The BBC has acknowledged a failure in its usual high editorial standards concerning coverage on Radio 4’s Today programme of a recent interview with Prince Harry. The admission followed the broadcaster not including responses from the Home Office and Buckingham Palace regarding claims made by the duke.
Prince Harry gave an interview last Friday after the court of appeal dismissed his case over security arrangements while in the United Kingdom. During the interview, he described the court defeat as a "good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up."
The Today programme covered the interview on Saturday and included an interview with close protection expert Richard Aitch, where the duke's "stitch-up" claims were repeated.
On its Corrections and Clarifications website, the BBC stated Tuesday that it "failed to properly challenge this and other allegations." The broadcaster noted the case is ultimately the responsibility of the Home Office and their statement should have been reflected.
The Home Office statement read: “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 longstanding policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
The broadcaster also said it should have presented the view of Buckingham Palace. The palace statement after Friday’s ruling noted, “All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.”
Sources close to the Duke of Sussex said Harry was "very keen to talk" during the interview conducted by BBC journalist Nada Tawfik, which lasted about half an hour. He reportedly arrived without an entourage and introduced himself politely.
During the interview, Harry stated he could not see a world where he would bring his family, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, back to the United Kingdom given the security issue. He also commented on family disagreements and his father's health.
Posting on X after the BBC clarification, Aitch stated that the absence of a threat and risk assessment, with focus on legal process influenced by a committee that is not independent, defines a "stitch up."
The BBC added, "This was a lapse in our usual high editorial standards.”
