I’ve always felt a weird kinship with Prince Harry. We are two different races (he’s white, and I’m an African American), so we’re definitely not related, and technically, I’ve never met him, but because my mother was pregnant with me at the same time Princess Diana was pregnant with him, I feel strangely connected to Harry.

It’s almost like we’re distant cousins in some bizarre way. So, imagine my delight when I discovered he was dating, and later married, an American actress of African-American heritage?

“Finally, there’s some color in the royal family!” I texted to a few close friends on Prince Harry’s wedding day, who later joined in my delight with smiling emojis. She’s a beautiful 37-year-old American divorcee with a relaxed California girl sense of style. Naturally, I want her to win.

But as much as I’m team Meghan Markel and pro black women in general, I understand that having a black woman in the monarchy doesn’t change much. Let’s reflect back for a moment: Shortly after the world learned Meghan was dating Prince Harry, the tabloids were loaded with racist comments. “Duchess Difficult” is a mainstay in the news that particularly stands out to me. “Oh, great another black woman deemed aggressive, ill-tempered and hostile,” I remember mumbling to myself.

The trope of the “angry black woman” has once again re-emerged and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, isn’t excluded from it. According to NBC News, some British journalists say Meghan has been treated differently from other members of the House of Windsor, citing a difference in attitude towards Kate, the wife of Harry’s elder brother Prince William.

Realizing this reminded me how former First Lady Michelle Obama was treated shortly after taking on the title. Michelle has spoken about the racism she faced as the first lady, noting that when a West Virginia county employee called her an “ape in heels” it cut deep.

And speaking of cutting deep, it pains me when society labels Meghan as “our black hero” because it’s damaging to other black women who don’t have straight, long hair, light skin, and a narrow nose. Does this mean that if you don’t look like Meghan, an “acceptable” version of a black woman, then you don’t quite matter? Is her version of black the only type that counts?

But even with the racism and wanted (or unwanted) labels surrounding Meghan being in the royal family, I’m thrilled to learn that her new baby boy will be seventh-in-line to the throne and the first baby of African ancestry to have such a title in the history of British royalty.

I love birthing stories, and this one is extra special. This, to me, is more magical than Meghan being in the office because it means a new breed of royalty is here. It’s a symbol of change, new beginnings and it disrupts white British bloodlines. I couldn’t be more excited.

If I’m being honest with myself, I know this baby boy won’t be excluded from racist remarks, but their mere presence will acknowledge that mixed families are breaking age-old boundaries of white people dominating the royal family, and creates new histories. And, that gives me a beacon of hope for not only the Brits but Americans, too.

Meghan just gave birth, and I too am expecting a child any day. Just like Meghan’s, this baby won’t be granted the title of Prince or Princess (unless it’s a girl, who by default will be seen as such through her daddy’s eyes). And, just like Meghan, I’m hopeful yet unsure of the world my little one will live in. But, I’m positive they will break their own boundaries while standing on the shoulders of black women who have come before them.

And that, strangely enough, makes me feel even more connected to the Harry and the rest of the British Royal Family.

[This post was originally published April 25, 2019. It has been updated.]

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