The Royal Family’s Toxic Ties to the Press

The relationship between the British royal family and the press has long been fraught, but recent comments from Earl Spencer suggest that some members of the palace are more aware than others of the harm caused by their symbiotic partnership with the tabloids.

In an interview with the BBC, Spencer described the press’s coverage of Harry and Meghan as having a “cancerous influence,” echoing his sister Diana’s experience with the media. He correctly points out that relentless scrutiny and criticism can be damaging, not just unpleasant. The fact that Spencer feels compelled to speak out about this issue suggests that there may be unease within the palace about its own complicity in perpetuating a toxic environment.

The comparison to Diana’s experience is particularly apt, given the well-documented ways in which she was “brought low” by criticism from the media. The press’s role in her tragic death has been extensively studied and criticized, but it’s clear that some lessons have not been learned. The palace’s response to Earl Spencer’s claims about King Charles’s comments after Diana’s passing highlights this problem.

King Charles’s assertion that “the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason” is a classic example of the kind of gaslighting employed by the royal family and its supporters when confronted with criticism. By implying that Spencer’s account of events is unreliable due to his emotional state, Charles attempts to shift focus away from his own behavior and onto alleged flaws in his brother’s judgment. This tactic is unconvincing and deeply unfair.

The royal family’s relationship with the press is driven by a desire for publicity and a need to maintain the monarchy’s relevance in modern Britain. However, this partnership has come at a great cost, particularly for those subjected to intense scrutiny. Harry and Meghan have spoken out about their experiences with the tabloids, and Earl Spencer is right to suggest that others should learn from Diana’s example.

The palace must now decide how to respond to Earl Spencer’s allegations and those of other critics. Will it continue to downplay or deny these claims, or will it finally acknowledge the harm caused by its partnership with the press? The answer will depend on whether the royal family is willing to confront the toxic legacy of Diana’s treatment at the hands of the media.

As long as the palace continues to engage in this kind of behavior, it will only perpetuate a culture of denial and deflection. It’s time for the royal family to take responsibility for its actions and work towards creating a more positive and respectful relationship with the press and the public.