Prince Harry’s statement admonishing the British media for the “racial undertones of comment pieces” about Meghan Markle has been taken down from the royal family’s official website, Newsweek can reveal.
Harry instructed then Kensington Palace communications secretary Jason Knauf to issue a public broadside against the press in November 2016, just days after the Duke of Sussex’s relationship with Meghan became public knowledge.
For more than seven years, that lengthy and strongly worded statement was recorded for posterity on the royal.uk website, where the monarchy posts press releases, profiles, and official announcements.
Now, though, the link has stopped working, and the internet archive site Wayback Machine last successfully recorded a functioning version of it on December 3, 2023. A further attempt to archive the page on December 10 was unsuccessful, suggesting it was deleted some time in between.
It was a major moment in Harry’s life, as it was the first definitive indication of his now well-established desire to fight the press over its coverage of both himself and Meghan.
And in his book Spare, Harry said it left King Charles III and Prince William “furious,” because it made them look bad for not defending their own wives in the same way.
The now-deleted statement came days after an article in The Mail on Sunday proclaiming: “Harry’s girl is (almost) straight outta Compton: Gang-scarred home of her mother revealed—so will he be dropping by for tea?”
Kensington Palace released the statement on November 8, 2016, attributed to “the Communications Secretary to Prince Harry” which read: “The past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment.
“Some of this has been very public—the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.
“Some of it has been hidden from the public—the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life.
“Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle’s safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.
“It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm.
“He knows commentators will say this is ‘the price she has to pay’ and that ‘this is all part of the game.’ He strongly disagrees. This is not a game—it is her life and his.”
Prince Harry’s decision to remove his statement from the royal family’s official website regarding the racist and intrusive media coverage of Meghan Markle has sparked controversy and speculation. The statement, which was originally posted in November 2016, highlighted the abusive and harmful treatment that Meghan was subjected to by the British press. The decision to take down the statement, which was previously available on the royal.uk website, has raised questions about the royal family’s handling of media scrutiny and the protection of its members. Many have voiced their support for Prince Harry’s stance against the media’s unfair treatment of his wife, with some praising him for speaking out and taking a stand. However, others have criticized the move, questioning the timing and reasoning behind removing the statement from public view. Some believe that the royal family may be trying to distance themselves from the controversy surrounding Meghan and Harry, while others see it as a missed opportunity to address the systemic issues within the British media.Regardless of the differing opinions on the matter, it is clear that Prince Harry’s decision to remove the statement has reignited discussions about media ethics, privacy, and the responsibilities of the press when reporting on public figures. The royal family’s handling of the situation will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of debate and scrutiny in the coming weeks and months. In the midst of this ongoing controversy, it is important to remember the impact that media coverage can have on individuals and their mental health. The relentless scrutiny and invasion of privacy that Meghan Markle experienced serves as a reminder of the harmful effects of tabloid journalism and sensationalized reporting. As conversations around media representation and accountability continue to evolve, it is crucial for us to consider the implications of our words and actions on those in the public eye. Moving forward, it is essential for all of us to strive for more compassionate and responsible media practices, and to hold ourselves accountable for the ways in which we consume and contribute to media narratives. By supporting and standing in solidarity with individuals who are facing unjust treatment in the media, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful media landscape for all. Let us continue to reflect on the lessons learned from Prince Harry’s decision to remove his statement, and to advocate for fairness, empathy, and integrity in all aspects of media representation. Together, we can build a more equitable and supportive society for everyone.
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Source: USA Today
