Meghan Markle and Prince Harry end all co-operation with tabloids due to ‘false’ stories

‘There is a real human cost to this way of doing business and it affects every corner of society,’ couple state in letter to editors of The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Daily Mirror and The Daily Express

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they will no longer cooperate with many of the UK’s tabloid newspapers.

In a letter to editors of The Sun, Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and Daily Express, the couple have criticised the tabloid press and said they refuse to “offer themselves up as currency for an economy of click-bait and distortion”.

Instead, there will be a policy of “zero engagement” meaning representatives for the couple will no longer respond to requests from the aforementioned publications.

The letter, which was written by a representative for both Harry and Meghan, accused the four publications of writing “distorted, false or invasive” stories about them.

It states: “It is gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media, over many years, has sought to insulate themselves from taking accountability for what they say or print – even when they know it to be distorted, false, or invasive beyond reason.”

The representative goes on to highlight the “real human cost” to the publication of what they describe as “salacious gossip”.

Addressing the editors directly, the letter adds: “With that said, please note that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be engaging with your outlet. There will be no corroboration and zero engagement.

“This is also a policy being instated for their communications team, in order to protect that team from the side of the industry that readers never see.”

It continues that this new policy is “not about avoiding criticism”.

“The media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – good or bad. But it can’t be based on a lie,” the letter concludes.

It’s not the first time Meghan and Harry have taken aim at the tabloid press. Both have previously taken legal action against British media titles.

This week, a court hearing will take place with regards to a case brought by Meghan against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday regarding the publication of a letter written by her to her father.

Meghan and Harry recently relocated to California after quitting their roles in the royal family.

You can read more about what lies ahead for the couple here.