Who Is The Alleged 'Racist Royal' Named In Dutch Book 'Endgame'?

The Dutch translation of Omid Scobie's latest book, Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival, has inadvertently disclosed the names of not one but two royal family members who expressed concerns about the skin colour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie. This revelation has ignited a fresh wave of controversy and speculation, further deepening the rift between the Sussexes and the British monarchy.

This revelation stems from the infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made startling claims about their experiences within the royal family.

The Accidental Revelation

According to Dutch royal journalist Rick Evers, who managed to obtain a copy of the since-recalled Dutch edition, the first name was "very specific," while the second name remained "a little bit vague." The claim that the first name was a result of a translation issue raises questions about the accuracy and integrity of the translation process. Evers, in a statement on Good Morning Britain, questioned the plausibility of translating a name incorrectly, further fueling the ongoing debates about the passages in question.

Confirming widespread speculation, the BBC disclosed on Friday that King Charles III  and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, were the individuals who expressed concerns about the potential darkness of Archie’s skin before his birth. This revelation follows the footsteps of other media outlets, including Sky News, ITV, The New York Times, and The Mirror, which had already identified the accused royal members due to a mishap by a Dutch publisher.

In the BBC Newsnight interview, Scobie was presented with an opportunity to express remorse over the naming controversy. However, rather than issuing an apology, he asserted that it would be premature to do so. "It’s not for me to apologise because I still want to know what’s happened," he stated,

The Dutch Publishing Blunder

Xander, the publisher of journalist Omid Scobie’s book 'Endgame,' which delves into the events leading to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from the royal family, inadvertently printed the names of King Charles III and Middleton in the Dutch translation of the book. Despite Scobie's denial of ever naming the royals in writing, Xander has taken swift action, withdrawing copies from the market and initiating an investigation into the matter.

The Roots of the Controversy

The controversy traces back to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. The couple divulged the startling claim that certain members of the royal family had pondered over "how dark" Archie's skin might be before his birth in May 2019. The couple ruled out Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, leaving the royal family embroiled in a scandal that has yet to be officially addressed. This disclosure sent shockwaves across the globe, triggering debates on racism within the monarchy.

As the allegations continue to reverberate, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have maintained a conspicuous silence. However, insiders suggest that the royal palaces are actively exploring various options, including the possibility of legal action, in response to the grave accusations. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle have also chosen to remain tight-lipped on the matter, adding an air of mystery to the unfolding situation.

Public Reactions and Debates

The naming of King Charles III and Kate Middleton as the alleged culprits has sparked a heated debate across the United Kingdom. While some staunchly defend the accused royals, others condemn them for their alleged racist remarks. Piers Morgan, who has been vocal in his criticism of Meghan Markle, weighed in on the controversy during his new show on TalkTV. He asserted that King Charles III and Middleton had been "thrown under the bus" by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

UK security minister Tom Tugendhat echoed support for the accused royals, dismissing the allegations as "rumour, hearsay, and an attempt to disparage somebody who’s served our country with enormous dignity and enourmous grace for many, many years."

As the controversy continues to unfold, the allegations against King Charles III and Kate Middleton remain at the forefront of public discourse. The repercussions of this controversy are likely to resonate for some time, shaping public perceptions and challenging the traditional narrative surrounding the monarchy.