British Officers Racist Messages Meghan: On Thursday, five ex-London police members in their 60s pleaded guilty to sending offensive racist texts on a closed WhatsApp group. The texts were sent to Duchess Meghan, married to Prince Harry, and other British royals. Last year, an investigation led to an internal police probe, resulting in admissions.
Robert Lewis, Peter Booth, Anthony Elsom, Alan Hall, and Trevor Lewton are accused. At Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, they admitted guilt. The charges state that the texts, sent from 2020 to 2022, were about Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan, Prince William, Princess Kate, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip.
All five men worked in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection branch of the Metropolitan Police, which protected politicians and officials. But when the messages were sent, they were no longer active.
The sixth person, Michael Chadwell, denies the charges and will be tried on November 6. The five guilty individuals will be punished together. The messages mentioned U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, former Home Secretary Priti Patel, and former Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
In 2018, Meghan Markle, a biracial actress, married Prince Harry in a grand wedding at Windsor Castle. At the start of 2020, the couple made headlines by leaving their royal status and relocating outside the U.K. They chose due to “intrusions” and “racist attitudes” in British media.
The racist messages raised concerns about the attitudes of those responsible for safeguarding diplomats and leaders. It highlights the long-standing racism in certain sectors of the British elite. The Metropolitan Police faces scrutiny for various issues, including its internal culture and the views of former members.
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The guilty pleas come amidst rising racism in the U.K., in organizations and in society. The event highlights the challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds in the public eye, such as Duchess Meghan, who has been vocal about the discrimination they encounter.
People praised the investigation for highlighting this problem. The broadcaster’s investigation sparked a police inquiry and a national dialogue on racism, bias, and accountability. The case of the five ex-police officers shows racism remains a major issue in British society. As the country tackles these issues, the Metropolitan Police and other organizations are under scrutiny to address and prevent their recurrence. As the U.K. analyzes this case, the November 6 hearing and sentencing will be closely observed.
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