When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their way back to the United Kingdom this month, they are re-entering a nation that has spent the past six years discussing them from a distance. Reports suggest that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will enroll in school in the UK come September, while the couple plans to reside privately outside London for an extended period, maintaining their non-working royal status.
There is anticipation surrounding the couple’s return, with questions arising about whether the British tabloids’ intense interest in them will diminish this time. The media scrutiny of Royals in Britain is not new, but Harry and Meghan have often been portrayed in stark terms, with some elements of the press engaging in personal attacks and sensationalized coverage.
Reflecting on past headlines, such as the Daily Mail’s controversial piece on Meghan’s mother or The Sun’s inappropriate coverage of Markle’s past work, it is evident that the couple has faced significant negative press. An analysis found that Meghan received a disproportionately high amount of negative coverage compared to Kate Middleton in British newspapers.
As the couple prepares to return to the UK, Royal commentator Afua Hagan believes that public interest will reignite. Despite facing challenges in the past, Hagan notes that Harry and Meghan are better equipped this time and understand the environment they are stepping back into.
Professor Steven Barnett highlights that the British public’s focus may have shifted to other ongoing societal issues, away from the couple’s personal affairs. However, a recent legal setback in privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail could lead to renewed negative media attention for Prince Harry and others involved.
The timing of Harry and Meghan’s return coincides with a critical moment for British media, following the tragic death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday. His case has sparked a debate on media scrutiny and treatment of public figures, particularly those from minority backgrounds. The parallels drawn between Arday’s and Meghan’s experiences shed light on the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye.
The lack of diversity in British media has been a recurring issue, as highlighted by Marcus Ryder. He emphasizes that Black individuals often face different standards and expectations, both in success and failure, compared to their white counterparts. Ryder draws a parallel between Meghan’s journey and broader societal narratives around race and privilege.
Having transitioned into a non-working royal role and residing in California for the past six years, much of the drama surrounding Harry and Meghan’s departure has been extensively covered. With their return, there may be a shift in the media narrative, reflecting a more balanced view of the couple and acknowledging the positive support they receive, especially from Black women.