In a surprising turn of events, the Duke of Sussex was left reeling after the royal family discreetly took down his passionate defense of the Duchess from the official website.
Back in November 2016, amidst his frustration with the media’s perceived racial bias in their coverage of Meghan, his then-girlfriend, the Duke had unleashed a scathing statement against them.
Fast forward seven years, and royal.co.uk has abruptly pulled the youngest brother’s unwavering defense, leaving both siblings deeply disturbed by this unexpected move, as revealed by royal biographer Tom Quinn.
The statement, which was a fierce rebuke of the press, emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the media rather than engaging in a confrontational stance.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, the removal of this statement is seen as a shocking and distressing blow to the Duke, who interprets it as an attempt by the royal family to stifle his voice and erase a pivotal aspect of his longstanding anti-media crusade.
Tom Quinn noted that the Duke views this action as an effort to portray the Sussexes as victims rather than instigators, underscoring his desire for the statement to remain on the royal website.
Former Kensington Palace Communications Secretary Jason Knopf had released the Duke’s statement shortly after reports surfaced about his association with the Duchess.
This came in response to a derogatory article in the Mail on Sunday that made disparaging remarks about the Duchess’s background, insinuating ties to a troubled neighborhood.
The statement highlighted the relentless onslaught of hatred and harassment directed at the Duchess, ranging from public smear campaigns to covert attempts to invade her privacy, including bribes offered to her ex-partner by tabloids.
Despite his royal status, the Duke finds himself embroiled in a legal battle with the UK government over his security arrangements.
Recent developments indicate that he now has the opportunity to challenge a previous court ruling that reduced his security detail following his transition away from senior royal duties in 2020.
This latest twist in the ongoing saga has left the Duke questioning his perceived lack of VIP status, which would typically entail automatic state protection, according to experts familiar with the situation.
As the Duke navigates these turbulent waters, the intricate web of challenges and controversies surrounding his relationship with the media continues to unfold.
The repercussions of the royal family’s decision to retract his defense statement reverberate through the corridors of power, raising questions about freedom of speech, media scrutiny, and the delicate balance between public image and personal privacy.
In the midst of these complexities, the Duke remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for justice and transparency, determined to assert his voice in the face of adversity.