Critics slam Duke of Sussex for “hypocrisy” following out-of-court agreement
Prince Harry’s recent settlement with UK publishers has sparked widespread reaction, with some commentators assigning him harsh new titles after his unexpected decision to settle.
While the royal family may have welcomed the move as a way to avoid further controversy, critics, including commentator Emma Woolf, were less forgiving. Speaking on GB News, Woolf lambasted Harry’s out-of-court settlement with News Group Newspapers (NGN), calling it “absolute, total and utter hypocrisy.”
Describing the settlement as a “pyrrhic victory,” Woolf mocked Harry’s earlier claims of being a media reform advocate. “He told the world barely six weeks ago that he would hold the media accountable, and guess what? He settled. You couldn’t make it up,” she said.
Woolf suggested financial motives played a significant role in Harry’s decision, pointing to the rising legal costs of his high-profile claims. David Sherborne, Harry’s barrister, confirmed in court, “I am pleased to announce to the court that the parties have reached an agreement.”
The commentator also criticised Harry’s stance on privacy, which he and Meghan Markle have frequently cited as a reason for stepping back from royal life. “When they flounced out of the Royal Family, they cited privacy as one of their main concerns. Yet, since then, they’ve done nothing but flog their own family secrets,” Woolf said.
She further accused the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of exploiting their royal status, claiming, “They’ve alienated themselves from their families, pursued money and fame, and sought publicity at every turn.”
While the settlement may have resolved Harry’s legal dispute, it has reignited debates about his actions and their alignment with his publicly stated values, leaving critics divided over his motivations and legacy.
