Royal experts are sounding the alarm for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as their relentless pursuit of revenge through bad PR tactics appears to have backfired.
NBC royal correspondent Neil Sean has issued a stark warning, expressing concerns that the couple urgently needs to reconsider their future plans in light of the negative publicity they have been generating.
Once hailed as a beloved couple following their 2018 wedding, Meghan and Harry’s popularity took a hit when they decided to step down as senior royals in early 2020.
Their subsequent actions, including speaking out about their time in the royal family, jet-setting to New York for a weekend getaway, and inking lucrative deals with major streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, have drawn widespread criticism.
According to Sean, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can ill afford to continue making public relations missteps.
He emphasized the importance of a strategic reevaluation, stating, “I do think Harry and Meghan need to seriously contemplate the direction of their brand going forward.
The string of bad PR incidents, from the birthday video to the New York trip, is becoming untenable.”
The challenges faced by Meghan and Harry as former royals are further compounded by the blurred lines between their public and private endeavors.
Sean highlighted the confusion surrounding their activities, particularly during their recent visit to New York, where the nature of their engagements sparked speculation about their official status.
In a series of high-profile interviews, including a revealing sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan and Harry made explosive allegations about the royal family, including claims of discriminatory remarks about their son’s skin color.
Their lavish lifestyle, complete with a sprawling mansion boasting 16 bathrooms and frequent private jet travel, has also drawn criticism, given their vocal advocacy for environmental causes.
Sean emphasized the need for Meghan and Harry to address their branding strategy, cautioning against the repercussions of sustained negative publicity.
He underscored the potential impact of unfavorable reviews on their public image, noting that even a single critique could reach millions of viewers and tarnish their reputation as celebrities.
Recent polling data from YouGov paints a sobering picture of the couple’s dwindling popularity in the United Kingdom.
Once a top-ranking royal figure, Harry has slipped to 9th place in approval ratings, while Meghan currently occupies the 14th spot, just ahead of the embattled Prince Andrew.
Comparisons have been drawn to Prince Charles’ decline in popularity during his tumultuous divorce from Princess Diana in the 1990s.
As the scrutiny on Meghan and Harry intensifies, the pressure mounts for them to navigate the treacherous waters of public perception and chart a course that aligns with their stated values and aspirations.
The specter of a looming PR disaster looms large, underscoring the imperative for the couple to recalibrate their approach and regain the trust and support of their audience.
Related Stories
