While the internet lost its cool on Sunday evening following the much anticipated meeting of the Duchess of Sussex and music royalty, superstar Beyoncé at the European premiere of The Lion King, there was another very significant meeting that night that has flown under the radar – until now.
In addition to meeting Beyoncé and JAY-Z, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also met singer and producer Pharrell Williams and it was during this conversation that Meghan gave an incredibly rare insight into how she feels about being the constant subject of criticism and scrutiny from the tabloid press and social media alike.
Pharrell Williams called Meghan and Harry’s relationship “significant” while meeting them at The Lion King premiere. (Image: Getty)
Pharrell greeted the royal couple with a light-hearted courtesy and told them how honoured he was to meet them, he also used the moment to tell them how “significant” their relationship was, and “what it means in this climate”.
Likely referring to the couple being one of the first interracial couples in the British senior royal family he called the couple’s relationship “amazing” and “wonderful” saying: “Don’t ever take that for granted, but what it means in today’s climate, I just wanted to tell you it’s so significant for so many of us – seriously.”
“Thank you so much,” Meghan replied, “that’s so nice of you to say.”
“We cheer you guys on,” Pharrell told the couple, to which they both touched his arm in gratitude.
And, in a very telling moment, Meghan responded: “Oh thank you. They don’t make it easy.”
While Meghan doesn’t shed any additional light on who “they” are, it’s not far-fetched to assume she’d be referring to the barrage of criticism she’s been on the receiving end of for months and months on end.
From the speculations of a rift between her and Duchess Catherine, to the harsh double standard she’s faced, to the constant criticisms of every tiny thing she does, the scrutiny has been relentless and these five words she uttered on Sunday night heartbreakingly shows it has by no means been “easy” for her.
While in the public eye she maintains a poised and graceful composure, we can only imagine how tough it must be for your every move to be pored over by millions, especially with the addition of trying to find your feet as a new mum.
The Duchess and Beyoncé share a hug as they meet on the red carpet of The Lion King premiere. (Image: Getty)
Pharrell Williams isn’t the first big name to acknowledge Meghan’s significant role as a woman of colour in the British royal family.
In fact, that was one of the big reasons people were so eager to see Meghan and Beyoncé meet, as Beyoncé has shown she’s a huge fan of the royal paying tribute to the Duchess during her BRITs acceptance video in February and also acknowledging her on her website in honour of Black History Month.
“Meghan brought many Black traditions to her Royal Wedding including a Chicago-based Black pastor, an amazing gospel choice, and a young Black cellist,” states the post on Beyoncé’s website.
“At the wedding her culture was front and centre, and she and Prince Harry have continued to push the race relations dialogue forward both near and far.”
