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The Queen's 'highly offensive' and 'racist' royal badge resembles the killing of George Floyd, according to protesters who are petitioning to have it re-designed

Jun 24, 2020, 18:13 IST
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The badge of the Order of St Michael depicts the archangel St Michael trampling on Satan.MICHAEL STEPHENS/AFP via Getty Images, Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool/Getty Images
  • A royal badge that has been used by the Queen to honor public service has been called "racist" and "highly offensive" by protesters, who say it is reminiscent of the killing of George Floyd.
  • The badge of the Order of St Michael depicts the archangel St Michael trampling on Satan.
  • Thousands of people have signed a petition on Change.org asking for the badge to be re-designed and for an official apology to be given.
  • Buckingham Palace declined to comment when contacted by Insider. The UK Cabinet Office did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
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People are calling for the Queen to boycott a royal badge which they say resembles the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Thousands of people have now signed a Change.org petition asking for the re-design of the badge, because of its "racist" and "highly offensive" imagery.

The badge of the Order of St Michael depicts the archangel St Michael trampling on Satan, which has been compared to a white person standing on a Black person's neck.

"Change the racist image on the KCMG medal," the petition reads.

"This is a highly offensive image, it is also reminiscent of the recent murder of George Floyd by the white policeman in the same manner presented here in this medal," it goes on.

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"We the undersigned are calling for this medal to completely redesigned in a more appropriate way and for an official apology to be given for the offense it has given!"

The Order was founded in 1818 by King George III and is today used to recognize service abroad or in the Commonwealth.

Angelina Jolie receiving an honorary damehood (DCMG) for services to UK foreign policy and the campaign to end war zone sexual violence.Anthony Devlin/WPA Images/Getty Images

The Queen grants the honors at official ceremonies, where recipients will be given the Rank of Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG) or the Knight or Dame Commander (KCMG or DCMG) and Companion (CMG).

Her Majesty has worn the badge herself during official ceremonies.

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Buckingham Palace declined to comment when contacted by Insider. The UK Cabinet Office did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

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