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Harry and Meghan yesterday launched an unprecedented boycott of sections of the British press in protest at the way their lives have been covered.
In a move that shocked courtiers at Buckingham Palace and sparked charges of ‘censorship’, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to withdraw all forms of cooperation from many of the country’s most popular titles, including the Daily Mail.
Last night, a member of the Palace said: ‘We were stunned. They have not taken any of our advice.
People close to the Queen were angered that the couple chose to release details of their new media policy on the eve of her birthday, today, and at a time when Britain remains under the control of the coronavirus crisis.
Over the weekend, the duke even claimed that the UK coronavirus situation was “better than we are led to believe from certain corners of the media.”
Hours later, the couple issued a lengthy statement explaining their decision to stop dealing with The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Express and the Mirror, as well as their online outlets.
HARRY AND MEGHAN are photographed posing inside the grounds of Kensington Palace in November 2017 after announcing their engagement.
The couple are shown delivering food to vulnerable residents in Los Angeles, where they live on a rented property.
Yesterday Ian Murray of the Publishers’ Society said the decision was a “clear attempt to undermine certain sections of the UK media that often ask awkward questions.”
He added: “Although the duke and duchess say they support a free press, there is no escape from their actions here, which amounts to censorship and they are setting an unfortunate example.
“Apparently, they dictate which means they will work with and which they will ignore, no doubt unintentionally, helping the wealthy and powerful everywhere to use their example as an excuse to attack the media when it suits them.”
He noted that many of the media had produced a “large amount” of positive coverage about the couple, and warned that “the answer should never be to avoid individual titles and their millions of readers.”
Harry and Meghan moved to the Duchess of Los Angeles’ American hometown with their son Archie after resigning as high-ranking royals looking for commercial careers.
They issued their letter on Sunday night. Remarkably, only British posts were targeted and the move was slated for maximum publicity yesterday when the Duchess appeared on Good Morning America to advertise the Disney elephant nature film, which she has narrated.
In their letter, Harry and Meghan said they believe a free press is the cornerstone of any democracy, “lighting up the dark places.”
But they argued that sections of the media had not responsibly exercised their power and that there was a “human cost.”
Harry and Meghan are photographed attending the Endeavor Fund Awards in London on March 5
The couple believe that Meghan has been treated unfairly by the British press. The prince also criticized criticism of his jet-set lifestyle while preaching an environmental message.
Her letter told the newspapers that the couple will no longer speak to them. “There will be no corroboration or zero commitment,” he added. ‘This policy is not about avoiding criticism. It is not about closing a public conversation or censoring accurate reports.
The media have every right to report, and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad.
‘But it cannot be based on a lie. What they won’t do is offer themselves as a currency for a clickbait and distortion economy. ‘
It came after Harry was convicted of criticizing the UK media over the weekend for his coverage of the coronavirus.
In response to his letter, political broadcaster Andrew Neil said on Twitter: “ As the world confronts Covid-19, do you really think that people care what media they deal with? His solipsism is amazing. Can’t they just drop into oblivion for a while?
The couple is pictured in front of Canada House in London on January 7.
Former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter said the “moment of the couple seems terribly rude” and added: “In the current circumstances, people have to make sacrifices, they face the loss of loved ones without having the opportunity to say goodbye to them … this is not what people worry about. ‘
Even the Queen had come under scrutiny and “criticism,” but had always accepted that it was part of the Royal Family’s position as public figures, she said.
He added: ‘[Harry] It seems to be highly discouraged by all these Hollywood guys. Casting a general lack of commitment to any story is actually very self-destructive. And it won’t improve your press.
A real source said the “incredibly thin skinned” couple had “lost sight of the big picture,” adding that their decision was “foolish and, some might say, undemocratic.”
Former Sun editor David Yelland told Radio 4’s Today show: “It is one of the worst communications I have ever seen … It will have no positive effect.”
Last night, Lord Falconer, member of the government, member of the government of Tony Blair at the time of Princess Diana’s death, said: “ It is very obvious that Harry feels that the tabloid press and the mid-market press behaved very, very bad towards his mother. One can understand why you feel like it.
