Meghan Markle opens up about life in America and how she and Prince Harry plan to make a difference
As Meghan, Harry and Archie settle into their new home in Santa Barbara, the American actress discusses Black Lives Matter, the role of gender in the media and why she’s taking a stand against clickbait news
Markle and husband Prince Harry relocated to the United States via Canada this year, after announcing in January that they were quitting front-line British royal duties.
The Duchess of Sussex, who is mixed race, said it was “devastating” to return as America’s systemic racism was laid bare following the death in police custody of unarmed black man George Floyd in May.
But her feelings began to change as the country became gripped by widespread peaceful protests, and airwaves became dominated by black voices speaking against decades of discrimination.
“It shifted from sadness to a feeling of absolute inspiration because I can see that the tide is turning,” she told a summit hosted by The 19th, a new news organisation overwhelmingly staffed by women.
“From my standpoint it’s not new to see this undercurrent of racism and certainly unconscious bias,” said Markle, who grew up in Los Angeles.
“But I think to see the changes that are being made right now is … something that I look forward to being a part of and being a part of using my voice in a way that I haven’t been able to of late.
“So yeah it’s good to be home,” she added.
The Suits actress, who was interviewing The 19th’s CEO Emily Ramshaw about the role of gender in media, also hinted at her and Harry’s troubles with tabloid papers.
