Prince Harry has been speaking out strongly against the British tabloid press, citing its harmful effects as a key reason for his rift with Prince William and King Charles. In the ITV1 documentary Tabloids on Trial, Harry openly discussed the family discord and his persistent legal battles with the British media.
In the documentary, Harry ruminated on the persistent onslaught by the British press, contending that it’s been a significant factor in creating a divide between him and his royal family members. “Anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press,” Harry stated, stressing the volatile relationship between the royal family and the press. He voiced a wish for a united front from his family against the tabloids.
The Duke of Sussex has been outspoken about his distrust of the British tabloids, attributing a significant part of his mother, Princess Diana’s, struggles to them. Diana, who tragically died in 1997 following a car crash while being pursued by paparazzi, was also subjected to phone hacking by the media. He stated that despite her being one of the earliest victims of hacking, she was portrayed as paranoid by the press.
Harry’s legal disputes with the media have been ongoing for several years. Currently, he is embroiled in lawsuits against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers and the Daily Mail’s publisher, alleging illegal activities by journalists and private detectives. His ongoing lawsuits reflect his commitment to holding the tabloid press responsible for their actions. “For me, the mission continues, but it has caused part of a rift,” Harry conceded. His commitment to this cause is propelled by his personal experiences and the effects on his family, particularly his wife, Meghan Markle.
Both Harry and Meghan have publicly criticized the royal family for their perceived collusion with the tabloid media. They allege that the family used the press to preserve their public image while disregarding negative coverage about Meghan. Harry believes this dynamic has further intensified the discord within the royal residence. Despite these hurdles, Harry persists in his endeavors to fight the intrusive tactics of the tabloids.
King Charles and Prince William have largely refrained from commenting on the matter, although reports suggest deep disappointment and annoyance over the ongoing dispute. Royal historian Robert Hardman offered insight into the monarch’s position, stating, “Of course, the king is extremely sad about Harry and Meghan, but there is a sense of exasperation that he has done what he can, and now that he is king, there are many more things to think about.” This viewpoint underscores the broader struggle within the royal family of managing personal ties with public duties.
The documentary also showcased Harry’s sense of victory following his win in the previous year’s phone hacking case against the Daily Mirror’s publishers. The court found that the tabloid had engaged in “widespread and habitual” phone hacking, a verdict that Harry considers an unveiling of the truth. Harry explained that “paranoia ” is an interesting term because it might initially seem like paranoia. However, being vindicated shows that it wasn’t paranoia after all.
Despite the personal sacrifices, Harry stays devoted to his mission. He hopes that by persistently challenging the tabloid press, he can pave the way for a safer environment for future generations. His commitment is a testament to his mother’s legacy and a stand against the injustices he believes his family has endured for decades.
