'She wasn't just a harmless nana': Em Rusciano says the Queen should've apologized to indigenous people during her reign
LONDON, UK: Em Rusciano recently opened up about her thoughts on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday, September 8, at the age of 96. The Queen, who was battling with mobility issues, passed away peacefully at her Balmoral residence.
Speaking about the Queen on the latest episode of her podcast titled "Emsolation", the former radio star said the late monarch should have apologized to the indigenous people during her reign. "I now know that association is a form of non-indigenous privilege, of white privilege," she said.
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During the podcast, Em recalled her grandmother, who had her hair done the same way as the Queen and visited Buckingham Palace. She said her grandmother's appreciation of the royal was a 'privilege'. "So when I awoke to the news of her death, my initial reaction was a pang of sadness for my grandmother. Then suddenly I started feeling sick because I do know better," Em continued.
"And I know her legacy isn't just one of epic stoicism and record-breaking service to country, that she wasn't just a harmless nana who loved a brooch. Her legacy was also undeniably intertwined with colonialism, enforced slavery, genocide, theft, and the dispossession of indigenous peoples of their lands," Em noted.
The former singer noted that many people argued that during her reign, the Queen had ample opportunities to "apologize and compensate for what the British colonial empire did to the countries they colonized." Em added, "The Queen's death and the various complex reactions to it show us that the history of the monarchy needs to be thoroughly examined and discussed. It's time. This is shining the very harsh light that needs to be shone on how crown used their power to oppress marginalized communities."
Concluding the podcast, the former radio star said, "And she chose not to, that's the truth. And I agree."
Her Majesty died at her Balmoral residence just a few days after meeting UK's new Prime Minister Liz Truss on September 6. Buckingham Palace had tweeted a statement earlier on September 8 that revealed that the Queen had been "under medical supervision" at Balmoral after royal doctors expressed concerns about her health.