Prince William facing accusations of hypocrisy over recent letter: He 'lacks credibility'

Prince William is being accused of hypocrisy again after writing a letter to a grassroots football club over the racism its coaches and players have experienced.

Prince William writes letter in response to racism

The football team Alpha United Juniors, based in Bradford, revealed in November 2022 that for years, players as young as seven years old had been the target of slurs and threats of violence from the sidelines.

Mohammed Waheed, the chair of Alpha United, wrote to Kensington Palace in January 2023, saying he had contacted the Football Association (FA), English soccer's governing body of which the Prince of Wales is President, numerous times.

William responded to his letter in February, with Waheed choosing to make the letter public by giving it to the media as he was not happy with West Riding FA's investigation process.

In the letter, which has been seen by Sky News and sent on his behalf by a private secretary, the Prince wrote:

Racism and abuse has no place in our society

Abhorrent behaviour of this nature must stop now and all those responsible be held to account.

William also confirmed that he had contacted the FA about the claims.

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Prince William accused of being a hypocrite

However, now the Prince of Wales is facing accusations of hypocrisy for his response due to his inaction in regards to the racism his sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, has faced.

Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, the author of This Is Why I Resist, told Newsweek that 'the problem with William is that he lacks real credibility on race, racism and race relations' as he failed to 'tackle the racism under his own roof, in his own family'. She continued:

So who in their right mind would believe him when he says racism has no place in our society—we know that. But we also know our society is built on racism. It's built on the foundations of white supremacy which he and his family have failed to dismantle.

So when Prince William does not do what's needed in protecting his own sister-in-law from racism, which he says has no place in our society, then why in heavens should anyone believe him when he's responding to young people or the rest of the public about his feelings about racism.

Mos-Shogbamimu believes that William should 'lead by example'. She thinks he must admit that he 'messed up with Meghan Markle' and that he can improve his reputation by recognising 'you get what you did wrong'.

She added:

I think Prince William lacks credibility, and the only way he can start to gain any legitimacy on having grounds to speak on racism having no place in our society is for him to clean up his house first of all. I mean, he's going to be our next king.

Twitter user @Lorna_TVeditor agrees, writing that accusations against William of carrying out 'performative PR' are 'very valid':

Every time Prince William publicly defends footballers who are racially abused, but publicly stays silent on the racism his brother's wife and children face, he opens himself up to very valid accusations of performative PR; anti-racism isn't a pick 'n' mix in a sweetie shop.

Read more: Prince William labelled a ‘hypocrite’ for his first speech since becoming the Prince of Wales

Sources used:

SkyNews: 'Prince William 'deeply concerned' after children 'racially abused' during football matches'

Newsweek: 'Prince William Accused of 'Performative PR' on Racism After Meghan Silence'