In light of their previous experiences in New York City, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are gearing up to take extra precautions for their upcoming visit. The royal couple's last trip to the Big Apple was overshadowed by a harrowing car chase, allegedly instigated by aggressive paparazzi. This time around, they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure their safety and privacy.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are scheduled to be in New York City on Tuesday, October 10, where they will co-host 'The Archewell Foundation Parents' Summit: Mental Wellness in a Digital Age'. The event coincides with World Mental Health Day. Their commitment to mental health has been evident in many of their public engagements, and this summit aims to address the challenges parents face in the digital age, especially concerning social media.
PR expert Mayah Riaz shed light on the couple's preparations for the trip. Speaking to The Mirror, Riaz said, "Ahead of Harry and Meghan's New York trip, they'll likely be thinking of their last trip and the paparazzi car chase. Therefore, they will no doubt be taking certain measures along with their security and PR teams for a smooth trip." She emphasized the importance of a comprehensive security plan, which would involve assessing potential risks and implementing measures to mitigate them.
One of the key aspects of their security would be transportation. While Prince Harry has been known to fly commercial in the past, given the heightened concerns, he might opt for a private mode of transport this time. Riaz also highlighted the importance of coordinating with the New York Police Department and ensuring that the drivers hired for their transportation are experienced in handling high-profile individuals.
Media management will be another crucial aspect of their visit. "In order to minimize risks, they will ensure the driver(s) will have experience in handling high profile individuals. Media managing will be crucial too, given the couple's high profile status," Riaz added. She believes that Harry and Meghan's PR team would have set clear guidelines for media access, ensuring that only authorized and vetted media professionals are granted access to the royal couple.
Despite the challenges faced during their last visit, Riaz commended the couple for their resilience. "It's great to see that Meghan and Harry are returning to New York after the car chase incident after their last trip. This shows that they are not wanting previous incidents to hold them back from supporting causes close to their heart. It would also be a support for them having each other at the event," she said.
The event in NYC will focus on building community and creating positive change for a safer online world for young people. The Project for Healthy Minds page mentions a discussion on this topic, with special guests including Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy.
Back in the UK, Prince William and Princess Kate will also be hosting a similar event on the same day, titled: Exploring our Emotional Worlds. Kensington Palace announced that the event aims to initiate a conversation about emotional management, resilience, and the importance of healthy relationships.
