Earl Spencer has compared the media scrutiny faced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with the intense press attention experienced by his late sister, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Speaking to the BBC, Spencer said the treatment of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had similarities to what Diana endured during her lifetime.
He described some media coverage as a harmful influence and said people should learn from Diana’s experience.
Spencer: Diana Was Deeply Affected
Spencer recalled the effect that constant media criticism had on Diana.
He said his sister was highly sensitive to criticism and that the coverage eventually affected her deeply.
According to Spencer, Diana experienced what he described as “tears of despair” when discussing the impact of press attention on her life.
He said it was painful to see similar patterns in the coverage of Harry and Meghan.
“I’m not here to speak for Harry and Meghan,” Spencer said, adding that he believed people facing relentless criticism could be seriously affected by it.
Harry and Meghan Have Criticised the Press
Harry and Meghan have previously spoken publicly about their experiences with the British media.
During their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry accused the tabloid press of creating what he described as a harmful environment involving control and fear.
Meghan also discussed media coverage of her in the couple’s Netflix documentary series released in 2022.
The couple have pursued several legal cases involving British newspaper publishers.
Harry won a privacy case against Mirror Group Newspapers. He has also reached settlements with other publishers in separate legal disputes.
Spencer Says He Supports Both of Diana’s Sons
Spencer also rejected the suggestion that he was simply taking Harry’s side in disputes involving the Royal Family.
He said his position was based on his relationship with Diana’s two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
“I’m on my deceased sister’s sons’ side, both of them,” he said, adding that he would be there for either brother if they needed him.
Fresh Dispute Over Charles
Spencer’s BBC interview comes amid a separate dispute over claims he has made about King Charles.
He has maintained that Charles told him shortly after Diana’s death that people would soon forget about her.
Buckingham Palace disputed Spencer’s account.
The Palace said grief can affect memory and judgement, particularly after a deeply painful loss.
Spencer rejected that explanation and insisted that he was accurately recalling the conversation.
His forthcoming book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, is expected to contain further accounts of Diana’s life and her relationship with members of the Royal Family.
Diana died in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997.
