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."


During an appearance at The New York Times 2024 DealBook Summit last week, Prince Harry addressed divorce rumors regarding his wife, Meghan Markle. Now, a royal expert has weighed in on the Duke of Sussex's understandable decision to express frustration about online trolls trying to harm his family.
"Harry is stubborn," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! magazine. "And he is also understandably damaged by what happened to his mother. Who can blame him for being so protective about his wife and children?"
When it comes to defending his family against internet trolls, Bond believes Prince Harry has been doing the right thing. "I have some sympathy with his despair about the media... and social media in particular, with the trolls who peddle unsourced nonsensical rubbish about his marriage," she told the outlet.
"I have some sympathy with his despair about the media," Bond explained.
Ultimately, Prince Harry's marriage to Duchess Meghan is no-one else's business, and the general public has no real insight regarding what their lives are really like. "He says he is happy," Bond explained. "I believe him. Let's stop trying to make trouble in a marriage we know nothing about."
While speaking to DealBook founder Andrew Ross Sorkin at the New York summit on Dec. 4, Harry called constant speculation about his marriage "definitely not a good thing." He continued, "Apparently we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it's just like, what?"
"He says he is happy," Bond explained. "I believe him."
The Duke of Sussex also understands that rumors move quickly. "It's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it," he noted at the summit. "The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls." Explaining why, Harry said, "Their hopes are just built and built, and it's like, 'Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,' and then it doesn't happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
What Is the "Protect the Dolls" Tee
Celebrities from Pedro Pascal to Tilda Swinton have co-signed Conner Ives’s slogan tee, turning it into a viral rally cry that has already raised over $300,000 for Trans Lifeline.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast Breaks Down Its Shocking Ending, From the Major Team-Up to the Tragic Death
Stars Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo-un, Choi Min-yeong, and Lee Min-jae have a lot of thoughts about the K-drama's epic finale.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Prince William and Princess Kate's "First Priority" Is "Very Different" Than Queen Elizabeth's Was
The Prince and Princess of Wales are changing the modern monarchy.
By Kristin Contino
-
Why Meghan Markle Sends "Secret Emails" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet "Every Night"
Meghan and Harry's kids will be able to access the emails "maybe when they're 16 or...18."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Meghan Markle Responds to Rumors She Might Run for President in the Future During Podcast Appearance
"I mean, you could say, 'Never say never.'"
By Amy Mackelden
-
The Kardashian Sister Prince Harry Was Almost Set Up With by a Mutual Friend Before He Met Meghan Markle
"I walked in and saw her with Princess Beatrice."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair Is the Star of Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Lilibet's Cute American Accent Is on Full Display as She Taste-Tests Mom Meghan Markle's Jam
The little royal gave her honest review in a seriously sweet Instagram video.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Harry Gave Nephew Prince Louis an Extremely Rare Five-Figure Gift for His Christening
Uncle Harry for the gifting win.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino