Leon Edwards has spoken of his dismay at how Markle was treated

Leon Edwards migrated with his parents to England at the age of nine, leaving behind their home in Kingston, Jamaica, in search of a better life.

The family settled in Bristol City, facing significant challenges as black immigrants with limited financial resources. Edwards has rarely spoken about the racism he encountered as a child in Britain, but the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle seemed to have resurfaced some old wounds, prompting him to take a strong stand against it.

As an immigrant himself, Edwards voiced his concerns over the alleged mistreatment of Meghan Markle, criticizing the Royal Family’s response.

In a 2021 interview with TMZ, the welterweight fighter expressed his sympathy for the Duchess of Sussex, who faced racism at the height of British social life.

Why did this impact Edwards so much?

He hoped she could heal from the trauma. Drawing from his own experiences, Edwards highlighted the different nature of racism in the UK compared to the US.

“It’s unacceptable, obviously. It’s heartbreaking to hear what Markle went through, what she’s still going through. There’s racism in the UK, but it’s very hush racism, right?” Edwards told TMZ.

“It’s not like in America, there’s blatant racism sometimes. But in the UK, it’s like very down-low racism, but it’s there, and it’s sad to see in 2021.

“You can’t keep an old monarchy in 2021. They need to come up to date with the times. I wish Meghan well and that she can get through it.”

American actress Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, in a ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2018.

Initially expected to integrate into the British Royal Family, the couple left the UK just two years later, citing differences with the Royal Family.

The departure was attributed to the alleged racism Markle faced from the British tabloid press due to her mixed heritage and the Royal Family’s reluctance to address it. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple revealed discussions within the Royal Family about “how dark their son Archie” would be, given Markle’s background.