Words by The Urban Journal
After the constant harassment and attacks driven by racial instincts, the Duchess of Sussex’s exit from the Royal Family looks to be the right choice.
The British Royal Family is a divisive topic; some love it, some hate it and some just couldn’t care less. But on 19 May, it seemed – just for a day – that a story involving a prince and his American bride brought the whole country together.
Everything about the union of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex signalled that a huge opportunity had come for the Royal Family to emphasise its change and modernisation. From the sermon so typical of a Black church to Meghan walking by herself down the aisle, the ceremony – as many suggested – embodied the decline of ‘stuffy traditions’ and the embrace of a modern, inclusive approach.
But, in truth, the same was said of Princess Diana. That, too, was a chance for The Firm to embrace all that was modern and good about the world: a new way of connecting with people, an open and honest approach to duty, and a humble appreciation and kindness towards those whose life existed outside the palace walls.
And just as with Princess Diana, the Royal Family has once again missed its opportunity with Meghan Markle. Her treatment by the media – and the failure of the Royal Family to protect her – is indicative of a society that remains fraught with racism, even if it’s of the ‘not in your face’ kind.
“She really is beautiful, innit?”
As a Black woman, Meghan opened the Royal Family to a whole new audience of people, and offered the chance to connect with a section of society who aren’t dedicated watchers of the Royal show. Her authentic warmth, intelligence and genuine interests in key societal issues – racism, women’s rights and equality, to name a few – allowed her to attract the admiration of millions across both the country and the world.
Her modern approach, which involved speaking out on key issues and carving her own path, drew more attention to the Royal Family. It also drew – as many knew it would – the kind of headlines and attacks so indicative of an institution unable to accept a successful Black woman at its heart. It’s true that celebrities – and by extension, members of the Royal Family – will always be subjects of great interest to the media. No reasonable person, you might add, can expect the media to broadcast or print stories that paint an entirely accurate picture of reality. But the near ceaseless attacks on Meghan are so obviously driven by racial instincts.
The brush used to paint her – as ‘ghetto’, ‘aggressive’ and ‘angry’ – is the same brush used to paint Serena Williams and Michelle Obama and other Black women in the spotlight. In his memoir, A Promised Land, Barack Obama writes this of the coverage Michelle Obama received during his presidential campaign: “And yet, at least according to some commentators, Michelle was different, not First Lady material… there was an extra set of stereotypes applied to Black women.”
What was written about Mrs Obama can also be written about Meghan Markle. Somehow, her way is ‘different’, her methods ‘unroyal’, and herself inauthentic. Being in the public eye, by all accounts, is hard enough – the added pressure to act and behave in order to avoid certain labels and stereotypes makes it unbearable.
From a member of the Royal Family wearing a Blackamoor brooch to suggestions she’s ‘difficult’ and a ‘bully’, Meghan has been battling stereotypes whilst navigating an already-difficult family environment. She did it, with admirable elegance, and gained respect for doing so – earning plaudits from the likes of Robert Clack, a Black boy from an east London school, who proclaimed “she really is beautiful, innit.”
But, of course, that wasn’t the end of the story.
“Yes, I’m ready to talk”
Her forthcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey – which has been the subject of endless tweets, articles and news bulletins around the world – seems the perfect place for the Duchess to tell her story without the restrictions of royal protocols.
The Firm, she implies, has played an active role in sourcing and spreading the lies told about her and her husband, leaving her with no choice but to tell her tale. In doing so, she’ll have Winfrey by her side – someone who’ll know all too well the struggles faced by a Black woman in the spotlight.
On social media and across the country, millions – especially young people – have signalled their support and admiration for Meghan’s move. Similarly, praise has been poured on her husband, Prince Harry, for supporting her throughout this ordeal.
“The Royal Household… does not and will not tolerate bullying”
After trailers of the interview with Oprah Winfrey spread like wildfire across the internet, Buckingham Palace released a statement vowing to investigate claims by former staffers that the Duchess of Sussex bullied them.
Such accusations, of course, should be treated with seriousness and investigated properly. But the timing of statement (the claims refer to incidents which took place over two years ago), coupled with the unusual nature of the palace making such an announcement, has led many to conclude the existence of a targeted campaign by the media and the Royal household.
It has also become yet another example of the institution’s failure (and the media’s failure, too) to focus on the more serious allegations faced by Prince Andrew.
In the months that follow the interview, it’s important for all to make an active effort to avoid reading, reposting or sharing stories which target Meghan (or anyone else) on the basis of their race.
Or, as the Duchess would say: “Don’t give it five minutes if you’re not going to give it five years.”