Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘Unpleasant’ Media Treatment Echoes Criticism Princess Diana Faced, Charles Spencer Says

**Charles Spencer Speaks Out on Media Scrutiny of Harry and Meghan**

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother of the late Princess Diana, has described the intense media scrutiny faced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as a detrimental force in their lives, likening the attention to a “cancerous influence.” In a recent interview with BBC News, he expressed his concerns over the parallels between the treatment of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and that of his sister, who tragically lost her life in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

During the conversation, Spencer asserted that the criticisms directed towards Meghan and Harry echo the harsh scrutiny before and after Diana’s passing. He underscored the emotional toll that constant media attention can exact, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to public perception. Spencer’s comments come as the Sussexes have recently returned to the UK, reconnecting with their royal roots following a six-year hiatus from formal duties.

In promoting his book, *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*, Spencer delved into the enduring effects of media exposure on individuals in the public eye. He noted the distressing nature of tabloid articles targeting both Diana and the younger royal couple. “If you look at an article in a tabloid about Diana or the couple you’re mentioning, Harry and Meghan, they can be really, really unpleasant,” he stated, urging the public and the media to learn from the lessons of Diana’s experience.

The interview also highlighted the struggles that both Meghan and Harry have articulated regarding their mental health and their perception of support from royal institutions. Prince Harry has openly discussed feeling isolated and unsupported, while Meghan famously described herself as “the most trolled person in the entire world.” Spencer’s reflections suggest that he empathises deeply with their plight, a sentiment borne from his own observations of his sister’s struggles.

“My intention isn’t to speak for Harry and Meghan, but for anyone who is being destroyed in this way daily, it must be such a cancerous influence in their life,” Spencer remarked, recalling the “tears of despair” he witnessed during Diana’s ordeal with the press. He reiterated that Diana’s sensitivity to criticism, despite her seemingly privileged life, contributed significantly to her emotional distress.

Reflecting on the impact of media coverage on family dynamics, Spencer clarified his position in the ongoing rift between Prince Harry and Prince William. He emphasised that his loyalty lies with both of his sister’s sons, insisting he does not wish to take sides. “I think there is a perception in the media that I am on Harry’s side,” he explained. “Well, I’m on my deceased sister’s sons’ side, both of them,” he continued, extending his support equally to both princes.

Spencer’s comments underscore a deep-seated concern for the well-being of both Harry and William, stemming from his own experiences with Diana. Previously, he has expressed a feeling of profound regret about his inability to protect her from the pressures of the media. “I always felt… intensely protective towards her,” he shared, indicating that these reflections still haunt him today.

The recent remarks paint a picture of a family still deeply affected by the legacy of Diana’s untimely death and the circumstances surrounding it. Spencer has positioned himself as a mediator, hoping to advocate for both princes without favouring one over the other. The discourse surrounding mental health and media treatment remains critical, as Spencer highlights the importance of learning from past experiences.

*Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* is set to be released on 22 September, and with it, Spencer hopes to shed more light on his sister’s life and the challenges she faced. The reception of the book is likely to offer further insights into the impact that the media had on Diana, possibly resonating with the current narratives surrounding the Sussexes.

As the debate about royalty and public influence continues, Spencer’s perspective serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of fame, particularly within the tumultuous landscape of British royal life.