The Eye Of Media

By Gabriel Princewill-

The Daily Express Online has been caught red handed adding to quotes made about Prince Harry’s relationship with his brother Prince William in relation to his wife, Meghan Markle.

The revelation could potentially add to public mistrust in the press, who have long been perceived to meddle in fabrications to sell papers. The general perception is inaccurate because most press reports are true, but unfortunately it is possible to find some that embellish their reports to convey a targeted message.

In an online publication today, a matrimonal consultant was quoted by the Daily Express Online to have made remarks that we construed to be potentially divisive among the Royal family. No substantive basis was provided for the comments . The Eye Of Media.Com found holes in the claim and decided to closely scrutinise its basis by calling up the relationship expert , Sheila Mackintosh Stewart.

Ms Stewart immediately said she did not say a number of things contained in the article. The article stated that Prince William and Prince Harry have always had a close relationship, but that ”Harry no longer “needs” Will’s constant support, now he has Meghan”. Sheela Mackintosh-Stewart was quoted as saying that although the brothers have a “deep affection”, William, 36, is no longer Harry’s “constant support. ”With Meghan to rely on, Harry no longer needs the constant support and engagement with his older brother.

Prince Harry’s Wife: Meghan Markle

NEGATIVE

The opinion given by the relationship expert was viewed by this publication to be a negative analysis of the royals,which was not corroborated. Perceived to be capable of sowing unnecessary discord between the royal brothers , and also presented Meghan Markle as one in the way of that relationship, we decided to probe the authenticity of the published article.

Our first step was to call the relationship expert on her mobile phone. She said: ” I never said that, I have already called them[The Daily Express] to say those were not my words”. Asked why she did not lodge a complaint, she responded :” what can I do, you know how the press is they write whatever they want, do I want to take on The Daily Express”?

Daily Express Online told The Eye Of Media.Com they were not aware of the story or any complaint made in relation to it,(which was surprising) and would have to wait for the writer to return to work after which the matter would be raised with her.

CLOSE

Prince Harry and Prince William have always been close growing up, but have both had to live with the experience of the press depicting an alleged feud between both of their spouses.The claim of a feud between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton has never been confirmed or denied by Kensington Palace, and could in fact be true, but could also be false or exaggerated. Notwithstanding, there are very few relationships that have never been rocked by a disputes.

Royal brothers: Prince William (left) and Prince Harry (right)

Both Kensington and Buckingham Palace tend to minimise comments on media articles about the royals, to maintain their dignity, rather than dancing to every drum beat echoing around them. They have on occasions spoken out to address issues of alarming concern.

Kensington Palace , as expected, declined to comment about the news. Precisely what the authour of the article meant by saying Harry no longer needs his brother’s constant support is unclear, but open to a lot of speculation. What constant support was Prince Harry meant to have been providing, and what is the source of any information suggesting Prince William was providing the stated constant support to his younger brother? Furthermore, what was being insinuated by the idea that Prince Harry no longer needed his brother’s constant support, now he has Meghan?

INDEPENDENT

The Daily Express online is independent of the Daily Express paper, however, the papers editorial said they would flag the matter up with their internal manager. They added that the online publication will ultimately have to address their own issues. The article was inherently problematic because it was making a statement that could be interpreted as meaning that Harry’s relationship with his brother has taking a dive now Meghan is in the picture.

The article potentially served to put Meghan in negative light, presenting her as one causing a wedge between the brothers, without explicitly stating so. More worrying is the potential of articles like these to create a rift or intensify any pre-existing rift that may exist between prince Harry and his older brother, Prince William. Instead of making positive and encouraging comments, some authors and commentators have taken a hostile approach by making remarks that are unproven and potentially damaging.

True statements, no matter how damaging, will always be defensible for the valued purposes of public interest. There is no suggestion any of the royals are perfect or without weaknesses, but the motives of those writing damaging articles about the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle deserves closer inspection. More so in light of the recent spate of online attacks vented against Meghan Markle since her marriage to Prince Harry.

The relationship consultant was also quoted as stating that with a marriage and baby on the way, Harry is “committed to becoming the best father and husband he can be”. Sheela believes the pair can “clash” at times, she reveals their “mutual grief” at the tragic loss of Princess Diana has brought the brothers closer together.

This latter statement of the brothers being brought closer together as a result of their mother’s death is intuitively plausible and harmless. Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship is reported to have undergone some strain when Prince William initially questioned the background and motives of Meghan Markle wanting to marry him. The Sun Newspaper at the time reported that Prince Harry had accused his brother of trying to wreck their relationship before it had even begun .

The Sun Newspaper are known to be very well resourced with strong contacts close to the Royal family. In the absence of an outright denial about the report from the Royal family, there might be some truth to the story. Notwithstanding this possibility, publishing fabrications that can either create or further tensions is

FAMILY LAWYER

Sheela Mackintosh-Stewart is a highly experienced family lawyer who also provides relationship ‘coaching’ and writes regularly on relationships. She is a known speaker on nurturing personal relationships. She more than anyone would be expected to know the potential harm that can result from making statements that can strain relationships.

Media interest and coverage of the royals cannot be avoided and will continue. The contents of every report should be factual and accurate, and the underlying motive behind each article should be honourable. We will be keeping a close eye.

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