Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have every right to protect their family from the smut doled out by the tabloid press | OPINION
It's hard enough being a public figure, having your life telecast and criticized for all the world to see. It is harder still if you are a member of the British royal family, which inspires widespread obsession and frenzy. The worldwide press and specifically the British tabloid press has been capitalizing on the royal family for many years now.
After months of anguish caused by the distasteful coverage, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again becoming the beacons of change and saying, "Enough!"
On September 27, the Duke of Sussex, tired of the media's especially harsh treatment of his wife Meghan Markle, sued the owners of London-headquartered tabloids The Sun and the Daily Mirror for alleged phone hacking. Meghan is also going after Daily Mail for the unauthorized publication of a handwritten letter she had sent to her estranged father Thomas Markle.
"Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences—a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son," Harry recently said in a statement addressing the insensitive manner that the British press has been conducting themselves when it comes to the royals, specifically the actress-turned royalty, Meghan.
Since the news of their dating and subsequent engagement went public, the media has been incessant in their attacks against the royals, with many accusing Meghan of sowing distrust within the royal family, and general disruption of the royal way of doing business. Her "issues" with Duchess Kate Middleton have been dissected and she has been accused of being a "gold digger" and an "opportunist" as well.
After suffering the relentless abuse for years, Harry and Meghan have both decided that enough is enough, and are taking a stand against it.
While it is historical in itself that the royal couple is going after the press, much like their predecessors, Princess Diana and the Queen, it would be even more so if Harry were to take to the witness box during the trial. It is inspirational to see Harry and Meghan—who have been very particular about their privacy since the very beginning of their relationship—take extra measures to protect their interests and their family.
While it is easy for the press to print heinous news about someone and not to be held accountable because there are millions who want to read the smut, it is important for people like the royal couple to turn around and say that real human beings—as privileged as they may be—are affected by this.
Their brave initiative will not just hold the press accountable about spreading misinformation about public figures, but the publicity of it will give the readers enough incentive to recognize and avoid publications that churn out false stories.
As Harry and Meghan embark on the legal fight for their right to privacy, we are inspired to say, "More power to you!"