The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been accused of censoring parts of the British media after the couple announced theywould no longer engage with four UK newspapers.

On Monday, a representative for the couple wrote a letter toeditors of The Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Daily Express and The Sun in which they accused the four publicationsof writing distorted, false or invasive stories about them.

The letter stated: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.

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

But the move has been criticised, with Ian Murray, executive director of the Society of Editors, claiming that Meghan and Harry are trying to undermine the press.

In a statement on the Society of Editors website, Murray said: Although the Duke and Duchess say they support a free press and all it stands for there is no escaping their actions here amount to censorship and they are setting an unfortunate example.

Murray added that while the couple are no longer working members of the royal family, they are still public figures with a high profile.

By appearing to dictate which media they will work with and which they will ignore they, no doubt unintentionally, give succour to the rich and powerful everywhere to use their example as an excuse to attack the media when it suits them, he said.

Murray went on to say that the couple have benefitted from a huge amount of positive coverage for themselves and their philanthropic causes.

They may have been stung by some of the coverage they have not liked, he added.They may disagree strongly with some elements of that coverage and can of course take action to answer any criticism they consider unfair or inaccurate through several channels.

But the answer should never be to attempt to shun individual titles and their millions of readers.

Harry and Meghan officially stepped back from their roles in the royal family on 31 March and are currently residing in Los Angeles, California.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accused of censorship over refusal to engage with tabloid media - The Independent