Harry and Meghan's media storm shows the power and peril of their brand
LONDON: If Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were hoping the press would give them an easier time on their return to Britain, the frenzied reporting around her potential new acting role may indicate how they, and their brand, will fare. With most royal commentators flummoxed by the couple’s imminent return to Britain six years after they left for the US, reports emerged that Meghan was in talks to…
Harry and Meghan were not anticipating the tumultuous press coverage they would receive upon their return to Britain. Reports emerged suggesting that Meghan was in discussions to join a Guy Ritchie crime drama on Netflix, only for the offer to be withdrawn following a backlash. Although neither party confirmed or denied the talks, branding experts emphasized that this situation exemplifies the immense media attention, conflicting opinions, and drama the couple could bring to any brand or entertainment venture they engage with.
However, this level of publicity also highlights the difficulties they will encounter in promoting their charities and brands, as well as in maintaining some privacy in a country where they have become unpopular, particularly among older demographics. Caroline Frost, an entertainment journalist, remarked that it is impossible to purchase such significant publicity for a television show.
Mark Borkowski, a British PR specialist, concurred, stating that both Harry and Meghan possess the ability to generate visibility and an audience. The couple cited the overwhelming media scrutiny as a reason for leaving Britain six years ago. They entered the public eye through their interviews with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix documentary series, and Harry’s autobiography, “Spare,” in which they criticized the royal family and harshly criticized the British press.
Since then, the couple's efforts to distance themselves from the royal family have met mixed results. Their reported $100 million Netflix deal and $20 million Spotify agreement have been downgraded and ultimately canceled. Additionally, Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, has struggled to gain traction, with negative coverage from British newspapers fueling the situation.
Experts suggest that a return to England could provide Meghan with a chance to restart her brand. Pauline MacLaran, a professor of marketing at Royal Holloway University, posited that a move to the English countryside could enhance the appeal of Meghan’s lifestyle brand, which sells spreads, candles, teas, and wine in the US. She argued that Meghan's return to England could introduce an "English touch" and "English flavor," which would resonate positively with her American consumer base.
Nevertheless, MacLaran acknowledged that Meghan would likely face challenges in selling her products in Britain due to the prevailing sentiment against the couple.
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