A photograph of UK daily newspapers taken in Brenchley, Kent on March 9, … [+]
AFP through Getty Images
Crisis can have far-reaching consequences. Of particular note are the international reactions and the potential impact of racist allegations in the royal family made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their recent interview. by Oprah Winfrey.
As reported by the Associated Press, “In countries with historical links to Britain, Prince Harry and Meghan have allegations that an unnamed member of the royal family had ‘concerns’ about the darkening of the skin. their children have raised a difficult question: Do these countries really want to be so connected to Britain and the royal family anymore? ”
The news agency said, “The interview was expected to reflect more trends in the royal family. It now appears to be dismantling regions within the Commonwealth ‘family’ – an association of 54 countries, mostly British colonies, held together by historical ties. . For decades, Queen Elizabeth II has been behind the Commonwealth. ”
Forbes said Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister of Australia, echoed the royal couple’s comments in the interview “… he added to his argument for Australia cutting its constitutional ties with the British monarchy, may govern the debate on Republicanism in Australia …. ”
Buckingham Palace issued a belated response to Tuesday’s interview that was criticized by some observers. But how the British monarchy overcomes its latest public relations crisis remains to be seen.
An exception to the rule?
Frank Spring, managing partner of coaching and training company Undaunted Ventures, noted, “Countries usually decide to leave or stay in the Commonwealth based on questions of national identity, not the character of the Commonwealth. king or the monarch’s family, but Harry and Meghan’s interview could change that in at least one case: Scotland. ”
He said, “There are early indications that the interview has further undermined Bonnie Prince Charlie’s already high profile across Britain. He is particularly neutral in Scotland (where his son, William, is much loved even by the Queen who loves him). Like many UK residents, Scots have reiterated their preference for William [to] Queen Elizabeth followed (impossible, unless Charles gave up). ”
Spring expected, “If the next referendum on Scottish independence takes place after the death of Queen Elizabeth (which is quite possible), the Scots, who are fairly divided into non- independence right now, their decision as long as the UK rules with a monarch that most people will not like.
“It could move a small number of Scots away from the Union; the anti-independence campaign would undoubtedly remove a visible symbol of the value of staying in the UK In a very close election, which could well be the next Scottish referendum, which could make a difference. Charles needs every opportunity he gets, and the interview only hurt him more, ”he said.
‘Epitome of Racism’
“Given the racial upheaval the world has suffered it is fair to say that the Royals as an institution are a prime example of racism. So it should come as no surprise, ‘said psychologist Charmain F. Jackman, CEO of InnoPsych, Inc.
“I was born and raised in Barbados, a country that remains a constitutional monarchy and part of the Commonwealth. Our new Prime Minister, Mia Motley (first female PM), is working to oust the Queen as head of state. I think countries will certainly examine whether it is in their best interests to stay under the Commonwealth system, a system that maintains white supremacy.
Stop block
Scott Sobel is senior vice president of emergency communications and law at kglobal, a public affairs and public relations firm. He said, “The allegations of racism in the royal family that began in Oprah’s interview will be an utter obstacle to British political relations of all kinds and especially between the UK and countries where people of color are controlled.
“You don’t have to be a PhD in political science to know that the history of the British empire and the British monarchy has been a barrier between the UK and its predecessors, especially ancient color subjects,” he said. e.
‘Shameful and shameful’ comments
Sobel said, “Of course, the British royal family has a largely public relations role and is a chief but the racist allegations made by Harry and Meghan are shameful and humiliating and very personal. Both the British government and the royals need to do much more than just deny these allegations.
“There needs to be personal access and perhaps support of some kind and / or charity to show goodwill – it is not widely believed that the allegations are misleading, especially as these allegations come from the original sources. Harry and Meghan, ”he noted.
A message for all monarchies
Sobel said, “Harry and Meghan’s breakup with the royal family and now raising protests in public is also creating a credit crunch and a red flag for monarchs everywhere. The Oprah interview sends a strong message that all monarchs should think that their own codes of silence among psychics are now a thing of the past? ”
Allegations that do not surprise you
Christy Pichichero is Professor of History at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University. She said, “The effects of the Oprah interview are unlikely to cause political panic or a major departure from the Commonwealth. Are the allegations of color and racism in the British royal family shameful and painful? For sure. Are they panicking? Seriously.
She noted, “For people from the Commonwealth states of South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and elsewhere, there is the dark side of British colonialism – slavery, discrimination, cultural destruction and worse – as part of their local and national history. Critiques of these crimes and their legacies are as old as the British empire itself. “
The impact of the interview may be, “… more important in England where citizens of all backgrounds have been defying images of former slaves. If Buckingham ‘s investigations reveal racism or other forms of discrimination at the Institute, it will be extremely difficult for British citizens to feel that they are properly respected and represented by the royal family. ”
Lessons for business leaders
Be careful what you say and how you say it
Pichichero advised, “Business leaders need to understand that even the worst statement or action in 2021 is not inappropriate and is detrimental to the company as a whole. Training on prejudice, intercultural competence, and recruiting and working with diverse teams is absolutely essential.
“Accountability measures must be in place to guarantee a non-discriminatory workplace where people from all backgrounds can contribute and thrive. Leadership must not only articulate, but implement principles against racism, diversity, equality, and inclusion. These principles must underpin company policy and be part of day-to-day business, ”she said.
Popularity Ups and Downs
A public relations crisis has the potential to damage the long-term reputation of a company or organization. At times, the crisis can damage the public standing of those who put their allegations in crisis. This royal family crisis seems to have helped and hurt both sides.
As reported by Forbes, “Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s popularity in the UK has fallen to a new level after the couple complained about the royal family in a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, new YouGov poll found, but happened behind the US, where a Morning Consult opinion poll showed the couple’s first interview led Americans to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in a long light more favorable. ”