Revealing Britain’s Systemic Racism

"Meghan Markle must have been reminded of Du Bois’ famous question ‘How does it feel to be a problem?’ when she married into the royal family. However, Ducey and Feagin turn their acute vision to the real problem: that precious jewel of British society, the monarchy. The authors deftly cut through the myths and mystique of whiteness that uphold tradition, justify hereditary power, and entrench racism. Through a theoretically informed, historically grounded, and timely intervention they analyze why a Black duchess can simultaneously be celebrated as proof of a colour-blind Britain while also interpreted as an imminent threat to the aristocracy. This work invites no less than a revisioning of the very structures that underpin British society."

Nalini Mohabir, Concordia University

"At last a book that brings much needed academic rigour to the case of Meghan Markle, revealing why the ‘political is always personal’ for women of colour in the limelight. Whether you’re friend, foe or indifferent to the royal family, I promise this book’s forensic exposé of the elite racism at the heart of the British establishment will leave you in no doubt about the seismic symbolism her young, brown female skin represents to an old White male Imperial institution. A gripping modern day Grimm’s fairy-tale of race, gender and class – frightening but impossible to put down!"

Heidi Safia Mirza, author of Young, Female and Black and Black British Feminism, Professor of Race, Faith and Culture at Goldsmiths, University of London

"Its interdisciplinary theoretical framing of a current media phenomenon make this a relevant read for scholars in history, politics, sociology and media and communication studies. Overall, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the ways in which Markle’s arrival in the UK highlighted the country’s structural racism in near-hypervisible ways, and hopefully serves as a comprehensive bit of evidence to those who doubt the racism directed at her."

Nathalie Weidhase, Ethnic and Racial Studies

"I was expecting to be challenged in my way of thinking, and I really was. This book forces you to look away from our safe white racial frame and see the other side for a change. I found this book very interesting, and I would recommend it for anyone willing to have their mind challenged."

Moniek Bloks, History of Royal Women