Michelle Obama says Meghan Markle's claims about Royal family's racism 'wasn't a complete surprise to hear'
After the Joe Biden administration, in a White House statement, expressed their support for Meghan Markle following her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 7, Michelle Obama has taken the mic to share her sentiments, and shocking as Meghan's claims might be, it wasn't surprising to the former First Lady.
Expressing hopes that the British royals could reconcile with the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the 57-year-old weighed in on the CBS interview during an appearance on NBC, which aired on Tuesday morning, March 16. "Race isn't a new construct in this world, for people of color," Michelle told Jenna Bush Hager, adding: "So it wasn't a complete surprise to, sort of, hear her feelings."
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Sharing she hopes the rift is resolved, Michelle said: "The thing I hope for, and I think about: this first and foremost is a family, and I pray for forgiveness and healing for them. So they can use this as a teachable moment for us all." Calling public service "a bright, sharp, hot spotlight," that most don't understand completely, she said: "The thing I always keep in mind is that none of it is about us, in public service. It's about the people that we serve."
The former FLOTUS had formed a close friendship with Meghan's husband, Prince Harry, who joined her in their infamous 'Megxit' following alleged bullying from the British media, and other shocking claims made in the Oprah interview. During Barack Obama's presidency, Michelle's friendship with Harry had also transcended to Meghan in recent years.
Among the shocking claims made by the former Senior Royals, Meghan, 39, said that prior to the birth of her son Archie, there were concerns within the family surrounding what his skin color was going to be. She also alleged that she had felt suicidal but upon seeking help, she was refused any as it would look bad on 'the institution'. Harry, 36, revealed that he felt trapped and empathizes with his father, Prince Charles, and brother William for being in the same situation. Amidst all, they also shared the good news that their expected second child is a girl.
Michelle hasn't expressed her siding with one side or the other, but she did tell Access Hollywood that she urged the couple to "forgive" the Royals. The Obamas had met the Queen in 2009. They met William and his wife Kate Middleton, in 2011 and 2016. Prince Harry's friendship with the Obamas has been over a mutual interest in humanitarian and military issues, and the inspirational Invictus Games for injured veterans.
Meghan, who's reportedly friends with Michelle, secretly once attended a talk that the former FLOTUS gave in London in 2018. Next year, the then Duchess of Sussex invited her when she collaborated with British Vogue. Meghan wrote in September 2019, how Michelle had become "such a globally respected public figure". Michelle praised Meghan's charity work the same month, calling her an inspiration.
Paying tribute to Meghan's work during the 10-day royal tour of Africa, Michelle had penned a long Instagram post. Next to a photo of the former Sussex royals at the reception for Young People at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Cape Town, Michelle wrote: "Thank you to my friend, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex, a thoughtful leader who is breaking the mold and making our world better for it. Whether meeting with our leaders or helping girls around the world seek the education they deserve, she is an inspiration to so many."