ITV's flagship morning programme, Good Morning Britain, has found itself in the eye of a social media storm following a contentious broadcast decision concerning the Duke of Sussex.
Outraged viewers have flooded digital platforms with criticism, accusing the show's producers of deliberate omission and displaying a clear partisan stance. The controversy erupted during a segment discussing recent royal engagements.
A Perceived Snub Ignites Fury
The core of the grievance lies in the programme's handling of Prince Harry's involvement in a recent high-profile sporting event. Fans were eagerly anticipating coverage of his participation, only to be met with what they describe as a glaring and intentional oversight.
Many long-term supporters of the show took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure. Comments ranged from accusations of "petty behaviour" to more serious claims of unprofessionalism, with some branding the editorial choice "a disgrace" to balanced journalism.
The Morgan Legacy and Divided Opinions
The shadow of former host Piers Morgan, a vocal critic of the Sussexes, looms large over the incident. Critics of the show argue that his antagonistic perspective towards Harry and Meghan has permanently influenced the programme's tone, even after his departure.
This incident has further highlighted the deep divisions in public opinion regarding the royal couple. While some viewers supported the show's editorial decision, the overwhelming online response was one of anger and disappointment, prompting a significant defensive reaction from the show's fanbase.
A Question of Impartiality
The backlash raises broader questions about the impartiality of morning news programmes when covering the deeply polarising figures of the modern Royal Family. The incident suggests that even perceived slights are enough to trigger a powerful response from engaged audiences in the digital age.
As of now, ITV has not issued an official statement addressing the viewer fury. The incident underscores the challenges broadcasters face in navigating royal coverage without alienating segments of their audience.
