According to a new biographical book about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Finding Freedom, Meghan Markle was very displeased during her first Christmas at Buckingham Palace with the British royal family in 2017, mainly because Princess Michael of Kent appeared to the festivities wearing a piece of jewelry that caused a lot of backlash for the 75-year-old royal.
Apparently, the future Duchess of Sussex thought that Princess Michael’s choice of accessory for the event, a blackamoor brooch that depicted the torso of an African man, was a sign of racism that was meant to “send a message” to her.
The authors of the new bestseller, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, further explained that even though Princess Michael was not seated next to Prince Harry‘s wife, they indeed spoke at some point during the event.
The book revealed: “When it comes to royal fashion, much thought goes into every detail. Princess Michael’s choice of brooch could have simple been a mistake, but in the back of Meghan’s mind, she wondered if there wasn’t a message being sent in the pin of the torso of an African man wearing a gold turban and ornate clothing.”
Following the controversial appearance, Princess Michael of Kent stated that she deeply regretted wearing the brooch as it was never her intention to offend, as she had worn the piece in the past.
She said back then: “The brooch was a gift and has been worn many times before. Princess Michael is very sorry and distressed that it has caused offense.”
Despite her apology, the royal was heavily criticized for wearing the brooch, and many slammed her on social media for her “racist” accessories.
At the time, one passionate defender of Markle even stated: “I hope the Queen is going to ban this horrible woman from any further gatherings. This woman is an embarrassment to the Royal Family.”
According to the authors, the damage was done, and there was no going back for Markle: “Regardless, the damage had been done, particularly since the Queen’s purpose had been to make Meghan, who had just moved to England, feel at home for the holidays.”
This is not the only time when Princess Michael was involved in racial controversy as back in 2004; the royal reportedly said to a couple of African-Americans in New York that they should “go back to the colonies.”
Some experts argue that incidents like this one might have contributed to Prince Harry and his wife leaving the royal family.
