In the aftermath of a major tour by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand, tensions arose between the royal couple and the travelling press core. Despite the tour being deemed a big success, an incident occurred during a flight back to Sydney that left reporters feeling upset. The royal reporters, who had been away from their families for over 16 days, were promised a chance to have an off-the-record chat with Prince Harry towards the end of the tour. However, this did not happen until after the plane landed, leading to Prince Harry making a remark that was described as “spectacularly rude” and incorrect. The remark instigated a negative reaction from the reporters and caused backlash towards Prince Harry.
The incident was highlighted by royal correspondent and author Valentine Low, who described the moment as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle came to the back of the plane after landing. Meghan made a strange remark about the reporters wanting to get back for their Sunday lunch, while Prince Harry thanked them for coming even though they weren’t invited. This remark was perceived as insensitive and misleading, given that the media had been invited to cover the tour. Following the negative feedback from his staff, Prince Harry reportedly defended his comment by saying that they shouldn’t have put him in that position.
The situation was seen as a breach of protocol and a lack of respect towards the reporters who had been covering the royal tour. The incident raised questions about the relationship between the royal family and the media, as well as the expectations and responsibilities of both parties during official engagements. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by members of the royal family in maintaining a positive public image while also dealing with the pressures of media scrutiny. The reaction to Prince Harry’s remark also sparked a wider discussion about the dynamics between the royal family and the press, as well as the importance of maintaining professionalism and civility in all interactions. The incident served as a reminder of the complexities and tensions that can arise in the relationship between public figures and the media, and the need for clear communication and mutual respect in such situations.
