Prince Harry’s recent attempt to garner sympathy through the ITV documentary “Tabloids on Trial,” which aired on July 25, did not achieve the desired impact. In the program, the Duke of Sussex opened up about his tumultuous relationship with the media and celebrated his “monumental victory” in court.
The documentary shed light on the alleged unlawful tactics employed by some newspapers and their profound impact on Harry’s life. He revealed that his legal battles with the media were a major factor in his estrangement from the Royal Family. Furthermore, he declared that the UK is now “too dangerous” for his wife, Meghan Markle, citing ongoing security concerns for their 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 programs that week, attracting just under 1.1 million viewers. In contrast, another ITV program, “Turbulence: How Safe Is Your Flight,” about the science of turbulence, drew 1.2 million viewers.
During the interview, Harry emphasized the persistent dangers they face: “It’s still dangerous. All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read. Whether it’s a knife or acid, these are things that are of genuine concern for me.”
He added, “It’s one of the reasons why I won’t bring my wife back to this country,” highlighting his ongoing fears for Meghan’s safety. The documentary also touched upon Harry’s decision to step down as a working royal in 2020, which led to the loss of his Metropolitan Police bodyguards.
While “Tabloids on Trial” aimed to provide insight into Harry’s struggles and the dangers posed by media scrutiny, its lower viewership suggests that the message may not have resonated as strongly with the audience as intended. The contrast in ratings with other programs indicates that the public’s engagement with Harry’s narrative was limited, reflecting the challenges he faces in reshaping public perception.