Prince Harry Got Angry With a Reporter During His Tour of South Africa: "Don't Behave Like This"
She had tried to "doorstep" him.
It's not news that the royals have a complicated relationship with the press. Perhaps nothing illustrates this more than the Cambridges' alleged desire to boycott the BBC (a media outlet) over their documentary titled The Princes and the Press—which is all quite next-level meta, if you think about it.
It's also a highly understandable reaction for Princes William and Harry to be on their guard when it comes to the media, especially in the context of their late mother's own difficult relationship with journalists.
Under those circumstances, it makes sense that the royals aren't always able to keep their cool when interacting with reporters.
During his tour of South Africa with wife Meghan Markle in late 2019, Prince Harry was filmed snapping at Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills in Malawi—footage which was shown in the second episode of infamous doc The Princes and the Press.
Appearing in the documentary, Mills explained that she had previously been able to "doorstep" Prince Harry—that is, ask him questions as he exits a building—but that on this occasion, the duke wasn't game.
"He doesn't stop and give me a full interview but he acknowledges me or whatever," Mills said (via Express). "This one played out quite differently."
In Malawi, the journalist was filmed asking the duke about his work, a question which he ignored at first. As she insisted, he turned towards her and said, "What? Ask them."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
But after Mills asked another question, Prince Harry became angry and told her, "Don't behave like this."
Although from the outside it might seem difficult to understand what happened there, Mills has a clear perspective on the situation now. "Most people looked at it and thought, well, hang on, it was a polite question," she said. "Why did it blow up? But looking back at it now, I had basically kicked the wasps' nest."
The Sussexes announced their exit from their roles as senior royals soon afterwards, in early 2020.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Sabrina Carpenter's Micro Shorts Are a Slice of Fashion History
She was brave to trot it out at the height of winter.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Tom Parker Bowles Says Stepfather King Charles Could be "Fantastic" at Another Job if He Wasn't Monarch
Just imagine.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Cartier Celebrates 100 Years of Trinity With a Miami Pop-Up
A look inside the Art Basel event.
By Michaela Bushkin Published
-
Every Time the Royal Family Broke Protocol in 2024, From Minor Rule Changes to Huge Mistakes
Meet the usual suspects: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Reveals He "Learned a Long Time Ago" to Stay Out of Prince William and Prince Harry's "World"
Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Is Allegedly Still "Very, Very Angry" About Royal Rift, But Kate Middleton Is Pushing For "Reconciliation"
"Never give up hope, there's always a chance."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry's "Despair" at Online Trolls "Trying to Make Trouble" For His Family Is Understandable, Says Royal Expert
"He says he is happy. I believe him."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Reveals Impressive Hidden Skill in New Netflix Documentary With Prince Harry
What can't she do?
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Eugenie Could Spend Christmas With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in California
"She has also been invited to Sandringham."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's Fresh Manicure Says White Nails Aren't Just a Summer Trend
White nails—they're not just a summer manicure trend anymore.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Tyler Perry Makes Rare Comments About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's "Beautiful Family"
"They love each other... I just want the best for them."
By Amy Mackelden Published