U.K. Police Have a Meghan Markle Problem

Racist posts about Meghan Markle that allegedly circulated on a police WhatsApp group are being investigated in the latest scandal to hit a U.K. force relating to the Duchess of Sussex.

The ex-wife of a serving officer told Sky News she sent West Yorkshire Police screenshots of his "racist and just vile messages, mainly about the Royal Family, Meghan Markle, the Queen."

Her report is being investigated, alongside other allegations, according to a statement from the force, marking the latest in a series of similar scandals.

In September, five Metropolitan Police officers pleaded guilty to offences under the Communications Act 2003 after what were described as "grossly offensive" racist messages, including about Meghan.

And in July 2022, two more police officers were sacked over racist messages, including one sent at the time of Meghan and Prince Harry's wedding in 2018, which read: "A sneak preview at Meghan's wedding dress."

It was accompanied by a picture of a golliwog toy, among the most famous racist caricatures in Britain.

In the latest case, West Yorkshire Police said one of its officers had been suspended in relation to other allegations and in a statement to Sky News added: "We are aware of these further allegations which are also being investigated. Due to the ongoing investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on this case at this time.

"We also make it clear to those working for West Yorkshire Police that the use of misogynistic or racist language is not acceptable. If anyone has any concerns about the conduct of a West Yorkshire Police employee, then we would urge them to report it."

Christopher Bouzy investigated targeted harassment of Meghan on social media through his data analysis firm Bot Sentinel and was interviewed for the Sussexes' Netflix show Harry & Meghan.

"I am appalled by the reprehensible conduct of the West Yorkshire Police officer who made disgraceful comments about Meghan Markle," he told Newsweek.

"This incident, part of a string of similar incidents, underscores a concerning pattern of behavior within the police force. It's imperative that law enforcement officers uphold the highest standards of respect, impartiality, and professionalism at all times.

"The derogatory exchanges not only erode public trust but also starkly contradict the principles of fairness and equality that the police are bound to uphold."

The officer's ex-wife told Sky News: "There were other just really misogynistic messages that weren't funny, but for some reason they all thought it was hilarious sending these things round.

"It made me distrustful of police in general. Because I was thinking if this is what police officers are like, if this is their humor, how do you depart from that mindset in work?

"When you're having conversations like this or sending these things around between other officers, how can you remain unbiased in situations and have the integrity to do the right thing? You can't."

After the guilty pleas in September, Bouzy, who runs alternative social media network Spoutible, told Newsweek: "The recent admission by five former Metropolitan Police officers, who pleaded guilty to disseminating racist messages via WhatsApp, some of which targeted Meghan Markle, underscores the disturbing prevalence of racial prejudice she has confronted."

"Moreover, these revelations lend credence to Prince Harry's expressed concerns for the well-being of his family, reinforcing the legitimacy of their decision to relocate to the United States in search of safety," he added.

Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.

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