Reporting on the Royal Family

The Royal Family is experiencing an unprecedented level of global attention and has dominated the news agenda following the death of Queen Elizabeth, the succession of King Charles and the ongoing high-profile publicity from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

This course will highlight the complexities attached to reporting on the Royal Family including legal restrictions, royal protocols and ethical considerations. It will show how to report responsibly at a time when the UK media has faced criticism and scrutiny from Prince Harry and Meghan.

There will also be case studies and interviews with royal journalists and police protection officers. Learners will be able to test their knowledge with question and answer sections at the end of the five modules.

Course objectives

• To provide insight into the role of a royal reporter and the skills and knowledge needed to report on royal stories effectively
• To provide knowledge about the history of the relationship between the media and the Royal Family including key milestones
• To advise on responsible and non-sensationalist reporting
• To set a standard which sends a message that royal reporting is complex and well thought-out

Learning outcomes

• Learners will have the knowledge and confidence to responsibly report and write a story about the Royal Family
• Learners will have solid knowledge about royalty to add depth to their journalism
• Learners will be more informed on the legal and ethical issues that surround royal journalism, and be knowledgeable about legal risks
• Learners will fully understand Royal protocols
• Learners will understand the history of the relationship between the Royal Family and the media