The British Royal Family has always interested people. Lately, a big topic has been the relationship between Prince Harry and his family. The media often talks about their problems, but Prince Harry has shared what he thinks is the main issue. It is not his wife, Meghan Markle, as many thought. Instead, it is the phone hacking scandal and how the Royal Family has dealt with it.
What Is the Background of the Rift?
The tensions between Prince Harry and the Royal Family have been building for many years. This conflict reached a major turning point when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step back from their roles as senior royals in January 2020. The media called this decision “Megxit.” This move marked a significant change in the lives of the couple and their relationship with the monarchy.
After this decision, Prince Harry and Meghan moved to California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. They wanted to live a life away from the relentless scrutiny of the media, which Prince Harry believes played a big role in their decision to step back from royal duties. You may also find interest in Kris Jenner Wants Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Appear on an Upcoming Episode of ‘The Kardashians’, Who Is Sasha Walpole , and Is Prince Harry Still a Prince?
What Is the “Central Piece” of the Rift?
In various interviews, including a highly publicized conversation with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 and the documentary series “The Me You Can’t See,” Prince Harry has discussed several factors that contributed to the rift with his family.
However, he identifies the most important issue as the lack of support and understanding from the Royal Family regarding his and Meghan’s struggles with mental health and media harassment.
Prince Harry has spoken openly about how relentless media scrutiny and negative press have severely affected Meghan. He compares Meghan’s experience to that of his mother, Princess Diana. He has expressed frustration because he believes the Royal Family did not defend Meghan against false and damaging stories in the media.
This perceived lack of support, along with the Royal Family’s traditional approach of maintaining a stiff upper lip and not addressing personal issues openly, has been a significant source of tension between Prince Harry and his family. Also read Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Paradise, and Prince Harry Net Worth.
Did Phone Hacking Fuel Harry’s Family Rift?
Prince Harry talked about the phone hacking scandal and how it caused problems within his family. This scandal involved journalists from several tabloids illegally listening to private voicemails and getting personal information.
For Harry, this was very upsetting, and he blames the press for many of his troubles and the ongoing conflict with his family.
What Is the Phone Hacking Scandal?
The phone hacking scandal started in the 1990s and 2000s. Many high-profile cases, including Harry’s, became public. In December 2023, a judge in London’s High Court ruled that Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) was guilty of extensive phone hacking. This hacking affected Harry and many others.
The court found that 15 out of 33 sample articles in Harry’s claim were a result of phone hacking or other unlawful methods of gathering information. Harry was awarded £140,600 in damages.
How Did the Royal Family Respond?
Prince Harry has said he is disappointed with how the Royal Family responded to the phone hacking scandal. He thinks the family should have supported him in fighting against the tabloids and protecting their privacy. Instead, he feels their lack of support has caused a significant rift.
In his ITV interview, Harry said, “I made it very clear that this is something that needs to be done. It would be nice if we did it as a family. I believe that, from a service standpoint and when you’re in a public role, these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good.”
What Are Harry’s Personal Reasons and Public Role?
While Prince Harry wishes his family had joined him in battling the tabloids, he also has personal reasons for this fight. He sees it as his responsibility to address the wrongs done by the press, not just for himself but for the greater good.
Harry’s determination to fight the tabloids is also linked to his own experiences and those of his mother, Princess Diana. She was one of the first high-profile victims of phone hacking, and her tragic death in 1997, while being chased by paparazzi, remains a strong reminder of the dangers of media intrusion.
How Has This Affected His Relationship with Family Members?
The Royal Family’s choice not to support Harry’s fight against the tabloids has strained his relationships with his older brother, Prince William, and his father, King Charles. Harry has not gone into detail about these strained relationships but has said the phone hacking issue is central to the conflict.
“That’s certainly a central piece to it. But, that’s a hard question to answer because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the Press,” Harry said during the interview.
What Are Harry’s Legal Battles and Court Victories?
Prince Harry’s legal battles against the tabloids have been a big part of his life recently. His fight is not only about seeking justice for himself but also about holding the press accountable. Along with the financial damages awarded, MGN has been ordered to cover Harry’s legal costs, showing the extent of their wrongdoing.
In April 2023, it was revealed that a secret deal had been made during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, where a large sum of money was paid to the Royal Family to avoid private and sensitive voicemails from two decades earlier being aired in court.
This deal made Harry’s legal pursuit more complicated, but a judge eventually ruled that his case, along with actor Hugh Grant’s, could go forward.
Why Does the Mission Continue?
Despite the very personal cost and the strain on his family relationships, Prince Harry remains committed to his mission. He believes exposing the unethical practices of the tabloids is important to protect future generations from similar privacy invasions.
“I think everything that’s played out has shown people what the truth of the matter is,” Harry said in the interview. “For me, the mission continues, but yes, it’s caused part of a rift.”
What Are the Broader Implications for the Monarchy?
Prince Harry’s revelations and his ongoing legal battles have broader implications for the monarchy. They highlight the complex relationship between the Royal Family and the media, raising questions about privacy, accountability, and the role of the press in public life.
Harry’s fight against the tabloids also underscores the need for reform within the media industry to prevent such abuses from happening in the future.
Prince Harry’s revelation about the “central piece” of his rift with the Royal Family sheds light on deeper issues. The phone hacking scandal and the Royal Family’s response to it have been key in shaping the current dynamics within the monarchy.
As Harry continues his fight against the tabloids, the impact of his actions and his call for greater accountability will likely resonate beyond his personal experiences, potentially leading to significant changes in the relationship between the Royal Family and the media.
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