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Harry Clarifies Controversial Remarks on Archie’s Skin Color
In a recent interview, Prince Harry has shed new light on the controversial comments made during the Sussexes' explosive chat with Oprah Winfrey.
Nearly two years after they claimed a family member raised concerns about their son Archie's skin color, Harry now emphasizes that he never intended to label those remarks as racist.
Instead, he pointed to what he described as unconscious bias—an ingrained way of thinking that often goes unrecognized, yet can perpetuate stereotypes.
When pressed by ITV's Tom Bradby on whether he would categorize the comments as racist, Harry hesitated, stating, “I wouldn't, not having lived within that family.” This nuanced distinction has sparked a wave of reactions from royal observers and fans alike, many of whom are now questioning the implications of his statements.
Harry acknowledged that the conversation surrounding Archie's skin color was indeed troubling.
However, he noted that such discussions are not unique to his family.
“You speak to any other mixed-race couple around the world, and you'll probably find that the white side of the family has either openly or secretly discussed what their kids might look like,” he explained.
This perspective challenges the notion that the Sussexes' experience was entirely singular.
The prince further clarified that while unconscious bias exists, it should not be conflated with outright racism.
He believes that if someone is called out for unconscious bias, it's essential to address it and make amends.
This statement has led some royal watchers to speculate that Harry himself may have been involved in discussions about Archie's skin color, raising eyebrows regarding his absence during the initial Oprah interview.
Critics have since revisited the claims made during that infamous interview, where the couple suggested that the royal family held prejudiced views.
Now, with Harry's latest comments, some wonder if they should reconsider the accolades they received for speaking out against racism.
The discourse has taken a turn, leading to calls for the Sussexes to return any awards that were given in recognition of their previous stance.
Royal insiders expressed shock at Harry's delayed clarification, which came nearly two years after the original remarks.
They pointed fingers at the media, suggesting that it misinterpreted the couple's intentions.
This delay has left many feeling that the Sussexes have inadvertently fueled ongoing speculation about the royal family's values.
Prince William, faced with the fallout from the Oprah interview, found himself defending the monarchy just days after the broadcast.
In response to a reporter's question, he asserted that the royal family is “very much not a racist family.” Yet, the shadow of those initial comments has lingered, affecting the public perception of the Windsors.
Following the interview, political activists and academics across the Commonwealth and the United States voiced their concerns, accusing the royal family of harboring racist attitudes.
In response, the royal household has implemented diversity training and set annual targets to improve representation within its ranks.
During her conversation with Oprah, Meghan Markle also raised eyebrows when she claimed that Archie was denied a princely title and security due to his race.
She recounted a troubling narrative where the couple felt their son's safety was compromised because he wasn't granted the title of prince.
“They said he wasn't going to get security because he wasn't going to be a prince,” Meghan recalled, highlighting the distressing nature of their situation.
The couple's revelations about the royal family have undeniably stirred a pot of controversy, leading many to ponder the future of the monarchy and its relationship with race.
As discussions around unconscious bias and racism continue, it remains to be seen how the royal family will navigate these complex issues moving forward.