PRINCE William has visited a refugee shelter this afternoon – hours after the BBC aired a controversial documentary about his rift with Harry.
The Duke of Cambridge was seen smiling as he chatted with Afghan nationals at a hotel in Leeds about their experiences.
And he appeared to be brushing off programme The Princes and The Press as he returned to official duties following last night’s episode.
But a right royal row over the show continues today.
Lawyers for the family were reportedly watching the doc last night after saying the BBC had made “unfounded” claims in episode one.
They’ll be deciding if the broadcaster flouted rules regarding accuracy and impartiality after earlier warning they’d not been given a fair right of reply.
The royals say they weren’t allowed to watch a screening of the two-part programme in advance, and had no opportunity to properly address the claims.
The BBC Two documentary first aired allegations that William and his staff briefed the media against Meghan and Harry.
WILLIAM’S SMILES FOR FAMILIES
Omid Scobie, author of sympathetic Meghan and Harry biography Finding Freedom, claimed “negative stories” had been leaked about the duchess to “put her in her place”.
No evidence was provided and he wasn’t challenged on the allegation by presenter Amol Rajan.
The Duke of Cambridge is said to be deeply upset at the suggestion.
He has reportedly banned his aides from ever briefing against family members after seeing the devastating impact of his parents’ media war first-hand.
Meanwhile, in last night’s programme, Meghan’s lawyer denied the duchess has ever bullied her staff – but insisted: “She wouldn’t want to negate anyone’s personal experiences.”
ROYAL ROW OVER DOC
Jenny Afia of Schillings addressed claims Meg inflicted “emotional cruelty” on employees and “drove them out”.
Meghan was the only Royal Family member to take part — raising the possibility the BBC told her what was going to be in the documentary while leaving the rest of the royals in the dark.
Despite the growing furore, William – who has reportedly stopped the BBC from showing a Christmas concert put on by he and wife Kate – appeared in great form during his visit today.
He spent time with refugee families, as well as representatives from Leeds City Council and the Refugee Council, and even stopped in to see little ones enjoying themselves in a playroom.
His visit to Yorkshire and the Humber comes on the same day that councils in the area announced their pledge to welcome 1,000 asylum seekers under the Afghan resettlement programmes.
There are currently 12,000 refugees in hotels across the country.
Dave Brown, head of Migration Yorkshire, said: “For those people who had to flee for their lives from Afghanistan, it was an incredible boost and an honour seeing the Duke of Cambridge, and also for all those who have worked tirelessly to support them.”
The chief executive of Refugee Council Enver Solomon called William’s visit a “real privilege”.
