Privacy Not the Reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Quit the Royal Family, Spokesman Says

[Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left their lives as active members of the royal family nearly three years ago, perhaps the most vitriolic criticism has been: a.) "If you want your privacy so badly, why a... You participated in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, b...) You signed lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify, c...) Did you write a book, d...) All of the above. You can't have it both ways."

Now, according to Harry and Meghan's private office, their January 2020 retreat was not actually about wanting privacy at all. After the first three parts of Harry and Meghan's documentary were released on Netflix this week, critics went all out in condemnation. (The final three parts of the six-part series, leading up to the wedding, will air Thursday.) Critics called "Harry & Meghan's" openness and glimpse into their private lives hypocritical, to which the couple's office responded, "Their statement announcing their decision to step aside does not mention anything about privacy and reiterates their desire to continue their roles and public duties We are pleased with the decision," responded Ashley Hansen, the couple's press secretary, in an article in The New York Times. 'The rest of the proposal speaks to an important point in the series. The tabloid media has created a completely untrue narrative that permeates the press and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them."

Let's look at Harry and Meghan's statement from January 2020 for fact-checking. We intend to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family and strive to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen." We feel that we are ready to make this adjustment, especially with your encouragement over the past few years. We now plan to continue to fulfill our obligations to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patrons while striking a balance between the United Kingdom and North America."

Well, there is certainly no mention of privacy anywhere in this statement.

However, as reported by Page Six, in July 2020, Harry and Meghan filed a lawsuit regarding invasion of privacy. Later, in May 2021, Harry said he had "no regrets" about leaving his role in the royal family "because of their headlines and the combined efforts of The Firm and the media" to smear Meghan.

The last three episodes of the Dork series will air on December 15.