BBC forced to issue apology over bombshell Prince Harry interview
The BBC has issued an apology for failing to "properly challenge" claims made by Prince Harry during his explosive interview with BBC News on May 2, which were later discussed on Radio 4's Today programme on May 3.
The corporation acknowledged that it failed to sufficiently challenge the Duke of Sussex's assertion that the removal of his UK security was "an establishment stitch-up".
Furthermore, the BBC admitted that it should have included responses from both the Home Office and Buckingham Palace.
Prince Harry's interview with BBC News followed his unsuccessful legal appeal to reinstate his UK security, during which he criticised his father, King Charles, for not resolving the issue.
(Image: BBC)
The next morning, Today discussed the interview with former close protection officer Richard Aitch, but only presented his perspective on the events, reports the Express.
The BBC addressed this error on their website's "Corrections and Clarifications" section.
They wrote: "The programme explored the latest developments in Prince Harry's story and his legal case regarding protection for him and his family in the UK, featuring an interview with Richard Aitch to gain a deeper understanding of security considerations.
"Claims were repeated that the process had been 'an establishment stitch-up' and we failed to properly challenge this and other allegations. This case is ultimately the responsibility of the Home Office and we should have reflected their statement."
(Image: (Image: Getty))
The programme included a statement from the Home Office that was initially left out.
It said: "We are pleased that the Court has found in favour of the Government's position in this case. The UK Government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.
"It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security."
The show's team went on to admit their oversight in not seeking Buckingham Palace's input.
The statement added: "We also should have given the view of Buckingham Palace: 'All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.'
"This was a lapse in our usual high editorial standards."
During his time on camera with Nada Tawfik, Harry, a 40 year old father of two, shared: "I have had it described to me, once people knew about the facts, that this is a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up, and that is what it feels like."
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