When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive in the UK this month, they will be re-entering a country that has been discussing them from a distance for six years. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in the UK in September, and the couple is planning to reside privately outside London for an extended period while maintaining their non-working royal status.
There is anticipation surrounding the couple’s return, especially after their previous strained relationship with the British media prompted their move to California. Questions have arisen about whether the tabloids’ interest in the couple will diminish this time. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, noted that Harry and Meghan were often portrayed in a polarized manner by certain sections of the British press, leading to intense scrutiny and personal attacks.
The coverage of the couple in the past included controversial headlines like the Daily Mail’s reference to Meghan’s mother as “(almost) straight outta Compton” and The Sun’s story about “Harry’s girl on Pornhub.” A study by The Guardian revealed that Meghan received significantly more negative press coverage compared to Kate Middleton in the UK media.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan believes that interest in the couple will escalate upon their return to Britain. She mentioned that despite walking back into a challenging environment, Harry and Meghan are better equipped this time to handle the media scrutiny they may face.
As the couple prepares to return, some experts point out that the British public’s focus may have shifted to other ongoing issues in the country, such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic struggles. However, the recent legal setback suffered by Prince Harry and others in their privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail could potentially lead to further negative coverage, according to Barnett.
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan coincides with a period of reflection for the British media following the tragic death of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor. Arday’s case has sparked discussions about media scrutiny and treatment of public figures, particularly those from minority backgrounds. Some commentators draw parallels between the intense coverage of Arday and the negative press faced by Meghan.
The larger debate surrounding Arday’s death has brought issues of race, diversity, and institutional elitism to the forefront. Marcus Ryder, a media diversity advocate, emphasizes the need for greater diversity within the British media to prevent unfair treatment of Black individuals like Arday and Meghan.
Ryder notes that Meghan’s presence challenges societal norms and perceptions, particularly as a Black woman entering a traditionally privileged institution like the British royal family. With Harry and Meghan now leading a non-royal life in California, much of the drama surrounding their departure has been extensively covered. The hope is that media coverage will reflect the positive sentiments that many, especially Black women, have towards Meghan Markle.