Today Extra presenter Sylvia Jeffreys defended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, saying it takes courage for her to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Prince and Princess of Wales despite public and press hostility on Saturday at Windsor Castle.
“I can’t help but think that this would have been a really ominous environment for Harry and Meghan, or at least daunting,” Jeffreys said on Friday.
The 36-year-old spoke about how Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, joined with William and Kate as they took the Long Walk to meet grieving members of the public following the death of the Queen last Thursday .
Today Extra presenter Sylvia Jeffreys defended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and said it takes courage for them, despite hostility from the public and press on Saturday (pictured) alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle to stand
Jeffreys expressed his support for the Sussexes earlier in the week after the royal couple faced backlash over the release of Prince Harry’s new memoir.
Harry drew the wrath of royal critics after reports claimed his autobiography will be published as planned in November, despite the death of Queen Elizabeth.
It has since been claimed that the book would not be published until next year.
Responding to Wednesday’s criticism, Jeffreys said the “negativity” directed at the Sussexes made them physically ill.
“I can’t help but think that this would have been a really ominous environment for Harry and Meghan, or at least discouraging,” Jeffreys (right, with co-host David Campbell) said on Friday
“I’m getting sick of the negativity surrounding Harry and Meghan this time around,” she said during an interview with feminist commentator and author Jane Caro.
“History repeats itself [itself] in so many ways with Harry, whose grief as a child belonged to others,” Jeffreys added, referring to the media frenzy surrounding the death of his mother Princess Diana in August 1997 when he was 12.
“Once again, it’s back in possession and he’s being criticized for grieving in a way that others aren’t happy about.”
Jeffreys (left) expressed his support for the Sussexes earlier in the week after the royal couple faced backlash over the release of Prince Harry’s new memoir. (Right: Harry and Meghan pictured at Windsor Castle on Saturday after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.)
Harry drew the wrath of royal critics after reports claimed his autobiography will be published as planned in November, despite the death of Queen Elizabeth. It has since been claimed that the book would not be published until next year. (The Sussexes, right, are pictured with the Prince and Princess of Wales, left, at Windsor Castle on Saturday.)
In response to Wednesday’s criticism, Jeffreys (right, with Campbell) said the “negativity” directed at the Sussexes made them physically ill
Caro agreed, saying: “I’m actually really over the ‘hate Harry and Meghan’ stuff. I think it’s evil.’
“Here is a grieving young man who has experienced such a tragedy in his life. When he lost his mother, I will never forget that little boy who marched behind that coffin with the message “Mom.” I have a feeling can we all back down? She added.
Caro said Harry likely has “no control” over when his memoir is published due to his contract with publisher Penguin Random House and has therefore been wrongly accused of being insensitive.
Feminist commentator and author Jane Caro (left) agreed with Jeffreys, saying: “I’m actually really over the ‘Harry and Meghan hate’ stuff. I think it’s evil’
“Here is a grieving young man who has experienced such a tragedy in his life. When he lost his mother, I will never forget that little boy who marched behind that coffin with the message “Mom.” I have a feeling can we all back down? Carol said. (Pictured: Harry and Meghan arrive at Buckingham Palace in a hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin on Tuesday)
The segment ended with Jeffreys warning about the so-called “narrative” surrounding the Sussexes’ feud with The Firm.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see how history looks back on all of this and the narrative around it,” she said.
It comes as speculation about Harry’s memoir continues to swirl.
The segment ended with Jeffreys warning about the so-called “narrative” surrounding the Sussexes’ feud with The Firm. “It’s going to be very interesting to see how the story looks back on all of this and the narrative around it,” she said . (Pictured: Harry and Meghan in New York City on November 10, 2021)
Royal commentator Tom Bower, whose biography of Meghan Markle was published earlier this year, claimed on Wednesday the Duke of Sussex “insisted” that his memoir’s original release date be kept.
“I was told tonight that Harry is adamant that his book be published in November,” he told GB News.
“Apparently the publishers aren’t sure, but he says if they don’t publish it that would be a breach of contract. I was told that. It is extraordinary. But on the other hand, it fits because Harry and Meghan’s finances depend entirely on the book and Netflix.
“And besides, I think they believe they’re right and they want their own backs,” added Mr Bower.
Royal commentator Tom Bower, whose biography of Meghan Markle was published earlier this year, claimed on Wednesday the Duke of Sussex “insisted” that his memoir’s original release date be kept. (Pictured: Meghan and Harry in Sydney on October 19, 2018)
However, a source close to the Duke has since denied Bowers’ claims. Penguin has previously announced that Harry will donate the proceeds from the book to charity.
Penguin Random House has described the book as “heartfelt memoirs of one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time.”
The publisher’s website reads: “For the first time ever, Prince Harry will give the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses and life lessons that shaped him.
The publisher’s website reads: “For the first time ever, Prince Harry will give the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses and life lessons that shaped him. (Pictured: William and Harry at Windsor Castle on Saturday)
“Prince Harry will cover his life in public from childhood to present, including his commitment to service, military service which took him twice to the front lines in Afghanistan and the joy he found in being a husband and father offer an honest and compelling personal portrait that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous and uplifting human story.’
Harry said he hopes his story “will help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think”.
Penguin Random House has not yet commented on whether the explosive release will be delayed in light of Queen Elizabeth’s death.
However, a source close to the Sussexes told The Telegraph this week that the memoir will not be released until next year.
Penguin Random House has not yet commented on whether the explosive release will be delayed in light of Queen Elizabeth’s death. (Pictured: the Queen in October 2020)