For the first time since the release of his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry has spoken out about the ongoing rift with his family, shedding light on how his fight against tabloid press intrusion contributed to the strained relations.
In a recent documentary, Tabloids on Trial, Harry delves into the phone hacking cases he and other celebrities have brought against the British media.
Prince Harry Interview
In an ITV interview with Rebecca Barry, the journalist asked Harry: “To what extent do you think your determination to fight the tabloids destroyed the relationship with your family?”
His response was candid yet cautious. He acknowledged that his battle with the press is “certainly a central piece to it,” but he also pointed out the complexity of the situation.
“Anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press,” he explained.
Harry emphasized that his fight against the tabloids is a necessary one, ideally something his family would support. He expressed a belief that those in public roles should tackle such issues “for the greater good.”
Despite the personal cost, he remains committed to his mission, saying, “I think everything that’s played out has shown people what the truth of the matter is.”
Prince Harry tells @BeccaBarry the High Court ruling that he was hacked by Mirror Group Newspapers was a “monumental victory”.
In an interview for an ITV1 documentary, Tabloids On Trial, Prince Harry speaks for the first time about the result.
Read more here:… pic.twitter.com/kqeU46eYIj
— ITV News (@itvnews) July 24, 2024
In his book, Harry shared how he sought help from his family to deal with the relentless media scrutiny. He recounted a conversation with his father, King Charles III, who advised him, “Don’t read it, darling boy.”
Harry expressed his frustration, fearing that the negative press might endanger Meghan, his then-girlfriend.
After getting engaged to Meghan, Harry attempted to pressure Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. media empire for an apology, using the upcoming wedding as leverage.
Negotiations with News Group Newspapers (NGN) did not yield the desired results, leaving Harry frustrated.
In a witness statement to the High Court, Harry expressed his outrage that tabloids responsible for attacking Meghan would be invited to the wedding.
Harry remains at odds with other media groups, such as Mirror Group Newspapers and Associated Newspapers.
“This is a David versus Goliath situation,” Harry remarked. “The Davids are the claimants, and the Goliath is this vast media enterprise. I’m trying to get justice for everybody.”
The documentary Tabloids on Trial will be broadcast on ITV on Friday, July 25.