Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has been accused of engaging in "performative PR" after expressing deep concern about racism in youth football. The criticism stems from his silence over the treatment of his sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who faced racially charged media coverage and hostility within the royal family, as reported by Newsweek.
The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as the President of the Football Association (FA), recently condemned the racial abuse of children as young as seven while playing football. In a statement shared by Sky News, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said that Prince William was "deeply concerned" and "angered" by the incidents, adding that "there is no place for racism in football or society, and we all have a responsibility to work together to eradicate it from our sport."
However, the prince's stance on racism in football has been met with skepticism and criticism, especially given his silence on the issue of racism surrounding Meghan Markle. As Newsweek reports, one Twitter user wrote, "Where was this energy when Meghan was being racially abused? I'm sorry, but this is performative PR."
Another user questioned the timing of Prince William's statement, noting that he should have been equally vocal about the racism experienced by Meghan. They said, "I have to ask why now? Why not when his sister-in-law was experiencing it?"
The Daily Mail reports that Prince William's concern about racism in football was triggered by a conversation with former England and Arsenal footballer Paul Davis. Davis, now a coach, recounted incidents of racial abuse toward young players during matches. The duke was reportedly "shocked" and "appalled" by the stories.
Despite the accusations of "performative PR," Prince William's involvement in fighting racism in football is consistent with his past efforts. In 2020, he launched the "Heads Up" mental health campaign with the FA, addressing the emotional well-being of players who might be affected by racism and other forms of discrimination.
Nonetheless, the criticism directed at the Duke of Cambridge highlights the complicated relationship between the British royal family and issues related to race. While Prince William's recent statements on racism in youth football may be well-intended, many observers believe that the royal family must address the broader issue of racism within its own ranks.
As the conversation about racism in football and society at large continues to evolve, it is crucial for public figures like Prince William to use their influence to address the issue consistently and transparently. In the face of criticism, the Duke of Cambridge will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to fighting racism not only in football but also within the royal family and the broader society.
