Prince Harry's Criticism of 'Disgusting' Media Angered William and Charles

A new book says Harry's public rebuke of the press over Meghan Markle made the future king and his father 'look bad'.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A new royal book claims that Prince Harry's public statement criticizing the 'utterly disgusting' media treatment of his then-girlfriend Meghan Markle in 2016 angered Prince William and King Charles, who felt it made them 'look bad' since they had never issued such statements for their own partners. The book suggests this incident was an early sign of the growing rift between the brothers.

Why it matters

Harry's perspective on the breakdown in relations with his father and brother is largely due to his belief they did not do enough to support Meghan in her problems with the media. This early incident is seen as the beginning of that dynamic, with Harry believing they should have helped rather than criticized his actions.

The details

In November 2016, just over a week after Meghan and Harry's relationship was first revealed, Harry's spokesman issued a statement condemning the 'wave of abuse and harassment' Meghan had faced, including 'racial undertones' and 'outright sexism and racism.' However, the book suggests this angered William and Charles, who felt Harry had made them 'look bad' by bypassing the normal royal protocol for handling media issues.

  • On November 8, 2016, a statement was issued on behalf of Prince Harry criticizing the media's treatment of Meghan Markle.
  • This statement was released just before Meghan arrived in Britain from Canada to visit Harry.

The players

Prince Harry

The younger son of King Charles and the late Princess Diana, who has been outspoken about his struggles with the media's treatment of his wife Meghan Markle.

Prince William

The elder son of King Charles and the late Princess Diana, and the heir to the British throne.

King Charles

The current monarch of the United Kingdom, and the father of Princes William and Harry.

Meghan Markle

An American actress who married Prince Harry in 2018, and whose treatment by the British media has been a source of tension within the royal family.

Jason Knauf

Prince Harry's spokesman who issued the statement criticizing the media's treatment of Meghan Markle.

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What they’re saying

“Well now, Harold ... I'm not sure about that. I wouldn't say THAT!”

— Prince William (Spare, by Prince Harry)

What’s next

The book suggests this early incident was the beginning of the disintegration in relations between the brothers, which would ultimately lead to Harry and Meghan quitting the royal family in 2020.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions within the royal family over how to handle media scrutiny, with Harry believing his father and brother should have done more to support Meghan, while they felt he had overstepped the normal royal protocol in his public rebuke of the press.