The Royal Family’s Press Problem is a Familiar One

The recent memoir by Earl Spencer has sparked controversy about the royal family’s treatment of Princess Diana and her relatives. It also sheds light on a more enduring issue: the way the media can contribute to the suffering of those in the public eye.

This problem affects not just celebrities or politicians, but anyone who finds themselves under intense scrutiny. As Earl Spencer expressed in his interviews, losing a loved one in tragic circumstances can be overwhelming. Instead of offering support and compassion, the media often seems to delight in probing for every last detail, regardless of how hurtful or insensitive it may be.

The treatment of Princess Diana after her death was particularly egregious. Photographers pursued her on motorbikes, capturing every moment of her final hours. Now, as Prince Harry and Meghan return to live in Britain, they too are facing a similar onslaught. Earl Spencer has claimed that the media is treating them in an “unpleasant” manner, echoing the way his sister was treated before her death.

The royal family’s own handling of this situation has been far from transparent or reassuring. Buckingham Palace pushed back against Earl Spencer’s claims, implying that he is motivated by grief rather than a desire to reveal truth. This response underscores the power imbalance between those who are entitled to protection and security as members of the royal family, and those left to fend for themselves in the public eye.

Sir Ed Davey offered some perspective on the matter, noting that families often have “quarrels” and that it can be painful when these disputes become public knowledge. His reluctance to take sides or comment further is a reminder that there are limits to what politicians should intervene in – particularly when it comes to family matters.

However, this raises important questions about the role of politicians in supporting those under media scrutiny. While Earl Spencer’s memoir is a personal and poignant account, its claims have significant implications for how we think about the media’s responsibility towards public figures. As Bridget Phillipson pointed out, it’s not for politicians to opine on the royal family – but perhaps they should be more vocal in calling out the media when it crosses the line.

The aftermath of Princess Diana’s death saw a shift in how the media approached their coverage of public figures. There were genuine efforts made to reform and regulate the industry, with some notable successes. Yet, as we’ve seen time and again since then, old habits die hard – and the way the media treats those under its gaze remains a pressing concern.

Earl Spencer’s duty was to set down the truth about his sister’s life. In doing so, he has highlighted the need for greater accountability from both the royal family and the media itself. What this means for Prince Harry and Meghan as they navigate their new life in Britain is uncertain – but one thing is clear: we should all be paying attention to how the media treats them, and working towards a more compassionate and responsible approach to public scrutiny.

The legacy of Princess Diana’s treatment by the press continues to cast a long shadow over the royal family. As we watch Earl Spencer struggle to come to terms with his sister’s loss, it’s hard not to wonder what might have been if the media had treated her with even half as much kindness and compassion as they do now.