Trouble about documentation: Elizabeth II criticizes the BBC

The British royal family has complained about a documentary by the BBC that sheds light on the relationship between Prince William and Harry and their relationship with the media.

"A free, accountable and open press is essential to a healthy democracy, but too often inflated and unfounded allegations from unnamed sources are presented as facts and it is disappointing when someone, including the BBC, believes them," said it in an unusual statement drawn up jointly by the press departments of the Queen, Crown Prince Charles and Prince William.

Jochen Buchsteiner

Political correspondent in London.

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It was shown at the end of the documentary "The Princes and the Press", the first episode of which the public broadcaster aired on Monday. In the film, among other things, the allegation was made that there was a secret contract between the royals and some media, according to which journalists were given access in exchange for positive reporting. Taken in and of itself, this should not be a cause for great outrage, because it describes a principle that is applied in many areas, not least in political reporting.

The royal family is more likely to have disliked the portrayal that Prince Harry had evaded this business and was therefore the victim of negative reporting, which in turn was fed by court advisers. The documentation insinuates that this is also a background for the negative portrayal of Harry's wife Meghan, about which some newspapers have written with "racially charged images". The lawyer Jenny Afia, who represents Meghan and rejected the allegations that the Duchess had bullied palace staff during her time in London, had a say. This is "wrong," said Afia. The narrative that the Duchess is “difficult to deal with” does not apply either.

An internal investigation into Meghan's behavior and allegations of bullying raised by employees has been going on at the royal court for months.

According to newspaper reports, the royals threatened to abandon future projects with the BBC after advisors were not allowed to view the film before it aired.