Inside Gayle King’s California mansion hosting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s chat with Oprah

When Oprah Winfrey sat down to carry out the most explosive interview with a British royal since Princess Diana’s famous tell-all with Martin Bashir, it’s likely she wanted to be able to do it somewhere she felt comfortable.

Where better than your best mate’s house?

The interview, currently airing on CBS in the US, has the Duke and Duchess of Sussex open up on their lives since stepping down as senior royals.

They are pictured sitting in a courtyard with stone pillars, seated across from Oprah, surrounded by lush greenery.

The bombshell interview was initially believed to have taken place at Meghan and Harry’s $14.5 million Montecito home, but it was actually done at the home of Oprah’s best friend, according to the Mirror.

While Gayle King, 66-year-old TV anchor and long-time best friend to Oprah, doesn’t feature in the much-hyped two-hour discussion, her Los Angeles mansion provides the perfect backdrop.

Her home is secluded by 360 degrees of greenery, providing complete privacy for Oprah’s chat with the royals.

The outdoor area where the interview takes place is filled with nature, including huge trees and dense shrubbery behind a sprawling lawn.

Gayle and Oprah have been best friends for years, having first met as young journalists in 1976.

Heer property has previously featured in posts on her Instagram account, showing a classic and stylish property with traditional furniture a neutral colour palette.

Gayle, who attended Meghan’s baby shower in New York, described Oprah’s interview with the couple as a “triumph” in a recent episode of Good Morning America.

“Harry and Meghan are talking to Oprah. It’s their first major broadcast since giving up their senior royal duties,” she said.

“I’ve heard from reliable sources – this is Oprah talking – that it’s the best interview she’s ever done. So, I’m curious. I think that’s saying something.”

The interview, airing in 62 countries around the world, has been hyped for its tell-all status, with Oprah stating there would be “no subject is off-limits”.

The broadcast comes amid a storm of allegations of bullying against Meghan Markle, which she denies.