In a world striving toward inclusion and racial equality, omissions in public gestures can result in significant consequences. The Royal Family’s good luck message to the England women’s football team, the Lionesses, ahead of their Euro final, omitted 19-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang, a player whose pivotal goals propelled England to victory in key matches. This omission has triggered debate not just about oversight, but about the continued marginalization of Black women in moments of recognition.
For many, Agyemang’s exclusion was more than an oversight. It struck at the heart of how Black women, despite their achievements, are overlooked in high-visibility moments, highlighting ongoing issues of representation, even when their contributions are central.
Agyemang, one of the brightest rising stars in English football, was not pictured in the Royal Family’s congratulatory post. The message itself was full of praise:
“Your journey to this stage has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing the skill, determination (and test of nerve!) for which your team is so rightly celebrated… Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation.”
Yet, the absence of Agyemang in the accompanying images was not lost on fans. Many took to social media to express their dismay and frustration.
“Black women aren’t invisible. Let’s stop erasing them,” wrote Miriam Walker-Khan, founder of Brown Girl Sport, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Royal Family has yet to comment on the growing backlash.
While the post included images of England’s starting XI from a previous match, featuring Jess Carter, who has also spoken publicly about experiencing racist abuse, the omission of Agyemang from the visual tribute has reignited discussions about unconscious bias and systemic exclusion.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman was quick to downplay any notion of intent.
“I think that would never, ever be intentional,” Wiegman said during a pre-match press conference. “I think the message from the Royal Family is that they really support us, and we really appreciate that. It’s unfortunate that Michelle is not in the picture, but I believe there were all good intentions.”
Still, good intentions do not mitigate harm, especially when the visibility of Black women is so often overlooked, reinforcing broader patterns of exclusion even in gestures meant to unite.
This incident may appear small to some, but it taps into a much deeper history. For centuries, Black people, especially Black women, have been written out of history, their achievements minimised or ignored altogether. Whether in science, activism, politics, or sport, Black women have fought for recognition not only for their accomplishments but for their humanity.
To see Agyemang, who has been instrumental in England’s progress, excluded from a post as symbolically powerful as one issued by the Royal Family carries emotional weight. It undermines the very values of unity, visibility, and appreciation that the message sought to uphold.
It also comes at a time when the Royal Family’s commitment to inclusion and diversity is under close scrutiny, particularly following high-profile controversies and allegations of institutional racism.
The Royal Family occupies a unique position of influence. Its messages are not just ceremonial; they are cultural signals that shape public perception. For that reason, every detail matters. Every person, included or excluded, sends a message.
This isn’t about a single social media post. It’s about how institutions, even those with global respect and recognition, must continuously examine their practices and assumptions. As one fan put it online, “Inclusion isn’t about saying the right thing, it’s about showing up for everyone, especially those history has tried to leave out.”
If this omission was indeed accidental, then it must be acknowledged as such, with urgency and accountability. If it was deliberate, it’s far more troubling.
Either way, the impact remains the same: a young Black woman who has given everything for her country is left out of the frame, again.
And that, in 2024, is something we should no longer tolerate.
