SMALL TALK
What did Sky News reporter Rhiannon Mills say to Prince Harry?
PRINCE Harry became annoyed with a Sky News reporter during his tour of southern Africa when she asked an unscheduled question.
But what exactly was said between the two of them after the Duke of Sussex had visited a health clinic in Malawi?
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What happened between Rhiannon Mills and Prince Harry?
An incident between the journalist and Prince Harry was captured on camera on his royal tour of southern Africa with his wife Meghan Markle and their baby son Archie.
The Duke of Sussex had made a solo visit to a health clinic in a remote village in Malawi, where the media had also been invited.
He talked to health officials and children suffering from malaria and Aids before being ushered to a waiting vehicle by palace officials.
But Harry appeared annoyed when he was asked an unscheduled question about the visit as he was whisked away.
Sky News reporter Rhiannon Mills asked: "That short conversation, what do you hope to achieve through it?"
Harry let out a laugh before responding "What? Ask them" and pointed back towards the hospital.
The reporter followed up: "Is that why it's important for you to come and talk to them?"
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Harry gestured for the journalist to move away from him, saying: "Rhiannon, don't behave like this."
It is understood palace officials later told reporters similar conduct would not be tolerated again.
The outburst came just hours before he released the unprecedented statement on his personal website on Tuesday night, complaining of “relentless propaganda” against his wife Meghan Markle.
Apparently he wrote it himself with no guidance from Buckingham Palace or his team of senior advisers.
In a lengthy statement published on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s website, Harry alleged the Mail On Sunday had “unlawfully” published a letter from her to her father Thomas Markle.
Meghan Markle insists the letter – which detailed her pain at their estrangement since the Royal Wedding – was private.
In a statement revealing the legal action, Prince Harry claimed the couple were suffering from the “painful” impact of “relentless propaganda” against Meghan.
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Who is the Sky News reporter Rhiannon Mills?
Rhiannon Mills studied History at Leeds University, graduating in 2001.
She then studied for a post-graduate diploma in journalism at City University.
Her first full-time job was at Hereward FM.
Mills joined Sky News in 2010, later taking up the role of Royal Correspondent with the broadcaster.
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What was the reaction to Prince Harry’s comments?
Twitter users criticised Harry's attitude towards the journalist.
One wrote: “‘Don’t behave like this’… Excuse me, Was she supposed to say, ‘Master… Please explain what do you hope to achieve, I beg you Master…’ He is rude and arrogant!”
Another added: “Harry is a thoroughly unpleasant, spoiled and arrogant brat.”
However, others defended Harry. One said: "You can tell he was trying to be polite. She can clearly see he was trying to get into his car."
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Another wrote: "Those who act like she did show that they feel that [they] are entitled to more. Good for Prince Harry."
Prince Charles’ biographer Penny Junor said, responding to the statement put out by Harry: “This is the most extraordinary statement and goes way beyond anything I have ever seen issued by a member of the royal family.
“I completely understand that Harry should feel protective about his wife and there have undoubtedly been some negative stories in the last nine months that must have hurt – but not exclusively in the Mail on Sunday – and they have not all been lies, nor I would suggest, part of a ruthless campaign.”
Ken Wharfe, who worked for the royals for 16 years and served as Diana’s bodyguard from 1988-1993, rubbished Harry’s claims.
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He said: “This is a monumental misjudgment. Much of what he claims is not true and it’s an unfair comparison to bring his mother into it.
“Diana died in a car crash due to a drunken driver and a woefully inexperienced protection officer, under the eyes of Mohamed Fayed.
“The Press don’t operate in the same way now, as they did when Diana was alive — and she did manipulate the media to her own advantage.
“Only five per cent of what was written about her was unfair."
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What were the royals doing in Africa?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took their son Archie with them on their ten-day tour of southern Africa at the end of September.
The royal couple kicked off their visit with a tour of a workshop in Cape Town, South Africa.
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One highlight, of many, saw Harry and Meghan take Archie to visit Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife at their legacy foundation.
The royals then parted ways, with Harry flying off to Botswana and then Angola for a series of meetings with the heads of state as well as other visits, including the health centre.
They then met back up again in South Africa with the pair going to meet Grace Machel, the widow of the late President Nelson Mandela.
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