Royal Family criticise BBC documentary for 'overblown and unfounded' claims

A new royal documentary has drawn a rare show of unity from the Royal family - and a joint statement criticising the programme.

The first episode of the Princes And The Press documentary focuses on the souring of an 'unspoken' deal between the monarchy and the media.

At the same time as the cameras were flashing at Prince William, the increasingly tumultuous relationship between the princes and the press was being flashed across TV screens.

A BBC documentary pulls back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes dirty dealings, phone hackings, and leakings that have plagued the royals for years.

"As explained to me by a couple of editors, Harry had basically become the new Diana," says private investigator Gavin Burrows.

Private investigators reveal what dirt they'd been asked to dig up on Prince Harry's former girlfriends.

"Medical records, has she had an abortion, sexual diseases, ex-boyfriends," Burrows explains.

And journalists dishing on how information was obtained - often via leaks from within the Windsors' own walls.

"The most damaging stories about Harry and Meghan that have ended up in the press have come from other royal households or other royal aides," British journalist Omid Scobie explains.

It was that claim which prompted a rare reaction from the Royals. They issued a joint statement from the three households - Buckingham, Clarence and Kensington - reading: "Too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility."

"As much as possible they would want to live by the adage, never complain, never explain. The minute you add a comment immediately people are going to think there is something to cover up here. Or there is no smoke without fire," royal historian Anna Whitelock explains.

And documentary-makers are about to throw fuel on it - because part two is still to come.