Prince William Says The Royals Are “Very Much Not A Racist Family”
The Duke of Cambridge addressed statements made in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview.
Prince William told reporters this morning that the royals are "very much not a racist family," addressing bombshell revelations made in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey for the first time.
William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, were attending a public engagement at School 21 in East London when reporter Inzamam Rashid from Sky News asked, "Is the royal family a racist family sir?"
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"We are very much not a racist family," William responded while walking past.
He also revealed that he has not yet spoken to his brother, Prince Harry, since Sunday night's big interview. "But I will do," he said.
Related article: Prince Harry Says Racism Was “A Large Part” Of Why He And Meghan Markle Left The U.K.
In their sit-down with Winfrey, which garnered over 17 million viewers, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex discussed the pressures of being in the palace and the racism Meghan experienced as a Black, biracial woman in the royal family. In one jarring moment, she revealed there were "concerns" and "several conversations" during her first pregnancy over how dark her child's skin color would be. The couple declined to share who made the comments, but Harry confirmed to Winfrey that it was not the queen or Prince Philip.
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The Duchess of Sussex also addressed the racist tabloid coverage she endured, and pointed out how it is different from unfavorable press the royal family has received in the past. "If a member of [Harry's] family will comfortably say, 'We've all had to deal with things that are rude,' rude and racist are not the same," she said. Harry said racism and bigotry in the U.K. influenced his and Meghan's decision to leave the country as well.
Prince William's quotes come two days after Buckingham Palace released an official response to the interview on behalf of the queen.
"The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," the statement read. "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. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members."
Earlier that day, Prince Charles had ignored questions from the press about the interview during one of his own working engagements.
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During the interview, Harry addressed where his relationships with his father and brother stand currently. "There’s a lot to work through" in his relationship with Charles, he revealed. And as for William, he said, "Our relationship is 'space' at the moment. And time heals all things, hopefully."
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US