Royal Family Allegedly Had 'Several Conversations' About Archie's Skin Color, Royal Author Claims

The members of the British royal family allegedly had "several conversations" about the skin color of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first child, royal correspondent Omid Scobie has claimed.

Scobie, who co-authored the book "Finding Freedom" about the Sussexes' royal exit last year, made the claim during a Foreign Press Association event in London Friday. The royal expert told the crowd that the alleged discussions became "a much bigger issue" involving several people.

"There was one conversation that took place that affected [Harry and Meghan] massively, when it came to someone within the royal family sharing concerns over the color of Archie’s skin," Scobie was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"To Harry I can see how it is one conversation, to Meghan who would have been involved in the follow up conversations I can see – because there were other people aware of this conversation within the family and within the institution, that did also speak about it, some not so sympathetically. So you then are in a position where you start to feel, 'Well, it's not just this one person, it's others as well', and it becomes a much bigger issue," he claimed.

When asked whether he could reveal who started the alleged conversations about Archie's skin color, Scobie replied, "Pass."

The royal correspondent clarified he had only one source, whom he did not name, and could not verify the information. 

"At the time, the biggest conversation was, 'Did this come from a senior member of the Royal Family, a future head of state?'" he added. "If that individual is a head of state, then we as a public have a right to know, because of course that is someone that is our head of state, head of the Commonwealth. And if they have an issue with race, we should know."

During the couple's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March, Markle claimed that a member of the royal family had "concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born." While the Duchess of Sussex did not say who the conversations were with, she alleged there were "several" about the potential color of Archie’s skin.

Markle's remarks were corroborated by Prince Harry, who claimed that the discussion of "what will the kids look like?" came "right at the beginning."

But Winfrey later said that she was told by Prince Harry neither of his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, had been involved in these alleged conversations.

After the interview aired, Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of the Queen addressing the allegations of racism.

"The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," the palace said, as quoted by CNBC. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members."

(FILES) In this file photo Meghan, Duchess of Sussex holds her baby son Archie as she and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah at the Tutu foundation in Cape Town. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced on June 6, 2021 the birth of their daughter Lilibet Diana, who was born in California after a year of turmoil in Britain's royal family. Photo: POOL / HENK KRUGER