Alexi Lubomirski echoes Sussexes’ past claims with personal revelations on
discrimination in high fashion
Alexi Lubomirski, the photographer behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s
iconic engagement portraits, has spoken out about racism in the fashion
industry—drawing fresh parallels to the Sussexes’ explosive claims about
racial bias.
In a recent interview, Lubomirski recalled troubling experiences working with
major fashion publications, revealing how diversity was discouraged behind the
scenes. “Black girls don’t carry high fashion,” one senior magazine editor
allegedly told him, reinforcing harmful industry stereotypes.
The acclaimed photographer, who has shot global celebrities and royals alike,
said his awareness deepened after working with Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o.
She once requested that her skin tone not be lightened during
editing—prompting Lubomirski to reflect on his own portfolio. He admitted
noticing a stark contrast between the images he submitted and the final
published versions, especially when they featured women of colour.
He also revealed how editors routinely justified sidelining non-white models,
claiming diversity would hurt sales. “They’d tell me, ‘It comes down to
economics… we’re going to sell 40 per cent fewer copies,’” he said.
Lubomirski’s statements come four years after Meghan Markle alleged in her
2021 Oprah Winfrey interview that there were “concerns” within the Royal
Family about her son Archie’s skin tone before his birth. The photographer’s
candid remarks now add to the growing chorus calling out systemic racism in
elite circles—from Buckingham Palace to the global fashion stage.
