Harry and Meghan hit back at documentary criticism: 'Megxit was never about privacy'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have hit back at criticism over their documentary, insisting that their decision to leave the UK was never about privacy.

The couple handed over 15 hours of personal video filmed in the early months of 2020, when they decided to step back from public duties and moved abroad.

Clips of the footage appeared in the Harry and Meghan Netflix series, alongside images and footage of their children, Archie and Lilibet at home, photographs from their first dates, the moment the Duke proposed and a voice note that Meghan apparently recorded in the moment for a friend.

Commentators questioned why they had signalled that they wanted more privacy when they were prepared to share so much of their personal lives with the world.

Friends have suggested they were seeking a quieter life, while the couple have launched several high-profile legal battles over privacy.

'The tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative'

However, their spokesman argued that their decision to leave was never about privacy: “Their statement announcing their decision to step back mentions nothing of privacy and reiterates their desire to continue their roles and public duties,” she told the New York Times.

“Any suggestion otherwise speaks to a key point of this series. They are choosing to share their story, on their terms, and yet the tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative that permeates press coverage and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them.”

Director Liz Garbus revealed that filming began in November 2021 and ended in July, months before the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Asked if the Duke and Duchess had control over the final product, she said it was a collaboration. Pressed on whether they had final approval, she added: “It was a collaboration. You can keep asking me, but that’s what I’ll say.”

'You're right there with Harry'

The series opened with Prince Harry speaking into his mobile phone as he recorded himself Heathrow Airport's VIP Windsor Suite on March 11, 2020, as he had finished his final two weeks of royal engagements and headed to Vancouver to join Meghan.

“You’re right there with Harry in the Windsor Suite processing the fact that he’s leaving the Royal family for the first time in his life,” Ms Garbus said.

“Then there was another clip with Meghan at home, alone, fresh out of the shower, her hair in a towel, no makeup, processing on her end what their life might actually be like.

“It’s very personal and raw and powerful, and it made me appreciate the incredible weight that went into their decision. It also affirmed the choice I had made about wanting to unravel how this historic break came to be.”