A British newspaper flutters in the wind outside Buckingham Palace in London the day after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey which is being shown on ITV. Picture date: Monday March 8, 2021. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)

Arts & Culture

Buckingham Palace issues statement, says allegations of racism ‘are taken very seriously’

By Jill Lawless, Associated Press

March 9, 2021 @ 1:32 PM

LONDON — Buckingham Palace issued a statement Tuesday, saying the family was “saddened” to learn of the struggles that Harry and Meghan revealed this week — and that they would be taken very seriously.

The statement is the first comment by the palace following Harry and Meghan’s two-hour television interview with Oprah Winfrey in which they alleged that Meghan had experienced racism and callous treatment during her time in the royal family.

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,” the palace said in a statement issued on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. “While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”

The statement also said that “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

The palace often tries to stay above controversy by remaining silent and riding out the storm, but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s charges were so damaging that the family had to respond.