Prince William joins social media boycott to protest against racism in sport

Duke of Cambridge backs campaign by English football clubs

Prince William will join football clubs on a boycott of social media this weekend. Getty Images

Prince William will join a weekend boycott of social media announced by English football clubs in a show of defiance against racist abuse of footballers.

The Duke of Cambridge confirmed the boycott in a Twitter post on Friday.

"As President of the FA (Football Association) I join the entire football community in the social media boycott this weekend," he said.

Clubs and a coalition of football organisations, including the English FA and Premier League, said they will not post on their channels this weekend.

The campaign has grown beyond football, with other sports bodies as well as broadcasters and sponsors joining.

The UK's royal family is contending with its own issues of race, after William's younger brother Harry and his wife Meghan accused an unidentified member of the monarchy of racism in a tell-all TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.

The Duchess of Sussex, who is mixed-race, told Winfrey that Harry was asked by a family member when Meghan was pregnant “how dark” the colour of his son Archie’s skin would be.

"We're very much not a racist family," William said in March.

Buckingham Palace said the allegations raised by the duke and duchess were concerning.

“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” a statement said.

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

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”