Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and royal family back Black Lives Matter movement, senior representative says
- Kenneth Olisa said he had discussed the issue with the British royals since George Floyd died in police custody in the US last year
- The comments come as Buckingham Palace struggles to combat suggestions of racism raised by Prince Harry and Meghan during an interview with Oprah Winfrey
Queen Elizabeth and the royal family back the Black Lives Matter movement, one of her senior representatives said in a television interview to be broadcast on Friday.
Asked if they supported the movement, the philanthropist and businessman who is the monarch’s personal representative in Greater London said: “The answer is easily yes.”
Meghan and Prince Harry lift lid on royal rift in Oprah Winfrey interview
“I have discussed with the royal household this whole issue of race, particularly in the last 12 months since the George Floyd incident,’’ he said in excerpts from the interview released before the broadcast. “It’s a hot conversation topic. The question is what more can we do to bind society to remove these barriers. They [the royals] care passionately about making this one nation bound by the same values.”
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Black Lives Matter protests sweep the globe after police killing of George Floyd in US
Meghan, who is biracial, said an unidentified member of the royal family had raised “concerns” about the colour of her baby’s skin before she gave birth to her first child. The couple also alleged that Meghan was the victim of callous treatment during her time as a working royal.
“We’re very much not a racist family,” William said as his wife, Kate, walked by his side.
Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties earlier this year and moved to California.