Prince William became the first British royal to directly defend his family against accusations of racism made by his sister-in-law Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and her husband Prince Harry in their interview with Oprah Winfrey. William told journalists that the royals are “very much not a racist family.”

Commenting during a visit to a school in east London, Prince William added that he had not spoken to his brother Harry since the interview, but said he would.

In the bombshell interview — which aired Sunday in the United States and Monday in the United Kingdom — Meghan said she had felt so isolated in the royal family that she had faced serious mental health difficulties, even contemplating suicide. She and Harry also said an unnamed member of the family had expressed concerns about the color of their unborn son’s skin.

Buckingham Palace issued its first response to the interview on Tuesday, with a 61-word statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.

“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” the statement read. “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

But before the interview aired, the royal family put out a statement saying they were investigating allegations of bullying made by Meghan’s staff against her during her time as a working royal.