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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have granted another high-profile interview, this time scheduled to air on CBS on Sunday. However, their decision to sit down with the American broadcaster has garnered significant criticism and controversy. With tensions already running high between the couple and the British royal family, many see this latest media appearance as further straining already fragile relationships.
The CBS interview focuses on topics like online cyberbullying. However, some have questioned Harry's expertise in being a first responder, which is one part of the discussion. Beyond just the content of the interview, Meghan and Harry's choice to partner with CBS has dramatically fueled the ongoing drama and damaged perceptions of their credibility.
CBS has a troubled history when it comes to their coverage of the British monarchy. In 2004, they aired a documentary revealing Princess Diana's dying moments without consent from her family. The broadcast drew immense backlash, especially from Diana's brother Charles Spencer. Given this contentious past, selecting CBS for another major interview is seen as disrespectful to Diana's memory and children Prince William and Harry.
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Adding to the controversy is the fact that Meghan was reportedly the driving force behind choosing CBS. As the architect of their post-royal public relations strategy, she is perceived as orchestrating moves to control the narrative and present herself and Harry in an exclusively positive light. However, strategizing to such an extent has prompted accusations of lacking authenticity.
Another significant issue is the pre-approval of all questions by Meghan and Harry's team, ensuring nothing unexpected or challenging arises. This level of control contrasts with other major networks like NBC and ABC who refused such constraints. As a result, many expect a completely "softball" interview devoid of any real scrutiny or ability to get to the truth. Such a calculated approach to optics reinforces criticisms that the couple is more interested in image than substance.
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Choosing CBS, with its past transgressions involving Diana, is considered particularly insensitive by some given William and Harry's emotional connection to their late mother. Their uncle Charles Spencer remains outspoken in his condemnation of how CBS obtained and aired those final moments. By aligning with the same network, Harry and Meghan appear to be further alienating the royal family members who have continuously supported them, including Diana's family.
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Harry once made sincerely efforts to foster strong bonds with his Spencer relatives like his aunts. However, many now see this interview decision as another intentional wedge being driven between the couple and a family already suffering deep divisions. While Meghan has spoken fondly about Diana's legacy, her actions surrounding this CBS broadcast seem more self-serving than honorsing that memory. Such moves only add fuel to the narrative that Meghan is focused on emulating Diana for her own agenda and fame.
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The ongoing drama was dealt another blow with reports that Harry may miss the funeral of his late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes. As the former Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II for nine years, Fellowes was a well respected figure in the royal household. His death at age 82 following an undisclosed illness is a major loss, especially for his sister-in-law Diana's sibling Lady Jane Fellowes. Some close to Prince Harry have expressed that tensions may prevent his attendance to support Jane during this difficult time - an absence that would deeply sadden all parties involved.
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With this pre-approved CBS interview special set to air amid all the existing friction, Harry's decision is likely to strain relationships even further. Many now view Meghan as the primary driver of their media strategy and public image crafting above all other concerns. But prioritizing control of messaging at the cost of actual connection or transparency has seriously backfired. Rather than alleviate skepticism, this puff piece interview will likely only galvanize criticisms of inauthenticity and manufactured storytelling at the expense of family bonds. Their rash choices continually undermine the supportive royal relatives still hoping for reconciliation. In pushing ahead without consideration for boundaries or sensitivities, it seems Meghan and Harry care little about who they burn bridges with for the sake of publicity and perceived popularity in the eyes of outsiders looking in. Their disregard for the feelings of those closest to them, especially regarding the memory of Diana, suggests true healing may no longer be a priority at all.
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