© Provided by The iBoris Johnson expressed his support for the Queen and insisted he would not comment any further on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s interview (Photo: Hannah Mckay/AP/Pool Reuters)
Considering the ITV airing of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah attracted more than 11 millions viewers on Monday evening, it is unsurprising it has continued to dominate global headlines.
Everyone has a view on the accusations of racism and the tragic depiction of a pregnant woman going through mental health crisis. And everyone, of course, is questioning what this means for the monarchy and the UK.
Everyone, that is, apart from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who seems to have absolutely nothing to say on the matter.
Asked about the interview shortly before it aired in the UK - when the claims of racist comments about Meghan and Harry's unborn baby had been made public - Mr Johnson expressed his support for the Queen and insisted he would not comment any further.
Almost 24 hours later Mr Johnson's official spokesman was pressed again on whether the Prime Minister would like to share his thoughts on the interview, or some of the (serious) issues highlighted by it.
The spokesman confirmed Mr Johnson was one of the 11 million people who watched the interview but would not be drawn further on its contents.
Asked if Mr Johnson watched the interview aired in the UK on Monday night, the spokesman said: "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 was asked about the White House response, which said Meghan's decision to speak about her struggles with mental health had taken "courage".
And journalists enquired whether Downing Street was concerned the interview might affect the UK's reputation around the world, or whether the nation has a duty of care to the monarchy. There were no responses to any of the queries.
Whilst it it might be understandable for senior politicians to wish to steer clear of being dragged into mud-slinging matches among the royals, Downing Street is likely to struggle to keep out of this particular row.
Given seriousness of the allegations in the interview, it may not be in the Government's best interests to allow it to fend for itself.
If the monarchy is hurled into a crisis it will, in turn, threatened the stability of the UK's constitutional framework and weaken the soft power diplomacy the crown provides the UK overseas.
In the US, in particular, the British monarchy is a matter of great interest and admiration. But given the alleged treatment of Meghan, the American "princess", that respect is likely to dramatically decline. With that, a crucial tool at the Government's beck and call is diminished.
Whilst we are still waiting for a response from the Palace, Mr Johnson has a bit of breathing space to figure out his stance. But the Government will not be able to continue on this tightrope indefinitely.