Harry and Meghan's Jaw-Dropping Interview Was Actually Not That Surprising
By Lily Scheckner
By Lily Scheckner
Prince Harry first confirmed his relationship with Meghan Markle in November of 2016, although the news was leaked a few months before hand. The romance was embraced by many, becoming the new fairytale standard that Prince Charles and Kate Middleton projected so well. And yet, this couple’s happiness was tainted by racism from the very beginning.
The Royal family’s reputation has always thrived off of being exclusive; and, by extension, a bit elitist. This did not bode well for Meghan, a Black actress from the United States. While she seemed to be treated relatively well by the Royal family itself, the British media was ruthless. Time after time, they criticized her for things as small as the color of her hat or the way she walked.
The “wave of abuse and harassment” directed at Meghan forced Prince Harry to come forward, pleading with his beloved people to, frankly, leave her alone. The statement he released to BBC news even said he was worried for her safety.
Things didn’t get any better after Harry and Meghan became engaged. The scrutiny around Meghan became even more severe, and the tabloids gobbled up any piece of information they could about her supposed wrongdoings. Even her wedding was shadowed by rumors of a fight between Meghan and her sister-in-law Kate, who was viewed much more favorably by the public. This trend continued through Meghan’s first pregnancy and her and Harry’s separation from the royal family.
Now fast forward a few years, and Meghan and Harry have decided to thoroughly distance themselves from the country that treated them so badly. But not before one last interview… with Oprah, an American host, which could be perceived as a totally justified slight against the British media. Both England and America waited with baited breath for the interview to air, and the contents did not disappoint.
While the various details spilled in said interview would be hard to include, there were a few highlights that really stood out. The biggest revelation was that the British media were not the only ones treating Meghan badly--in fact, the Royal family was also to blame. Meghan revealed how she came forward to the palace about mental health issues during her pregnancy and they completely rebuffed her. “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” Markle said. “And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.”
The second big bombshell shocked even Oprah. “There were concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be,” Meghan said. “About how dark your baby is going to be?” asked Oprah, clearly disgusted. “Potentially,” said Meghan, “and what that would mean or look like.” Harry continued to disclose that it was a member of the Royal family who brought up these concerns, but declined to name who.
While this interview was horrific in many ways, there was one good aspect. Harry and Meghan revealed that their 1-year-old son, Archie, will soon have a baby sister. This birthing announcement, though not grand in that typical royal fashion, was sweet and simple.
It’s safe to say that the entire world is in shock. Many have taken Meghan and Harry’s side, while others have accused them of lying for attention. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if all of the details of the interview were true. Racism within the Royal family is clearly a huge issue that has not been addressed for many years. How much longer will it be permitted?
Image source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56313648
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/a9664508/prince-harry-meghan-markle-relationship/
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/07/world/meghan-harry-oprah-interview
The Royal family’s reputation has always thrived off of being exclusive; and, by extension, a bit elitist. This did not bode well for Meghan, a Black actress from the United States. While she seemed to be treated relatively well by the Royal family itself, the British media was ruthless. Time after time, they criticized her for things as small as the color of her hat or the way she walked.
The “wave of abuse and harassment” directed at Meghan forced Prince Harry to come forward, pleading with his beloved people to, frankly, leave her alone. The statement he released to BBC news even said he was worried for her safety.
Things didn’t get any better after Harry and Meghan became engaged. The scrutiny around Meghan became even more severe, and the tabloids gobbled up any piece of information they could about her supposed wrongdoings. Even her wedding was shadowed by rumors of a fight between Meghan and her sister-in-law Kate, who was viewed much more favorably by the public. This trend continued through Meghan’s first pregnancy and her and Harry’s separation from the royal family.
Now fast forward a few years, and Meghan and Harry have decided to thoroughly distance themselves from the country that treated them so badly. But not before one last interview… with Oprah, an American host, which could be perceived as a totally justified slight against the British media. Both England and America waited with baited breath for the interview to air, and the contents did not disappoint.
While the various details spilled in said interview would be hard to include, there were a few highlights that really stood out. The biggest revelation was that the British media were not the only ones treating Meghan badly--in fact, the Royal family was also to blame. Meghan revealed how she came forward to the palace about mental health issues during her pregnancy and they completely rebuffed her. “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” Markle said. “And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.”
The second big bombshell shocked even Oprah. “There were concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be,” Meghan said. “About how dark your baby is going to be?” asked Oprah, clearly disgusted. “Potentially,” said Meghan, “and what that would mean or look like.” Harry continued to disclose that it was a member of the Royal family who brought up these concerns, but declined to name who.
While this interview was horrific in many ways, there was one good aspect. Harry and Meghan revealed that their 1-year-old son, Archie, will soon have a baby sister. This birthing announcement, though not grand in that typical royal fashion, was sweet and simple.
It’s safe to say that the entire world is in shock. Many have taken Meghan and Harry’s side, while others have accused them of lying for attention. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if all of the details of the interview were true. Racism within the Royal family is clearly a huge issue that has not been addressed for many years. How much longer will it be permitted?
Image source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56313648
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/a9664508/prince-harry-meghan-markle-relationship/
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/07/world/meghan-harry-oprah-interview