African Women Lawyers' Association writes letter of support to Meghan Markle
![They wrote a letter of support to the Duchess of Sussex. [Photo: Getty]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ndtnH6luIZ1aeF638NtXXQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-12/99463830-2006-11ea-bfef-340ff250ba45)
The UK-based African Women Lawyers’ Association (AWLA) has written a letter of support to the Duchess of Sussex after her experience with the British national media.
The letter is in “open solidarity” to Meghan Markle’s recent “very frustrating and extremely costly experience”.
It goes on to explain how they believe the Duchess is owed an apology and better treatment from the media for her “charitable endeavours and royal duties performed with elegance”.
The letter was shared on Twitter by royal reporter, Omid Scobie.
The UK-based African Women Lawyers Association has written a letter of support to Duchess Meghan, who they say is “owed an apology and better treatment by the media for your charitable endeavors and royal duties... and represents women of African descent on a world stage.” pic.twitter.com/MQrUiSCeZ4
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) December 16, 2019
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The African Women Lawyer’s Association members who penned the letters went on to say that it was a “source of pride to have a sister accepted and married into the British royal family”.
The letter also touched on Meghan Markle’s acting past, referring to her time on American legal drama, Suits.
“For us you will always be special in our hearts as Rachel Zane from Suits.” It said.
On a more serious note, the letter continued: “The racial discrimination and defamation of character that you have experience in the national press and on social media by members of the press and the general public has to stop.”
“We urge the national media on your behalf to start portraying your story in a way that edifies and continues to shine a torch of aspiration to every woman through your exemplary achievements.”
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On 29 October this year, 72 women MPs - spanning all political parties - signed a letter calling out the British media for its portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex.
The letter described the way in which Markle is portrayed as “outdated” with “colonial undertones.”
The letter from the AWLA finished by saying: “We totally agree with this letter and stand in solidarity with you and urge the national media to portray your stories with truth and in the legal premises.”
It was signed by Margaret Mwila Nunkwe Buter, the CEO of AWLA and Caroline Newman, the founder and patron of the association.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently on a six-week break from royal duties until Christmas.
Prince Harry, 35, attended the OnSide Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, London, in an official capacity on 17 November. While Markle, 38, was last photographed at a Remembrance Sunday service together with the rest of the Royal Family in early November.
In October, Prince Harry issued a statement condemning the British tabloid press for spreading "relentless propaganda" about his wife.
He announced that the pair were taking legal action against against Associated Newspapers, the parent company of the Mail on Sunday.
The letter from AWLA was written in response to the challenges that Prince Harry set out in his statement as well as the interview which the Duchess of Sussex in which she confirmed that she wasn’t ok to reporter, Tom Bradby.
