Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys has defended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they face backlash over the release of Prince Harry’s new memoir.
Harry drew the ire of royal critics this week after reports claimed his autobiography will still be published as planned in November despite Queen Elizabeth’s death.
Reacting to the criticism on Wednesday, Jeffreys said the ‘negativity’ being levelled against the Sussexes had made her physically ill.
Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys (left) has defended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they face backlash over the release of Prince Harry’s new memoir (Right: Harry and Meghan are pictured at Windsor Castle on Saturday, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II)
‘I am starting to feel sick about the negativity around Harry and Meghan this time,’ she said during an interview with feminist commentator and author Jane Caro.
‘History is repeating [itself] in so many ways with Harry, whose grief as a child was owned by others,’ Jeffreys added, referring to the media frenzy surrounding the death of his mother Princess Diana in August 1997 when he was 12 years old.
‘Once again it is been owned again, and he is being criticised for grieving in a way that others aren’t happy about.’
Harry drew the ire of royal critics this week after reports claimed his autobiography will still be published as planned in November despite Queen Elizabeth’s death. (The Sussexes, right, are pictured with the Prince and Princess of Wales, left, at Windsor Castle on Saturday)
Reacting to the criticism on Wednesday, Jeffreys (right, with Today Extra co-host David Campbell) said the ‘negativity’ being levelled against the Sussexes had made her physically ill
Feminist commentator and author Jane Caro (left) agreed with Jeffreys, saying: ‘I am actually really over the “hate Harry and Meghan” stuff. I think it’s nasty’
Caro agreed, saying: ‘I am actually really over the “hate Harry and Meghan” stuff. I think it’s nasty.’
‘Here is a bereaved young man who has such tragedy in his life. When he lost his mother, I will never forget that little boy marching behind that coffin with that message that said “Mummy”. I feel like, can we all back off?’ she added.
Caro said Harry likely has ‘no control’ over when is memoir is released due to his contract with publisher Penguin Random House, and has therefore been unfairly accused of being insensitive.
‘Here is a bereaved young man who has such tragedy in his life. When he lost his mother, I will never forget that little boy marching behind that coffin with that message that said “Mummy”. I feel like, can we all back off?’ Caro said. (Pictured: Harry and Meghan arriving at Buckingham Palace in a hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday)
The segment ended with a warning from Jeffreys about the so-called ‘narrative’ surrounding the Sussexes’ feud with The Firm.
‘It will be very interesting to see how history looks back on all of this, and the narrative around it,’ she said.
It comes as speculation continues to swirl about Harry’s memoir.
The segment ended with a warning from Jeffreys about the so-called ‘narrative’ surrounding the Sussexes’ feud with The Firm. ‘It will be very interesting to see how history looks back on all of this, and the narrative around it,’ she said. (Pictured: Harry and Meghan in New York City on November 10, 2021)
Royal commentator Tom Bower, whose biography of Meghan Markle was released earlier this year, on Wednesday claimed the Duke of Sussex was ‘insisting’ on the original release date of his memoir being honoured.
‘I am told tonight that Harry is insisting that his book is published in November,’ he told GB News.
‘Apparently the publishers are not too certain, but he says if they don’t publish it will be a breach of contract. That’s what I’m told. It’s extraordinary. But on the other hand, it fits the bill, because Harry and Meghan’s finances depend entirely on the book and on Netflix.’
‘And also, I think they are convinced they’re in the right and they want to get their own back,’ Mr Bower added.
Royal commentator Tom Bower, whose biography of Meghan Markle was released earlier this year, on Wednesday claimed the Duke of Sussex was ‘insisting’ on the original release date of his memoir being honoured. (Pictured: Meghan and Harry in Sydney on October 19, 2018)
However, a source close to the Duke has since denied Bower’s claims. Penguin has previously announced Harry will be donating proceeds from the book to charity.
Penguin Random House has described the book as ‘a heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time’.
The publisher’s website says: ‘Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him.
The publisher’s website says: ‘Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him. (Pictured: William and Harry at Windsor Castle on Saturday)
‘Covering his lifetime in the public eye from childhood to the present day, including his dedication to service, the military duty that twice took him to the frontlines of Afghanistan, and the joy he has found in being a husband and father, Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait, one that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous, and uplifting human story.’
Harry said he hopes his story will ‘help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think’.
Penguin Random House has not yet released a statement on whether the explosive release will be delayed in light of Queen Elizabeth’s death.
Penguin Random House has not yet released a statement on whether the explosive release will be delayed in light of Queen Elizabeth’s death. (Pictured: the Queen in October 2020)
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