Prince Harry has reiterated his fight against the UK tabloid press, citing its harmful influence as a key reason for his separation from Prince William and King Charles. In the ITV1 documentary Tabloids on Trial, Harry openly discussed the discord within his family and his ongoing legal issues with the UK’s tabloid industry.
The documentary includes Harry’s reflections on the continuous onslaught from the British media, which he alleges have been pivotal in creating a divide between him and his royal kin. “Anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press,” Harry declared, highlighting the damaging relationship between the monarchy and the media. He expressed a wish for a joint effort by the family to counteract the tabloids.
The Duke of Sussex has openly expressed his distrust of the British tabloids, accusing them of playing a significant role in the tribulations faced by his mother, Princess Diana. Diana, who was killed in 1997 when her car crashed while pursued by paparazzi, was also subjected to phone hacking by the media. According to Harry, she was one of the early victims of hacking, a fact that the press misrepresented as paranoia.
Harry’s legal confrontations with the media have been ongoing for years. He is currently engaged in lawsuits against News Group Newspapers, owned by Rupert Murdoch, and the publisher of the Daily Mail, for alleged illegal activities by journalists and private investigators. These lawsuits underscore his mission of holding the tabloid press responsible for their actions. “For me, the mission continues, but it has caused part of a rift,” he confessed. His dedication to this cause is driven by his personal experiences and the effect 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 press. They accuse the family of exploiting the media to sustain their public persona while disregarding negative coverage about Meghan. This dynamic, according to Harry, has amplified the tensions within the royal family. Despite these hurdles, Harry remains steadfast in his efforts to challenge the intrusive practices of the tabloids.
On this issue, King Charles and Prince William have largely maintained silence, though reports suggest deep disappointment and annoyance over the ongoing dispute. Royal historian Robert Hardman commented on the monarch’s perspective, 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 sentiment encapsulates the broader struggle within the royal family to juggle personal ties with public duties.
The documentary also showcased Harry’s sense of vindication following his win in the previous year’s phone hacking lawsuit against the publishers of the Daily Mirror. The court ruled that the tabloid had engaged in “widespread and habitual” phone hacking, a verdict that Harry believes helped bring the truth to light. “Paranoia ” is an interesting term because it might initially seem like paranoia. However, being vindicated shows that it wasn’t paranoia after all, Harry clarified.
Despite the personal toll, Harry remains dedicated to his mission. He hopes to foster a safer environment for future generations by continuing to challenge the tabloid press. This commitment serves as a tribute to his mother’s legacy and a stand against the perceived injustices that have troubled his family for years.
