Prince Harry's Battle with Tabloids: A Cold Reception from the Royal Family
In an ongoing war against the British press, Prince Harry recently took a bold step by delivering a scathing witness statement in London's High Court on March 28. The 38-year-old Duke of Sussex accused the Daily Mail and other newspapers of hacking voicemails, wiretapping landlines, and illegally acquiring credit card statements to dig up information on his relationships, including those with his wife Meghan Markle and ex-girlfriend Chelsea Davy.
In response, the publisher dismissed the allegations as "preposterous smears."
Harry's grievances were not solely directed at the tabloids. With his father King Charles III's coronation fast approaching, the rogue royal also criticized the royal family for seemingly cooperating with the press.
"The Institution was without a doubt withholding information from me," he alleged, asserting that the palace had struck a secret deal with a second tabloid publisher, refraining from legal action to avoid opening "a can of worms."
According to the father of two, he only discovered the royal family's (or The Institution's) tactics when he sought independent legal counsel and representation.
Unsurprisingly, Charles claimed he was "too busy" to meet with his younger son, even after his own scheduled trip to France had been canceled. An insider told Star, "Charles wanted to avoid any more unflattering attention on the royal family ahead of the coronation."
The source added, "Harry's war against the media is his own, and the palace wants to avoid any unpleasant publicity." It seems that the royal family is also keen on steering clear of the controversy's source.
Tensions Rise within Royal Family as King Charles' Coronation Approaches
As King Charles III's coronation approaches, the rift between Prince Harry and the Royal Family appears to be widening, mirroring historical tensions. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has established a parallel court in Montecito, California, reminiscent of his great uncle Edward, Duke of Windsor, who did the same in Paris after abdicating the English throne in 1936. However, unlike Edward's discreet Parisian court, Harry's Hollywood version is causing significant damage to the United Kingdom's national security and that of its allies.
While Edward and his wife Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, maintained a low profile, Harry and Meghan are not content with a quiet life. With their Netflix-funded parallel court, they seem to be challenging the reigns of King Charles III and eventually, William, Prince of Wales. This could be viewed as a lighthearted affair if it weren't for the global struggle between Western democracies and the likes of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are oblivious to the harm they are causing to the West and the UK. Their Netflix series, which delved into the inner workings of the Royal Family, and Harry's autobiography, "Spare," released in January, have only exacerbated tensions.
As the world faces the ongoing war in Ukraine and the upcoming coronation of King Charles, the brothers' feud is a dangerous distraction. Harry and Meghan's attendance at the coronation remains uncertain, as they continue to focus on their media endeavors.
Unwittingly or not, Harry and Meghan have played into the hands of China and Russia, who exploit and manipulate countries for their gain. Harry's recent appearance in a London High Court over a privacy lawsuit against The Daily Mail's owners further upstaged his brother William's visit to Poland and Ukraine.
British royal historian Hugo Vickers notes that Harry has jeopardized British national security by attacking the Royal Family and its constitutional duties. He adds that future historians might compare Harry and Meghan's actions to those of Edward and Wallis, and their alleged Nazi collaboration.
If Prince Harry truly wishes to protect his legacy, he must reconsider his actions and loyalties. He can choose to remain silent in Montecito or make a stand by returning to Windsor Castle, supporting his father and brother during these tumultuous times.