Earl Spencer likens media treatment of Harry and Meghan to Diana’s struggles

Earl Spencer told the BBC that the press coverage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has “echoes” of the treatment his sister Diana received, describing media attention on Prince Harry and Meghan as a “cancerous influence” in their lives during an interview at his Althorp estate.

He said tabloids could be “really, really unpleasant” and urged people to learn from Diana’s example. Spencer recalled Diana’s “tears of despair” and said she was “very, very sensitive to criticism,” adding that she had been “really brought low” by sustained negative coverage.

Spencer clarified he was supporting his deceased sister’s sons and would be there for both if either wanted anything. His remarks followed renewed attention after he previously claimed a phone call with King Charles included the comment that people would forget Diana “soon enough.”

The full interview with Laura Kuenssberg will be on BBC iPlayer on Sunday from 16:00 BST and on BBC One at 18:30 BST.

Spencer’s comments come weeks after the Sussexes returned to the UK from California six years after stepping back from royal duties; they have repeatedly criticised their treatment by the British press and the level of support they received from the Royal Family prior to leaving the UK.

Prince Harry has previously accused tabloid media of creating a “toxic environment” of “control and fear” in his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, and Meghan said in the couple’s 2022 Netflix series that media scrutiny aimed to “destroy” her despite her efforts to avoid it.

Recent legal rulings include Prince Harry losing a privacy case relating to the Daily Mail publisher in July, where he and others may face a legal bill of up to £34.5m, while in separate cases he secured a court victory against the Mirror Group and an out-of-court settlement with the News Group.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Earl Spencer’s comments reiterate his view that Diana suffered sustained, damaging press scrutiny and draw a parallel to the media attention now focused on Prince Harry and Meghan. He framed the coverage as deeply harmful, cited his sister’s emotional response to criticism, and positioned himself publicly on the side of Diana’s sons. The remarks follow his earlier claim about a post-funeral phone call with King Charles and precede the publication of his book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Earl Spencer told the BBC the Sussexes’ media treatment has “echoes” of Diana’s experience.
• He described the press as a “cancerous influence” and recalled Diana’s “tears of despair.”
• The full interview airs on BBC iPlayer at 16:00 BST and on BBC One at 18:30 BST; Spencer’s book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is due next week.