A US talk show host has slammed the "pomp and circumstance" of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee saying she is not as "enamoured" with the Royal Family as it was "built on the backs and the souls of slaves".
Sonny Hostin talked about the UK's celebrations, which are taking place this weekend, during a debate on The View and said learning the history of the monarchy has changed her view on the royal household.
The British Royal Family was involved in the transportation and selling of people for profit for centuries with Elizabeth I involved in lucrative dealings of John Hawkins, one of Britain’s first slave traders in the 16th century.
Sonny, 53, told the panel: "I studied in London for university and I actually loved the pomp and circumstance of it all when I was there.
"I sat outside and watched the changing of the guards and I loved all of that.
"I remember when Princess Diana married Charles, I stayed up all night and I woke up and watched it."
But the presenter said as she has delved more into the Britain's history of imperialism and colonialism, she "isn't as interested" in the celebrations.
"The imperialism and colonialism of the Caribbean and the fact that Britain and the monarchy took like $1 trillion from Africa," she said.
"And I’ve learned that Jamaica is now removing the Queen from her position there, and Barbados removed the Queen.
"All the Caribbean islands are removing the Queen."
She added: "Now I’m not as enamoured of the pomp and circumstance, because it was built on the backs and the souls of slaves.
"So, I’m just not as interested. But I was enamoured before."
Whoopi Goldberg, however, disagreed with her fellow panellist. She said: "I still think it is great for them. I’m okay with their pomp and circumstance. That’s what they’re doing.
"That’s how they’re celebrating. This is a big old mark for them. I’m thrilled for them. Doesn’t happen here. We don’t do that here."
When slave trader John Hawkin's first adventure proved successful and his ships returned laden with goods, Elizabeth I supported his future expeditions by providing vessels to carry the human cargo.
The connections between the royal family and slavery continued with Charles II, who encouraged the expansion of the slave trade.
He granted a charter to a group of men, the Royal Adventurers, who later became the Royal African Company – and the monarch invested his private funds in the venture.
In March, Prince William expressed his "profound sorrow" over the stain of slavery on Britain in a landmark speech during the royal tour of the Caribbean.
The Duke of Cambridge said he "strongly agreed" with his father Prince Charles’s previous declaration that Britain is forever stained by its role in the global slave trade.
Future king William, who together with wife Kate is on an eight-day tour of the region this week, addressed dignitaries in Jamaica, saying: "Slavery was abhorrent. And it should never have happened.
"While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude.
"The strength and shared sense of purpose of the Jamaican people, represented in your flag and motto, celebrate an invincible spirit."
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