In a surprising turn of events, Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family have expressed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, leaving Duchess Meghan Markle taken aback.
The revelation came from Sir Ken Olisa, the first black Lord Lieutenant for London, who disclosed that discussions on racism were held with the royal household in the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic murder in the US.
During an interview with Channel 4, Sir Ken shared insights into the royal family’s stance on racial equality, stating that they are deeply committed to fostering a society united by shared values.
Reflecting on the significance of addressing societal barriers, he emphasized the importance of collective efforts to promote inclusivity and eliminate discrimination.
When questioned about the palace’s endorsement of BLM, Sir Ken unequivocally affirmed their support for the movement.
He further revealed that the Queen sought his counsel following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, seeking guidance on whether to visit the site.
Despite initial apprehensions, the Queen received a warm reception from the public during her visit.
The Black Lives Matter movement, originating as a response to racism and violence, gained global attention through widespread protests following George Floyd’s death.
However, it has faced criticism from figures like Home Secretary Priti Patel, who denounced last year’s protests in the UK and disapproved of symbolic gestures like taking the knee.
Notably, the royal family has been embroiled in allegations of racism, notably stemming from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s revelatory interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier this year.
Meghan disclosed that concerns about her son Archie‘s skin tone were raised within the royal circle, hinting at underlying racial biases influencing decisions regarding his security and title.
Following the interview, the Queen issued a statement addressing the concerns raised by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, emphasizing the need for private resolution within the family.
Meanwhile, Prince William defended the monarchy against accusations of racism, asserting that they are “very much not a racist family.”
Harry and Meghan’s candid revelations shed light on their struggles within the royal institution, underscoring a lack of support that ultimately led them to step back from their official duties.
Amidst the serious revelations, the couple shared a heartwarming announcement of expecting a baby girl this summer, offering a rare moment of joy amidst the turmoil.
Acknowledging the need for greater diversity and inclusion, Buckingham Palace has acknowledged shortcomings in its workforce representation, aiming to increase ethnic minority employees to 10% by 2022.
Initiating changes to its diversity strategy prior to the Oprah interview, the Queen’s household is actively working towards fostering a more inclusive environment.
In a bid to address systemic issues and promote unity, the royal family’s public support for Black Lives Matter marks a significant shift in their approach towards social justice and equality.
As the conversation around race and inclusivity continues to evolve, the royal institution faces ongoing scrutiny and challenges in navigating complex societal dynamics.
