What is a Blackamoor Brooch? Meaning of racist jewelry

[ad_1]

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix documentary Meghan & Harry looks back on the day Princess Michael of Kent wore a racist Blackamoor brooch to a royal lunch

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan looks back at some of the tough times the couple endured as senior royals. An event discussed in the series which renewed allegations of racism within the royal family and was first reported in 2017, was the day Princess Michael of Kent wore a racist brooch to a lunch at which Meghan Markle also attended.

Prince Harry said the episode was an example of unconscious bias within his family. Meghan Markle, who married Prince Harry in 2018, is of mixed race – her father is white and her mother is black. She and Prince Harry have two children, Archie and Lilbet, who are believed to be the first non-white children born into the British royal family.

Princess Michael of Kent wore a Blackamoor brooch while having lunch with Meghan Markle

What is a Blackamoor Brooch?

The term blackamoor or black moor is an archaic British term for black people, and originally used with specific reference to black Muslims. The term is now considered highly offensive, Blackamoor artwork included sculpture and jewelry and was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In this style of art, black people were often depicted as slaves or servants, although they also wore ornate jewelry and clothing. The fashion has long been unpopular because it is rooted in British colonialism and racism as the figures date back to a time in the days of Empire and the conquest of African nations by the British and other powers Europeans.

When did Princess Michael wear a Blackamoor brooch?

Princess Michael of Kent, a member of the British royal family born in what is now the Czech Republic, wore a Blackamoor brooch to a Christmas lunch, which Meghan Markle also attended, in 2017.

She was pictured wearing the brooch, which featured a black man wearing a gold turban topped with jewels and a gold robe, against her white coat as she arrived at Buckingham Palace for lunch. Princess Michael was not seated at the same table as Markle, who was engaged to Prince Harry at the time, during lunch, although the two were reportedly introduced at the event.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their son Archie in 2019

When news of her decision to wear the brooch sparked controversy at the time, Princess Michael apologized and said she would remove the jewel. A statement released on her behalf said: The brooch was a gift and has been worn several times before. Princess Michael is truly sorry and distressed that this has offended.

Princess Michael, whose father was a member of the SS, was embroiled in a racism controversy in 2004 when she argued with diners at a restaurant in New York. She allegedly said you should go back to the colonies, but when challenged on the statement, she allegedly said: I didn’t say back to the colonies, I said you should remember the colonies. At the time of the colonies, there were rules which were very good.

Read more

What did Prince Harry say about the Blackamoor spit incident?

Speaking in his Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, the prince said: In this family you are sometimes part of the problem rather than the solution. There is a huge level of unconscious bias. The thing with unconscious bias, it’s actually nobody’s fault. But once it has been pointed out or identified within yourself, then you must correct it.

My son, my daughter, my children are Métis, and I’m really proud of that. When my kids grow up, and they look back on that moment, and they turn to me and say, What did you do in that moment? I want to be able to give them an answer.

[ad_2]