Prince Harry discusses ‘unconscious racism’ in new interview with British Vogue

‘Stigma is handed down from generation to generation,’ Duke of Sussex tells Dr Jane Goodall in British Vogue interview

The Duke of Sussex has spoken about the impact of “unconscious racism” in a new interview in British Vogue with primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees.

On Sunday, the publication announced that the Duchess of Sussex had guest edited its September issue, titled “Forces for Change”.

Within the folds of the magazine is an interview conducted between Prince Harry and Dr Goodall, during which the pair discussed climate change, taking care of the environment for future generations and the way in which “stigma is handed down from generation to generation”.

While discussing what the future holds for younger generations, the royal remarked that prejudice is something that is taught, rather than being an inherent trait within human beings.

“It’s the same as an unconscious bias – something which so many people don’t understand, why they feel the way they do,” Prince Harry said.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Sussex interviews Dr Jane Goodall in the September Issue of British Vogue (Chris Allerton)

“Despite the fact that if you go up to someone and say, ‘What you’ve just said, or the way that you’ve behaved, is racist’ – they’ll turn around and say, ‘I’m not a racist.’”

The duke continued, explaining that when pointing out that a person has acted in a racist manner, it is important to outline how their unconscious bias may have been dictated by the environment in which they’ve been raised.

“And that is the point at which people start to have to understand,” Prince Harry added.

Dr Goodall concurred with the royal’s point of view, stating: “Kids are taught to hate. They are actually taught to hate.”

British Vogue’s September issue, guest edited by the Duchess of Sussex (Peter Lindbergh/PA Wire)

During the interview, Prince Harry and Dr Goodall also spoke about the increased awareness of environmental issues which has been occurring in recent years.

Dr Goodall stated that while there has been more support for environmental causes, there is also “a lot of apathy”.

“The big message I take around is: every single person makes some impact on the planet every day. And you get to choose what you buy, where it comes from,” the world-renowned ethologist said.

“But the thing you have to do first to make this work is to alleviate poverty. Because if you’re poor, you’re going to cut down the last tree because you’ve got to live.”

In addition to environmental and social issues, Prince Harry also opened up to Dr Goodall about how many children he plans on having with the Duchess of Sussex.

While explaining that the “love for nature” he’s fostered over the years has made him want to “leave something better behind for the next generation”, Prince Harry told Dr Goodall that he would like to have a “maximum” of “two” children.

“We’ve stolen their future,” Dr Jane Goodall said, with regards to the way in which environmental issues will continue to prevail for younger generations.

“Not all of it. But we’ve got to try and pay a little of it back. And get together to try and heal some of the harm, and at least slow down climate change.”

The September issue of British Vogue will be available on newsstands and via digital download on Friday 2 August.