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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Lady Colin Campbell attributed the private conversation about Archie’s skin color to Princess Anne, but that identification remains Campbell’s claim—not a confirmed finding. Harry and Meghan did not name the royal family member during their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, and the public accounts describe the episode differently.
What did Harry and Meghan say?
In their March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan said an unnamed member of the royal family had raised “concerns and conversations about how dark” their unborn son Archie’s skin might be. They did not identify the person. Oprah later said Harry had told her the person was neither Queen Elizabeth II nor Prince Philip. The Guardian’s contemporaneous account reported both the allegation and Oprah’s clarification.
What did Lady Colin Campbell claim about Princess Anne?
On 1 April 2021, Campbell said in a video posted to her YouTube account that she believed Anne was involved in the conversation. PerthNow reported Campbell’s account that Anne’s concerns were about Meghan’s character, personality, cultural differences and perceived suitability for royal life. Campbell asserted that Anne had said nothing about Meghan’s complexion or the baby’s skin color.
7NEWS also reported Campbell’s attribution and her view that the episode reflected a misunderstanding about cultural differences. It said Campbell had met Anne a few times but was not her friend. These reports document what Campbell claimed; they do not independently establish what was said in private.
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How do the accounts differ?
| Account | What it says | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Harry and Meghan, March 2021 | An unnamed royal raised concerns about how dark their unborn child’s skin might be. | The couple described the exchange but did not name the speaker. Oprah said Harry had ruled out the Queen and Prince Philip. The Guardian. |
| Lady Colin Campbell, reported 1 April 2021 | Campbell attributed the conversation to Anne and characterized it as concern about cultural differences and Meghan’s suitability, not skin color. | It establishes Campbell’s attribution and interpretation, not independent confirmation of the speaker or the conversation. PerthNow; 7NEWS. |
The accounts differ both on who was speaking and on what the discussion meant. The sources cited here do not resolve the person’s identity or independently corroborate Campbell’s version.
What did Buckingham Palace say?
In a statement issued on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II on 9 March 2021, Buckingham Palace said: “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.” The statement did not identify the family member. ITV News reproduced the statement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Harry later clarify how he viewed the exchange?
In January 2023, Harry again said a family member had expressed concern about his unborn child’s skin color. The Associated Press reported that he characterized the episode as unconscious bias rather than racism, while noting that the couple had not publicly identified the family member. The Associated Press report does not confirm Campbell’s attribution to Anne.
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