As protests continue to rock the country in response to the murder of George Floyd and the longtime treatment of Black citizens in America, an eerily timely old video has resurfaced of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. In the two-minute clip from February 2012, re-posted recently by a fan account, Markle talked candidly about her experience being biracial while wearing a T-shirt that reads "I won't stand for racism" for the campaign Erase the Hate.
In the video, she says: "I hope that by the time I have children, that people are even more open-minded to how things are changing and that having a mixed world is what it’s all about." Meghan become a mom in 2019 to son Archie Harrison, who turned one this past spring.
Here's the video:
Speaking candidly to the camera, Markle says:
My name's Meghan Markle and I'm here because I think it’s a really important campaign to be a part of. For me, I think it hits a really personal note. I'm bi-racial, most people can’t tell what I'm mixed with and so much of my life has felt like being a fly on the wall. And so some of the slurs that I've heard or the really offensive jokes, or the names, it's just hit me in a really strong way. And then, you know, a couple of years ago I heard someone call my mom the N word. So I think for me, beyond being personally affected by racism, just to see the landscape of what our country is like right now, and certainly the world, and to want things to be better.
She also discussed what it was like leaving L.A., which she moved back to with Prince Harry and Archie earlier this year:
Leaving LA [to work on Suits in Toronto] was sort of like leaving this bubble where I was used to everything, and had been exposed to everything except for a closed mindedness that I experienced when I traveled outside of where I was from. And I think that in doing that it just really opened my eyes to a mentality that still exists that I thought was backdated to the days of when my grandfather moved our family from Cleveland to LA, and they drove across the country and to stop and get food, whatever kind of place they were going to, and they had to go round the back to get food for the family. You know, I thought that was really isolated to those days that we were past, and sadly they're not.
Her comments on the future—remember, this conversation took place eight years ago—are particularly poignant:
I am really proud of my heritage on both sides, I’m really proud of where I’ve come from and where I’m going. But yeah, I hope that by the time I have children, that people are even more open-minded to how things are changing and that having a mixed world is what it’s all about. I mean certainly, it makes it a lot more beautiful and a lot more interesting.
The resurfaced video comes days after the Queen, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle's Commonwealth Trust tweeted in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The trust, which was established to "champion, fund and connect young leaders who are working hard to change the world," tweeted, "Young people are vital voices in the fight against injustice and racism around the world. As a global community of young leaders we stand together in pursuit of fairness and a better way forward."
"Silence is not an option," the tweet continued, ending with the hashtag "#BlackLivesMatter."
Black Lives Matter
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs ToThe 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The KingThe top three people on this list might surprise you.
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane CoatThe star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' NicknamesA royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
-
Why King Charles's Cousin Immediately Name-Dropped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 'The Traitors'Lord Ivar Mountbatten quickly established his connection to the Sussexes, and discussed his status as the first openly gay British royal.
-
How Prince Harry Honored One Man's Unexpected Request While Helping California Wildfire VictimsThe Duke of Sussex reportedly went incognito to find a special item for an elderly man affected by the disaster.
-
Meghan Markle Is Pushing the Premiere of Her Netflix Series Due to the Los Angeles WildfiresMeghan requested that Netflix delay the release "as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California."
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Hugged Victims of the LA Fires During Surprise Appearance in Pasadena"No one knew they were serving food with masks."
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating WildfiresThe Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
