The royal family claims a BBC documentary made ‘overblown and unfounded claims’

The British royal family has issued a rare joint statement claiming a BBC documentary titled The Princes and the Press made “overblown and unfounded claims”.

Here’s why they made those comments.

First of all, here’s what the documentary is about

In short, the series discusses “how the younger royals have had very different relationships with the media”.

Only the first episode of the two-part documentary has aired and is available to watch right now. 

Its makers claim the first episode “charts the years leading up to and including the engagement and marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex”.

The BBC said it included “suggestions that negative stories about the Duchess of Sussex were leaked by courtiers and that there were rivalries between different royal households” — as well as interviews with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s biographer and their lawyer.

The royal family’s joint statement was included at the end of the documentary.

What does the statement say?  

The statement was issued by Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Clarence House. 

They represent the households of the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William.

The statement reads:

“A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy.

“However, too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.”

Has the BBC responded? 

It has.

And it defended the documentary. 

BBC said the program was “about how royal journalism is done and features a range of journalists from broadcast and the newspaper industry”.

What happens next? 

Well, the second episode looks like it’s still going to be aired on the BBC on November 29.  

But since this dispute has gone public, the BBC has reported the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge “are believed to have offered their Christmas concert to ITV instead of the BBC after a row with the corporation”.

The event is said to be hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey. 

The Sun reported that BBC was the original pick to air the concert. 

ITV has not yet confirmed whether it will be airing the concert.