Prince Charles cops backlash over post-interview photo opp

Prince Charles has been criticised for his first photo opp after Meghan and Harry’s allegations of royal racism in their tell-all interview.

Prince Charles is copping heat for his first public photo opportunity after Harry and Meghan’s bombshell Oprah interview aired this week.

One particularly shocking revelation from the interview: Both Meghan and Harry allege that a member of the royal family expressed “concern” before their son Archie’s birth about how dark his skin would be.

Both refused to reveal which royal was responsible for the racist comment, saying it would be “too damaging” to the person, but Harry later clarified to Oprah that it was not the Queen or Prince Philip.

As speculation rages, the royals are for the most part going about business as usual.

Harry’s father Prince Charles’ official Instagram account, Clarence House, today shared four photos of Charles visiting an NHS vaccine pop-up clinic at Jesus House, a Black Majority Church in London.

The four photos posted show Charles speaking to, and surrounded by, people of colour:

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Prince Charles at the NHS vaccine pop-up today.

Clarence House released these official photos today.

Charles greets a nurse at the pop-up.

“The Prince previously visited Jesus House, together with The Duchess of Cornwall, in 2007 to celebrate the community work of Black Majority Churches,” Clarence House’s caption notes.

“Led by Pastor Agu Irukwu, the church has been working hard during the pandemic to support the local community and combat vaccine hesitancy. In an effort to encourage take-up amongst the BAME (British Black, Asian and minority) community, Jesus House has led seminars to share credible information about the vaccination programme, providing opportunity to raise questions and concerns with healthcare professionals.”

The photo opportunity has been met with scepticism on social media, including from high profile figures like comedian Kathy Griffin and author Jeet Heer:

You guys, Prince Charles is being photographed talking to black people today.
Wow. Subtle. https://t.co/vtGOQD35oW

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 9, 2021

BREAKING: Prince Charles willing to be in the same room as Black people. https://t.co/2dy1Ch98eT

— Jeet Heer (@HeerJeet) March 9, 2021

NOT PRINCE CHARLES POSTING PICS OF HIM WITH BLACK PEOPLE HOURS AFTER HARRY AND MEGHAN SAID SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY WAS CONCERNED OVER ARCHIE’S SKIN COLOUR #MeghanandHarryonOprahpic.twitter.com/0AXdMGFpUN

— julia (@blairsaetre) March 9, 2021

I just know they had this saved in a desktop folder named "Charles with Black People". https://t.co/UGH1siLqvK

— Princess Goldilocks (@BigBattyVulpix) March 9, 2021

Not an "I got black friends" photo-op Prince Charles 😭😂 https://t.co/smpR7HykFS

— Paula Ngon (@keedypaula) March 9, 2021

Let me get this straight.... Prince Charles wont take his son calls but today he is out in London approaching every random Black person to say hi? pic.twitter.com/0Q4INuNz1U

— NoChillMood (@ritaag) March 9, 2021

Charles’ public showing comes as Buckingham Palace finally released a brief statement from the Queen addressing Harry and Meghan’s interview.

“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” the Queen’s statement said.

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”