Pop star Rita Ora has detailed the traumatic prejudice she has faced as a refugee from Kosovo.
The Anywhere singer, 29, came to the UK as an infant from Kosovo when her family fled persecution against Albanians connected to the disintegration of Yugoslavia.
Rita went on to grow up in Notting Hill, London, but it wasn't always easy having sought refuge in the UK.
Speaking to Vogue Arabia, Rita discussed the impact that the move had on her family, including her psychiatrist mother and economist father.
She said: "They left behind their whole lives and had to start from scratch when they arrived in London as refugees.
"But protecting us was their main priority and I count my blessings every day that they did what they did."
But why did her beloved parents choose to relocate to the city of London?
"They chose London because dad loved the music and the culture," she revealed, "but even still, as you can imagine, adopting a new life was extremely difficult."
They weren't the only ones to find issues, as Rita herself was dealt with "tough" times as she faced "prejudice".
Rita explained: "I was often called a refugee in a derogatory way, however, I had lots of foreign friends and we all had a great time connecting through being different."
The RIP singer still regularly visits Kosovo when she can and is keen to remain in touch with her culture from there, being aware of traditional dances and owning a lot of traditional dress.
Rita has also been working hard in the national efforts in the UK to support the NHS, having volunteered with thousands of other British citizens to aid health worker on the frontlines fighting the coronavirus pandemic - including her own mother.
She told Hello magazine that she will "deliver medical supplies, collect prescriptions, check on the elderly and make phone calls to lonely and vulnerable members of the community."
We're certainly glad to have Rita and her family here with us!
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