Meghan Markle faces ‘big challenge’ from family says expert

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Dr Laura Clancy, lecturer in media at Lancaster University, specialising in the contemporary British monarchy, said that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s negative portrayal is “quite embedded”. But she added that what the couple is currently doing when it comes to their media appearances and public relations, “is not that different” from other members of the Royal Family.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, the author of “Running the Family Firm: how the Royal Family manages its image and our money”, told Express.co.uk: “The narrative around them is quite interesting because in many ways what Harry and Meghan are doing is not that different from what the royals are doing.

“So they’ve got PR – well of course the royals have got PR as well.

“There’s all the drama around them signing those Netflix deals and signing those corporate deals – but of course all the royals do that as well.

“It’s not like they’re doing anything different, it’s just that they’re being perceived very differently.

“I think it’s been a long time coming this divisive narrative around Harry and Meghan.

“I think to overhaul that image now will take quite a lot of work.

“It’s quite embedded, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

“And I think because they’re not doing anything that different – there’s already a model for that – it doesn’t mean they’ve gone completely outside the box if that’s what they’re doing.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California in January 2020, just two months before they announced they would be stepping back from royal duties in March.

Since their move to the US, Harry has only returned to UK soil on two occasions, and neither times with his wife and children in tow.

The couple has signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to make TV series, films and children’s shows for the streaming platform.

In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “Our lives, both independent of each other and as a couple, have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit, of courage, resilience and the need for connection.

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“Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope.

“As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.”

The Sussexes have reportedly held meetings with a number of Hollywood studios since their move to California.

Meghan Markle, who before royal life was best known for her role in the legal drama Suits, made her return to showbusiness in April 2020, one month after stepping back from royal duties with a narration role in Disney’s nature documentary Elephant.

The Duchess recently sparked controversy after she appeared on US talk show Ellen, where she was filmed conducting a series of pranks with host Ellen DeGeneres, and talked about life in California with Prince Harry.

Meanwhile, the Royal Family’s relationship with the media has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, after the incendiary two-part BBC documentary The Princes and the Press aired.

The documentary, which focuses on Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship with the press, provided insight into how the Royal Family “brief” the media.

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Clarence House issued a rare joint statement after the first episode of the two-part series was aired, saying: “A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy.

“However, too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.”

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