The leader of the black choir that performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding said she has a “hard time believing” the racist allegations directed at Prince Charles surrounding the fallout from the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, according to a report from TMZ.
Karen Gibson, the conductor and founded of Kingdom Choir told TMZ Prince Charles had “personally invited them” to perform during the couple’s nuptials. The Kingdom Choir sang a gospel version of Ben E. King’s hit song “Stand By Me” at the 2018 royal ceremony.
The conductor said she found the Prince of Wales to be “very sincere” in his invitation, and he has “gone out of his way” to congratulate Kingdom Choir on their success following the performance at the wedding.
One of the biggest revelations from Harry and Meghan’s CBS primetime special was that multiple members of the royal family allegedly expressed concerns to the couple about how dark their child’s skin color might be.
While it wasn’t clarified during the interview, Winfrey said Harry confirmed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip did not make the comments. (RELATED: Piers Morgan Says He ‘Lost’ His Job Because He Didn’t Apologize, Plugs New Book)
Gibson said it was hard for her to imagine the royal speaking about his grandson Archie in such a way since he was “gracious” in every interaction with her, according to TMZ.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 24: The Kingdom Choir, conducted by Karen Gibson, perform outside Kensington Palace on July 24, 2018 in London, England. The choir, which performed at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle, announced that they have signed a record deal with Sony Music. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Prince William briefly commented on the controversy Thursday.
“We are very much not a racist family,” he told reporters as he walked with his wife Kate.
Buckingham Palace released a statement Tuesday addressing Harry and Meghan’s allegations. The statement revealed the royal family was “saddened” to learn about the challenges faced by Meghan and Harry over the course of the past three years.
“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,” the statement said.
Harry and Meghan’s primetime interview with Winfrey attracted more than 17 million viewers Sunday.