What does Great Britain mean to you?

For most of us, it means freedom. A country of tolerance, free speech, compassion and stoicism in the face of adversity.

Over the past twelve months, despite the horrors of the pandemic, we have seen some of the best in humanity as we have pulled together to help strangers, neighbours, colleagues, friends and family.

But sadly this week, many of the attributes we hold dear were missing in action. All because a woman not many people appear to like was talking. And few wanted to hear what she had to say.

From the moment the news broke that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would appear in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, judgements were made. Columns were written. Opinions were formed.

No one, at this old stage of a mere week ago, knew what the couple were going to say. But the Palace was worried.

It is now clear why. Around thirty minutes into the interview, Meghan shared her account of depression and experiences of racism within the 'institution' of the Royal Family.

For a brief few minutes as I watched the live broadcast on Monday morning, I wondered how her critics would use this sensitive and personal disclosure against her.

We didn't have to wait long to find out. Piers Morgan, Meghan's loudest commenter, spent most of his penultimate appearance on Good Morning Britain branding her a liar.

A stern statement from mental health charity Mind was not enough to elicit an apology from him, who a day after leaving ITV, tried unconvincingly to draw parallels with his attack on Meghan to Winston Churchill's fight for free speech.

In reality, Mr Morgan does not need to fight for free speech. He has it in abundance. The former editor of The Mirror has every platform of media at his disposal to share his views - and he has been handsomely rewarded for it.

The people he should be fighting for - and their right to speak up - are people like Meghan Markle and others who have been silenced by institutions.

When Mr Morgan's colleague dared to challenge him, embarrassingly, he stormed off set. He might be reminded of his icon Churchill's words: "Some people's idea of free speech is that they are free to say what they like but anyone who says anything back, that is an outrage."

If the rumours are true that Mr Morgan is due to join GB News, a new channel, perhaps he needs a refresh on what GB stands for. A clue - it's not Great Bully.