Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been honored by the NAACP with a very special award, People reports.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared on stage to accept the President's Award at Saturday night's NAACP Image Awards, joining the ranks of past recipients who include Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, LeBron James, and Rihanna.

Given in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service, the President's Award was bestowed on Harry and Meghan for the work they have done through their Archewell Foundation.

The organization was launched in 2020 and has been used by the couple to support the fight against Covid-19 and help the Black Lives Matter movement advocate for racial justice.

Both Meghan and Harry took the stage in ensembles by Black designers - Meghan in a Christopher John Rogers blue gown and her husband in an Ozwalk Boateng tux.

In their acceptance speech, Harry took the opportunity to thank the Black community for welcoming him, while Meghan spoke about the legacy of the awards.

"It's inspiring to think about the legacy of the Image Awards, which began shortly after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed into law," she said, adding: "Today, we can continue that legacy."

She went on to say, "we are so deeply humbled to be here in the company of so many illustrious awardees," before touching on the murder of George Floyd and how it had inspired her and Harry to become involved in the civil rights community.

"In the months that followed, as my husband and I spoke with the civil rights community, we committed ourselves and our organization, Archewell, to illuminating those who are advancing racial justice and progress," she said, adding: "I couldn't be prouder that we're doing this work together"

Meanwhile, Harry drew audiences' attention to the crisis in Ukraine, saying: "We would like to acknowledge the people of Ukraine, who urgently need our continued support as a global community."

The Prince then spoke about how he and his wife - despite coming from different backgrounds - share " a commitment to a life of service, a responsibility to combat injustice and a belief that the most often overlooked are the most important to listen to."

Towards the end of their speech, the couple announced that they had teamed up with the NAACP to launch a new annual award - the NAACP Archwell Digital Rights Award, which will recognize those at advancing civil and human rights through innovating technology.

"This is the era of the digital justice movement. We are proud to partner with NAACP and each of you to translate the vital efforts of those who came before us to the modern challenges that exist ahead of us," Meghan said of the award.

Featured Image Credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy

British journalists of color have rejected the claim that the press in the United Kingdom isn't racist in the wake of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's recent interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In the widely-publicized interview, which aired on CBS on Sunday, March 7, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke with Winfrey about a variety of subjects.

In particular, they spoke about the heavy scrutiny Markle fell under from the UK tabloid press, and the racial discrimination Markle claimed she was a victim of.

In particular, Prince Harry alleged that: "The UK is not bigoted, the UK press is bigoted, specifically the tabloids.

"But unfortunately, if the source of information is inherently corrupt or racist or biased, then that filters out to the rest of society."

In response to Prince Harry's claims, the British Society of Editors - which represents approximately 400 members in senior journalism positions at national and regional titles across the United Kingdom - has published an article denying that the British press has an inherent racial bias.

In the article in question, SOE Executive Director Ian Murray states, in part, that: "It is not acceptable for the Duke and Duchess to make such claims without providing any supporting evidence."

Murry continued: "If it is simply the case the Sussexes feel that the press, by questioning their actions and commenting on their roles when working as Royals funded by the taxpayer, [was] being racist, then they are mistaken.

"In the case of Meghan Markle and her engagement and marriage to Prince Harry, there was universal supporting coverage in the UK media which reflected the warmth shown to the couple by the British people.

"But that warmth could not, and should not, mean the press should be expected to refuse to report, investigate and comment on the couple’s lifestyle and actions."

In response to this, over 167 journalists of color working in all levels of the British media signed and published an open letter condemning the SoE’s statement.

The open letter states in part:

"While Meghan’s comments shone a light on her own personal experiences of discriminatory treatment, they reflect the depressingly familiar reality of how people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are portrayed by the UK press on a daily basis.

"The Society of Editors’ claim that the Sussexes’ views were made without 'supporting evidence' shows a wilful ignorance.

"Not just the discriminatory treatment of Meghan - some of which was highlighted during the interview - but that of other people from an ethnic minority background."

The letter continues: "The Society of Editors should have used the comments by the Sussexes to start an open and constructive discussion about the best way to prevent racist coverage in future, including through addressing lack of representation in the UK media, particularly at a senior level.

"The blanket refusal to accept there is any bigotry in the British press is laughable, does a disservice to journalists of color, and shows an institution and an industry in denial."

According to The Independent, Murray has since resigned as a result of the backlash, and claimed in an official statement that his article "was not intended to gloss over the fact the media industry in the UK does have work to do on inclusivity and diversity".

Murry continued: "While I do not agree that the society's statement was in any way intended to defend racism, I accept it could have been much clearer in its condemnation of bigotry and has clearly caused upset.

"As Executive Director I lead the society and as such must take the blame and so I have decided it is best for the board and membership that I step aside so that the organization can start to rebuild its reputation."

Following Oprah Winfrey's astounding interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the hashtag "#AbolishTheMonarchy" has started to trend on social media.

The two-hour CBS interview included many bombshell revelations - such as Meghan revealing that she struggled with suicidal thoughts, and the allegation that a member of the Royal Family raised "concerns" over the skin color of the couple's unborn child.

During the interview, Markle expressed how she had felt like she was a victim of a "character assassination", and Harry said that he felt "trapped" as a member of the Royal Family.

Elsewhere in the interview, the Duchess of Sussex said that when she expressed her intention to seek professional help for her mental health struggles, she was told by "senior people" that it would be good for the institution.

And as a result of the deeply personal interview, many viewers took to social media to call for the British Monarchy to be abolished.

The campaign group Republic has been very vocal on social media calling for Britain to abolish the monarchy, with Republic member Graham Smith today stating in a press release:

"The monarchy has just been hit by its worst crisis since the abdication in 1936. Whether for the sake of Britain or for the sake of the younger royals this rotten institution needs to go.

"Some people will say 'well you would say that', but [Harry and Meghan's interview] has only served to highlight what a lot of people have known for years: the monarchy is rotten to the core and does not reflect British values."

And over on Twitter, there were plenty of people agreeing that the time has come for the British monarchy to be scrapped:

One person wrote: "Personally, I think Harry’s mum would’ve been incredibly proud of him for breaking away from the firm. Shouldn’t the next conversation be how we go about ensuring this Queen is the last?"

And a second tweeted: "Proud of Meghan to open up about what has happened to her. Just hearing what she went through and how badly she was treated is so heartbreaking."

However, one the other side of the argument, there were plenty of supporters of the Royal Family:

One person wrote: "The monarchy is what makes Great Britain great. And it’s what keeps the United Kingdom united. Wake up. #DontAbolishTheMonarchy"

Another support added: "Seeing #AbolishTheMonarchy trending is making me sad do people not realise just how much money the monarchy brings in to the UK sorry I side with #keepthemonarchy #GodSavetheQueen".

And a third typed: "The monarchy is an important part of British culture and the institutions of the United Kingdom. Calling for its abolition after this interview is simply outrageous. God save the Queen. #KeepTheMonarchy #OprahMeghanHarry".

If you or anyone else you know is struggling with the issues raised in this article then please don't hesitate to contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1800 273 8255.

Featured image credit: Amanda Rose / Alamy Stock Photo

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell Oprah interview has been nominated for an Emmy award.

The explosive interview, which aired in March of this year, has been nominated in the outstanding Hosted Non-Fiction Series or Special category, Deadline reports.

The Duke and Duchess' interview will be up against My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, United Shades of America W. Kamau Bell, VICE, and Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

This is the first time that a member of the British Royal Family has ever been nominated for the prestigious award.

Explaining why she took part in the interview, Meghan said at the time: "As an adult who lived a really independent life to then go into this construct that is different than I think what people imagine it to be, it's really liberating to be able to have the right and the privilege in some ways to be able to say, 'Yes, I'm ready to talk.'

"To say it for yourself...To be able to just make a choice on your own and just be able to speak for yourself."

The Duchess went on to reveal in the interview that her experience as a member of the British Royal Family made her contemplate suicide, but she was denied psychiatric help.

Another bombshell revelation was that an unidentified member of the Royal Family speculated about the color of Archie's skin prior to his birth.

When pushed for a name by Oprah, Meghan said: "That conversation, I am never going to share. At the time it was awkward. I was a bit shocked."

Oprah later clarified that the comment was not made by Archie's grandmother or grandfather.

"[Prince Harry] did not share the identity with me but he wanted to make sure I knew, and if I had an opportunity to share it, that it was not his grandmother or grandfather that were part of those conversations," she said.

"He did not tell me who was a part of those conversations," the media mogul added.

An investigation at Buckingham Palace was subsequently launched after the claims were made.

Featured image credit: Alamy / Andy Myatt

Prince William has made his first comments in response to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey.

During a visit to an east London school with wife Kate Middleton on Thursday morning (March 11), the Duke of Cambridge said that the royals are "very much not a racist family" in response to the allegations made by his brother and sister-in-law's comments during their interview with Oprah.

As per Sky News, when asked if he has spoken to his brother since the interview, the second-in-line to the British throne said: "No, I haven't spoken to him yet, but I will do."

During the interview with Oprah, Harry described his relationship with his brother as being one of "space" at the moment, however, he hopes that it will improve, saying "time heals all things".

He added: "You know, as I've said before, I love William to bits. He's my brother. We've been through hell together. I mean, we have a shared experience. But, you know, we’re on different paths."

Prince William's comments come after Buckingham Palace responded to the deeply personal interview with a statement on behalf of her majesty, The Queen.

The statement said that the Royal Family are "saddened" by Harry and Meghan's challenges, but say that the couple and their son will "always be much loved family members."

Per The Independent, the full statement reads:

"The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

"The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members."

During the interview with legendary presenter Oprah Winfrey, the couple made several headline-hitting statements regarding their time in the Royal Family, which included an allegation involving the skin color of their unborn child.

The former Suits actress told Winfrey that while she was pregnant with son Archie, concerns were raised with her husband about the skin color of their unborn baby.

She said: "In those months when I was pregnant, all around this same time, so we have in tandem the conversation of, 'You won’t be given security, not gonna be given a title' and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born."

Harry revealed that the questions were along the lines of: "What will the kids look like?"

The couple refused to divulge who expressed those concerns. When Oprah pressed Meghan to reveal who it was, she said: "I think that would be very damaging to them."

Additionally, Harry said that his father, Prince Charles, started fielding his calls after he announced his plans to step away from royal duties.

"I had three conversations with my grandmother, and two conversations with my father before he stopped taking my calls. And then he said, can you put this all in writing?"

When Winfrey asked why his father had stopped taking his calls, he replied: "By that point, I took matters into my own hands, it was like, I needed to do this for my family. This is not a surprise to anybody. It’s really sad that it’s got to this point, but I’ve got to do something for my own mental health, my wife’s and for Archie’s as well."

Harry and Charles are now in communication, but he said that there "a lot of hurt that's happened" and that they have "lots to work through. I feel really let down. He’s been through something similar, he knows what pain feels like."