Prince Harry and Meghan open another debate on racism in the UK

The issue was already sensitive since the manifestations of the Black Lives Matter movement (Black lives matter). In full introspection on the British colonial past, the prince harry has raised blisters by stating that racism had played a “major role” in his decision to leave UK with Meghan, his wife.

The second son of Prince Charles and Lady Di says he has evolved a lot on this issue. He who in his youth caused a scandal by disguising himself as a Nazi soldier at a party and calling one of his fellow army cadets “Paki” explained Sunday to Oprah Winfrey that his mixed-race wife had made him aware of racism.

“I spent many years (…) with my own learning”, declared the Duke of Sussex, 36-year-old, stressing that, as he grew up in an ultra-privileged environment, he was “not aware” of racial issues.

“But my God, it doesn’t take long to figure it out.”He added.

• The British monarchy and the consequences it will face after the explosive interview with Meghan and Harry
• “England is a racist country”: the British black community reacts to Meghan and Harry’s interview
• Meghan’s father questions his daughter’s accusations and does not believe that the British royal family is racist

From the United States he asked the British tabloid press, which he accuses of racism towards Meghan, which also evolves.

“America has a long and deeply tragic history when it comes to racism. But he recognizes it and he knows it“Lola Adesioye, a British expert on racial issues based in New York, explained to AFP. “I still have the feeling that the UK is delusional … with the idea that racism is not really a problem there and that it is an American problem.”

“So when you hear someone like Meghan Markle, who is clearly a modern woman, talking about some racial problems that she faced in the royal family (…) is something very difficult for Americans to understand “, estimates.

Harry and Meghan. (AFP).

An honest debate

The Buckingham Palace said that the Queen isabel II took “very seriously” the accusations of the couple, who assures that a relative made reference to the color of the skin that their son Archie would have during pregnancy. The 94-year-old sovereign affirmed that the case will be addressed “in private”, although the way in which each one remembers things “may vary”.

For historian David Olusoga, the couple’s accusations should lead to “A frank national debate” about racism. But “I’m afraid there will be another demonization of Meghan y Harry”He wrote in The Guardian newspaper.

He estimates that part of British society lives immersed in “denial” and is unable to reflect on itself.

This debate reveals a deep gap between those who believe Meghan and those who accuse her of trying to promote herself.

Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aired this Sunday in the US (Getty Images).

Prime Minister Boris Johnson refuses to get involved. It merely applauds the “unifying role” of Elizabeth II reigning over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, an association of 54 countries inherited from the British colonial empire. Most of its 2.4 billion people are not white.

Still, his government proposed a law Tuesday that increases penalties for damaging a monument from three months to 10 years. Last summer several statues were removed or defaced during demonstrations of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In London, the word “racist” was painted on a statue of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill and is considered a red line by Boris Johnson’s conservative party. He also did not like efforts by the BBC or the National Trust, which runs more than 500 mansions and castles in the UK, to inform the public more about the country’s colonial and slave-owning past.

Following Meghan Markle’s explosive statement, the British press is looking for the racist member of the royal family. (Photo: Ben STANSALL / AFP). (BEN STANSALL /)

The press defends itself

Supporters of Meghan They denounce a policy of double standards and compare their case with the treatment that the British press gave to sister-in-law Catherine, wife of Prince William.

The prince harry accuses the press, particularly the tabloid press, of “sectarianism,” prompting a protest by the Society of Editors, which represents journalists, some of whom have faced marriage lawsuits.

“The questions that are sometimes asked are uncomfortable and embarrassing, yes, but it is clear that the press is not racist”, defended the federation.

A point of view not shared by some editors of the media, who declared on social media having witnessed sectarianism and underlined the lack of racial diversity in the press.

“Saying that the press is not racist is like saying that society is not racist”estimates Marcus Ryder, professor of media diversity at Birmingham City University, who considers “Naive to think that race does not play a role in the media coverage of Meghan”.