John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty ImagesAn article that said Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton were having a "secret romance" has been ruled misleading by the Independent Press Standards Organization (IPSO).
The Daily Star printed the story in December 2015, but Prince Harry complained about it, saying the story was "completely untrue". In Friday's edition, however, an article outlining IPSO's ruling said that the "manner in which the claims were presented was significantly misleading". The Daily Star's original article cited a U.S. magazine that made claims about a relationship between Pippa and the redheaded royal. It said that Clarence House declined to comment.
Friday's ruling stated: "The article had clearly attributed the claims about the complainant and Ms. Middleton to the U.S. magazine. While it had not contained a positive assertion of their truth, there was no suggestion that there was reason to doubt their veracity. Furthermore, the article had stated that 'Clarence House had declined to comment' but the newspaper had not argued—in response to the complaint—that such an approach had been made. The only conclusion which the committee could draw was that the newspaper had not sought to verify the claims, as reported."
Prince Harry's complaint was upheld, which makes this the second story about the royal family that has been found in violations of the organization's ethics code. Earlier this week The Sun printed an IPSO ruling that declared the headline "Queen Backs Brexit" misleading.
After Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot, the media scrutiny following Kate's younger sister only increased. Not only was Pippa constantly rumored to have the hots for her brother-in-law's brother, she was also mocked relentlessly for her outfit choices, with the British press often wondering if she "dressed in the dark."
Although this victory from IPSO might seem like a small one, it's a big step for the royal family and the way it's discussed in the media.