Beyoncé shares message of support for Meghan Markle after Oprah Winfrey interview

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know needs help or has suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

America’s own Queen Bey is weighing in after Britain’s Prince Harry and wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, spoke out about the difficulties of royal life in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

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According to CNN and BuzzFeed, iconic singer Beyoncé took to her official website Tuesday to show support for the duchess, formerly known as Meghan Markle.

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“Thank you, Meghan, for your courage and leadership,” the statement read. “We are all strengthened and inspired by you.”

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In the two-hour special that aired Sunday night, Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, opened up about their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family and move to California with their son, Archie, last year. The pair spoke about racism, feeling “trapped,” the British tabloids and the mental health challenges – including suicidal thoughts – that Meghan faced as a result.

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“I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry, especially, because I know how much loss he’s suffered,” Meghan, who is expecting her second child this summer, said in the interview. “But I knew that if I didn’t say it, then I would do it. And I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

Meghan also said that when she was pregnant with Archie, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.”

Winfrey, visibly shocked, first replied, “What?” before asking for clarification on who was having those conversations.

Meghan said the issue was brought up with Harry, not her, but declined to say who was involved.

“I think that would be very damaging to them,” Meghan said.

Later, Harry corroborated Meghan’s claim but said he’s “never going to share” the conversation.

“But at the time, it was awkward,” he said. “I was a bit shocked.”

On Tuesday, Buckingham Palace officials released a statement on Queen Elizabeth II’s behalf, saying the royal family was “saddened” by the revelations.

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

The statement added: “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

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