BBC coverage of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year could be hit by the row over the Corporation’s documentary series in which Prince William is accused of briefing the media against his brother.
William already prohibited the broadcaster to show a charity concert that Kate hosted at Westminster Abbey. But with the second part of The Princes And The Press airing on BBC2 tomorrow evening – and concerns it will further focus on the rift between William and Harry – the boycott may be extended.
The Palace will be furious if it is suggested that Harry was being lied to by the Cambridges or other Royals, especially over Harry’s mental health. This could lead to retaliation.
An insider told The Mail on Sunday: ‘There is an expectation that this programme will be worse than the first. There are already plans for media coverage around the Jubilee but it’s not all nailed down.
‘Depending on what’s in the programme, there could be a withdrawal of co-operation when it comes to interviews or other projects with the BBC.’
William already prohibited the broadcaster de showing the charity concert that Kate hosted at Westminster Abbey.
Separate sources said it was clear that William – who worked with the BBC on his environmental Earthshot Prize but is protective of his staff and their reputations – would have to ‘seriously consider’ further projects with the broadcaster.
The boycott could be joined by other senior Royals.
The MoS reported last week that a senior Royal source had condemned the documentary as ‘tittle-tattle’ that upset the Queen.
The Royals have been angered not only by its claims, but by the BBC’s refusal to allow William as well as Buckingham Palace and Clarence House – the households of the Queen and the Prince of Wales – to view the two-part programme in advance.
Harry raised the question of Harry’s mental health. In a 2019 ITV documentary he admitted that he and his brother were on ‘different paths’ and disclosed he had suffered the resurgence of mental health issues that need ‘constant management’.
At the time, William was reported to be ‘concerned’ about the wellbeing of Harry and his wife, Meghan, which, insist sources, was a natural and heartfelt response.
The MoS reported last week that a senior Royal source had condemned the documentary as ‘tittle-tattle’ that upset the Queen.
A Palace source said yesterday that ‘any suggestion the Cambridges or any other members of the family planted stories about the Sussexes in the press, particularly claims that they did so about Harry’s mental health, are categorically untrue’.
The source added: ‘We will have to wait to see the programme but in terms of withdrawing co-operation, we haven’t ruled anything out.
The households are united on their stance.’
Tomorrow’s documentary will also feature the Megxit saga.
Sources at the Palace have denied that William’s aides were involved in degrading briefings during this time.
The Royal aides refused to be drawn into public wars of words despite Oprah Winfrey’s explosive interview with the Duke and Duchess.