Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s rep denies couple asked for ‘privacy’: ‘Distorted account’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fend off criticism for their new Netflix docuseries, ‘Harry & Meghan’.

According to People magazine, it was widely speculated that the couple stepped down from public royal duties in January 2020 with a desire for more privacy. Now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s global press officer is issuing a statement, saying that is not true.

“The Duke and Duchess have never cited privacy as a reason to take a step back,” read the statement given to the outlet.

“This twisted account was intended to trap the couple in silence. In fact, their statement announcing their decision to step back mentions nothing of private life and reiterates their desire to continue their public roles and duties. Any suggestion speaks otherwise of a key point of this series.

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE SHARE INTIMATE DETAILS OF THEIR FIRST ENCOUNTERS IN ‘HARRY & MEGHAN’ DOCUMENTARIES

“They choose to tell their story, on their own terms, and yet the tabloids have created an entirely false narrative that permeates media coverage and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them.”

Harry and Meghan’s statement comes a day after the first three episodes of the two-part docuseries were released on Netflix. Volume II is scheduled for release on December 15.

In their January 2020 statement on their departure, Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, announced they would be taking “a step back” as senior members of the Royal family and instead work independently, dividing their time between the UK and North America.

“We have chosen to make a transition this year as we begin to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the couple shared on Instagram at the time. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, whilst continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly at the over the past few years that we feel ready to make this adjustment.

“We now plan to balance our time between the UK and North America, continuing to honor our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth and our patronages,” they continued. “This geographical balance will allow us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charity. .”

They are parents to 3-year-old son Archie and 1-year-old daughter Lilibet, born in June 2021 after moving to the United States.

In their statement, the Sussexes added that they plan to continue working with the Queen as well as Harry’s brother Prince William, 40, and father King Charles III, 74, who was once the Prince of Wales before ascending the throne following the death of Elizabeth II. in September.

“We look forward to sharing full details of this exciting next step in due course as we continue to work together with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”

Shortly after, Queen Elizabeth II released a statement saying: “Today my family had very constructive discussions about the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I fully support the desire of Harry and Meghan to create a new life as young people. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family. while remaining a valued part of my family.

The first episode of ‘Harry and Meghan’ began with a note that members of the royal family “refused to comment” on the content of the series. The royal family has yet to speak after the release of the first three episodes.

In Volume I of the series, Harry and Meghan shared intimate details about the early stages of their relationship. Harry also opened up about his relationship with his mother, the late Princess Diana, and how he remembers his childhood being “covered in paparazzi”.

Harry shared that Diana was “tricked” into giving the well-known Panorama interview in which she shared her experience as a member of the royal family. Harry said his mum was ‘harassed’ while married to Charles, but it only got worse once they split.

“Don’t react. Don’t feed on it,” Harry said, was the advice he received as a child on how to handle the paparazzi.

The Duke of Sussex mentioned that the treatment his late mother received was similar to that his wife faced with the media.

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Harry said he was aware many people disagreed with the way he walked away from royal responsibilities, but stressed he was “trying to protect” his family.

Before announcing their 2020 departure, the couple complained about intrusive media coverage and accused some UK media commentators of racism. Harry and Meghan also criticized the country’s longstanding arrangements for royal media coverage, saying they preferred to communicate directly with the public via social media.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s rep for comment.

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Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Nolasco, Janelle Ash and Associated Press contributed to this report.