Former First Lady Michelle Obama has weighed in on the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle’s sitdown with Oprah Winfrey, and she wasn’t too surprised by Markle’s racism claims.
Markle, the first Black member of the modern British royal family, said that a member of the family had expressed concerns over the color of her son’s skin. She would not reveal who had made the comment, saying, “I think that would be very damaging for them.”
In an interview with NBC’s “TODAY,” co-host Jenna Bush Hager said it was “heartbreaking” to hear Markle. Hager added, “she felt like she was in her own family — her own family thought differently of her.”
Obama replied, “As I said before, race isn’t a new construct in this world for people of color, and so it wasn’t a complete surprise to hear her feelings and to have them articulated.”
Obama also spoke to Access Hollywood, where she sent a supportive message to the young royals.
“My hope is that, when I think about what they’re going through, I think about the importance of family and I just pray that there is forgiveness and there is clarity and love and resolve at some point in time,” Obama said of Meghan and Harry. “Because there’s nothing more important than family.”
After the interview aired, Queen Elizabeth released the following statement:
“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. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately,” she added. “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
The royal family also made sure to get a few photo ops in with a Black person or two to appear less racist (we’re assuming.)
