In a recent interview for the ITV documentary “Tabloids on Trial,” Prince Harry has once again found himself at the center of controversy. The Duke of Sussex, known for his outspoken nature and ongoing feud with the British media, has now attempted to shift the blame for his legal battles onto the royal family. He claimed that his determination to fight the tabloids was a central piece in the rift between him and his relatives. However, this latest attempt by Harry to garner sympathy and portray himself as the victim has been met with widespread skepticism and even ridicule from both the public and royal commentators.

The interview, which was intended to showcase Harry’s David versus Goliath struggle against powerful media conglomerates, has instead highlighted the prince’s apparent inability to take responsibility for his own actions and the consequences they have had on his relationships. Throughout the documentary, Harry recounts the extensive phone hacking and unlawful information-gathering tactics used by the tabloids to obtain stories about him over the years. He describes it as harassment that “felt horrible then and feels horrible now.”

However, many have pointed out that Harry’s own actions, such as his and Meghan’s high-profile interviews and tell-all book, have done just as much, if not more, to damage his relationship with the royal family. “It’s clear from the last four years with my wife and my children, they pushed me too far, and it got to a point where you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t,” Harry laments in the interview. Critics argue that it was Harry and Meghan’s own decision to step back from royal duties and move to the United States—a move that many saw as a betrayal of the family.

Furthermore, the prince’s claim that the late Queen Elizabeth II supported his legal battles against the tabloids has been met with skepticism. While the Queen was known to value her family’s privacy, it is widely believed that she would have preferred a more discreet approach to dealing with the media rather than the public spectacle that Harry has created. “There’s no one better placed to see this thing through than myself,” Harry declares in the interview, seemingly unaware of the irony of his statement.

Many have pointed out that Harry’s own actions, such as his and Meghan’s high-profile interviews and the release of his memoir “Spare,” have only served to further inflame the media’s interest in the royal family, making the situation worse rather than better. The backlash against Harry’s interview has been swift and unforgiving. Royal commentators have accused the prince of playing the victim and lacking self-awareness, while others have questioned his motives and the timing of his legal battles.

“Is there anyone in the public eye more delusional and lacking in self-awareness than Harry?” one Mumsnet user wrote, echoing the sentiments of many. Others have pointed to the hypocrisy of Harry’s actions, noting that he and Meghan have themselves been accused of using the media to their advantage, such as by staging paparazzi shots and granting high-profile interviews.

The fallout from Harry’s interview has only served to further strain his relationship with the royal family, with some speculating that his attempts to reconcile with his relatives may now be even more difficult. As the prince continues his legal battles against the tabloids, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to repair the damage he has done to his own reputation and standing within the royal family.

Harry’s latest outburst on ITV has not only backfired but has also reignited the debate over his role in the royal family and his handling of media scrutiny. While he portrays himself as a victim of relentless tabloid harassment, many see his actions as contributing to his own woes. Whether he will find a way to navigate this complex web of public perception and familial strife remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding him shows no signs of abating.