Princess Michael of Kent, a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, caused quite a social media stir last Wednesday (December 20) when she was photographed wearing what many called a “racist brooch” on her coat. The Princess was on her way to a Buckingham Palace lunch attended by Prince Harry’s fiancée, Meghan Markle – a child of a white father and African-American mother.
The brooch in question was a blackamoor-style brooch that depicted an African figure. Blackamoor-style brooches are widely considered offensive, and the Princess was accused of being racist and out of touch by many on Twitter and Facebook.
On Friday, the Princess’ rep issued an apology, saying: “The brooch was a gift and had been worn many times before. Princess Michael is very sorry and distressed that it has caused offense”.
Prince Harry and Markle announced their engagement last month and will wed on May 19, 2018.
