Loose Women fans slam Saira Khan for Meghan Markle claim

Loose Women viewers have lashed out at Saira Khan for referring to Meghan Markle as a ‘brown princess’ live on air. 

On Tuesday’s episode, the 47-year-old claimed the actress’ engagement to Prince Harry was ‘fantastic news for diversity’, and proceeded to sing: ‘There’s a brown girl in da house!’ to her fellow panelists.

However, viewers immediately took to Twitter to blast the TV presenter – and question why it was ‘acceptable’ for her to refer to Meghan’s race at all. 

‘Unacceptable’: Loose Women viewers have lashed out at Saira Khan for referring to Meghan Markle as a ‘brown princess’ live on Loose Women

Engaged: The 47-year-old claimed the actress' engagement to Prince Harry (pictured together this week) was 'fantastic for diversity', and went on to sing: 'There's a brown girl in da house!'

Engaged: The 47-year-old claimed the actress’ engagement to Prince Harry (pictured together this week) was ‘fantastic for diversity’, and went on to sing: ‘There’s a brown girl in da house!’

Saira, alongside Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Jane Moore, had been addressing the recent royal engagement when the incident occurred.

After discussing how in love Harry and Meghan had looked during their first interview, Saira went on to confess her delight at the fact there was going to be a mixed race member of the Royal family.

Referring to Meghan, she kicked things off by singing: ‘There’s a brown girl in da house, la la la la!’

Royal engagement: Saira, alongside Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Jane Moore, had been addressing the recent royal engagement when the incident occurred

Royal engagement: Saira, alongside Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Jane Moore, had been addressing the recent royal engagement when the incident occurred

Controversial: Saira confessed her delight at the fact there was going to be a mixed race member of the Royal family by singing: 'There's a brown girl in da house, la la la la!'

Controversial: Saira confessed her delight at the fact there was going to be a mixed race member of the Royal family by singing: ‘There’s a brown girl in da house, la la la la!’

Met with laughter from the audience, she then elaborated: ‘You know what, for me and my little girl, there’s going to a brown princess going into Buckingham Palace.   

‘For me, I think this is just fantastic news for diversity, and will show people that love sees no religion.’   

However, her comments were met with huge backlash from viewers – who took to Twitter to question why Saira had mentioned Meghan’s race at all. 

 Proud: She then elaborated: 'There's going to a brown princess in Buckingham Palace. For me, I think this is just fantastic news for diversity, and will show people that love sees no religion'

 Proud: She then elaborated: ‘There’s going to a brown princess in Buckingham Palace. For me, I think this is just fantastic news for diversity, and will show people that love sees no religion’

Furious: However, her comments were met with huge backlash from viewers - who took to Twitter to question why Saira had mentioned Meghan's race at all

Furious: However, her comments were met with huge backlash from viewers – who took to Twitter to question why Saira had mentioned Meghan’s race at all

One disgruntled fan began: ‘Why did that stupid woman have to mention race? If anyone else resorted to that behaviour it wouldn’t be seen as acceptable. Horrible woman who seems to think it’s the Saira Show’ 

As others agreed: ‘Saira is vile…tbh I never even registered that Meghan was of mixed race…perhaps programmes like this should stop trying to make an issue out of nothing….’

And: ‘The only person bringing up racism is you Saira Khan! Nobody has mentioned Meghan’s skin colour except you. Because no one is bothered! They’re in love.’

Further fans claimed her comments would be deemed unacceptable if said by a white host, adding: ‘Saira should not of noticed Meghan isn’t white, if a white person would of sang brown girl in the house, they would have been fired’ (sic)  

Not fair: Further fans claimed her comments would be deemed unacceptable if said by a white host

Not fair: Further fans claimed her comments would be deemed unacceptable if said by a white host

Clash: Yet, Janet Street Porter soon disagreed - acknowledging the Duchess of Cambridge had been deemed as 'working class' upon her engagement but is now considered a Royal

Clash: Yet, Janet Street Porter soon disagreed – acknowledging the Duchess of Cambridge had been deemed as ‘working class’ upon her engagement but is now considered a Royal

Here here: Many viewers agreed with Janet's view (above)

Here here: Many viewers agreed with Janet’s view (above)

‘You’re a woman of colour so you say Saira. But you would go off like a rocket if someone referred to you as coloured’ and ‘Why the hell did saira have to make it all about race it’s pathetic.’ 

One viewer even called for the TV presenter to be punished, writing: ‘Why is that OK Saira? I sincerely hope you are taken to task by your bosses for that little ditty.’ 

However, Janet Street Porter soon opposed her comments herself – acknowledging the Duchess of Cambridge had been deemed as ‘working class’ upon her engagement to Prince William, but is now considered part of the Royal family. 

Many viewers agreed with Janet’s view, writing: ‘Saira is the one living in the dark ages, there’s absolutely no need to emphasise she’s a ‘brown woman’!’ and ‘Totally agree with Janet!! We have ignored it Saira so no reason to make the engagement about race.’  

Animated: The hosts discussed the royal engagement at length on the show

Animated: The hosts discussed the royal engagement at length on the show

Difference of opinion: The two hosts both voiced their opinions about the engagement on the show

Difference of opinion: The two hosts both voiced their opinions about the engagement on the show

MailOnline has contacted Saira’s representatives for comment. 

Prince Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, confirmed their engagement on Monday morning, and their first interview as a couple was aired later that evening.  

It was revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the pair would marry at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May, because it is a place ‘close to the couple’s hearts’. 

Fifth in line to the throne Harry has been dating the American actress, who found fame in the US legal drama Suits, since the summer of last year. 

Official: Prince Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, confirmed their engagement on Monday morning, and their first interview as a couple was aired later that evening (above)

Official: Prince Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, confirmed their engagement on Monday morning, and their first interview as a couple was aired later that evening (above)

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk