Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's recent "faux royal tour" to Nigeria has the potential to "deepen the ongoing royal rift" if not handled correctly, according to public relations expert Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's 72-hour whistle-stop tour, which coincided with the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Invictus Games and followed Meghan's discovery of her West African heritage, has raised concerns about the impact of such trips on their already strained relationship with the royal family.
According to The Mirror, Carratt cautioned, "These faux-royal tours could deepen their rift with the Royal Family, if not handled correctly. Their Nigerian tour bared all that hallmarks of a Royal Tour which was said to [have] infuriated the palace."
However, the PR guru noted that if the Sussexes' tours are related to their independent work, such as the Invictus Games, "then these tours are good for the PR of their brand." Carratt added, "I don't believe the Nigerian tour helped to increase their popularity in the UK and USA, but it did showcase to the African nations the work that the couple can do and will certainly have increased their popularity there."
The success of the Nigerian trip has seemingly inspired the Sussexes to consider embarking on another similar tour, with Ghana being a potential destination. A source recently told The Mirror, "There is already a lot of talk and excitement in Ghana, everyone is so keen for Harry and Meghan to come and experience the great culture and warmth."
While Ghanaians are enthusiastic about the prospect of hosting the royal couple, Carratt emphasized the need for a clear purpose behind such a visit. "Since Ghana is not participating in the Invictus Games and Meghan does not have Ghanaian heritage, for their visit to Ghana to be successful, they would need to have a specific project, like an Archewell project or partnership that they want to showcase in the country and encourage people to get involved in. It can't just be an unofficial royal tour for the sake of it," she explained.
The warning comes as Prince Harry told PEOPLE that it's "hugely important for us to meet directly with people, supporting our causes and listening, in order to bring about solutions, support and positive change," hinting at the possibility of more tours in the future.
Carratt's comments underscore the delicate balance the Sussexes must strike as they navigate their new roles outside the royal family. While their independent projects and initiatives have the potential to make a positive impact, the couple must be mindful of how their actions are perceived by the royal family and the public.
The ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the royal family has been a source of tension and public interest since the couple stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, in which they made a series of allegations against the royal family, further strained their relationship with the institution.
As Meghan and Harry continue to forge their own path, the challenge of maintaining a positive public image while avoiding further damage to their relationship with the royal family remains a crucial consideration. The success of future "faux royal tours" will likely depend on the couple's ability to strike a balance between their independent work and the sensitivities surrounding their former roles within the monarchy.
