THE BBC has received almost 1,000 complaints over a controversial documentary about William and Harry that sparked a royal row.
The Princes And The Press examined the relationship between the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex and the media.
The BBC Two documentary presented by Amol Rajan aired allegations that William and his staff briefed the media against Meghan and Harry.
The two-part show was criticised by the royal family for giving credibility to “overblown and unfounded claims”.
The BBC said it received 925 complaints relating to “bias against the royal family” after a backlash from viewers.
The first episode, which examined the relationship between the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex, received 776 complaints.
And the second episode, which focused on how Harry and Meghan quit the Royal Family, received 149.
The documentary also alleged leaks to the press about Meghan’s bad behaviour towards staff came from other royal households shortly after the Sussexes’ wedding in 2018.
But the Royal Family slammed the BBC for airing “overblown and unfounded claims” in the programmes.
A joint statement from The Queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William said it was “disappointing” that the Beeb have given “credibility” to the claims.
In a statement given to the BBC shown at the end of the programme, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace said: “A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy.
“However, too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.”
ROYAL ROW
In the documentary, Omid Scobie, author of Meghan and Harry biography Finding Freedom, claimed “negative stories” had been leaked about the duchess to “put her in her place”.
No evidence was provided and he wasn’t challenged on the allegation by presenter Amol Rajan.
The Duke of Cambridge was said to be deeply upset at the suggestion.
In the second episode, Meghan’s lawyer denied the duchess has ever bullied her staff – but insisted: “She wouldn’t want to negate anyone’s personal experiences.”
The BBC changed the title of the second episode of the documentary from “Megxit”, a ter Prince Harry has called sexist, to “Sussexit”.
William and Kate banned the BBC from screening their Christmas carol concert amid fury over the royal documentary.
