LAWYERS for the royals are reportedly on standby to take action against the BBC for “unfounded” claims made in a controversial doc. It’s claimed members of the family are mulling their next steps following a screening of The Princes and The Press, with legal reps set to watch the second instalment tonight. They’ll be deciding […]
LAWYERS for the royals are reportedly on standby to take action against the BBC for “unfounded” claims made in a controversial doc.
It’s claimed members of the family are mulling their next steps following a screening of The Princes and The Press, with legal reps set to watch the second instalment tonight.
They’ll be deciding if the broadcaster flouted rules regarding accuracy and impartiality after earlier warning they’d not been given a fair right of reply, the Daily Mail reports.
The royals say weren’t allowed to watch a screening of the two-part programme in advance, and say they had no opportunity to properly address the claims.
The BBC Two documentary has already aired “unfounded” allegations that William and his staff briefed the media against Meghan and Harry.
Omid Scobie, author of sympathetic Meghan and Harry biography Finding Freedom, claimed “negative stories” had been leaked about the duchess to “put her in her place”.
No evidence was provided and he wasn’t challenged on the allegation by presenter Amol Rajan.
There was also Palace anger that Meghan arranged for her lawyer to appear and answer questions on her behalf.
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
She was the only Royal Family member to take part — raising the possibility the BBC told her what was going to be in the documentary while leaving the rest of the royals in the dark.
Meanwhile, the second part of the doc has been titled ‘Sussexit’ – after Harry claimed the term ‘Megxit’ was a “misogynistic term” that was “created by a troll [and] amplified by royal correspondents”.
It’s set to be even more explosive, with the family concerned there’ll be more suggestions – most notably William – “planted” stories about Harry’s mental health.
The Duke of Cambridge is said to be deeply upset at the suggestion.
He has reportedly banned his aides from ever briefing against family members after seeing the devastating impact of his parents’ media war first-hand.
Harry himself first raised the subject of his mental health in a 2019 TV interview, saying he was experiencing issues that needed “constant management”.
At the time, it was only reported that his older brother was “concerned” for his wellbeing.
Sources told the publication any claims of a planted story are “categorically untrue”.
It’s understood no decision will be made over any pending action against the BBC until after part two airs.
It could take the form of a robust complaint to the BBC governors or to watchdog Ofcom.
The possibility of legal action is believed to be less likely.
The three senior royals, together with Prince Charles and Camilla, have already issued a robust joint statement blasting bosses for airing “overblown and unfounded claims” by contributors.
And the Cambridges have already banned the national broadcaster from screening their Christmas carol concert, instead handing the rights to ITV.
