Obama was speaking with "Access Hollywood" to promote her new Netflix children's cooking show, "Waffles and Mochi," when her connection with Markle was brought up. In 2019, Obama interviewed Markle herself for British Vogue. As first lady of the United States, Obama also had lunch with the Queen at Windsor Castle in 2016. Obama said that after seeing the couple's interview with Winfrey, she hoped Markle and Prince Harry could find closure and a bright future after leaving the monarchy. "My hope is that, when I think about what they're going through, I think about the importance of family, and I just pray that there is forgiveness and there is clarity and love and resolve at some point in time," Obama said.