The First Editions: Controversy Reigns For The Royals
Written by Joanne Leyland
Monday, 14 April 2008
Page 2 of 2
With the identity of the minor royal targeted in a salacious blackmail plot unable
to be revealed due to strict legal laws in Britain, the latest court
case to involve the first family in the land is afforded little
coverage on the front pages of Wednesday's newspapers.
That isn't to say the case hasn't seen royal correspondents working for TV news
companies in Britain returning to the pavements outside the Old Bailey
just days after they were finally able to decamp from the Royal Courts
of Justice following the end of the six-month inquest into the deaths
of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed.
However, the
reality is that Fleet Street has already investigated this alleged scandal involving the junior royal who does not carry out any public engagements and therefore receives no monetary support from the State.
Having reportedly accepted that the claims were without foundation, journalists later tipped
off police and a sting operation was launched to trap the two men who are now appearing in court.
Although the case does receive brief mention on the lower half of the Daily Telegraph, it appears that the
only other national to feature the story prominently on the front page
this Wednesday morning is the Daily Express.
As
you can see, the headline is blunt and undoubtedly intriguing to anyone
who's been living on another planet these past months who may wonder
what alleged scandal has befallen the Windsors now: 'Court hears of royal gay video blackmail plot'.
Comment: Reasonable explanation as determined by whom? It isn't a matter of ignoring or refusing to accept the statement; it's more a willingness and ability to apply common sense to the analysis of it.
It would have been a different story (literally) if they flew to an official engagement. It's the stag party element that defies PR logic and goes against their own best interest. I really don’t care what mode of transport Paris Hilton uses to get to the next party; a future king’s choice is a totally different situation.
Name: anyacat
Comment: Colleen: If you really want to know who is involved in the black mail case, just to a quick Internet search. The name has been published on at least one US site in October.
There is no spin needed on the helicopter incident, the Royal Air Force made a reasonable public statement, which I understand will be ignored by those who consistently look for trouble when there is none.
Name: colleen
Comment: This is unbelievable and like I have always said the way the Royals deal with anything is to denial or silence. I am beginning to wonder if the reason they wanted Diana out of the picture (one way or the other is that she knew too much) can you imagine if Camilla jumped the fence to the other side, the stories she could tell) I feel also we are not taking the Royals to task for their actions. The publicity stunt with Harry can you imagine how the other military members felt him giving interviews and branded a hero for his short time in Afghanistan. Now William flying a helicopter to a stag party can you imagine how they will spin this one, all the spin and that we would believe it is an insult to our intelligence. Also I couldnt help but think live life to the fullest as I seen Cams at William ceremony grinning from ear to ear, and that Dianas boys would accept all this without a word of defence or praise for their mother Wonder who the Royal is in the gay scandal they say it is an extended member but who knows Well now I have everything out of my system I would like to thank Joanne for her dedication and great reporting
Name: Monika
Comment: With these headlines, it’s amazing we don’t see bruises on HM’s forehead after she reads the morning papers. Perhaps some of the younger royals should fear her as well!
