Furore erupts as Prince Harry claims UK coronavirus crisis is “better than we are led to believe”
Prince Harry has sparked fury by claiming the UK’s COVID-19 crisis is not as bad as the public are being told.
Sitting down with the Declassified podcast, the 35-year-old said that things here are “better than we are led to believe through certain corners of the media”.
But his comment was branded “outrageous” by expert Professor Karol Sikora, who asked: “What are his qualifications for making these comments – other than deserting his country in its hour of need?”
Harry is currently residing in Los Angeles with wife Meghan, and showered praise on Captain Tom Moore who has raised AU$45.1 million for the NHS.
Speaking on the podcast he said: “I think what has happened especially in the UK is the very best of the human spirit and it’s proving that things are better than we are led to believe through certain corners of the media.
“Certainly when you’re in isolation it can be very worrying when you’re sitting there and the only information you’re getting is from certain news channels, but then if you’re out and about and you’re on the right platforms you can really sense this human spirit coming to the forefront.”
Responding to his comments, Prof Sikora told The Sun: “I think these remarks are outrageous.
“As for the media, I really don’t understand what Harry’s beef is. Journalists have been reporting the facts and have been doing great work in holding the Government to account.
“The media has also championed the NHS and became a key ally of doctors, nurses and key workers. They should be applauded, not vilified.”
Nadra Ahmed of the National Care Association, suggested Prince Harry “hasn’t seen all the evidence”.
She revealed that health and care staff were suffering from mental issues, adding: “Some of the things I have heard are harrowing.”