In the latest chapter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ongoing saga, the Duke of Sussex finds himself under a harsh spotlight.
Social media has erupted with criticism aimed at Harry, who is being accused of spreading misinformation.
This uproar was sparked by comments he made during an ITV documentary, where he suggested that a united front with the royal family could have helped tackle media scrutiny more effectively.
The backlash intensified after the Daily Telegraph tweeted a promotional clip from the documentary, which many deemed excessively sympathetic towards Harry.
Critics quickly seized upon this, arguing that the narrative he presented doesn’t align with the historical actions of the royal family, particularly those of his brother, Prince William.
William has been notably vocal against unethical media practices, having played a pivotal role in exposing the infamous phone-hacking scandal.
This scandal led to the establishment of the Lucan Inquiry, a thorough investigation into the British press’s ethics, initiated back in July 2011.
The inquiry not only resulted in significant reforms to media law but also held accountable those involved in illegal activities, showcasing the royal family’s commitment to media accountability—something Harry seems to overlook.
Adding to the complexity, Prince Harry recently received a £140,000 settlement after a High Court judge ruled that unlawful methods were employed to gather information on him for tabloid stories.
It was revealed that 15 out of 30 stories published about him by MGM newspapers stemmed from breaches of his privacy.
Despite this legal triumph, many viewers are growing skeptical of Harry’s ongoing claims of being subjected to relentless media surveillance during his youth, as highlighted in the ITV documentary “Toys on Trial.”
Public sentiment toward Harry and Meghan appears to be shifting, with numerous viewers admitting they’ve lost interest in their narrative.
Some even confessed to turning off the documentary, expressing fatigue with the couple’s ongoing saga.
Reactions on social media ranged from annoyance to outright refusal to engage with the interview.
One user succinctly stated, “I couldn’t stand it, complete switch off,” while another echoed, “Should watch it,” indicating a divide in audience engagement.
As Harry continues to link his estrangement from the royal family to his struggles with the press, more viewers seem to be tuning out.
“Wouldn’t dream of watching ITV,” one critic declared, with others voicing similar feelings of disinterest.
This growing disengagement suggests that Harry and Meghan’s strategy of rewriting their narrative may not be resonating as intended.
Critics argue that the couple is attempting to reshape history, banking on the public’s short memory.
However, this approach is encountering increasing resistance.
Platforms like X are actively countering false claims, providing a more balanced narrative against Harry and Meghan’s statements.
A source speaking to Express UK shared concerns that Harry’s repeated public disclosures could further tarnish his reputation and widen the rift with the royal family.
“Never complain, never explain” has been the royal family’s guiding principle for over a century, the source noted.
While some of Harry’s grievances may hold merit, the royal family is reluctant to engage in additional public drama.
The source went on to suggest that a media blackout, coupled with rebuilding trust between Harry and the family, could pave the way for a healthier relationship.