Queen Elizabeth II broke royal protocol by inviting Meghan Markle to her annual pre-Christmas luncheon 2017. It sparked a relatively unknown row involving Princess Michael of Kent and her Blackamoor brooch. Princess Michael is married to the Queen’s first cousin, Prince Michael.
Historians Widely Regard the Blackamoor Brooch As Racist
Princess Michael wore the pin to the family occasion, which prompted some royal correspondents to comment on its “racist undertones.” Princess Michael issued a public apology.
Saying she was
“very sorry and distressed that it had caused offense.”
The Blackamoor brooch is considered offensive because Blackamoor figures and sculptures are exotic figures which typically depict African men and were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s widely regarded as racist by historians.
Leading the charge of those who disapproved of the piece of jewelry was none other than Meghan herself. At the time, Meghan Markle was Prince Harry…