An impassioned Prince William today publicly hit back against Harry and Meghan’s racism claims, insisting, ‘We’re very much not a racist family’.
The Duke of Cambridge is the first royal to personally respond to the allegation during his first royal engagement since the Oprah interview, as he also revealed that he has not spoken to his brother since it came out, but added that he ‘will do’.
Meghan’s claim that an unnamed royal raised concerns about Archie being ‘too brown’ was the most damaging allegation to come out of the broadcast, and caused untold damage to the Windsors’ reputation around the world.
She also made allegations that she felt suicidal and turned to the palace for help. Today, the Cambridges spoke about mental health during a visit the School21 in east London.
The emphasis may feel prescient in the light of the Duchess of Sussex’s claims, but MailOnline understands the visit would have been planned weeks in advance.
The royals usually release details of visits before they happen, but during the pandemic they have been doing so immediately afterwards to avoid large crowds during Covid.
Beyond the fact that the visit was to a school further details – including that the pair would discuss mental health – were only circulated later.
Today was also the first engagement for Kate since she was accused by Meghan of making her cry in the bombshell tell-all chat. Previously, it was believed it was Meghan who had made Kate cry during a row over bridesmaids’ dresses.
During the Oprah interview, Meghan also revealed details about their strained relationship, saying of pictures of them laughing at Wimbledon, ‘Nothing is what it looks like’, and said Kate being called ‘waity Katie’ in the press couldn’t compare to the alleged racism she faced.
Meanwhile, Harry revealed how he was ‘on different paths’ to William and spoke about his brother was ‘trapped’ in the Royal Family.