The Duchess of Sussex was dealt a blow this week as the UK’s media watchdog concluded its broadcasting code was not breached when British TV host Piers Morgan criticized the royal earlier this year.
His comments on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain” show following the Sussexes’ explosive Oprah Winfrey sit-down in March questioned Meghan’s veracity regarding her suicidal thoughts and the revelation that a royal family member had raised concerns over her baby’s skin tone.
Leading UK mental health charity Mind, which rebuked Morgan’s initial remarks, pressed this point in a statement reacting to the decision.
The charity’s chief executive, Paul Farmer, said in a statement: “Too often, feelings of shame and isolation mean people affected by mental health problems go without the help and support they need and deserve. We all still have a role to play to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination in the media and in society as a whole.” “At the same time, families around the world are being overwhelmed by mass-scale misinformation across news media and social media, where those who peddle in lies and fear are creating vaccine hesitancy, which in turn is dividing communities and eroding trust,” the duke said. The renewed discussion on social media and in many tabloid papers in the UK about Meghan following the Ofcom ruling is the latest example of how amid the polarized love or loathing of public figures, the fundamental point can get lost. By speaking with Oprah, Meghan said she hoped to change attitudes towards mental health and open the door to conversations about race -- two issues the couple have shown they want, and are well positioned, to champion.
Commentators and tabloid press reacted to news of the ruling saying the duchess would be “livid” with the decision. But is that really the case?
Meghan’s complaint stemmed from concern Morgan’s comments might diminish the serious subject she was raising. The regulator has ultimately reminded British broadcasters of their responsibility and obligation to present sensitive subjects appropriately. As for Morgan, he quit his role on the ITV program.
So far there has been no response from the Sussexes so we can take from that they are comfortable in the knowledge that their case was considered and are moving on from the Oprah interview. They may have lost the battle over complaints but their fight against what they see as unsavory media practices and misinformation is likely far from over. A fitting tribute for Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh’s lifelong commitment to maritime services and Royal Navy career is being honored months after his death. A new state-of-the-art lifeboat will be named in memory of the royal family’s patriarch, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) announced Thursday. The announcement came exactly 71 years to the day after Philip took command of HMS Magpie. Construction on the vessel is still underway with it set to go into service late next year at Wells-next-the-Sea, near the Queen’s Sandringham estate. RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said the honor was supposed to pay tribute to the duke on his 100th birthday in June and the organization had found out he “was pleased to learn of the plans.” He added: “Very sadly The Duke passed away before His Royal Highness could see it happen, but we are delighted to pay tribute to his legacy in this way today.” Charles and Camilla go full tartan. Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall appeared to be in good spirits on one of their first royal outings after a short summer break. The pair donned matching tartan outfits on Tuesday for a walkabout in the Scottish village of Ballater, where they attended the opening of a community center before chatting with local residents. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are known in Scotland, were seen arriving at their Birkhall residence several weeks ago. Queen to attend climate summit. Britain will bring out the big guns when it hosts a pivotal United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow this fall. Organizers have announced the event is getting a royal boost with the monarch herself set to attend. COP26 will see global leaders gather in the Scottish city for two weeks of talks from October 31. US President Joe Biden is expected to attend as well as other prominent figures like Pope Francis. The event -- which comes amid a number of extreme weather events in recent weeks -- was originally supposed to be held last year but was postponed due to Covid. Read the full story.
Camilla breaks baking rules with unusual ingredients. The Duchess of Cornwall has shared her own recipe for a Victoria sponge cake as part of a poetry tea party initiative. The Poetry Together campaign encourages school children to meet with the elderly over tea and treats to share poems with one another. The official Clarence House Instagram account posted a snap of Camilla presenting her own bake, with the accompanying recipe suggesting a twist on the usual jam and cream filling by substituting lemon curd or Nutella spread. What do you think? Would you give it a go or are you a die-hard traditionalist?
"Where you’re born should not affect your ability to survive, when the drugs and know-how exist to keep you alive and well."
– Prince Harry urges vaccine equity as he honors scientists behind the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. You can read his full speech here.
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