Dispiriting news came out yesterday that a letter containing racist language and white powder was sent to Meghan Markle at St. James’s Palace in London. The mail was received on February 12 and police have confirmed that while the powder was identified as “harmless,” they are treating the incident as a racially-motivated hate crime.

Scotland Yard released a statement that read:

“Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications, which relates to the same package, and it is being treated as a racist hate crime. The matter is being investigated by officers from the Met’s counter-terrorism command.”

The letter arrived shortly before a package also containing white powder was received at the Palace of Westminster. Police are now investigating whether the same person or people are behind both.

According to reports, Harry and Meghan have been informed of the letter and its contents.

Obviously, this is rather horrifying and adds a layer to Meghan’s introduction into the Royal Family that no other recent addition has had to deal with. The closest comparison is probably the xenophobia to which the Duke of Edinburgh was subjected in the 1940s. Regardless, I’m sure this has been upsetting for the couple and I hope this – and any other similar incidents – aren’t putting a damper on their excitement as they plan their wedding.