PRESS RELEASE… for immediate release
Wednesday 10 March
Campaigners say Palace needed to condemn racism and public investigation required into Harry and Megan claims
Anti-racist campaigners expressed “disappointment” regarding the statement issued by Buckingham Palace in response to allegations of racism exposed in the interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey.
They argue a “robust condemnation of racism” was required and as a body funded by the tax payer, there needs to a public investigation into Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s claims. This echoes the call for a proper investigation from Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP and Wes Streeting MP.
Yesterday Diane Abbott MP told BBC Radio 4 Today: “To be worrying about quite how dark the child will be could only be described as racism”
Campaigners also stress the importance of tackling racism in the media and wider society. Stand up to Racism is co-ordinating “World Against Racism” an international day of action marking UN Anti-Racism Day on Saturday 20 March (details below).
Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor said:
“The palace statement was disappointing and worrying. It needed a robust condemnation of racism and to stress the importance of supporting mental health. As an institution funded by the tax payer, the monarchy must be held to the same standard as any public body. There must be a formal and public investigation by Buckingham Palace into the allegations of racism questioning the skin colour of the children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Allegations of racism in the Royal Family are not a private family matter.”
In response to the other aspect of racism, the treatment of Megan Markle by the mainstream media and press, the other Co-Convenor of Stand up to Racism Weyman Bennett added:
“This whole issue illustrates the importance of eradicating racism in wider society. The mainstream media fuels racism, from the demonisation of a black member of the Royal Family, Muslim, Jewish, Asian, Chinese communities and refugees to undermining taking the knee and the Black Lives Matter movement. Racism at the top leads to violent racist attacks on the ground. We’re committed to building a movement against racism and for our multicultural society. We urge people to join us marking UN Anti-Racism Day on Saturday 20 March.”
Notes for editors:
1) SATURDAY 20 MARCH National Day of Action for UN Anti-Racism Day
#WorldAgainstRacism
Fighting Racism, Islamophobia, Antisemitism & Fascism
Organised by Stand Up To Racism & The TUC
1PM: #TakeTheKnee wherever you are
1-2PM: Live link with actions around the world
5PM: Major Online Rally
For more information, interviews and further quotes: info@standuptoracism.org.uk