Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Earl Spencer Says Harry and Meghan Face Diana-Like Media Treatment
Earl Spencer is Diana’s brother.
He said newspapers sometimes treat Prince Harry and Meghan very harshly.
He compared this treatment with the criticism Diana faced.
Spencer said that constant criticism hurt Diana deeply.
He warned that similar coverage could also harm Harry and Meghan.
Harry and Meghan have previously complained about the British press.
Harry called the media environment toxic, while Meghan said the media wanted to destroy her.
Spencer also disagreed with the Palace’s response to claims in his new book about King Charles.
The book, called “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” is due to be published next week.
Earl Charles Spencer said tabloid coverage of Harry and Meghan can be “really, really unpleasant.”
He described persistent negative coverage as a “cancerous influence” and said it echoed Diana’s experience.
Spencer said Diana was brought low by criticism and urged people to learn from her example.
Harry and Meghan have previously called the British press toxic, citing control, fear and hostility.
Spencer’s comments followed a dispute with the Palace over his claims about King Charles in his forthcoming book.
- Who
- Earl Charles Spencer, Prince Harry, Meghan, and references to Diana, Princess of Wales.
- What
- Spencer criticized media coverage of Harry and Meghan and compared it with the treatment Diana received.
- When
- Spencer made the comments in an interview published on Sunday; his book is due next week.
- Where
- The interview was given to the BBC; the articles refer to events involving Britain, the United States and Paris.
- Why
- Spencer said repeated criticism can be destructive and urged people to learn from Diana’s experience.
Criticism of media coverage
Media and Palace perspectives
Treatment of Harry and Meghan
Criticism of media coverage
Spencer said tabloid coverage can be extremely unpleasant and destructive, echoing the treatment Diana experienced. Harry and Meghan have also criticized the British press.
Media and Palace perspectives
The articles do not provide a detailed response from the British tabloid media to Spencer’s accusations.
Lessons from Diana’s experience
Criticism of media coverage
Spencer urged people to learn from Diana’s experience and said daily negative coverage can have a cancerous influence.
Media and Palace perspectives
The articles report the criticism but do not present a competing explanation from media organizations about their coverage.
Claims about King Charles
Criticism of media coverage
Spencer said he was telling the truth after disputing the Palace’s response to claims in his book.
Media and Palace perspectives
The Palace said grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory, without accepting Spencer’s account.
- Speaker
- Earl Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother
- Description of coverage
- A “cancerous influence” in Harry and Meghan’s lives
- Historical comparison
- Spencer said their treatment echoed what happened to Diana
- Harry’s description
- A “toxic environment” of “control and fear”
- Meghan’s description
- She said the media would “find a way to destroy me”
- Book
- Swan Song: Diana, My Sister
- Publication timing
- Due to be published next week
