Was this the time Meghan started to dislike the Royal Family? At the traditional Christmas lunch on 22nd December 2017, she wondered if Princess Michael of Kent wore the 'racist' Blackamoor brooch as a 'message', book claims

Meghan Markle’s evolving relationship with the British Royal Family has been a focal point of public discussion, often marked by moments of tension and cultural dissonance. In their Netflix 'docuseries', she discusses her experiences, as well as the significant challenges she faced as an outsider navigating a centuries-old institution.

Meghan’s dramatized curtsy in the Netflix docuseries became a controversial moment. While some saw it as light-hearted humor, others perceived it as disrespectful to royal traditions and the late Queen. For Meghan, the anecdote might have been an attempt to illustrate the cultural gap she experienced, but for critics, it reinforced the perception of disdain for royal customs.

Meghan’s comparison of meeting the Queen to an event at Medieval Times dinner theater underscores her sense of the monarchy’s formality being alien or outdated. Such remarks highlight the difficulty she faced reconciling her modern, American perspective with the deeply rooted traditions of the British monarchy.

Over time, Meghan and Harry’s discomfort with their roles became increasingly public. Their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 was framed as a response to personal and professional pressures, including intense media scrutiny and systemic challenges within "The Firm."

The royal bride-to-be at the time, whose former lighting director father, Thomas Markle is white, and mother, Doria Ragland (pictured together in 2018), is black, had often spoken about the racism she experienced both as a child and as a grown woman

Since their departure, Meghan’s limited appearances in the UK have often been analyzed through the lens of family tensions. During events like the Queen’s funeral, the focus on her body language and interactions with in-laws has amplified the narrative of estrangement.

The Blackamoor brooch row is often cited as an early flashpoint in Meghan Markle's relationship with the Royal Family and an emblem of the cultural and racial challenges she faced.

The brooch in question, a Blackamoor piece, depicts a stylized figure with African features, often adorned in ornate clothing and jewelry. While such items were historically seen as decorative art, they are now widely regarded as symbols of colonialism and racial stereotyping.

Princess Michael of Kent wore the brooch to a Christmas luncheon in 2017, a private event where Meghan was introduced to the larger royal family. The timing and setting of this misstep heightened its perceived significance.

Princess Michael of Kent found herself under fire in 2017 after she wore a blackamoor brooch to the Royal Family Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace 

Photographs of Princess Michael wearing the brooch went viral, sparking widespread criticism. Many viewed it as an insensitive choice, particularly in Meghan's presence, as she was the first biracial member to join the Royal Family.

Princess Michael later issued a public apology, stating she was "very sorry and distressed that it has caused offense" and promised to retire the brooch.

According to Finding Freedom, Meghan saw the incident as potentially sending an unspoken message, questioning whether it was merely a thoughtless choice or something deeper.

As a woman of biracial heritage, Meghan was acutely aware of the symbolism tied to such imagery. The incident may have reinforced feelings of exclusion and highlighted the cultural insensitivity she would later discuss.

The brooch incident is frequently referenced as an early example of the cultural gap between Meghan and the Royal Family. While it did not define her entire experience, it became emblematic of the broader challenges she faced within an institution steeped in tradition. It also added fuel to Meghan and Harry’s critique of "unconscious bias" within the monarchy, a topic they have addressed in interviews and their Netflix docuseries.

Blackamoor are a genre of figurines, small sculptures or jewellery which depict largely men, but sometimes women, with black skin usually from the 18th century

The Blackamoor brooch incident at the 2017 Buckingham Palace Christmas luncheon marked a significant moment in Meghan Markle's early integration into the Royal Family.

The annual Christmas banquet at Buckingham Palace is one of the largest royal gatherings, typically involving 40 to 50 extended family members. It is an exclusive event for close family and significant others, with strict etiquette and decorum observed. 

In 2017, Meghan was invited for the first time, shortly after her engagement to Prince Harry in November, signaling her acceptance into the family fold. Being invited as a fiancée to such a prestigious family occasion was a big step, given the formality and familial expectations tied to the event.

The annual Christmas banquet at is held at Buckingham Palace and is the largest Windsor gathering of the holiday season

For Meghan, navigating the dynamics of the extended royal family under these circumstances would have been both an honor and a challenge, especially as a newcomer unfamiliar with the traditions and protocols.

Princess Michael of Kent's decision to wear a Blackamoor brooch—a style of jewelry criticized for its racial stereotyping—overshadowed Meghan's introduction to the extended family. While Princess Michael later apologized and promised to retire the brooch, the timing and visibility of the incident caused a media frenzy, amplifying the perceived slight.

Meghan was also snapped coming to the dinner, and would later have been introduced to Princess Michael


According to Finding Freedom, Meghan may have questioned whether the choice of the brooch was deliberate or simply an example of cultural insensitivity within the institution. The incident occurred during a period when Meghan was already under intense media scrutiny, which likely heightened the emotional impact of the controversy.

The brooch incident illustrated the challenges of introducing modern values and diverse perspectives into an institution steeped in history and tradition. While the incident itself might not have been malicious, its fallout likely contributed to Meghan's feelings of alienation and discomfort within the royal environment. The event fed into a larger narrative of racial insensitivity and unconscious bias within the Royal Family, themes Meghan and Harry would later publicly address.

The Blackamoor brooch incident, set against the backdrop of Meghan’s first major royal family gathering, became a symbolic moment in her royal journey. It highlighted the complexities of navigating identity, tradition, and relationships within the monarchy, offering a glimpse into the broader challenges Meghan faced as a newcomer to the institution.

Blackamoor artwork


The Blackamoor brooch incident, captured in photographs as Princess Michael of Kent arrived at the 2017 Buckingham Palace Christmas luncheon, quickly became a focal point of controversy.

While the luncheon was a private event with no internal photographs allowed, the arrival of family members was widely photographed from the gates. Princess Michael was prominently pictured wearing the Blackamoor brooch on her chest, sparking immediate backlash once the images circulated.

Although Princess Michael and Meghan Markle were not seated together, they were likely introduced during the gathering. For Meghan, this was an important occasion as she was attending her first major royal family event after her engagement to Prince Harry.

Princess Michael, who is married to the Queen's cousin, Prince Michael, could clearly be seen wearing the jewellery on her coat as she drove through the gates (pictured, a similar brooch)


Blackamoor art, including jewelry and sculptures, originates from the 18th century and often depicts Black figures in exoticized and subservient roles. While historically prized for craftsmanship, such items are now criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes. The brooch’s design—a figure of a Black man adorned with a gold turban and ornate clothing—was seen as racially insensitive, especially in Meghan’s presence.

Meghan, as a biracial woman, has spoken about experiencing racism throughout her life. Incidents like hearing her mother being called a racial slur and others making offensive “Black jokes” in her presence shaped her sensitivity to such issues. The brooch's symbolism likely struck a personal chord, particularly as she entered a family that would be central to her new public role.

Social media users and commentators quickly condemned Princess Michael for her choice of jewelry, calling it "racist" and "tone-deaf." The incident gained widespread attention, amplifying discussions about race and inclusivity within the Royal Family.

Following the public outcry, Princess Michael apologized, stating that the brooch was a gift she had worn many times before and expressing regret for causing offense. She promised to retire the brooch, but the damage to her image—and potentially to Meghan’s early impressions of royal life—was done.

The brooch incident has been cited as an example of unconscious bias within the Royal Family. Both Meghan and Harry later discussed such biases in their Netflix docuseries, using the incident to illustrate broader systemic issues. This event highlighted the cultural and racial sensitivities Meghan faced upon joining the Royal Family, setting the tone for some of the challenges she would later publicly address.

Princess Michael of Kent, a longstanding yet controversial figure in the Royal Family, has faced scrutiny for incidents perceived as racially insensitive, with the Blackamoor brooch controversy being the most publicized and damaging in recent memory. Here's a deeper dive into her history and the fallout from this and other incidents:

The Brooch Controversy (2017)

  • Public Reaction:
    When photos emerged of Princess Michael wearing the Blackamoor brooch to the royal Christmas luncheon, social media erupted with outrage. Many pointed out the brooch’s offensive historical associations, especially given Meghan Markle’s biracial heritage and the significance of the occasion—Meghan’s formal introduction to the extended Royal Family.

  • Critical Responses:
    Social media users and commentators called out the insensitivity, with some labeling the gesture as either thoughtlessly outdated or deliberately provocative. Criticism included:

    • "Has no one noticed the Blackamoor pin? Really?"
    • "This woman is an embarrassment to the Royal Family."
    • Calls for the Queen to ban Princess Michael from future events.

  • Apology:
    Princess Michael issued a public apology, claiming the brooch was an old favorite and a gift, expressing regret for the offense caused. She vowed to retire the piece permanently.

Past Racism Allegations

The brooch incident was not the first time Princess Michael of Kent was accused of racial insensitivity:

  1. Incident at a New York Restaurant (2004):

    • Princess Michael reportedly told a group of Black diners to "go back to the colonies" during a disagreement in a New York restaurant.
    • Though she later denied the comments, the incident sparked significant backlash, and she defended herself by insisting the remark had been misunderstood.

  2. Cultural Insensitivity in Interviews:

    • In past interviews, Princess Michael has been accused of making culturally insensitive remarks.
    • Her memoirs and public comments occasionally reflect outdated views, leading to criticism of her awareness and modernity.

Impact on Meghan Markle and the Royal Family

  • Tensions in Meghan’s Early Royal Life:

    • As noted in the book Finding Freedom, Meghan reportedly questioned whether the brooch incident was an unspoken message or merely thoughtless insensitivity.
    • It contributed to her wariness about fully integrating into the Royal Family, particularly regarding its approach to race and inclusivity.

  • Strained Relationships:

    • Princess Michael’s actions cast a shadow over her relationship with Harry and Meghan, particularly given her proximity to their former residence at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace.

Reputation of Princess Michael of Kent

  • Nickname and Image:
    Dubbed “Princess Pushy” for her perceived elitism and self-importance, Princess Michael has frequently courted controversy.

    • Her glamorous yet traditionalist persona often clashes with modern expectations of the Royal Family.

  • Living Arrangements:
    Despite her controversies, Princess Michael continues to reside in a lavish Kensington Palace apartment alongside her husband, Prince Michael of Kent, who is a minor royal and cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Blackamoor brooch incident remains one of the most high-profile controversies in modern royal history, symbolizing the challenges Meghan faced as she navigated the complexities of royal life. For many, it underscored the Royal Family’s struggle to align its traditions with the expectations of a more inclusive, multicultural society.

The 2004 New York restaurant incident and the Blackamoor brooch controversy appear to be pivotal examples of how Princess Michael of Kent's actions could have influenced Meghan Markle's perspective on racial sensitivity within the Royal Family.

Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Diana watching Pete Sampras win the Wimbledon final


The New York Incident (2004)

  • Allegations:
    Princess Michael was accused of telling a group of Black diners to "go back to the colonies" during a disagreement over noise. She denied the allegations, claiming she said, "I would be ready to go back to the colonies."

  • Television Remarks:
    Her subsequent comments in a TV interview exacerbated the situation. Referring to African people as "adorable" came across as patronizing and out of touch, further damaging her reputation.

Impact on Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle's own experiences with racism, as detailed in essays and interviews, provide context for her sensitivity to such incidents:

  1. Personal Encounters with Racism:

    • Meghan shared that as a biracial woman, she frequently dealt with "distasteful Black jokes" from people who assumed she was white.
    • She recounted a heartbreaking moment when her mother, Doria Ragland, was called the "N-word" during a parking lot incident. Meghan described feeling powerless and angry, watching her mother’s tears.

  2. Perception of Insensitivity:

    • Meghan reportedly viewed Princess Michael’s decision to wear the Blackamoor brooch to the 2017 Christmas luncheon as "insensitive" to her African American heritage.
    • Finding Freedom highlighted that Meghan may have questioned whether there was an underlying message in the choice of jewelry.

For Meghan, the Blackamoor brooch incident and her earlier personal experiences likely reinforced concerns about being accepted in a royal institution steeped in tradition. While Princess Michael's controversies are attributed to ignorance or outdated views, Meghan may have seen them as emblematic of larger, systemic issues within the family.

Princess Michael of Kent at a charity dinner in London in the 1980s

Meghan has used her platform to speak out against racism and promote inclusivity, highlighting the importance of representation and respect. The brooch controversy likely informed her perspective on the challenges of navigating the Royal Family as a modern, biracial woman, amplifying her resolve to advocate for change.

The Blackamoor brooch incident appears to have left a lasting impact on Meghan Markle’s early experience with the Royal Family, according to Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand in Finding Freedom. Their commentary sheds light on how the event may have shaped Meghan's perception of the institution.

In an interview on Good Morning America in August 2020 Scobie said that Harry and Meghan's decision to quit was prompted by racial 'ignorance' within the monarchy


The authors emphasize that royal fashion is deliberate, with every choice carrying potential symbolism. Meghan reportedly questioned whether Princess Michael of Kent’s brooch—depicting a Black man in a gold turban and ornate clothing—was merely a thoughtless accessory or an intentional statement.

At the "bare minimum," the authors describe the choice as displaying insensitivity to Meghan's African American heritage and the racism she had faced since her relationship with Prince Harry became public.

Response from Princess Michael: The brooch was said to be a gift that had been worn before. Princess Michael issued a public apology, expressing regret and pledging to retire the brooch.

Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent during Royal Ascot in June last year


Despite the apology, Scobie and Durand claim that the incident caused irreparable damage to Meghan’s relationship with the Royal Family.

The incident highlights a perceived lack of cultural awareness within the Royal Family, exacerbating Meghan’s feelings of being an outsider. For Meghan, this event may have symbolized deeper challenges around racial sensitivity and inclusivity within the monarchy.

While Princess Michael’s apology quelled immediate backlash, the authors argue that the event lingered in Meghan’s memory, contributing to her growing discomfort with royal life. It underscores how personal experiences, even in private or semi-private settings, can shape larger narratives about belonging and acceptance.

The Blackamoor brooch incident has become a recurring focal point in the broader narrative of Meghan Markle's and Prince Harry's experiences with the Royal Family, as highlighted in various media projects and writings. It has been cited as an example of "unconscious bias" within the institution, as explored in their 2022 Netflix docuseries and Omid Scobie's recent book Endgame.

The Meghan-friendly book Finding Freedom 



Insights from the 2022 Netflix Docuseries

  1. Prince Harry on Unconscious Bias:

    • Harry candidly acknowledged the presence of unconscious bias within the Royal Family:

      "In this family, sometimes you're part of the problem rather than part of the solution. And there is a huge level of unconscious bias."

    • He emphasized that while such bias isn’t inherently someone’s fault, it requires education and active efforts to correct.

  2. Meghan’s Experience of Race in the UK:

    • Meghan reflected on how moving to Britain altered how she was perceived racially:

      "I wasn’t really treated like a Black woman until I came to Britain."

    • This comment underscored her view of the UK as having a distinct and heightened focus on race compared to her experiences in the US.

Omid Scobie’s Endgame

In his latest book, Endgame, Scobie revisits the brooch incident, providing additional context and details:

  • Extended Drama:
    Scobie suggests that the aftermath of the controversy was more significant than initially reported, hinting at ongoing tensions behind the scenes.
  • Reflection of Larger Issues:
    The incident is framed as emblematic of the Royal Family's struggles with addressing and confronting systemic biases and insensitivities.

Broader Context

  • Unconscious Bias in Focus:
    The couple’s repeated references to the brooch incident in both public and personal narratives suggest it served as a pivotal moment in Meghan’s relationship with the Royal Family and informed her broader views on the institution.
  • Public vs. Private Reflection:
    The controversy has been revisited multiple times, reflecting its continued relevance in discussions about inclusivity and awareness within the monarchy.

This incident has not only shaped Meghan and Harry’s personal journey but has also contributed to larger conversations about racial awareness and bias, both within the Royal Family and in society at large.

Omid Scobie's book, Endgame, delves deeper into the alleged attitudes and comments of Princess Michael of Kent toward Meghan Markle, highlighting what appears to be a pattern of insensitivity and dismissiveness. According to Scobie:

Allegations in Endgame

  1. Comments About Race:

    • Princess Michael of Kent reportedly said Meghan had "made it all about race because that's all everyone does these days."
    • This comment suggests a dismissal of Meghan's experiences and the broader societal conversations about race and identity, framing them as overemphasized.

  2. Preconceived Opinions:

    • Scobie quotes the princess saying, “Well... we could already guess what someone like her would be like. I saw it coming from miles away.”
    • This remark implies a prejudgment of Meghan’s character, based not on personal interactions but on assumptions tied to her identity and public perception.

  3. Post-Oprah Interview Gossip:

    • After Harry and Meghan’s 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, Princess Michael allegedly made disparaging remarks during a meeting at her Kensington Palace apartment.
    • Scobie claims she openly gossiped with an aide about Meghan, reinforcing the narrative of longstanding disapproval.

Context and Implications

  • Historical Controversies:
    Princess Michael has faced accusations of racial insensitivity in the past, such as the Blackamoor brooch incident in 2017 and her 2004 comments at a New York restaurant. These earlier episodes add weight to Scobie’s claims, suggesting a pattern of behavior.

  • Tensions Within the Royal Family:
    Comments like those attributed to Princess Michael of Kent underscore the challenges Meghan faced in navigating royal life, particularly in the context of race and identity.

  • Public and Media Reactions:
    Such allegations contribute to the ongoing scrutiny of the Royal Family’s ability to address diversity and inclusivity, keeping these issues at the forefront of public discourse.

While the veracity of these claims remains a matter of debate, they illustrate how perceptions of Meghan Markle within royal circles, as portrayed by Scobie, may have influenced the Sussexes’ decision to step back from royal duties and speak out about their experiences.

The Blackamoor brooch incident and the subsequent events surrounding it appear to have been pivotal moments in Meghan Markle’s complex relationship with the British Royal Family.

Princess Michael's Self-Perception and Controversial Background

Princess Michael of Kent’s statements about her aristocratic lineage and royal bloodline further add layers to the controversy. Her boastful remarks about her ancestry, particularly her claimed descent from notable historical figures like Catherine de Medici and Charlemagne, reflect her deep connection to European aristocracy. However, the revelation about her father’s Nazi party membership, coupled with her controversial comments and the brooch incident, has painted her as a figure often at odds with modern sensitivities, especially in the context of race and historical legacy.

Princess Michael was born Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnitz on her grandmother's estate near Carlsbad in 1945

Meghan Markle's Discomfort within the Royal Family

The brooch incident, which was widely perceived as racially insensitive, may have contributed to Meghan's growing discomfort within the royal fold. As Scobie has pointed out in his interviews and books, racial ignorance was a key factor in the couple's decision to step back from their royal duties in 2020. Meghan, who has spoken publicly about her own experiences with racism and prejudice, was already grappling with a complex identity within the institution. Her experiences were often marked by a lack of understanding and empathy, which seemed to deepen after her introduction to the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at their final royal engagement at the Commonwealth Service in March 2020

Racial 'Ignorance' and Meghan’s Marginalization

Scobie’s suggestion that racism played a role in the Sussexes’ decision to leave the family sheds light on Meghan’s feelings of marginalization. She was not made to feel fully accepted or valued as part of the royal family, despite her position as a member of the family by marriage. This sense of exclusion and the persistent racial undertones—whether overt or unconscious—likely became more pronounced following incidents like the brooch row.

The Brooch Incident as a Turning Point

The brooch incident, in which Princess Michael of Kent wore a controversial piece of jewelry symbolizing black stereotypes, could very well have acted as a turning point for Meghan. It may have been the moment that reinforced her perception that the Royal Family, while claiming to champion values of duty, respect, and unity, was deeply entrenched in unconscious biases and historical insensitivities.

The aftermath of this incident, combined with the broader cultural and racial dynamics of the Royal Family, contributed to Meghan and Harry’s eventual exit from the institution. Their decision to leave was not just about a personal desire for privacy or freedom but also, as Scobie emphasized, the racism Meghan encountered during her time within the royal circle.

In retrospect, it is plausible to view the Blackamoor brooch saga as a key moment in the Sussexes’ trajectory, potentially shaping their view of the Royal Family’s true nature and accelerating their decision to carve out their own path away from it.

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