Princess Michael of Kent sorry for mistake in front of Meghan Markle

A PRINCESS has been forced to publicly apologise after she sparked controversy for wearing a ‘racist’ brooch in front of Prince Harry’s fiancee Meghan Markle.

Princess Michael — the wife of Prince Michael of Kent, attended Queen Elizabeth II’s Christmas lunch while wearing a brooch in a “Blackamoor” style.

The brooch features a black figure wearing a gold robe and headdress.

In general, “Blackamoor” art has been seen as being racially insensitive. The figures are sculptures and other depictions of exoticised figures, including images of servants or slaves, which were used in European art in the Early Modern period.

They almost always have dark skin and are depicted as being subservient.

Her offensive jewellery choice shocked Royal watchers, who took to social media, questioning whether the fashion choice was deliberate.

Some social media observers suggested it was a racist slight to Ms Markle, Prince Harry’s fiancee, whose mother is African-American. The princess has worn the brooch many times before.

Now Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin has been forced to say she was sorry for wearing the controversial piece of jewellery on her left shoulder.

A spokesman for Princess Michael of Kent said that she is “very sorry and distressed” that a brooch featuring the head of a black man caused offence.

Let's be real here. Princess Michael of Kent knew exactly what she was doing by choosing the Blackamoor brooch. Germans are nothing if not efficient and disciplined, and she knew exactly what she was doing when choosing it! #Blackamoor

— Olga V (@CapitalBossLady) December 23, 2017

It is really very hard to believe that it was an accident that Princess Michael of Kent sported a blackamoor brooch to her first meeting with Meghan Markle with Harry. Bet she didn't expect them to out her in public.

— Aunty Janet #FBPE (@scarlettpeach) December 23, 2017

The apology comes after Ms Markle, 36, has been open about her cultural heritage, telling the world that she is “bi-racial”.

The American TV actress and a divorcee penned an essay for Elle UK in 2016, where she addressed the issue, saying: “To describe something as being black and white means it is clearly defined. Yet when your ethnicity is black and white, the dichotomy is not that clear. In fact, it creates a grey area. Being bi-racial paints a blurred line that is equal parts staggering and illuminating.”

Prince Harry and Ms Markle released a series of portraits by New York-based fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski to mark their engagement today.

Lubomirski, a former assistant to Mario Testino, famed for his photos of Harry’s mother Princess Diana, took the pictures this week at the royal retreat of Frogmore House, near Windsor Castle, west of London, where the couple are due to marry on May 19.

There was no indication the brooch offended either Markle or Harry.