Queen says challenges, race issues raised by Harry, Meghan in interview ‘concerning’

LONDON (NEWS 1130) – Buckingham Palace has issued a statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, two days after the bombshell interview between Prince Harry, Meghan, and Oprah Winfrey.

In it, the Queen writes “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.”

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,” the statement, released Tuesday, continues. “While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”

The statement adds that Harry, Meghan, and their son, Archie, “will always be much loved family members.”

Statement just released from the Queen. pic.twitter.com/mTl9ydufiF

— Richard Southern (@RichardCityNews) March 9, 2021

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Sunday TV interview was their first since they announced in early 2020 that they were quitting royal duties and moving to North America.

In it, the couple said they encountered racist attitudes and a lack of support that drove Meghan to thoughts of suicide.

Meghan, who identifies as biracial, described that when she was pregnant with son Archie, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.”

Prince Harry later confirmed the conversation, saying: “I was a bit shocked.” He said he would not reveal who made the comment.

The pair also cited what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media as a major factor in their decision to step down as senior Royal members. They have settled in Santa Barbara, California.

Related articles: 

• ‘Canadians should be deeply concerned,’ advocate says after Meghan shares story of Royal racism

• Revealing Meghan and Harry interview shakes UK royal family

• Buckingham Palace’s silence on Harry, Meghan allegations adds to furor

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to directly comment on the royal allegations from Harry and Meghan, only saying he stands against systemic racism.

“Our government has recognized systemic discrimination and has moved forward significantly to fight against it as it exists in all our institutions and all our systems,” he said. “We need to be vigilant and we will continue that work. I will not comment on what’s going on over in the U.K., but I will continue to endeavor to fight against racism and intolerance every single day in Canada.”

Asked about the Harry and Meghan interview, Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau says his government stands against systemic racism and will continue to do so, but will not comment on the royal family #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 9, 2021

Meanwhile, as polls show between 45 and 65 per cent of the population want to sever ties with the monarchy, the prime minister is not engaging in that debate just yet. He says his focus at the moment is on the pandemic and getting Canadians vaccinated against COVID-19.