BBC hits back at ‘excessive’ coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix bombshell documentary after complaints-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

BBC viewers bombarded the corporation with complaints over its Harry & Meghan coverage (Picture: Netflix)

The BBC has fiercely defended its ‘excessive’ coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix documentary after receiving complaints from audiences.

The first three episodes of Harry & Meghan landed on the streaming service on December 8 and proved more popular than the Crown season 5 on the day of its release.

The highly anticipated series provided viewers with a close look at their private lives, from the messages they exchanged over Instagram when they first started dating to raising their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

However, it has not been without controversy with members of the royal family reportedly not contacted, despite a disclaimer claiming that the Palace was contacted for comment.

And now, the BBC has been forced to defend its reporting on the documentary after complaints they have been ‘promoting Netflix’ and that there has been too much focus on it.

The first half of the documentary series arrived on Netflix earlier this week (Picture: Netflix)

‘The Netflix series Harry & Meghan has been widely anticipated, with speculation as to what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may say about their experiences within the Royal Family, what this may mean for family relations and how this could affect perceptions of the Royal Family,’ BBC spokesperson said.

‘Prior to the series being released, the trailers issued by Netflix were an indication of the issues which would be discussed. 

‘In this context, we broadcast clips of these trailers, which were clearly labelled, as part of our analysis. 

‘Our reporting has also reflected allegations that footage and photos used within the trailers were misleading.’

They continued: ‘While this may not be a story of interest to everyone, we believe our coverage has been proportionate and duly impartial, reflecting public interest.’

The statement followed criticism from BBC viewers on social media.

‘Why are the BBC forcing this ridiculous coverage of Meghan and Harry?’ blasted one viewer. ‘I don’t need to know about “penguin onesies” or “two dates” for goodness sake.’

Echoing a similar sentiment, another raged: ‘Think the BBC is giving too much coverage to Harry and Meghan’s Netflix series. Got nothing against them but enough is enough.’

The final three episodes of Harry & Meghan are due to air on December 15, with a spoiler clip revealing footage of their first dance.

Reminiscing about the wedding, Meghan says: ‘I just really wanted the music to be fun – even our first dance.’

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She can then be seen looking at Harry and trying to remember the song’s name.

‘Song Of A Thousand Dances? I always get it wrong,’ she continues before singing some of the lyrics.

‘That was our first dance. It was so fun,” Meghan adds. ‘It was just spinning like a whirlwind. It was so great.’

Harry & Meghan episodes 1-3 are available to stream on Netflix.

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