The Princes and the Press
This two-part documentary presented by the BBC’s media editor Amol Rajan takes a look at the complex and sometimes fraught relationship between the media and the monarchy.
Focussing, as the title suggests, on the recent past, Rajan and assorted talking heads examine the different approaches of Prince Harry and Prince William when it comes to dealing with the press. In the past few years the Royal Family has seemingly been under more scrutiny than ever before – and the princes, as the new generation, have both been right at the centre of much of the media attention. And not all of the reporting has been positive.
Of course, there is a tragic back story to all this and William and Harry are never likely to forget the torment that their late mother endured at the hands of the tabloid press which ultimately was a contributing factor in her death.
Since then there has also been the deeply shameful phone hacking scandal which targeted some of Harry’s former girlfriends and William’s wife Kate. It is entirely understandable, therefore, that they are wary of their dealings with the media. And they have their own social media channels now so, as Rajan points out in his measured analysis, what it all comes down to is a struggle to control the narrative. Royal correspondents, past and present, cultural commentators and private investigators are among those contributing to a fascinating debate.