Oprah Winfrey denies advising Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on royal exit

Oprah Winfrey has hit back after a report claimed she advised Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on their decision to step down as senior members of Britain's royal family.

The New York Post's gossip column Page Six claimed on Thursday that the media mogul, "was the first person to talk to Harry and Meghan about breaking free and doing their own thing, building on their own brand. She made them realise it was really possible."

However, Oprah denied the claims in a statement to the media on Thursday night, which read: "Meghan and Harry do not need my help in figuring out what's best for them. I care about them both and support whatever decisions they make for their family."

Oprah is close friends with both Harry and Meghan, and attended their wedding in May 2018.

Meanwhile, Meghan's estranged sister Samantha Markle has had her say on the former actress's decision - dubbed "Megsxit" by stunned fans.

Speaking to Inside Edition, Samantha called Meghan and Harry's announcement a "slap in the face", adding: "I think what is shocking is the lack of consideration for the people involved. The British royal family, the promises that were originally made to the British royal family to honour royal duty and to lead by example."