Prince Harry has consistently pointed to the UK media as a significant factor in the challenges that led him and Meghan Markle to step back from royal duties. During their recent return to the UK, these media tensions appear to be resurfacing. A tabloid front page story has sparked new controversy regarding his relationship with King Charles III.
In August, the couple successfully obtained a correction from the Daily Mail for an inaccurate article about them visiting celebrity friends. Newsweek now reports that a front-page story in the Daily Mirror is inaccurate as well.
The Daily Mirror ran a headline stating “Harry and King have not spoken,” with a subhead claiming Prince Harry had yet to call Charles two weeks after relocating to the UK. However, Newsweek has been informed that the two spoke within a week of the Sussexes returning to Britain.
The rift with family and palace staff, along with intense criticism in the British media, were substantial reasons for their departure to America. Their return to the UK poses the challenge of navigating these tensions again.
The Mirror’s article also suggested ongoing tension within Harry’s family. It claimed they were unaware of the prince’s motivations for returning to the UK from California. Contrary to these reports, Newsweek confirms that Harry had spoken to his father soon after his arrival.
While the Sussexes have not filed a formal complaint over the story, they did address a misleading article in the Mail about their supposed visit with Geri and Christian Horner. The Mail issued a correction, retracting claims about a close friendship and regular communication with Christian Horner.
On another front, the Sussexes faced tensions with Buckingham Palace over a letter released on King Charles’ behalf. The letter, sent to government officials and monarchy representatives known as Lords-Lieutenant, affirmed the couple’s status as non-working royals and stated their HRH titles were in abeyance.
According to Newsweek, the Sussexes were “surprised” by the lack of advance notice before the letter was shared publicly. They had requested the term “public figures” replace “private citizens” in the document, but this change was not made. The letter outlined that their charitable work is personal and undertaken privately.
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