- In a graduation speech for students at her old high school this week, Meghan Markle addressed the murder of George Floyd and issued a call to action for the new grads to take action to fight back against anti-Black racism.
- The speech was powerful and moving, but Meghan probably wouldn't have been allowed to give it before the royal exit.
- Former royal aide Dickie Arbiter explained that senior working members of the royal family are not allowed to voice political opinions publicly.
Earlier this week, Meghan Markle delivered a powerful graduation speech for students at her former high school, Immaculate Heart High School. In her speech, Meghan addressed the murder of George Floyd and urged the new grads to take action against anti-Black racism.
The speech was powerful, moving, and incredibly important—but, just a few months ago, it might not have been possible. According to a formal royal aide, Meghan probably wouldn't have been allowed to give the speech before her and Prince Harry's royal exit.
"It would have been pretty impossible," Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth II's former press secretary, told Newsweek of the speech. "What's happened in the states is an absolute tragedy and it should never have happened but unfortunately it did happen. Had Meghan and Harry still been in the U.K. and working members of the royal family that speech couldn't have happened."
Arbiter made it clear that it wasn't a single aspect of Meghan's speech that wouldn't have been allowed if she were still a senior working royal; it was the whole thing.
"I'm talking about the whole speech, end of. It's highly politicized because of the very nature of what it is," he explained. "And it's starting to voice opinions about the internal affairs of another country. I don't think the queen has to say anything. It is a social issue for the United States and it is not for a head of state to voice an opinion, whether the queen or the president of France or whoever."
Black Lives Matter
-
I Researched Over 2,000 Beauty Gift Sets to Find 57 Options Worth Your MoneyHoliday shopping made easy.
-
Meet Mia Rodgers, the Witty Brit Making Waves on 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' Season 3Taylor is one of several new students on the Essex College campus this season.
-
King Charles Might Take Back Some of the "Treasures" From Brother Prince Andrew's Home in Ongoing Battle Over Royal LodgeOne author says there's a possibility the Royal Collection Trust could "start taking the paintings and some of the furniture away."
-
Exclusive: Meghan Markle Hosts Heartfelt Holiday Dinner for Afghan Women Starting New Lives in AmericaThe Duchess of Sussex sat down with ‘Marie Claire’ to discuss the Archewell Foundation’s Welcome Project and her own holiday traditions with Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Launching Major New Project in DecemberGet ready for some action.
-
Prince Harry Just Sent Out Invites to an Intimate Christmas Party He's Hosting Solo"He appreciates that the festive season can be hard."
-
Prince Andrew Keeps "Allowing Himself to Be Humiliated" Amid Royal Lodge Dispute With King Charles"It is how it looks: an idle and disgraced Duke swanning around on his horse."
-
Queen Camilla Pays Tribute to Queen Elizabeth by Wearing Her Rare Aquamarine Ribbon TiaraThe late Queen was photographed wearing the dazzling tiara on just one occasion.
-
Meghan Markle's $6,050 Pendant Pays Tribute to Her "Angels" Prince Archie and Princess LilibetThe engraved necklace features an adorable reference to the Duchess of Sussex's children.
-
Meghan Markle's 5 Best Royal Re-WearsThe Duchess of Sussex knows what works.
-
Queen Camilla Has Helped King Charles "Loosen Up," But He Appears "Tense" Without Her"He was quite a nervous man... Camilla has been a catalyst for change."
