Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, once the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been in the limelight for various reasons since their departure from the British Royal Family in 2020. Their decision to step back from their royal duties, infamously dubbed "Megxit," was a move that sent shockwaves across the globe. Since then, the couple has been on a journey to reclaim their narrative, but the path has been anything but smooth.
The Sussexes' exit from the monarchy was a bold step, aiming to distance themselves from the pressures and scrutiny that come with royal life. However, their efforts to justify their departure and the subsequent choices they've made have been met with mixed reactions. Edward Coram-James, a public relations expert, weighed in on the couple's public image. He highlighted the Sussexes' apparent struggle between their desire for a private life and their simultaneous attempts to remain in the headlines.
The Sussex brand, which many believe hinges on their royal status, has faced its share of challenges. Coram-James pointed out that when things don't go as planned, the natural inclination is to take control. However, he suggests that sometimes the best strategy might be to "sink into anonymity for a bit." The Sussexes, however, have often chosen to confront rumors and negative publicity head-on, a decision that hasn't always been well-received by the public.
"To be clear, crisis communications is nuanced," Coram-James stated. While there are situations where directly addressing a narrative is the right move, he believes that actions often speak louder than words. If the goal is to dispel the notion of being attention-seeking, he suggests that laying low for a while might be more effective than launching high-profile publicity campaigns.
The Sussex brand faced another setback recently when Spotify decided to end their lucrative contract with the couple. Following this decision, Bill Simmons, Spotify's head of podcast innovation and monetization, labeled the couple as "grifters."
Meghan and Harry's journey post-royal life has been a roller-coaster of highs and lows. Their quest for privacy, juxtaposed with their significant public presence, continues to be a topic of debate and discussion. As they navigate this complex landscape, the world watches with bated breath, curious about their next move.
Note: The couple's decision to step back from royal duties and their subsequent choices have been a subject of global interest, with opinions divided on their actions and intentions.