Richard Madeley is criticised after saying ‘Diana’s hands weren’t clean in terms of affairs’

Richard Madeley has been criticised online after saying ‘Princess Diana’s hands weren’t clean in terms of having extramarital affairs’ during a Good Morning Britain discussion about Camilla becoming Queen Consort.

On Saturday, the Queen ended years of uncertainty in an historic Platinum Jubilee statement by declaring it was her ‘sincere wish’ for the Duchess of Cornwall to be fully acknowledged as Queen consort when Prince Charles takes the throne.

Richard joined co-presenter Susanna Reid and royal correspondent Jack Royston and biographer Angela Levin as they discussed whether the public would accept Camilla’s title of Queen consort. 

The presenter, 65, asked: ‘Why is it do you think that people have a sort of one-sided memory of what happened all those years ago? 

‘Because let’s be honest, Diana’s hands weren’t clean in terms of having extramarital affairs, she had a number.’

On Saturday, the Queen ended years of uncertainty in an historic Platinum Jubilee statement by declaring it was her ‘sincere wish’ for the Duchess of Cornwall to be fully acknowledged as Queen consort when Prince Charles takes the throne. Pictured, Princess Diana

Richard joined co-presenter Susanna Reid and royal correspondent Jack Royston and biographer Angela Levin as they discussed whether the public would accept Camilla’s (pictured with Prince Charles) title of Queen consort

‘Yes of course, we’re talking about something that happened over a quarter of a century ago and what could’ve been right then may not be right now,’ replied Angela.

However, some viewers were left shocked by Richard’s remarks about the late Princess Diana.

One Twitter user wrote: ‘He was cheating on her with Camilla so what was Diana supposed to do? Sit at home and cry. Shut up Richard.

Another said: ‘Richard Madeley saying that Diana had affairs to ease our views on Camilla becoming Queen Consort was too low below the belt!

While a third simply added: ‘My god, Richard Madeley you are an absolute car crash.’

Prince Charles and Princess Diana both eventually admitted to having affairs, however it still remains unclear who cheated first. 

Reaction: However, some viewers were left shocked by Richard’s remarks about the late Princess Diana

Meanwhile, the presenter caused further upset to some viewers when mentioning Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the end of the segment – before being ‘shut down’ by Susanna (pictured together, top)

Meanwhile, the presenter caused further upset to some viewers when mentioning Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the end of the segment – before being ‘shut down’ by Susanna.

Royal expert Jack said the ‘royal family need to show the world that they care and they’re not indifferent to Diana’s experiences.’

He said: ‘Another aspect of this is that they face similar allegations in relation to Harry and Meghan – the allegation there again is emotional indifference to a person’s suffering. 

‘So what Charles needs to do now… it’s inevitable that Charles is going to do this, there’s no way they’re going to go back on it, is-‘

However, the royal expert was interrupted by Richard, who said: ‘Hang on – we’ve got to finish it there, but come on. 

‘There’s very little public sympathy, in this country at least, for Harry and Meghan. They are not seen in this country as victims at all – they’re seen as moaners, basically, by the vast majority of people-‘

Viewers were quick to react to the end of the segment, with one writing: ‘Here we go again. Richard can’t resist a dig at Meghan and Harry. Time to let him go.’

Susanna soon interrupted: ‘Let’s not get into that particular argument,’ and as Angela attempted to say something, the presenter added: ‘No, Angela, l’m really sorry, we have to leave it there.

‘And that’s not because we were starting to talk about Harry and Meghan! It’s simply because it’s 8.32.’

‘Out of time,’ Richard announced. ‘And it’s competition time!’

Viewers were quick to react to the end of the segment, with one writing: ‘Here we go again. Richard can’t resist a dig at Meghan and Harry. Time to let him go.’