RACISM in the Monarchy "played a role" in Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to quit the Royal Family, the author of a new biography claimed today.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dramatically announced they were stepping down in January and moving to LA just months later to start their new life.
⚠️ Read our Meghan and Harry blog for the latest news on the Royal couple.
A new biography, Finding Freedom, will be released tomorrow - giving an insight into just why they decided to leave the Firm so abruptly.
Speaking to Good Morning America today, co-author Omid Scobie was quizzed over whether their decision had boiled down to race as Meghan is mixed race.
He replied: "In terms of ticking those boxes that may ruffle feathers within an ancient institution such that of the monarchy, she really ticked all of them.
"Race did play a role."
The author, who is mixed race himself, recounted his own experience with a senior aide close to the Queen, claiming that the individual had expressed surprise at his posh English accent.
Mr Scobie explained: "The senior aide close to the Queen said 'I would never have expected you to speak like that'.
"That level of ignorance perhaps made it difficult for Meghan."
Mr Scobie, whose father is Scottish and mother is Iranian, added: "They had no choice other than to leave."
He also said the couple would be remembered for being "failed by the institution".
Mr Scobie said: "That was a chance to have diversity, inclusiveness and representation - for them not to have harnessed that is something historians will be looking at for years to come."
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
It comes after the author claimed it was Meghan who would have guided Prince Harry on his "journey to wokeness".
The 39-year-old's experiences would have been the "first time" that the Duke of Sussex would have seen someone he was close to affected by racist remarks, the biographer revealed.
And despite speculation of a rift in the Royal Family, Prince Harry is still closely connected to his dad, Prince Charles, The Sun recently revealed.
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A royal insider said: “They have a very strong and close father-and-son relationship. Many people have speculated that the book was the end for Harry and Meghan in Britain.
“Too many people were criticised and too many people attacked, including William and Kate.
“But the Prince of Wales has made it clear the door is always open."