Royal was ‘realistic’ about Meghan and Harry’s baby skin color, says John Barnes

The former England and Liverpool footballer says most black people would say “so what?” in response to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry saying their unborn baby’s skin color has been discussed

The member of the royal family who asked how dark Harry and Meghan’s baby would be was just realistic about the state of British society, John Barnes said.

The former England and Liverpool player says most black people thought “So what?” when The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recalled the request in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Meghan said there had been “several conversations” within the Royal Family about their baby’s skin color, before Archie Mountbatten-Windsor was born.

She said: “During the months that I was pregnant (there were) concerns and conversations about the color of her skin when she was born.”

Harry, who participated in the discussions before relaying them to Meghan, added: “This conversation, I will never share it.

“At the time, it was awkward, I was a little shocked.”

The revelations sparked widespread outcry, speculation over who asked the question and a response from Prince William, who told reporters: “We really are not a racist family.”

Barnes, a father of seven married to a white woman, said most blacks would expect this conversation to take place.

In an interview about his new book, The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism, he told The Times: “If you listen to what Meghan says, it’s not about them worrying if the baby is black or no, they are the ones who care about how the audience is doing. to see that.

“Because they know that if the baby is too dark, the audience won’t see the baby in a positive light. They are realistic.

“Let’s not pretend the public won’t care if this is a blonde haired baby with blue eyes or a jet black one, because they will.”

Barnes went on to say that he was not a big fan of Meghan and Harry, before suggesting that this opinion could unfairly lead people to be branded as racists.

He also said his family loved Prince William and Kate Middleton as well as Princess Diana, whom he compared to a goddess.

In recent years, Barnes has divided opinions when it comes to his interventions on the topic of race.

In his heyday as one of the most gifted English footballers of his generation, a photo of him cringing a banana off the pitch during a Merseyside derby has become an iconic image in the fight against racism.

In recent years, he has supported Liam Neeson for speaking out about his desire to hurt a black man after the rape of a relative.

Barnes praised the actor for being open and honest about his unconscious biases.

He will later take up the defense of Peter Beardsley, who made racist comments to young black players as Newcastle’s Under-23 coach.

“I’m not an apologist,” Barnes told The Guardian two years ago.

“I give balanced and constructive opinions and what happens is pieces of what I’m saying are used against me.

“For a long time John Barnes was considered the voice of reason when it comes to racing.

“John Barnes hasn’t changed; what has changed is John Barnes’ reporting.”

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