Amanda Gorman Says the Royal Family Missed Its "Greatest Opportunity for Change" with Meghan Markle

From Seventeen

The entire world watched last night as Oprah Winfrey spoke to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry about what they went through that led to their decision to leave the Royal family. The interview was shocking, upsetting, and eye-opening, and it prompted many conversations across the Internet. One of those conversations was led by Amanda Gorman, the 2021 inaugural poet.

Amanda took to Twitter last night following the airing of the interview to share her thoughts on Meghan's experiences. "Meghan was the Crown's greatest opportunity for change, regeneration, and reconciliation in a new era," she wrote. "They didn't just maltreat her light--they missed out on it."

When Meghan married Harry, she made history by becoming the first Black Royal in modern times (some experts say Queen Charlotte may have been the true first Black Royal). Welcoming her into their family would have proven that the Crown was modernizing and accepting. Instead, they mistreated her and, according to Meghan, caused her a lot of mental anguish.

Especially in these times, when Black people in America are fighting for equality and acceptance, Meghan's inclusion in the Royal family would have been an important symbol for the world. But, as Amanda said, the Crown seemed to maltreat Meghan and, because of that, they lost their "greatest opportunity for change."

Amanda continued, comparing Meghan's experiences to that of Harry's mother, Diana, who also butted heads with the Royal family. "Meghan is living the life Diana should have, if only those around her had been as brave as she was," she said. "Meghan isn’t living a life without pain, but a life without a prison."

She wrote that she didn't know "if this will change the Royal family, but Meghan's strength will certainly redefine family everywhere. Think of the women who will be inspired to stand up for their lives, the partners who will be kinder & more courageous than the kin they were born into."

Amanda's comments come after she revealed she was "tailed" by a security guard on her walk home last week. "He demanded if I lived there because 'you look suspicious.'" she tweeted. "I showed my keys & buzzed myself into my building. He left, no apology. This is the reality of black girls: One day you’re called an icon, the next day, a threat."

Between Amanda's experience last week and the revelations from last night's interview, it is clear that this world is far from accepting, but luckily we have women like Amanda and Meghan speaking out and leading the way for change.

You Might Also Like

• How to Master a Pretty Waterfall Braid

• 11 Waterproof Makeup Products You Have to Try

• How To Contour and Highlight Your Face Like A Total Pro