AFTER stepping back from the Royal Family and moving stateside, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have had a rollercoaster few years.
From their controversial Harry & Meghan Netflix doc to Harry’s bombshell Spare memoir, it hasn’t been all plain-sailing – and their public perception has been affected.
According to data from Statista, just 23 per cent of the British public had a favourable view of Meghan, which is a drop from 55 per cent in October 2019.
Despite ditching royal duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex insist their mission is to “Show Up, Do Good”.
Meanwhile, Meghan has a number of upcoming projects, including her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and her Netflix cooking show.
Branding expert Edward Coram-James, who is Chief Executive Officer of Go Up, said there could be a way to change perception of them in order to achieve their goals.
Here are five steps Meghan could take in order to “win over the public”, according to the expert…
1. Build her own brand
The couple have undertaken a number of joint ventures, including their Archewell foundation and their Netflix docuseries.
However, Edward suggested Meghan should focus on her solo projects for the time being.
He advised: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s public image has become increasingly toxic due to a combination of negative press coverage and woeful PR strategies.
“Rather than attempting to repair their joint reputation, which would be an uphill battle, Meghan should continue building her own legacies without the burden of their shared public image.”
2. Build authentic connections
Meghan may be about to launch her homewares brand, but Edward suggested that she should focus on “doing good”.
He advised: “Meghan should really lean into her strengths, like her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to making a difference.
“Her passion for women’s empowerment, education, and social justice fits perfectly with her international relations background and her knack for connecting with people personally.
“In particular, grassroots charity work would offer Meghan a unique opportunity to leverage community influence and grassroots networks.”
3. Put the memoir on pause for now
Prince Harry’s explosive Spare memoir rocked the boat, particularly due to the critical claims it made about the royal family.
Harry laid into his father for not hugging him after the death of his mother, Diana, the late Princess of Wales.
He also revealed how William disapproved of Harry’s marriage to Meghan and once called her “difficult,” “rude” and “abrasive.”
It has been rumoured that Meghan could follow with a tell-all memoir of her own.
Edward shared how the duchess should consider delaying its release for the time being.
He shared: “I believe it’s crucial for Meghan to carefully consider the timing of her rumoured memoir release.
“Public interest in her has fluctuated over time, with recent trends suggesting a degree of fatigue surrounding her media presence.
“This weariness is likely exacerbated by the constant scrutiny of her personal life.”
4. Time a memoir’s release wisely
While Meghan should put the memoir on pause, the branding expert said she shouldn’t ditch it all together.
He said: “Given this context, it’s imperative that Meghan choose the timing of her memoir carefully.
“Releasing it amidst this fatigue and saturation could risk diminishing its impact and further alienating audiences.
“A strategic release, perhaps after a period of positive public engagement or when media interest in royal matters has shifted, could capture renewed attention and ensure a more favourable reception.
“This approach would allow Meghan to position her memoir as a fresh and compelling narrative rather than simply adding to the noise around the royal family.”
5. Play to her strengths
Before she married Harry, Meghan had a successful acting career and is estimated to have had an annual salary at £333,000 when she was in Suits.
And the branding expert says Meghan should try to tap into this solo success once again.
Edward shared: “Before she met Harry, Meghan was a successful TV actress with a great reputation, though not quite a household name.
“By carving out her own identity apart from Harry, she can get back to being seen as the hardworking, successful actress she was before becoming a Duchess.
“Similarly, Harry was incredibly popular before Meghan, and he has the potential to regain public affection.”
Megxit timeline
- November 2016 – Harry formally reveals he is in a relationship with Suits actress Meghan Markle.
- September 2017 – Meghan tells Vanity Fair the couple are in love and happy together.
- September 2017 – The couple make their first public appearance together holding hands at the Invictus Games in Toronto.
- November 2017 – Prince Charles issues a statement revealing Harry and Meghan are engaged.
- May 2018 – Harry and Meghan tie the knot, becoming Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
- October 2018 – The couple announce they are expecting their first child while on their first overseas tour in Australia.
- March 2019 – Harry and Meghan set up their own household, splitting their joint operation with Prince William and Kate.
- May 2019 – Meghan gives birth to a baby boy named Archie.
- October 2019 – Harry reveals his rift with his brother William in a bombshell documentary.
- January 2020 – The couple stun the Queen by announcing plans to quit senior roles and settle in North America. After ten days of talks at Sandringham, it’s agreed the couple will no longer be working royals and will give up their “Royal Highness” titles.
- March 2020 – Harry and Meghan carry out their last official engagement and move to California.
- September 2020 – Netflix announces a huge deal with the couple.
- February 2021 – Buckingham Palace announces the couple’s split as working members of the monarchy is permanent and they will lose their royal patronages.
- March 2021 – The palace says it is “very concerned” about allegations of bullying made by former staff of Harry and Meghan, launching a probe.
- March 2021 – Meghan tells Oprah Winfrey Archie wasn’t made a prince after “concerns and conversations” about “how dark” his skin would be when he was born. She claims Kate “hurt her feelings” and made her cry before her wedding. Harry says Charles has stopped taking his calls and he has been “cut off” financially.
- January 2023 – Harry publishes his tell-all memoir Spare, launching scathing attacks on William, Kate and Camilla. He says he and William once got into a physical fight over Meghan.
- April 2023 – Harry has a “heart-to-heart” talk with his dad before agreeing to come to the Coronation in London.
- September 2023 – Harry rejects an offer to spend the anniversary of the Queen’s death at Balmoral with his father.
- February 2024 – Prince Harry flies to the UK to be with his father as royal experts claim their four-year rift could be put aside. They meet for half an hour before Harry flies home. He does not meet William.