Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Separate ‘Goals’ Have Sent Media into ‘Hyperdrive’, Says PR Expert
Meghan Markle has reportedly sent the media into “hyperdrive” as she and Prince Harry’s recent decision to pursue separate career paths unknowingly helped them achieve their long-term goals, according to a PR expert.
Amid ongoing rumors and public scrutiny, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have taken steps to distance themselves from the “Sussex” brand, which has faced significant challenges over the past year. PR expert Ed Coram James believes this move is a strategic step in helping them reset their public image.
“From a PR point of view, it makes sense for them to go their professional ways for a period of time,” James explained. “Their professional brand, as the husband-and-wife team ‘the Sussexes,’ has become somewhat professionally toxic in the past year.”
He further noted that creating distance between their individual careers and the joint brand could be the key to rebuilding their reputations. “Each of them getting a bit of distance from that brand could help reduce their association with it and enable them to forge more reputationally stable careers as individuals while giving the Sussex brand time to reset,” he continued.
James emphasized that this professional separation does not imply any personal space between the couple, but it has still fueled intense public speculation. However, James pointed out that the decision for Meghan to skip the opening of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games may have been a misstep.
“If the idea is to put those rumors to bed, then the Duchess not attending the Invictus opening was another mistake in a long line of PR mistakes made by Meghan,” he said. “In not attending, she fed red meat to the sharks. If you’re trying to show the world that you’re strong as a couple, you make public appearances when they matter.”
The expert stressed the significance of Harry’s involvement with the Invictus Games, describing it as one of his most notable personal achievements. “What matters more than arguably the biggest personal achievement of your husband, his internationally famous and acclaimed Invictus Games?” James remarked. He also noted that Meghan’s absence represented a missed opportunity for positive PR, even among critics.
“Even the Sussexes’ biggest online detractors acknowledge that Harry did something truly special with the Invictus Games. Meghan would be well-advised to associate herself with them.” Despite the media frenzy, James believes that their decision to pursue separate projects might ultimately help the couple in the long run.
By temporarily stepping away from their joint professional endeavors, Meghan and Harry could provide themselves the breathing room needed to reestablish their careers, leaving the door open for a future Sussex brand revival. As rumors continue to swirl, it remains to be seen how the couple will navigate their individual paths, but for now, their professional separation appears to be a strategic reset.