Top barrister suspended over 'racist' tweet about Meghan and Harry's baby returns to work after being cleared

A TOP barrister suspended after posting a "racist" tweet about Meghan and Harry's newborn daughter has returned to work.

Joanna Toch, 59, was blasted for the "offensive" comment made after the birth of Lilibet 'Lili' Diana last month.

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But it's since been quietly announced that she was cleared of any wrongdoing – and is back at her desk, Legal Cheek reports.

It comes as:

  • Harry drank bubbly with Wills – but left just 20 minutes after the statue was unveiled
  • The brothers appeared to bury their feud as they spoke about the 'amazing' artwork
  • The Duke of Sussex appeared to be 'battling inner tension' – and one sign gave it away, a body language expert says
  • The Queen beamed on a royal visit with daughter Anne while her grandsons met in London
  • Harry charmed poorly children during a surprise appearance at a charity engagement

The row broke out when journalist Julie Burchill tweeted that Lilibet’s name was "a missed opportunity" for the new parents.

She said that they could have called her "Georgina Floydina" – in reference to George Floyd, who was murdered by policeman Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, sparking worldwide protests.

In reference to Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, Toch replied: "No Doria?

"Don’t black names matter?"

Burchill responded that she "was hoping for Doria Oprah, the racist rotters."

Toch replied saying: "Doprah?"

Hundreds of people slammed the women online – before Toch apologised and deleted her profile.

Burchill also says she was sacked from the Telegraph, after "five happy years" as a contributor.

Afterwards, lawyer Toch said: "I am very sorry for the comment and what I saw as a joke.


"I’ve fought during my professional life against racism which is abhorrent.

"I’m not a judge and I have children of colour and I apologise unreservedly."

Her law firm Family Law Cafe – which she set up in 2014 – later revealed they had suspended her "with immediate effect pending an internal review into her recent comments."

But the firm now says Toch is back in her role as CEO after the firm found “no evidence of any discriminatory practice”.

“Everyone has been unfailingly courteous and kind. No evidence of any discriminatory practice was found,” Toch said in a statement today.

“I am extremely fortunate to have a 30-year body of work, aligned to my values, that speaks for who I am and what I am about.

"I am back heading Family Law Cafe."

She ended her statement: "Onwards."

Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor was born in the US and named in tribute to both Her Majesty and Princess Diana.



After returning home from the hospital, the Sussexes introduced Harry's grandmother to her namesake via a video call, it's been said.

But a row immediately broke out over use of the name 'Lilibet'.

The BBC claimed Her Majesty hadn't been informed her childhood nickname would be used before the baby's birth.

But Harry and Meghan furiously denied the allegation, and threatened the Corporation with legal action.

Some critics claimed the name choice as "rude" and "demeaning" towards the Queen.

Angela Levin slammed the sentimental move – suggesting it exploits "a very private nickname".

She told Good Morning Britain: "I don’t think it’s a good idea – I think it’s quite rude to Her Majesty Her Queen.

"It was a very private nickname from her husband who hasn’t been dead for very long.

"Prince Charles would never dream of calling his mother Lilibet."

The tot remained in LA with her mum and big brother Archie when dad Harry returned to the UK last week.

The Duke of Sussex met with brother William for the first time since their grandfather's funeral yesterday.

The pair unveiled a statue dedicated to Princess Diana at Kensington Palace's Sunken Garden.

And in a moving statement, the princes poignantly said: "Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.”

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