Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey was watched live by more than 17 million viewers in the US last night.

The two-hour special - broadcast on the CBS network - contained a number of potentially devastating allegations for the Royal Family, including claims that one member of the family had "conversations" with Harry before their son Archie was born about "how dark" he might be.

According to early ratings figures, some 17.18 million viewers tuned in for the broadcast - the biggest audience for a primetime programme since last year's Oscars.

The numbers are expected to rise further still when overnight figures for the West Coast come in and DVR viewing is accounted for.

The interview will air in the UK on ITV at 9pm tonight.