Prince Harry has doubled down on his battle against the British tabloid press, pointing to its damaging influence as a critical factor in his estrangement from Prince William and King Charles. In the ITV1 documentary Tabloids on Trial, Harry candidly addressed the turmoil within his family and his ongoing legal struggles with the UK’s tabloid industry.
In the documentary, Harry reflected on the relentless attacks from the British media, which he claims have been instrumental in driving a wedge between him and his royal relatives. “Anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press,” Harry stated, emphasizing the toxic relationship between the royal family and the media. He expressed a desire for collective action by the family against the tabloids.
The Duke of Sussex has been vocal about his mistrust of the British tabloids, which he believes played a significant role in his mother, Princess Diana’s, struggles. Diana, who died in 1997 after her car crashed while being chased by paparazzi, was also a victim of phone hacking by the press. He said that she was one of the earliest victims of hacking, but the press depicted her as paranoid.
Harry’s legal battles with the press have been ongoing for years. He is currently involved in lawsuits against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers and the publisher of the Daily Mail, alleging unlawful activities by journalists and private investigators. These lawsuits continue his mission to hold the tabloid press accountable for their actions. “For me, the mission continues, but it has caused part of a rift,” he admitted. His dedication to this cause has been fueled by his own experiences and the impact on his family, particularly his wife, Meghan Markle.
Both Harry and Meghan have openly criticized the royal family for their perceived complicity with the tabloid press. They accuse the family of using the media to maintain their public image while ignoring negative stories about Meghan. According to Harry, this dynamic has only exacerbated the tensions within the royal household. Despite these challenges, Harry remains resolute in his efforts to combat the invasive practices of the tabloids.
King Charles and Prince William have largely remained silent on the issue, though there have been reports of deep sadness and frustration over the ongoing feud. Royal historian Robert Hardman commented on the monarch’s stance, saying, “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 reflects the broader struggle within the royal family to balance personal relationships with public responsibilities.
The documentary also highlighted Harry’s vindication following his victory in last year’s phone hacking case against the Daily Mirror’s publishers. The court determined that the tabloid had engaged in “widespread and habitual” phone hacking, a ruling that Harry believes helped expose the truth. “Paranoia ” is an interesting term because it might initially seem like paranoia. However, being vindicated shows that it wasn’t paranoia after all, Harry explained.
Despite the personal cost, Harry remains committed to his cause. He hopes that by continuing to challenge the tabloid press, he can create a safer environment for future generations. His dedication is a tribute to his mother’s legacy and a stand against the injustices he believes have plagued his family for decades.