Prince Harry blasts 'lies' told to protect brother William in new Netflix trailer


Gillian Duncan
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Prince Harry takes aim at what he calls lies to protect his brother Prince William in a new, incendiary trailer for the next instalment of his Netflix series.

The preview, which is set to uplifting violin music, opens with the Duke of Sussex saying: “I wonder what would have happened to us had we not got out when we did.”

In the clip, which runs for slightly more than a minute, the prince and his wife Meghan claim their security was “being pulled” and everyone “in the world” knew where they were.

“I wasn’t being thrown to the wolves; I was being fed to the wolves,” says Meghan.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex criticised the royal family in the first three episodes, which were released last week, saying members had a “huge level of unconscious bias”.

They also addressed the couple's tumultuous relationship with the press, with the duchess accusing the media of wanting to “destroy” her and claiming “salacious stories” were “planted” in the lead-up to their wedding.

Some critics in the US were unimpressed, describing it as “a straightforward romance with no real royal dirt”.

But the trailer for the next episodes, due to air on Thursday, suggests they may be more revelatory.

Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex through the years — in pictures

  • Doria Ragland, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the Ms Foundation Women of Vision Awards in New York City. Getty
    Doria Ragland, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the Ms Foundation Women of Vision Awards in New York City. Getty
  • Prince Harry and his wife Meghan attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies in Los Angeles in April. Getty
    Prince Harry and his wife Meghan attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies in Los Angeles in April. Getty
  • The royal couple speak onstage at the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala in New York in December 2022. Getty
    The royal couple speak onstage at the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala in New York in December 2022. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan watch as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is placed into the hearse following the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey in central London in September 2022. AP
    Prince Harry and Meghan watch as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is placed into the hearse following the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey in central London in September 2022. AP
  • Prince Harry and Meghan pay their respects at the Palace of Westminster. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan pay their respects at the Palace of Westminster. Getty
  • Prince Harry, Meghan and Kate, Princess of Wales, attend a service for the reception of Queen Elizabeth's coffin at Westminster Hall. AFP
    Prince Harry, Meghan and Kate, Princess of Wales, attend a service for the reception of Queen Elizabeth's coffin at Westminster Hall. AFP
  • The Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan meet members of the public outside Windsor Castle. Getty
    The Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan meet members of the public outside Windsor Castle. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan leave after a service of thanksgiving for the queen. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan leave after a service of thanksgiving for the queen. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York in September 2021. AP
    Prince Harry and Meghan at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York in September 2021. AP
  • Prince Harry and Meghan on the cover of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world edition, in September 2021. Reuters
    Prince Harry and Meghan on the cover of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world edition, in September 2021. Reuters
  • Prince Harry and Meghan are interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. Reuters
    Prince Harry and Meghan are interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. Reuters
  • Prince Harry and Meghan shared this image on social media in February 2021 to announce they were expecting their second child. AFP
    Prince Harry and Meghan shared this image on social media in February 2021 to announce they were expecting their second child. AFP
  • Prince Harry and Meghan visit Canada House, London, in January 2020. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan visit Canada House, London, in January 2020. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan visit Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day during their royal tour of South Africa in September 2019. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan visit Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day during their royal tour of South Africa in September 2019. Getty
  • Prince Harry, Meghan and their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor in South Africa in September 2019. Getty
    Prince Harry, Meghan and their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor in South Africa in September 2019. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan meet Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Jay-Z at the European Premiere of Disney's The Lion King at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, London, in July 2019. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan meet Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Jay-Z at the European Premiere of Disney's The Lion King at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, London, in July 2019. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan pose for a photo with the New York Yankees before their baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at London Stadium in June 2019. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan pose for a photo with the New York Yankees before their baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at London Stadium in June 2019. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan pose with their newborn son Archie in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in May 2019. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan pose with their newborn son Archie in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in May 2019. Getty
  • Meghan, joined by her mother Ms Ragland, shows her new son to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle in May 2019. AP
    Meghan, joined by her mother Ms Ragland, shows her new son to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle in May 2019. AP
  • Prince Harry and Meghan officially open Number 7, a Feeding Birkenhead citizen’s supermarket and community cafe in Merseyside in January 2019. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan officially open Number 7, a Feeding Birkenhead citizen’s supermarket and community cafe in Merseyside in January 2019. Getty
  • Prince William, the Princess of Wales, Meghan and Prince Harry attend a Christmas Day church service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate in December 2018. Getty
    Prince William, the Princess of Wales, Meghan and Prince Harry attend a Christmas Day church service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate in December 2018. Getty
  • Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan and the Duchess of Cambridge attend a service marking the centenary of the First World War armistice at Westminster Abbey in November 2018. Getty
    Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan and the Duchess of Cambridge attend a service marking the centenary of the First World War armistice at Westminster Abbey in November 2018. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan visit Redwoods Tree Walk in October 2018 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan visit Redwoods Tree Walk in October 2018 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan visit an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in October 2018 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan visit an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in October 2018 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan visit the University of the South Pacific in October 2018 in Suva, Fiji. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan visit the University of the South Pacific in October 2018 in Suva, Fiji. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan address the public during a Community Event at Victoria Park in October 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan address the public during a Community Event at Victoria Park in October 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan meet a koala during a visit to Taronga Zoo in October 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan meet a koala during a visit to Taronga Zoo in October 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at the University of Chichester's Engineering and Digital Technology Park during an official visit to West Sussex in October 2018. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at the University of Chichester's Engineering and Digital Technology Park during an official visit to West Sussex in October 2018. Getty
  • The queen, Meghan, Prince Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF 100th anniversary fly-past from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2018. Getty
    The queen, Meghan, Prince Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF 100th anniversary fly-past from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2018. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan on their wedding day in May 2018. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan on their wedding day in May 2018. Getty
  • Prince Harry places a wedding ring on his new wife's finger. Getty
    Prince Harry places a wedding ring on his new wife's finger. Getty
  • Meghan and Prince Harry head to their evening wedding reception at Frogmore House. Getty
    Meghan and Prince Harry head to their evening wedding reception at Frogmore House. Getty
  • Prince Harry and Meghan walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on their way to a reception for young people at the Palace in February 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Getty
    Prince Harry and Meghan walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on their way to a reception for young people at the Palace in February 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Getty
  • Prince Harry and his then-fiancee Meghan visit Nottingham for their first official public engagement together in December 2017. Getty
    Prince Harry and his then-fiancee Meghan visit Nottingham for their first official public engagement together in December 2017. Getty

Prince Harry speaks about “institutional gaslighting” and says: “They were happy to lie to protect my brother. They were never willing to tell the truth to protect us.”

The trailer, tweeted by Netflix, does not say who was lying. However a different version on the streaming company's website has different subtitles stating: “The British media are happy to lie to protect my brother.”

Whether it is the media in the sights once more, or the royal household, it is sure to strain relations with Prince Harry's family further.

The clip, which also features photographs and video footage of the couple at home in California and with their children, ends with Prince Harry saying: “I've always felt as though this was a fight worth fighting for.”

In another frame, a smiling Prince Harry says: “We are on the freedom flight.”

The first volume led to calls to strip Prince Harry and Meghan of their royal titles, with Conservative MP Bob Seely saying there is a “political issue” with the prince's comments, since he quit as a senior working royal more than two years ago.

Curtsies, 'racism' and royal formality: what we learnt in first three episodes

There were few revelations in the first volume of three episodes, which focused on the pair's burgeoning relationship and interactions with the media.

Prince Harry claimed Meghan had suffered with racism from the outset and was not supported by his family.

“Eight days after the relationship was public, I put out a statement calling out the racist undertones of articles and headlines that were written by the British press, as well as outright racism from those articles across social media,” he said.

“Some of the members of my family would say 'my wife had to go through that, so why should your girlfriend be treated any differently? Why should you get special treatment? Why should she be protected?'

“And I would say 'the difference here is the race element.'”

Harry & Meghan Netflix documentary released — in pictures

  • Prince Harry and Meghan's controversial Netflix documentary streamed around the world. Photo: Netflix
    Prince Harry and Meghan's controversial Netflix documentary streamed around the world. Photo: Netflix
  • The Harry & Meghan documentary is a six-part series on Netflix. PA
    The Harry & Meghan documentary is a six-part series on Netflix. PA
  • The documentary, billed as 'unprecedented and in-depth', is being broadcast exactly three months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    The documentary, billed as 'unprecedented and in-depth', is being broadcast exactly three months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
  • The duchess appears with a towel wrapped around her hair, appearing to speak into her phone camera, saying: 'H is in London and I’m here.' Photo: Netflix
    The duchess appears with a towel wrapped around her hair, appearing to speak into her phone camera, saying: 'H is in London and I’m here.' Photo: Netflix
  • Office workers in London watching the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's controversial documentary. PA
    Office workers in London watching the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's controversial documentary. PA
  • A woman in London watches the docuseries. AFP
    A woman in London watches the docuseries. AFP
  • The couple discuss racism and the breakdown of their parents' marriages during the series. PA
    The couple discuss racism and the breakdown of their parents' marriages during the series. PA
  • The six-part series was available to watch from 8am UK time. PA
    The six-part series was available to watch from 8am UK time. PA
  • New images of Prince Harry and Meghan released by Netflix ahead of the show. AFP
    New images of Prince Harry and Meghan released by Netflix ahead of the show. AFP
  • Netflix showed the first trailer last week, just as Prince Harry's brother William made his first trip to the US as Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, prompting accusations of sabotage. AP
    Netflix showed the first trailer last week, just as Prince Harry's brother William made his first trip to the US as Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, prompting accusations of sabotage. AP
  • The couple quit as senior working royals in 2020 in favour of more freedom and the ability to earn their own money in the US. Photo: Netflix
    The couple quit as senior working royals in 2020 in favour of more freedom and the ability to earn their own money in the US. Photo: Netflix

The third episode referred to an event in 2017 when Princess Michael of Kent wore a brooch featuring an archaic image of a black man, of a kind that has been criticised and described as “fetishising” slavery.

Prince Harry said: “In this family, sometimes you are part of the problem rather than part of the solution. There is a huge level of unconscious bias.

“The thing with unconscious bias, it is actually no one's fault. But once it has been pointed out, or identified within yourself, you then need to make it right. It is education. It is awareness. It is a constant work in progress for everybody, including me.”

Meghan also described her first meeting with Prince William and his wife Kate, saying she was surprised at the “formality” of the royal family behind closed doors.

In another scene, Prince Harry spoke about when he first introduced Meghan to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, telling her she would need to curtsy.

She said she thought he was joking and laughed as she performed an exaggerated curtsy, recalling the moment she met the monarch.

“I was like, pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. Like, was that OK? It was so intense,” she said, as the prince stared, appearing to not share the joke.

Buckingham Palace said it would not be commenting on the series.

Netflix said members of the royal family had declined to comment within the series, but a royal source said neither the palace nor representatives of Prince William had been approached.

Prince William and Prince Harry — in pictures

  • Prince William and Prince Harry join Queen Elizabeth II's funeral procession towards St George's Chapel in September 2022 in Windsor. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry join Queen Elizabeth II's funeral procession towards St George's Chapel in September 2022 in Windsor. Getty Images
  • The royal brothers attend a vigil in honour of the queen at Westminster Hall, central London. Getty Images
    The royal brothers attend a vigil in honour of the queen at Westminster Hall, central London. Getty Images
  • Prince William, his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at Westminster Hall as the queen's coffin is carried in. Getty Images
    Prince William, his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at Westminster Hall as the queen's coffin is carried in. Getty Images
  • The princes and their wives on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, heading to meet mourners who had gathered and left tributes to Queen Elizabeth. Getty Images
    The princes and their wives on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, heading to meet mourners who had gathered and left tributes to Queen Elizabeth. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, in July 2021. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, in July 2021. Getty Images
  • The princes at the ceremonial procession during the funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle in April 2021. Getty Images
    The princes at the ceremonial procession during the funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle in April 2021. Getty Images
  • The princes are joined by their wives for a Commonwealth Day service in March 2020 in London. Getty Images
    The princes are joined by their wives for a Commonwealth Day service in March 2020 in London. Getty Images
  • (L-R) Prince William, Sir David Attenborough, Prince Charles — now king — and Prince Harry attend the world premiere of Our Planet at London's Natural History Museum in April 2019. Getty Images
    (L-R) Prince William, Sir David Attenborough, Prince Charles — now king — and Prince Harry attend the world premiere of Our Planet at London's Natural History Museum in April 2019. Getty Images
  • The princes and their wives leave a Christmas Day service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, in December 2018. Getty Images
    The princes and their wives leave a Christmas Day service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, in December 2018. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry attend the opening of the Greenhouse Sports Centre in 2018 in London. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry attend the opening of the Greenhouse Sports Centre in 2018 in London. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry watch the RAF 100th anniversary flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside the queen, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry watch the RAF 100th anniversary flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside the queen, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Getty Images
  • Prince William, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry attend an Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey in 2018. Getty Images
    Prince William, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry attend an Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey in 2018. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry with his best man, Prince William, as they wait for the start of his wedding ceremony to Meghan in 2018. Getty Images
    Prince Harry with his best man, Prince William, as they wait for the start of his wedding ceremony to Meghan in 2018. Getty Images
  • The princes race against each other at a London Marathon training day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2017. Getty Images
    The princes race against each other at a London Marathon training day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2017. Getty Images
  • The princes try out light sabres during a tour of the Star Wars sets at Pinewood studio, London, in 2016. Getty Images
    The princes try out light sabres during a tour of the Star Wars sets at Pinewood studio, London, in 2016. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William raise their wands on the set used to depict Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Getty Images
    Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William raise their wands on the set used to depict Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Getty Images
  • The princes take part in the late queen's diamond jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace in 2012. Getty Images
    The princes take part in the late queen's diamond jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace in 2012. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William wave from the royal barge Spirit of Chartwell in 2012. Getty Images
    Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William wave from the royal barge Spirit of Chartwell in 2012. Getty Images
  • Prince William takes the hand of his bride Kate, followed by Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton as they walk down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in 2011. Getty Images
    Prince William takes the hand of his bride Kate, followed by Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton as they walk down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in 2011. Getty Images
  • The princes chat before the wedding in 2011. Getty Images
    The princes chat before the wedding in 2011. Getty Images
  • The princes pose with David Beckham at an FA reception in Johannesburg, South Africa. Getty Images
    The princes pose with David Beckham at an FA reception in Johannesburg, South Africa. Getty Images
  • The princes on a visit to a classroom lit by oil lamps in Semongkong, Lesotho, in 2010. Getty Images
    The princes on a visit to a classroom lit by oil lamps in Semongkong, Lesotho, in 2010. Getty Images
  • The princes celebrate a try during the 2007 Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa in 2007. Getty Images
    The princes celebrate a try during the 2007 Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa in 2007. Getty Images
  • The princes pose for an official photograph for the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005. Getty Images
    The princes pose for an official photograph for the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005. Getty Images
  • The princes follow the coffin of their grandmother and Princess Diana's mother, Frances Shand Kydd, in 2004. Getty Images
    The princes follow the coffin of their grandmother and Princess Diana's mother, Frances Shand Kydd, in 2004. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Prince Harry and Prince William look on after attending the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in 2003. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Prince Harry and Prince William look on after attending the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in 2003. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry appear at a photo call in the Swiss village of Klosters at the start of his annual skiing holiday in 2002. Getty Images
    Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry appear at a photo call in the Swiss village of Klosters at the start of his annual skiing holiday in 2002. Getty Images
  • Princes William and Harry appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in 2001. Getty Images
    Princes William and Harry appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in 2001. Getty Images
  • Prince Philip, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles follow the coffin of Princess Diana in September 1997. Getty Images
    Prince Philip, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles follow the coffin of Princess Diana in September 1997. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry pose with Princess Diana and Prince Charles on Prince William's first day at Eton College in 1995. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry pose with Princess Diana and Prince Charles on Prince William's first day at Eton College in 1995. Getty Images
  • Princess Diana with the young princes at the piano in Kensington Palace in 1985. Getty Images
    Princess Diana with the young princes at the piano in Kensington Palace in 1985. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles and Princess Diana with their sons aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Venice in 1985. Getty Images
    Prince Charles and Princess Diana with their sons aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Venice in 1985. Getty Images
Updated: December 13, 2022, 4:16 AM