Meghan & Harry Just Called Out The Commonwealth's Colonial Past & That Includes Canada

Canada has a long way to go in eliminating systemic racism. One high profile couple has even offered their thoughts on the situation. Harry and Meghan shared some ways that the Commonwealth, including Canada, can do better in the future.

In a virtual discussion with members of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, the famous pair traded insights into the world's current situation, as well as how it can improve.

"When it comes to institutional and systemic racism, it's there and it stays there because someone, somewhere, is benefitting from it," Harry said.

"Once you start to realize that there is that bias there, then you need to acknowledge it, you need to do the work to become more aware."

Meghan followed up on that thought adding that "It's not even in the big moments, it's in the quiet moments where racism and unconscious bias lies."

She briefly mentioned her own experience facing racism and bias, saying, "in people's complacency, they're complicit."

"It's not enough to just be a bystander and say "well, it wasn't me,'" she continued, bringing up the massive protests and outrage sparked by racist police brutality and specifically the killing of George Floyd.

"It wasn't that this wasn't always happening," she said, "it's that it's come to a head at a time when people just said 'enough.'"

"When you look across the commonwealth, there's no way that we can move forward unless we acknowledge the past," Harry said.

"I think so many people have done such an amazing, incredible job of acknowledging the past and trying to right those wrongs," the prince continued. 

He added that there is still more to do, and that while it won't be easy or comfortable, in the end, "everyone benefits."

Numerous protests across the United States and Canada have brought current issues of systemic racism to the forefront, as well as forcing a reexamination of the past.