Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing backlash once again, this time for an announcement made shortly after Princess Catherine shared her positive health news, which has drawn the ire of many.
Princess Catherine delighted royal watchers after recently announcing that she had completed her course of preventative chemotherapy for cancer and that in light of her progress she would be carrying out a number of engagements later in the year.
As the world rejoiced in Catherine’s positive health news, only moments later Harry and Meghan chose to deliver their own announcement to the world, releasing a promo for a new documentary series about Polo.
The couple’s announcement didn’t sit well with many, including British media personality Piers Morgan who was quick to take the couple to task over their “nauseatingly ill-timed” promotion.
“Of course, it may just have been a stupendous coincidence but if you believe that, then then I’ve got some very dodgy old Ford Cortinas to sell you,” Morgan began in a column for The Sun.
“One thing is indisputable, and it’s that the separate announcements perfectly encapsulated the very different lives of these two couples now.
“One, featuring the heir to the throne and his health-stricken wife, was an extraordinarily moving, humble, and profoundly inspiring insight into what it’s like to have a life-threatening illness when you have a loving young family, regardless of wealth or status.
“The other, featuring two spoiled brat renegades who ditched royal duty and service for a life of self-enriching Hollywood glitz and glamour, was a nauseatingly ill-timed self-promotional plug for a series about a sport so elite only millionaires can play it.
“Regardless of whether Meghan and Harry deliberately rushed out their promo to try to spoil Kate and William’s big announcement, or just to capitalise on the megaton-sized global attention it instantly received, it landed like a plop of unwanted pigeon poop on a pavement.”
Morgan wasn’t alone in his condemnation of the pair, English broadcaster and former journalist Mike Parry also took issue with Harry and Meghan’s announcement, labelling it “unbelievably trite”.
“Unbelievably trite, I could not believe it,” he told GB News.
“After we got that wonderful three minute video of Catherine celebrating a return to health, but at the same time, a warning that cancer can come back any time – we don’t know if she’s in the clear, you’re never really in the clear.
“Catherine got it absolutely right, but what was so utterly trite about this very uplifting and quite solemn production was a few hours later, Harry and Meghan think it is important to the world to let them know what their latest project is involving polo.”
Catherine shared her good health news in a moving personal message on social media alongside a video of her with her husband and their three young children, Princes George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she began.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”
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“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved,” Catherine continued.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
“Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light so let that light shine bright.”