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Meghan Markle Says the Royal Family Was Concerned About 'How Dark' Archie's Skin Would Be

Photo credit: Handout
Photo credit: Handout

From Esquire

In an explosive new sit-down interview with Oprah, Meghan Markle accused members of the Royal institution of racist behavior toward her and her son Archie. Markle revealed to Oprah in a Sunday interview that the royal family didn't want to give Archie a title or security. When asked why, Markle said she believed race was a concern with the institution.

"All around this same time, we have in tandem the conversation of he won't be given security, he's not going to be given a title and also concerns and conversations as how dark his skin might be when he's born," Markle said. She said these concerns were relayed back to her from Harry, who had conversations with the family. She would not reveal the identity of these family members.

"That would be very damaging to them," she said.

As Markle explained, during her visits to the Commonwealth, she saw "how much it meant to them to be able to see someone who looked like them in this position. And I could never understand how it couldn't be seen as an added benefit, and a reflection of the world today."

Later in the interview, Oprah asked Harry about that conversation about Archie's skin.

"That conversation, I am never going to share," Harry said. "At the time, it was awkward, I was a bit shocked."

When Oprah pressed him for details he told her "I'm not comfortable with sharing that."

"But it was right at the beginning," he added. "What will the kids look like? That was at the beginning when she wasn't going to get security, when my family suggested that she might continue acting (because there wasn't going to be money for her)."

Markle said she'd been the victim of "character assassination" by members of the royal family, which had driven her to a breaking point. As she told Oprah:

"I was really ashamed to say it at the time, and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he has suffered, but I knew that if I didn't say it, that I would do it—and I just didn't want to be alive anymore. It was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. I remember how he just cradled me, and ... I went to the institution, and I said I needed to go somewhere to get help ... and I was told that I couldn't."

Meghan said she went to human resources seeking help, but although they expressed sympathy, she was told there was nothing they could do because she wasn't a paid member of the institution, she was family.

"The way you're describing this, you're trapped and couldn't get help, even though you're on the verge of suicide. That's what you are describing, that's what I'm hearing," said Winfrey.

"Yes," Meghan replied. "That's the truth."

"I share this because there's so many people who are afraid to voice that they need help, and I know how hard it is not just to voice it but to be told no," she said.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours at 800-273-8255.

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