The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have insisted that privacy was never cited as a reason for stepping back from royal duties, as their global press secretary condemned a 'distorted narrative'. The clarification follows commentary that their new Netflix documentary series contradicts their earlier calls for privacy.
In a written statement, Ashley Hansen said: 'The Duke and Duchess have never cited privacy as the reason for stepping back. This distorted narrative was intended to trap the couple into silence.' She pointed to their original January 2020 announcement, which made no mention of privacy but rather a desire to continue their public roles.
Critics, including former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter, have noted the apparent contradiction between the couple's complaints about press intrusion and their decision to feature in the documentary. 'They left because they wanted privacy. Well, so much for privacy,' Arbiter told GB News.
The Sussexes have pursued separate legal actions against newspaper publishers over privacy since their departure. The first three episodes of 'Harry & Meghan' on Netflix highlight press intrusion as a central theme, prompting some to question the couple's motives.
Hansen maintained that the couple is choosing to share their story 'on their terms', and that the media narrative has been unfair. 'The facts are right in front of them,' she added, urging a more accurate understanding of their decision.
