Prince Harry’s recent attempt to generate sympathy through the ITV documentary “Tabloids on Trial,” which aired on July 25, failed to achieve the desired impact. In the program, the Duke of Sussex spoke openly about his tumultuous relationship with the media and celebrated his “monumental victory” in court.
The documentary shed light on the alleged illegal tactics employed by some newspapers and their profound impact on Harry’s life. It revealed that his legal battles with the media were a major factor in his estrangement from the Royal Family. He further stated that the UK is now “too dangerous” for his wife, Meghan Markle, citing ongoing concerns for the safety of his family.
Despite these revelations, the documentary did not perform well in terms of viewership. According to ThinkBox ratings, “Tabloids on Trial” ranked 35th among ITV programmes that week, attracting just under 1.1 million viewers. In contrast, another ITV programme, “Turbulence: How Safe Is Your Flight”, about the science of turbulence, attracted 1.2 million viewers.
During the InterviewHarry stressed the persistent dangers they face: “It is still dangerous. All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this and acts on it. Whether it is a knife or acid, these are things that I am genuinely concerned about.”
He added“It’s one of the reasons I won’t be bringing my wife back to this country,” highlighting his ongoing fears for Meghan’s safety. The documentary also touched on Harry’s decision to step down as a senior royal in 2020, which led to the loss of his Metropolitan Police bodyguards.
While Tabloids on Trial was intended to provide insight into Harry’s struggles and the dangers posed by media scrutiny, its lower viewership suggests the message may not have resonated as much with audiences as intended. The contrast in ratings with other shows indicates that public engagement with Harry’s narrative was limited, reflecting the challenges he faces in reshaping public perception.