LONDON – Managers of one of Queen Elizabeth II's country estates have apologized for selling a soft toy with racist connotations in their gift shop.
Sandringham Estate's management said Thursday it did not intend to cause any offense by selling the rag dolls, which resemble black-faced minstrels and are popularly known as "golliwogs."
They were popular toys in Britain during the early part of the 20th century, but the doll and its name are now considered racist.
The toys have been withdrawn from sale at the estate inn Norfolk, 110 miles northeast of London.
Earlier this week, the BBC dropped Carol Thatcher, daughter of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, from a TV show after she reportedly referred to an unidentified tennis player as a golliwog backstage.
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