Prince Harry.Photo: Jenna Jones
Prince Harry’s worldview changed after he metMeghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex, 38, spoke about his personal growth inthis week’s exclusive PEOPLE cover storyas his memoirSparehits bookshelves. Harry reflected on how his eyes were opened to racism in the media, royal institution and world at large after his relationship with his wife, who is biracial, began six years ago.
“My relationship with Meghan has opened my eyes to so much I fear I otherwise would have never fully understood. When we recognize bias within ourselves or others — we have a choice. Be part of the problem through inaction or part of the solution through change,“Prince Harrytells PEOPLE.
“We live in a world with systemic racism, and none of us are immune from the effects of that. I am someone who has long benefited from my place in society,” he says. “I understand that much better today than I once did. I had so much to learn and, equally, unlearn. It’s not a simple process, but it’s a fulfilling one. I’m a better husband, father and human because of it. I feel more grounded and connected.”
Mike Marsland/WireImage
“To this day I’m doing important and necessary work to understand and address unconscious bias — it’s ever-evolving and requires us to step up and speak out where we can — even when it’s our friends, families or loved ones,” Harry adds.
The Duke of Sussex spoke about racism, unconscious bias and his own family in his first television interview surrounding the release ofSpare, out today.
The book jacket of Prince Harry’s memoir ‘Spare’.PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
“No,” Harry interjected as he went on to explain the difference between racism and unconscious bias. “The British press said that. Did Meghan ever mention they’re racist?”
Jenna Jones
“I wouldn’t. Not having lived within that family,” Harry said.
“The difference between racism and unconscious bias is, the two things are different. But once it’s been acknowledged, or pointed out to you as an individual or as an institution that you have unconscious bias, you, therefore, have an opportunity to learn and grow from that in order, so that you are part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Otherwise, unconscious bias then moves into the category of racism,” Harry continued.
For more fromPEOPLE’s exclusive interview with Harry, check out this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday
Prince Harry then referenced arecent incident at Buckingham Palaceinvolving Lady Susan Hussey, a longstanding lady-in-waiting to the lateQueen Elizabeth. Hussey was accused of asking racially-charged questions to Ngoni Fulani, the founder of the charity Sistah Space during a royal reception to combat violence against women.
“What happened to Ngozi Fulani is a very good example of the environment within the institution,” Harry said. “And why after the Oprah interview they said they were going to bring in a Diversity Czar. That hasn’t happened. Everything they said was going to happen hasn’t happened.”
“I’ve always been open to wanting to help them understand their part in it, especially when you are the monarchy, you have a responsibility and quite rightly people hold you to a higher standard than others, certainly the media should. So, the way that I’ve learned it through my own experience, from what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard – yes, you’re right the keyword is concern, which was troubling,” the Duke of Sussex said. “But, you speak to any other couple, mixed-race couple around the world, and you will probably find that the white side of the family have either openly discussed it or secretly discussed, what are the kids going to look like. And, that is part of a bigger conversation that needs to be had.”
“But to say that that doesn’t happen around the rest of the world, but it just happened there, that’s not true, but again, for me, the difference is unconscious bias and racism. But if you are called out for unconscious bias, you need to make that right, and you have the opportunity and the choice to, but if you choose not to, then that rapidly becomes something much more serious,” he said.
Prince Harry.Jenna Jones
With an eye to what’s next,Prince Harrytells PEOPLE that the future feels bright.
“I’m looking ahead and am optimistic for what’s to come. I have a beautiful and blessed life—one that comes with a platform, and with it responsibility that Meghan and I plan to use wisely,” he says. “I feel I am exactly where I am meant to be and exactly where we [my family] are meant to be. I don’t think I could have written this book otherwise.”
source: people.com
