- Earlier this week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they would no longer work with four of Britain's most popular papers, Daily Mail, the Sun, the Express, and the Mirror.
- The couple sent letters to the papers' editors explaining their decision, which they said was "not about avoiding criticism" but about disengaging with outlets that they believe participate in "clickbait and distortion."
- According a royal source, Harry and Meghan didn't tell Prince Charles about their decision at all before sending their letters and, while they did call the Queen to discuss the move, they didn't give her details about the plan.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised editors at four of the U.K.'s most popular papers—Daily Mail, the Sun, the Express, and the Mirror—this week with letters announcing their decision to formally cut ties with the outlets.
Apparently, the news also came as a surprise to some of Harry's royal relatives.
"We have been left stunned," a palace source told The Times. "They have not taken any of our advice."
The source added that Harry did not tell his father, Prince Charles, about the plan at all and that, while he did call his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, from his new home in Los Angeles to discuss the letters before sending them, he "did not go into specific details."
In their letter, which you can read in full here, Harry and Meghan explained their decision and stressed that it's a response to inaccurate reporting—not blacklisting outlets that are critical of them.
"This policy is not about avoiding criticism," they wrote. "It’s not about shutting down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting. Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad. But it can’t be based on a lie."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Celebrate Earth Month With Our Feel-Good Fashion Report
Your guide to being more sustainable in 2024.
By Anneliese Henderson Published
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published