after moving back down to the capital from their country home of Anmer Hall.

Kate was directly brought into the line of fire when Meghan gave her account of reports of an argument between the two women before the May 2018 wedding, though she did tell people they did not have to pick a side.

Meghan said it was Kate who made her cry, not the other way around as had been reported, but said that Kate "owned it" and sent her flowers adding "she's a good person".

There has been no response from Kate's side to that claim.

Prince Charles was the first royal to break cover with an engagement on Tuesday, as he headed out to a vaccine centre in London to meet those waiting to get their first coronavirus jab.

He chuckled when he was asked what he thought of the interview, but moved on without making any comment.

Later that day, the palace finally responded to the shocking claims made by Harry and Meghan in the two hour Winfrey special.

The palace statement, 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."