Former First Lady Michelle Obama said it was “no complete surprise” to hear Meghan Markle talk about alleged racism within the British Royal Family.
Obama was asked about Markle and Prince Harry’s bombshell sit-down with Oprah Winfrey in an interview with NBC’s “TODAY” show scheduled for Tuesday.
Markle, 39, who is biracial, told Winfrey that someone in the royal family had expressed “concern” to Harry, 36, about “how dark” their son Archie’s skin would be.
Co-host Jenna Bush Hager said it was “heartbreaking” to hear Markle describe the conversation, adding, “She felt like she was in her own family – her own family thought differently about her.”
Obama replied, “As I said before, race is not a new concept for people of color in this world, so it was not a complete surprise to hear and express her feelings.”
“I think the thing I’m hoping for, and thinking about, is that this is a family in the first place. I pray for forgiveness and healing for them so that they can use this as a learning opportunity for all of us. “
In another interview published Monday, Obama, 57, said she hoped the couple would find a way to reconcile with the royal family.
“I hope when I think about what they are going through, I think about the importance of the family, and I just pray that there is forgiveness, and that there is clarity and love and determination at some point,” she said. Hollywood.”
Obama is a longtime supporter of Markle, calling her “my friend” and “a thoughtful leader” in an Instagram post in 2019.
Queen Elizabeth II said the claims of racism were “concerning” and would be dealt with privately. She has reportedly questioned senior royals about the damning allegations.