Equality campaigners argue the Queen should have taken a stronger stance against racism, rather than treating the issue as a private matter.
Campaigners for racial equality have expressed disappointment with the Queen’s response to the racism allegations made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, suggesting that her failure to publicly address the issue missed an important opportunity for the monarchy to lead on the matter.
In a brief 61-word statement, the Queen acknowledged the concerns raised by Meghan and Harry, describing their claims about race as “concerning.” However, she reframed the issue as a private family matter, stating that while recollections may differ, the claims were being taken seriously. This stance was criticized for lacking public accountability, particularly given the prominence of the allegations.
Halima Begum, CEO of the Runnymede Trust, emphasized the need for the royal family to take a clear stand on racial injustice, especially in the context of the global Black Lives Matter movement. She suggested that handling the matter privately undermines any opportunity for the monarchy to set an example in confronting racism both in the UK and across the Commonwealth.
The controversy stemmed from Meghan and Harry’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they revealed that a member of the royal family had expressed concerns about how dark their son Archie’s skin might be. The failure to identify the person involved has left the royal family open to speculation.
Equality advocates stress that a public acknowledgment and commitment to address racism would not only help heal the royal family’s image but also provide leadership in tackling racial inequalities in broader society.
