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Harry and Meghan Cut Off U.K. Tabloids Harry and Meghan Cut Off U.K. Tabloids
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LONDON — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have all but vanished from the headlines in a world consumed by a catastrophic pandemic. But that did not stop the newly independent couple from notifying four leading British tabloid publishers on Sunday that they would no longer deal with them.LONDON — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have all but vanished from the headlines in a world consumed by a catastrophic pandemic. But that did not stop the newly independent couple from notifying four leading British tabloid publishers on Sunday that they would no longer deal with them.
It was another bitter twist in the poisonous relationship between the couple and the tabloid press, which chronicled the couple’s courtship and then their falling-out with the royal family with equal relish. But it drew immediate derision from many in the British news media as being ill timed, self-centered and self-defeating.It was another bitter twist in the poisonous relationship between the couple and the tabloid press, which chronicled the couple’s courtship and then their falling-out with the royal family with equal relish. But it drew immediate derision from many in the British news media as being ill timed, self-centered and self-defeating.
A letter to the editors of the four tabloids — The Sun, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Mail and The Daily Express — said that Harry and Meghan, who have relocated to Los Angeles and are embarking on new lives as private citizens, would no longer engage with them, while insisting that they were not trying to shut down critical coverage.A letter to the editors of the four tabloids — The Sun, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Mail and The Daily Express — said that Harry and Meghan, who have relocated to Los Angeles and are embarking on new lives as private citizens, would no longer engage with them, while insisting that they were not trying to shut down critical coverage.
“What they won’t do is offer themselves up as currency for an economy of clickbait and distortion,” the letter said. It accused the papers of reporting material about them that was “distorted, false, or invasive beyond reason.”“What they won’t do is offer themselves up as currency for an economy of clickbait and distortion,” the letter said. It accused the papers of reporting material about them that was “distorted, false, or invasive beyond reason.”
The move appeared timed to a hearing this week in a lawsuit Meghan filed against the publisher of The Mail on Sunday, the sister paper of The Daily Mail, for publishing a private letter that she had sent to her father, Thomas Markle. The Mail reveled in covering Meghan’s turbulent relationship with her father, and the issue cast a shadow over her wedding in 2018.The move appeared timed to a hearing this week in a lawsuit Meghan filed against the publisher of The Mail on Sunday, the sister paper of The Daily Mail, for publishing a private letter that she had sent to her father, Thomas Markle. The Mail reveled in covering Meghan’s turbulent relationship with her father, and the issue cast a shadow over her wedding in 2018.
Prince Harry has had his own toxic relationship with the tabloids, even blaming their hounding of his mother, Diana, princess of Wales, for her death in a car accident in 1997. He is separately suing The Sun and The Daily Mirror over accusations that they hacked his cellphones, a case that dates back to the early 2000s.Prince Harry has had his own toxic relationship with the tabloids, even blaming their hounding of his mother, Diana, princess of Wales, for her death in a car accident in 1997. He is separately suing The Sun and The Daily Mirror over accusations that they hacked his cellphones, a case that dates back to the early 2000s.
In the letter, Harry and Meghan, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recapitulated many of the grievances that they have expressed against the tabloids for years. They condemned those papers for being irresponsible and unaccountable and for pulling people’s lives apart “for no good reason, other than the fact that salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue.”In the letter, Harry and Meghan, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recapitulated many of the grievances that they have expressed against the tabloids for years. They condemned those papers for being irresponsible and unaccountable and for pulling people’s lives apart “for no good reason, other than the fact that salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue.”
“Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad,” the letter said. “But it can’t be based on a lie.”“Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad,” the letter said. “But it can’t be based on a lie.”
When the couple first announced plans to step back from royal life in January, they served notice that they would boycott the Royal Rota, the press pool that covers the activities of the royal family. The pool includes broadcasters like the BBC and broadsheet papers like The Times of London, but the tabloids, with their huge circulations and ravenous interest in the royal family, are key members.When the couple first announced plans to step back from royal life in January, they served notice that they would boycott the Royal Rota, the press pool that covers the activities of the royal family. The pool includes broadcasters like the BBC and broadsheet papers like The Times of London, but the tabloids, with their huge circulations and ravenous interest in the royal family, are key members.
The latest move seems intended to cut the tabloids out of the couple’s new life in Los Angeles, where they are searching for a house and where Meghan, who had a career as a television actress, is trying to get back into show business.The latest move seems intended to cut the tabloids out of the couple’s new life in Los Angeles, where they are searching for a house and where Meghan, who had a career as a television actress, is trying to get back into show business.
When they handed out food in Los Angeles at Easter, they received largely favorable coverage in The Daily Mail and The Sun. The Mail quoted residents as saying the couple were “really down to earth” and reported that one woman burst into tears when she recognized them.When they handed out food in Los Angeles at Easter, they received largely favorable coverage in The Daily Mail and The Sun. The Mail quoted residents as saying the couple were “really down to earth” and reported that one woman burst into tears when she recognized them.
Now, though, it appears that the tabloids will not be allowed into their events or given handouts of photographs. The letter also made clear that the couple’s communications staff would not provide any guidance to reporters from those papers, a time-honored way of transmitting information about the royals.Now, though, it appears that the tabloids will not be allowed into their events or given handouts of photographs. The letter also made clear that the couple’s communications staff would not provide any guidance to reporters from those papers, a time-honored way of transmitting information about the royals.
As they moved to Los Angeles, with an interim stop in Victoria, Canada, Prince Harry and Meghan laid off their staff at Buckingham Palace. The couple have also hired Sunshine Sachs, a Hollywood public relations firm, to handle their image. And they wound down their charitable foundation, SussexRoyal, and are starting a new one, called Archewell.As they moved to Los Angeles, with an interim stop in Victoria, Canada, Prince Harry and Meghan laid off their staff at Buckingham Palace. The couple have also hired Sunshine Sachs, a Hollywood public relations firm, to handle their image. And they wound down their charitable foundation, SussexRoyal, and are starting a new one, called Archewell.
With their global celebrity, analysts said, Harry and Meghan appear to be calculating that they will still get plenty of news coverage from other outlets. But some royal watchers said that they would come to regret their feud with the tabloids, given the newspapers’ power and the fact that so many Britons still got their news about the royal family from those publications.With their global celebrity, analysts said, Harry and Meghan appear to be calculating that they will still get plenty of news coverage from other outlets. But some royal watchers said that they would come to regret their feud with the tabloids, given the newspapers’ power and the fact that so many Britons still got their news about the royal family from those publications.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“If those British tabloids were to stop writing about them tomorrow, they would lose their relevance in the U.K.,” Penny Junor, a journalist and royal biographer, said. “How will they feel if nobody is covering their new foundation, or the fact that they’re delivering food parcels to the poor in L.A.?”“If those British tabloids were to stop writing about them tomorrow, they would lose their relevance in the U.K.,” Penny Junor, a journalist and royal biographer, said. “How will they feel if nobody is covering their new foundation, or the fact that they’re delivering food parcels to the poor in L.A.?”
“They are poking the bear,” she added, “and you don’t poke the bear. This is a very powerful bear.”“They are poking the bear,” she added, “and you don’t poke the bear. This is a very powerful bear.”
The couple handed the tabloids a weapon by lashing out now, when Britain is in a desperate phase of its battle against the coronavirus, with at least 16,000 deaths as of Monday. Harry’s father, Prince Charles, was among those struck by the illness; his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, rallied the nation in a rare television address.The couple handed the tabloids a weapon by lashing out now, when Britain is in a desperate phase of its battle against the coronavirus, with at least 16,000 deaths as of Monday. Harry’s father, Prince Charles, was among those struck by the illness; his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, rallied the nation in a rare television address.
“As thousands die and Britain fights for its economic life,” The Daily Mail said on its website on Monday, “L.A.-based Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce they won’t deal with the country’s most popular newspapers.”“As thousands die and Britain fights for its economic life,” The Daily Mail said on its website on Monday, “L.A.-based Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce they won’t deal with the country’s most popular newspapers.”
Andrew Neil, a BBC host, said on Twitter, “As the world grapples with Covid-19, do they really think people care what media they deal with? Can’t they just consign themselves to oblivion for a while?”Andrew Neil, a BBC host, said on Twitter, “As the world grapples with Covid-19, do they really think people care what media they deal with? Can’t they just consign themselves to oblivion for a while?”
Kevin Maguire, an associate editor at The Daily Mirror, also posted a response on Twitter. “Sorry we’re a little busy at the moment,” he wrote.Kevin Maguire, an associate editor at The Daily Mirror, also posted a response on Twitter. “Sorry we’re a little busy at the moment,” he wrote.
The couple’s timing was clumsy in another respect. By releasing the letter as late as they did on Sunday, they guaranteed that the British papers will cover it on Tuesday, which is the queen’s 94th birthday.The couple’s timing was clumsy in another respect. By releasing the letter as late as they did on Sunday, they guaranteed that the British papers will cover it on Tuesday, which is the queen’s 94th birthday.