In a saga that continues to captivate global audiences, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has once again thrust the British royal family into the spotlight with a stunning revelation. Reports suggest that Meghan has privately named a member of the royal household who allegedly made racist comments about her unborn child, Archie, before his birth in 2019. This claim, rooted in her and Prince Harry’s 2021 tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, has reignited debates about race, privilege, and the monarchy’s relevance in a modern, diverse world. As the world processes this bombshell, the implications for the royal family—and society at large—are profound.

The Genesis of the Allegation

The story began in March 2021, when Meghan and Prince Harry sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a candid interview that sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace. During the conversation, Meghan, who is biracial with a Black mother and white father, revealed that a member of the royal family had expressed “concerns” about “how dark” her son Archie’s skin might be before he was born. The comment, relayed to her by Harry, was not only deeply hurtful but also emblematic of broader issues she faced as the first mixed-race member of the modern royal family. Harry later joined the discussion, confirming the conversation but refusing to disclose the individual’s identity, citing the potential damage it could cause.

The couple’s decision to withhold the name during the interview was strategic, allowing them to highlight systemic issues without targeting a specific person. However, the ambiguity left the public speculating, with fingers pointed at various royals, though Meghan and Harry clarified that neither Queen Elizabeth II nor Prince Philip was involved. The revelation sparked a firestorm, with supporters praising the couple’s courage and critics accusing them of airing private grievances publicly.

A Private Revelation to King Charles

According to reports, Meghan took a more direct approach in the spring of 2021, following the Oprah interview. In a private exchange of letters with King Charles III (then Prince Charles), she reportedly named the royal household member—or members—who made the racially charged remarks. This correspondence was a pivotal moment, as it shifted the allegation from a public accusation to a private dialogue within the royal family. Meghan’s letter is said to have framed the issue as a matter of “unconscious bias and ignorance,” urging the royal family to address these attitudes internally.

King Charles, in his response, reportedly expressed that he did not believe the remarks were made with “ill will” or “casual prejudice.” This exchange, while private, underscores the complexity of addressing racism within an institution as traditional and hierarchical as the monarchy. The fact that Meghan named specific individuals in writing suggests a desire for accountability, even if she and Harry chose not to make those names public. This private approach contrasts with the couple’s public persona, which has often been shaped by media scrutiny and high-profile interviews.

The Context of Meghan’s Experience

To understand the weight of Meghan’s allegations, it’s essential to consider her broader experience within the royal family. When she married Prince Harry in May 2018, her entry into the monarchy was hailed as a progressive milestone. As a biracial American actress, she brought a fresh perspective to an institution steeped in centuries of tradition. Her wedding, infused with elements of Black culture—such as a gospel choir performing “Stand by Me”—was seen as a symbol of inclusivity.

However, Meghan’s fairy tale quickly turned into a nightmare. She faced relentless scrutiny from the British tabloid press, much of which carried racial undertones. Headlines criticized her for actions that were praised in other royals, such as cradling her baby bump during pregnancy. Social media platforms amplified these narratives, with trolls targeting her race and background. Meghan later revealed that the lack of support from the royal institution exacerbated her struggles, leading to suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy. The palace’s refusal to provide mental health support, citing concerns about public image, left her feeling isolated and unprotected.

The racism allegations were not just about a single comment but part of a broader pattern of exclusion. Meghan noted that Archie was denied a princely title and security protection, decisions she believed were tied to his mixed-race heritage. These experiences culminated in the couple’s decision to step back from senior royal duties in January 2020, relocating first to Canada and then to California. Their departure, dubbed “Megxit” by the press, was framed as a rebellion against an oppressive system, with racism playing a significant role.

The Royal Family’s Response

Buckingham Palace’s response to the Oprah interview was measured but telling. In a statement issued on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, the palace expressed sadness at the couple’s challenges and described the racism allegations as “concerning.” However, the phrase “recollections may vary” hinted at a discrepancy in how the royal family perceived the events, drawing criticism for its perceived defensiveness. The palace promised to address the issues privately, but no public outcomes of any investigation have been shared, leaving many to question the institution’s commitment to change.

The naming of specific royals in Meghan’s letter to King Charles suggests that the private discussions were more direct than the public response implied. Yet, the lack of transparency has fueled speculation and distrust. Some argue that the monarchy’s reluctance to fully engage with the allegations stems from its desire to protect its image, while others believe the issue is too complex to resolve publicly without fracturing family ties.

Public and Global Reactions

Meghan’s allegations have resonated far beyond the walls of Buckingham Palace, sparking global conversations about race and privilege. In the United Kingdom, where the monarchy remains a symbol of national identity, reactions have been polarized. Supporters of Meghan and Harry view their revelations as a necessary reckoning, exposing the monarchy’s outdated attitudes. Critics, however, accuse the couple of exaggerating their grievances or exploiting their royal status for personal gain, pointing to their lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify.

The allegations have also highlighted the unique challenges faced by Black and biracial women in predominantly white spaces. Meghan’s experience—being scrutinized, invalidated, and silenced—mirrors the struggles of many women of color in workplaces and institutions worldwide. Her decision to name the royal in private correspondence reflects a balance between seeking accountability and protecting her family’s privacy, a choice that has both empowered her supporters and frustrated those demanding full transparency.

Globally, the story has underscored the monarchy’s complex relationship with the Commonwealth, a group of 54 nations, many of which are former British colonies. The allegations of racism have raised questions about the institution’s relevance in a world increasingly focused on equality and justice. Figures like Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., have drawn parallels between Meghan’s experience and broader struggles against systemic racism, emphasizing that even royalty offers no shield from prejudice.

The Monarchy’s Path Forward

The naming of a royal family member in Meghan’s letter marks a critical juncture for the monarchy. It challenges the institution to confront uncomfortable truths about its culture and practices. While the private nature of the correspondence suggests a desire to handle the matter discreetly, the public’s awareness of the allegation ensures that the issue remains in the spotlight. The monarchy’s ability to navigate this crisis will depend on its willingness to embrace meaningful change, whether through public acknowledgment, internal reforms, or greater diversity in its ranks.

For Meghan and Harry, the revelation is both a personal and political act. By naming the royal privately, Meghan has taken a stand against the silence she endured during her time as a working royal. Yet, by keeping the identity confidential, she and Harry have avoided escalating the public feud, focusing instead on their new life in the United States. Their projects, including their Archewell Foundation and media ventures, reflect a commitment to advocacy and storytelling, with themes of race, mental health, and equity at the forefront.

A Broader Reflection on Society

Meghan’s allegations are not just about the royal family; they are a mirror to society’s ongoing struggle with racism and bias. The monarchy, as a symbol of tradition and power, amplifies these issues, but they are not unique to it. Workplaces, schools, and communities worldwide grapple with similar challenges—how to address unconscious bias, support marginalized voices, and foster inclusivity. Meghan’s story, with its highs and lows, invites reflection on these universal themes.

As the dust settles on this latest chapter, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle’s voice, once silenced within the royal fold, continues to resonate. Her decision to name the royal behind the racist remarks, even in private, is a testament to her resilience and determination to hold powerful institutions accountable. Whether the monarchy will rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but the conversation she has sparked is far from over.