Racism of England Fans Prompts Meghan Markle Comparisons

Meghan Markle supporters have pointed to the abuse of black soccer players by some England fans as evidence that her account of racism in Britain was correct.

The Duchess of Sussex told Oprah Winfrey she was the victim of racist abuse during her two years in the royal family in her tell-all interview in March.

Her account of an unnamed royal expressing concern about how dark her unborn baby's skin might be triggered a wide-ranging debate in the U.K.

In the aftermath of England's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy yesterday three of the country's black footballers were targeted with abuse on social media.

Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka all missed penalties during the shoot-out that settled the game after a 1-1 draw.

Some also criticised Prince William for speaking out against the abuse of England's players but not in defence of his sister-in-law.

Twitter user Mia Francini wrote: "Someone rooting for Italy at this bar just shouted "AND THAT'S FOR MEGHAN MARKLE!" and hello I think he's my soulmate #EnglandvsItaly"

The Duke of Cambridge wrote on Twitter: "I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night's match.

"It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.

"It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W"

However, Imani Gandy, a senior editor at Rewire News Group, quote Tweeted William and wrote: "Oooh now do the racist abuse aimed at Meghan Markle. *pulls up chair*"

Meghan was targeted for abuse by online trolls from the very start of her relationship with Prince Harry, prompting a rare public statement by Kensington Palace within days of the first news article disclosing her identity.

In November 2016, his communications secretary Jason Knauf released a statement saying: "His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public—the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments."

The duchess told Oprah in March: "I think the volume of what was coming in and the interest was greater because of social media, because of the fact that I was not just British.

"If members of his family say, well, this is what's happened to all of us, or if they can compare what the experience that I went through was similar to what has been shared with us, Kate was called Waity Katie, waiting to marry William, while I imagine that was really hard, and I do.

"I can't picture what that felt like. This is not the same. And if a member of his family will comfortably say we've all had to deal with things that are rude. Rude and racist are not the same."

Following the Oprah interview, Buckingham Palace said on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II: "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

"The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While 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."