When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come back to the UK this month, they will be returning to a country that has been discussing them for six years from a distance. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in Britain in September, with the couple planning to live privately outside London for an extended period. Reports indicate they will continue as non-working members of the royal family.
There are many speculations about their return after being away for years, especially considering their strained relationship with the British media, which was a significant reason for their move to California. Could the intense tabloid interest in the couple diminish this time around?
Royal watchers in Britain have long been intrigued by the lives and movements of the Royals. According to Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, the coverage often portrayed Harry and Meghan in a polarizing light, with some elements of the British press engaging in personal attacks and negative narratives.
The media scrutiny on the couple, particularly Meghan, has been substantial. A Guardian analysis of nearly 850 articles from 14 UK newspapers revealed that 43% of the coverage on Meghan was negative, compared to only 8% for Kate Middleton. As Harry and Meghan prepare to return to the UK, Royal commentator Afua Hagan believes that public interest will intensify.
Barnett noted that the British public may now be preoccupied with other news events beyond the couple. However, recent legal setbacks, such as Prince Harry’s court loss in privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail, could lead to more harsh coverage.
The couple’s return coincides with a period of reflection for the British media following the tragic death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, which sparked debates on media scrutiny and treatment of public figures. There are parallels drawn between the media treatment of Arday and Meghan, highlighting issues of race, diversity, and scrutiny faced by Black public figures in the UK.
Marcus Ryder, an advocate for media diversity, points out the lack of representation in the British media, leading to Black individuals facing heightened scrutiny and limited opportunities for individual success. The coverage around Arday’s rise and fall mirrors broader discussions on racial progress and meritocracy.
As Harry and Meghan transition into their new roles as non-working royals, having resided in California for six years, the intensity of media coverage surrounding their departure may have reached its peak. Moving forward, the hope is that media narratives reflect the positive sentiments held by a significant portion of the population, especially towards Meghan Markle.