In a summer where the spotlight on the British royals has been split between continents, the contrasting approaches of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Prince William and Kate Middleton have drawn significant attention. While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a high-profile tour of Colombia, their royal counterparts in the UK opted for a more understated presence. The differing strategies have sparked a wave of commentary, with some experts suggesting that the Sussexes' efforts were overshadowed by the simplicity and strategic brilliance of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Prince Harry and Meghan's recent tour to Colombia was framed as a DIY royal tour, albeit without the official backing of the British monarchy. Invited by Colombia's Vice President Francia Márquez, the couple engaged in a series of events designed to promote their charity work, particularly focused on internet safety for children. The visit, which included discussions with activists, experts, and schoolchildren, as well as participation in a summit on internet safety, was aimed at raising awareness about the impact of social media on young people.
During the summit, Prince Harry voiced his concerns about the dangers of misinformation and the rapid spread of false news, stating, "We are no longer debating facts." He emphasized the broader societal implications of online harassment, noting, "For as long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse, harass-then social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down." Meghan, meanwhile, highlighted the dual nature of the internet, describing it as a space that could be both "connective and harmonious," yet also "cruel."
Their visit was not limited to discussions on digital safety. The Sussexes took time to immerse themselves in Colombia's rich culture and history, attending events such as an indigenous dance performance and an Afro-Colombian festival. They also met with the country's Invictus Games team, furthering their commitment to supporting veterans and injured service personnel, a cause close to Harry's heart.
However, despite the significance of their engagements, the Sussexes' tour was tightly controlled. The couple allowed only a select few videographers and photographers to document their activities, ensuring that the portrayal of their visit aligned with their preferences. This approach has drawn criticism, with some questioning the purpose of such a publicized tour if it was conducted with such stringent controls.
In stark contrast, Prince William and Kate Middleton have taken a more subdued approach this summer, largely staying out of the public eye. Their few appearances, such as a brief Instagram video praising Team GB's performance at the Paris Olympics, have been met with widespread acclaim. The video, which featured William sporting a holiday beard and a laid-back demeanor, was a hit with royal fans and quickly went viral. The Waleses' ability to capture public attention with minimal effort has been hailed as a masterstroke by royal experts.
Royal historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop commented on the contrasting strategies, describing the Sussexes' tour as "time-consuming" and "expensive," while the Waleses managed to "slam-dunk the season with a clear ace" with just one social media post, according to The Mirror. She noted that while Harry and Meghan have found a niche in international humanitarian work, it requires significant effort to maintain their brand without the support of the British monarchy.
As the summer draws to a close, Prince William and Kate are expected to retreat to Balmoral, the royal family's traditional summer residence in Scotland. This trip, following Kate's earlier cancer diagnosis, is seen as a reassuring sign of her recovery and the continued support of the royal institution. Meanwhile, the future plans of Prince Harry and Meghan remain uncertain, with speculation about whether they will be invited to join the rest of the family at Balmoral.
Dr. Dunlop further suggested that the contrasting summers of the two royal couples highlight the different paths they have chosen. "William and Kate will cap off the season with a trip to Balmoral, a cheering sign in the wake of the Princess of Wales's earlier cancer diagnosis," she said. "But still on the outside is her brother-in-law Harry. There is no word of his arrival, presumably, the freelance prince will be too busy planning the Sussexes' next big move."
