The recent visit of Prince Harry to New York City has been perceived by industry experts as a strategic maneuver to distance himself from the controversies involving him and his spouse, Meghan Markle.
Harry, now 40, participated in a series of charitable events in the city, without Meghan, signaling a new phase in his public persona. Observers suggest that this independent effort might assist in mending his image, which has been tarnished by continuous media attention following their departure from royal responsibilities and subsequent public examination.
Doug Eldridge, a branding expert, compared Harry’s individual public outings to “splitting aces at the poker table.” He elucidated that “right now, when you see Harry and Meghan together,” they are frequently linked with royal disputes and unfavorable press. By making solo appearances, Harry can potentially reconfigure his public image. “For the time being, Harry can be seen like the charming guy he was always thought of, while Meghan is free to brand her forthcoming line of goods,” Eldridge stated.
The discord between Harry and his father, King Charles III, continues to be strained, with minimal communication since Harry and Meghan’s 2020 departure from royal life. During the Clinton Global Initiative, a notable event on Harry’s New York itinerary, he discussed the impact of social media on children’s mental health, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the cause.
Meghan Markle’s absence from Harry’s journey was conspicuous. Some experts propose that Harry might experience less stress when making appearances without her. Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, mentioned, “Meghan’s presence can sometimes heighten his anxiety associated with security. He’s absent from that feeling this trip.”
Meghan’s non-participation has incited additional conjecture about the couple’s relationship and their public strategy. A 2023 “Rolling Stone” article labeled both as being in their “flop era,” indicating a lack of significant achievements since their high-profile interviews and business ventures started. Royal commentators have been swift in analyzing whether their separate appearances indicate a professional or personal divide.
While Harry continues his life outside of royal spotlight, opinions differ on whether working independently will be advantageous for the Sussexes. Eldridge thinks the short-term tactic may be beneficial, stating that it’s “productive for their public relations battles.” However, the effect on their partnership is still uncertain. On the other hand, Schofield expressed skepticism about the future of their collective efforts. “I am not going to applaud Prince Harry for successfully networking,” she opined, adding that she holds “higher expectations than that.”
Schofield elaborated that even if Harry may find individual success, their public relations challenges will persist. “If we continue to see Prince Harry work away from Meghan after the new year, I think it’s fair to debate what a professional divorce means for the couple personally,” she stated.
Harry’s troubled relationship with his family, especially his father and brother, has been extensively recorded in his interviews, documentaries, and his memoir “Spare.” Post their royal exit, Harry and Meghan have publicly expressed their discontent with the British press, blaming it for their departure from royal duties. In “Spare,” Harry accused Queen Camilla of leaking private conversations to the media and alleged that his brother, Prince William, physically assaulted him during a dispute.
Against this tumultuous backdrop, Harry’s independent appearances present him an opportunity to reconnect with his philanthropic interests. Hilary Fordwich, a British royals expert, indicated that “Harry has stuck to what he is good at, being empathetic for a worthy cause, just like his mother was.” Fordwich also observed that by “refraining from criticizing his family” and avoiding negative narratives about his privileged life, Harry can potentially reconnect with a wider audience.
The Sussexes’ decision to operate separately has received mixed reactions, but Harry’s focus on mental health and charitable causes continues to be commended. His solo appearance at the WellChild Awards in London on Sept. 30 further reinforced this new approach towards public engagement. As experts continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sussexes’ public separation, the long-term success or additional strain on their partnership remains to be determined.