Prince Harry and Meghan Markle heckled in New York ahead of Netflix series
The Sussexes faced a tense exchange on the eve of their Netflix bombshell, as a Palace aide that says she was “bullied” by Meghan Markle labelled her a “liar”.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were heckled on the streets of New York and grilled with questions for putting “money over family” on the eve of their Netflix documentary release.
In a video of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arriving at the Ripple of Hope Award gala, a man with a British accent can be heard yelling, “Harry, how do you feel about destroying the royal family?”
The man then focuses on the Prince’s American wife, adding in a 37-second clip posted to Twitter: “Megan, you destroyed the royal family”.
Found another video ! I’m so glad they both heard it LOUD & CLEAR. #TheDestroyerspic.twitter.com/KpgmgIO1aY
— HarrysGreySuit (@hrrysgreysuit) December 7, 2022
While the couple were confronted by the public on the street in the short distance between their car and entering the building, they were also grilled by journalists on the red carpet as they posed for photos.
“Do you have a message for your family, Harry?” one reporter asks as the Prince ushers Ms Markle. “Are you harming your family Harry?”
As Prince Harry leaves the red carpet area, he’s asked if he’s “putting money over family”.
Prince Harry responds, in no specific direction, “so many questions”, as he leads his wife away from the cameras.
‘IT’S ALL A GAME TO HER’: PALACE AIDE SLAMS DUCHESS
A former staff member at Buckingham Palace claims they were bullied by Meghan Markle but are “scared” they will be taken to court if they go public.
The ex-royal aide also slammed the Duchess of Sussex’s “lies”, saying it’s all “a game” for her and that “she is loving it”.
The former staff member is one of several employees who are bound by confidentiality agreements which stop them from speaking out about the Sussexes’ claims.
And although it would be the Palace who could sue in the event of a breach, not Markle, their fear of legal action is a possibility.
“The only way to end it once and for good is for us to be allowed to speak, and for the Palace to firmly reject their lies,” the former staff member told The Times.
“I certainly have chosen to remain silent out of respect for the Crown, but if they keep attacking us and our characters, reputation etc, we need to feel we are equally supported by the royal family.”
“She knows we can’t financially protect ourselves by going to court so she keeps pushing. It's all a game for her. And she is loving it.”
‘NOT MEANT TO BE LITERAL’: INSIDERS DEFEND FAKE PHOTOS
The Sussex’s team reportedly claimed the use of stock footage and misleading images for their Netflix trailer was “standard practice”.
Quoting “allies” of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the UK Telegraph said the pair did not have editorial control over the trailer production.
The trailer shows unrelated images of photographer scrums and paparazzi as Prince Harry complains in a voice-over about the media’s treatment of Diana, Princess of Wales, and his fears for his wife, Markle.
Images were included from the premiere of a Harry Potter film, outside a Katie Price court case, and even footage of Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
The Sussex source, reported to be close to the production, said the use of unrelated photos was “standard practice in documentary and trailer production”.
“You use stock images to tell a story,” the source said. “It’s not meant to be literal in a trailer.”
MARKLE STUNS IN WHITE
Meghan Markle made a stunning appearance at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope gala in New York on Wednesday, where she and Prince Harry were honoured with a controversial humanitarian award.
The Duchess of Sussex donned a daring off-the-shoulder white Louis Vuitton gown for the event, where she accepted the “anti-racism” award alongside Prince Harry.
The gown bore a resemblance to the off-the-shoulder green dress worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, at the Earthshot Awards in Boston last week.
Markle paired the look with a boxy black clutch and long gold earrings, while her hair was slicked back into a low bun.
Fashion observers on social media noted that Markle appeared to be wearing the late Princess Diana’s iconic aquamarine ring.
The Duchess of Sussex wore the same ring to her wedding reception.
Prince Harry and Markle were named Ripple of Hope laureates at the gala event.
In video shared on Twitter, Prince Harry and Markle share the stage as he talks about the power of sharing stories if you are “in a position of influence”.
“Ultimately we live in this world now where sharing experiences and sharing stories has an enormous impact and therefore if you are in a position of influence, leadership or otherwise then what a great example,” the Duke says.
hello there 👀
— mrs léna mbappe 🇫🇷🇧🇷 (@divinemeghn) December 7, 2022
#meghanmarkle#rippleofhopepic.twitter.com/iZ1zyzhvW9
The Sussexes were honoured alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and late NBA star Bill Russell for their work “to protect and advance equity, justice, and human rights”.
Robert F. Kennedy’s daughter, Kerry Kennedy, revealed last month that she had chosen to honour Prince Harry and Markle for taking a “heroic” stance against “structural racism”’ in the monarchy.
Previous recipients have included former US president Barack Obama.
Speaking on the red carpet, actor Alec Baldwin, who was MC for the event, praised Prince Harry and Markle for their handling of the press and tough personal issues.
When asked what he admires most about the Sussexes, he told The Mirror: “To handle difficult circumstances in the press without having too much difficulty. There’s always going to be certain difficulties.”
The star said Markle and Prince Harry had “obviously chosen a different path and good for them”.
“Sometimes I think I want to choose a different path so we’ll see, maybe I can be their driver,” he joked.
“They’re newly arrived in the States. They haven’t been here that long. I think it’s great they have agreed to support this cause which we’ve supported for years.”
The Sussexes arrive at @RFKHumanRights#RippleofHope Awards in NYC, which honour the power of individuals and their moral courage and influence on economic, racial and social justice. Harry and Meghan are being recognised for their work in racial justice and mental health spaces. pic.twitter.com/0U0CCrOId1
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) December 7, 2022
KATE DAZZLES AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
In London, senior royals put on a united front at a glitzy event at Buckingham Palace hours before Markle and Prince Harry’s big night.
Catherine, Princess of Wales wore a red lace dress by Jenny Packham with the stunning Lotus Flower tiara at the annual white tie diplomatic corps reception.
The King and Camilla, Queen Consort were also in attendance. Camilla wore an Anna Valentine gown along with the late Queen’s sapphire and diamond tiara.
It came after the Prince and Princess of Wales released a series of stunning black and white portraits from behind the scenes at Earthshot Prize just hours before Prince Harry and Markle’s controversial award.
Prince William and Catherine dazzled in the loved-up black and white photos posted after the Sussexes dropped their second explosive Netflix trailer.
Catherine was effortlessly elegant in an off-the-shoulder dress.
In one image, the Princess of Wales was shown walking along in the figure-hugging ensemble.
In another, she beams and applauds as Prince William takes to the podium at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park, where the awards were held.
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