On March 7, Oprah aired an interview with Meghan Markle and Harry. The interview uncovered topics surrounding racial and mental health issues Markle faced while in the U.K., which ultimately caused her and Harry to move to America with their son, Archie. It was important for them to leave the U.K. because of the racism and harsh criticism Markle faced.

 

One of the most shocking things presented by Markle in the interview was that an unnamed member of the royal family had concerns about how dark the color of Archie’s skin would be when he was born. It was also mentioned that Archie would not be given a title or any financial security. The blatant racism displayed within the royal family is unacceptable, given that they have such a high place in society and are seen as examples. This is not the type of example we want the impressionable public to be following simply because it is racist.

 

In addition, racism was something that Meghan Markle faced from external factors as well. In the interview, she mentions the harsh words the tabloids put out about her. Many British tabloids targeted her and were also blatantly racist. Harry even connected the poor treatment from the tabloids with his mother, Princess Diana, claiming that he took action and moved to America. Shortly after this was mentioned, Markle spoke out about her struggles with mental health due to the stresses of royal life. She stated, “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. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.” It is important that racism was called out because it shows how much it can greatly affect people’s mental health.