The Royal Insider Harry & Meghan need to stop
By weaponising his own battles with mental health, Prince Harry has crossed a line and lost the support of many who once sang the troubled royal’s praises. Breaking the taboo around this difficult subject is one thing, but using deeply personal experiences to publicly attack the family that raised you is an entirely different kettle of fish.
Prince Harry was once universally admired for having the courage to talk about his private battles with mental health. But now his so-called ‘interviews’ on the subject have taken a somewhat uncomfortable turn.
Since arriving in LA, Harry has spoken about his personal struggles and nothing seems to be off limits. Questioning the Queen’s parenting, slamming his father and repeating thinly veiled attacks on his brother are all regular themes.
And, of course, he sat next to his wife Meghan while she made a number of shocking allegations about his family during their interview with Oprah Winfrey.
At no point does it seem that Harry has given even the slightest consideration to the impact these public therapy sessions might have on those who love him. In 2005, I remember talking to Prince William about Harry during a ski trip in Switzerland. It was only a few weeks since I had written my exclusive about Harry dressing as a Nazi at a fancy-dress party. At the time of our conversation, Harry was nearby, doing shots with his chums.
Looking back, I find it heartbreaking to remember how passionately William defended his brother, insisting he was ‘just a kid’ who’d made a ‘silly mistake’. From William’s point of view, an attack on one royal was an attack on them all. He is fiercely loyal and protective – qualities Harry appears not to have unpacked from his suitcase.
Make no mistake, Harry’s barrage of interviews about the Royal Family will do long-term damage to the institution. Many now see Harry as the victim of a racist family he was brave enough to escape. To some he is a crusading whistle-blower, lifting the lid on life inside the planet’s most talked-about family.
But, to William, I’d imagine, Harry’s current behaviour is nothing short of a blistering attack on the entire clan.
Now, surely, enough is enough. Both Harry and Meghan need to stop using their new-found positions for public mud-slinging.
‘MANY SEE HARRY AS A VICTIM’
Royal quote of the week
‘IT SHOULD BE A LIBERATION, BUT IT FEELS LIKE A SHACKLE.’
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