Harry and Meghan defend documentary after privacy criticism

LONDON, Dec 10 (Reuters) – Britain’s Prince Harry and
his wife Meghan have rejected criticism of a documentary about
their lives, with a statement from their spokesman saying that
the couple had never cited privacy as a reason for stepping back
from the royal family.

In the first three episodes of the much-anticipated
documentary, the couple – the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – made
a series of disclosures, with Meghan recalling her first death
threat, Harry talking about wearing disguises to their dates,
and previously unseen footage of their son Archie.

The launch, which according to figures cited by the BBC drew
2.4 million TV viewers in Britain for the first episode on the
day it was released, prompted some to criticise the couple
because they have previously complained vigorously about press
intrusion.

However, a statement issued by the couple’s press secretary
rejected this line of criticism.

“The Duke and Duchess have never cited privacy as the reason
for stepping back. This distorted narrative was intended to trap
the couple into silence,” the statement said, according to a
report by the BBC.

“They are choosing to share their story, on their terms, and
yet the tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative
that permeates press coverage and public opinion.”

Reuters has asked for a copy of the statement, which was
also reported by other media outlets.

The statement highlighted that neither Harry nor Meghan had
mentioned privacy when stepping back from royal duties in
January 2020 and had expressed a desire to continue their public
roles and duties.

Their 2020 statement did not give a reason for the decision
to step back as senior royals.

Days after the decision they issued a warning over
harassment by paparazzi photographers.

That echoed criticism from 2019 when Harry said he felt his
wife had faced “bullying” from some tabloids similar to that
faced by his mother Princess Diana who died in a 1997 car crash
while trying to escape paparazzi photographers.

The couple have cut ties with Britain’s four biggest
tabloids and successfully sued a number of publications, with
further legal action pending.
(Reporting by William James and Michael Holden; Editing by Ros
Russell)