When asked on Channel Four News whether the royals are behind the movement—which was formed in opposition to police brutality against Black people, and to all forms of anti-Black violence—Sir Ken Olisa said, “The answer is easily yes.” The first Black lord-lieutenant of London said the subject had come up during conversations with the royal household following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. “It’s a hot conversation topic,” he said. “The question is what more can we do to bind society to remove these barriers.” He went on to say that the members of the royal family “care passionately about making this one nation bound by the same values.” A spokesperson for BLM UK told the Guardian, “We were surprised to learn the queen is a BLM supporter. But we welcome anyone that agrees with our goal of dismantling white supremacy. “Of course, actions speak louder than words. The queen sits on a throne made from colonial plunder. Until she gives back all the stolen gold and diamonds from the Commonwealth and pays reparations, these are nothing more than warm words.” The topic of racism is certainly ‘hot’ when it comes to the royals. In March this year, Duchess Meghanclaimed in her incendiary interview with Oprah Winfrey that one of the royals raised concerns about the potential darkness of her baby’s skin color. Oprah later clarified that Harry wished to make clear that it was neither Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip who made these remarks. Three days following the Oprah interview, when asked by a reporter if the royals were a racist family, Prince Williammade the reply, “We’re very much not a racist family.” The queen later released a statement which said “some recollections may vary” when it came Meghan and Prince Harry’s allegations concerning race. Next up, Nearly 24 Years Later, We’re Looking Back at 25 Sad and Poignant Photos from Princess Diana’s Funeral
