Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

PA

British royal family to consider possible appointment of diversity chief

Buckingham Palace is understood to be working on plans around diversity, which would include LGBTQI+ and disability issues.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE IS to potentially consider appointing a diversity chief as “more needs to be done” to address the issue, a royal source has said.

The proposals, which are said to have the “full support” of the royal family, aim to seek independent views to help assess and improve representation across the royal household.

It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that a member of the family – not the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh – had raised concerns before their son was born about how dark his skin might be.

While the work being undertaken around diversity predates the couple’s interview, their comments will be taken on board as part of the process, it is understood.

A royal source said: “This is an issue which has been taken very seriously across the royal households.

“We have the policies, the procedures and programmes in place but we haven’t seen the progress we would like and accept more needs to be done, we can always improve.

“Therefore we are not afraid to look at new ways of approaching it. The work to do this has been under way for some time now and comes with the full support of the family.”

On the potential appointment of a diversity chief, which was first reported by the Mail on Sunday, the source added: “It is something that has to be considered but it is too early for any firm plans to be announced.

“We are listening and learning, to get this right.”

The source said the work to improve diversity will include LGBTQI+ and disability representation.

Buckingham Palace said in response to Harry and Meghan’s interview claims that the issues raised, particularly that of race, were “concerning”.

It said in a statement earlier in March: “Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Nora Creamer
View 39 comments
Close
39 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds