The British royal family has chosen to distance itself from Prince Harry’s ongoing clash with the media, and a royal expert sheds light on why. In a recent ITV documentary, “Tabloids on Trial,” Harry spoke candidly about his struggle with the British press, suggesting it has contributed to the royal rift within his family.
Harry’s comments reflect his view of this media battle as a form of public service, but the royal family’s response has been notably reserved. According to royal commentator Richard Palmer, the family’s stance is influenced by their need to maintain a balanced relationship with the press.
Palmer explained that the royal family views their engagement with the media as a crucial part of their constitutional role, describing it as a “national soap opera.” He added, “They’ve all had times when they’ve been out of favor or the public’s least favorite, and while there’s some sympathy, they don’t see the point in directly confronting the national newspapers.”
The expert highlighted a key difference between Prince William and Prince Harry’s media strategies. “Prince William tends to control the narrative more directly and sophisticatedly,” Palmer said. “He manages media relations aggressively but in a more controlled manner, whereas Harry’s approach has been more confrontational.”
Harry himself acknowledged in the documentary that his fight against the tabloids has strained his relationship with his family. “It is certainly a central piece to it,” he said. “Anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press. I’ve made it clear that this needs to be done, though it would be ideal if we could tackle it as a family.”
As the royal family navigates its complex relationship with the media, Prince Harry’s battle continues to unfold as a significant and contentious aspect of his public life.
