Royal Website Deleting Spree: Old Controversial Prince Harry Press Remarks Being Scrubbed From Digital Domain in Palace Bid for 'Reconciliation'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be set for a royal "reconciliation" thanks to old statements the Duke of Sussex made about the press in 2016 being deleted from the official royal website.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there are other statements and information that have been quietly deleted or modified over the years," PR expert Ryan McCormick shared.

"The reason for doing their part in deleting these negative digital footnotes is to distance and diminish their impact on public perception," he stated. "The royals may also be laying the groundwork for a future, full reconciliation with Harry."

McCormick continued: "While some of Meghan and Harry's controversial actions will never be forgotten, making headlines for positive things (goodwill trips, charitable initiatives) will improve their likability. I think both need to remain in the royals and public's good graces for a prolonged period of time before hearts of forgiveness can be opened."

The articles in question were all published in the United Kingdom, and known for their "racial undertones," with one infamous piece from November 2016 titled: "Harry's girl is (almost) straight outta Compton: Gang-scarred home of her mother revealed — so will he be dropping by for tea?"

The deleted statement read: "The past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. "Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments."

The statement continued: "Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life."

The press release then launched a defense of the future royal rebels. "Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm."

In their March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex admitted that negative press attention played a large role in their decision to launch "Megxit" the year before. Meghan also went on to insinuate possible racism in the royal family by claiming one senior royal questioned Prince Archie's prospective skin color.

Daily Mirror reported on McCormick's comments.