Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the U.K. this month after a lengthy absence, re-entering a country that has closely followed their lives for the past six years. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are scheduled to start school in Britain come September, while the couple plans to reside privately outside of London for an extended period as non-working members of the royal family.
The media’s intense interest in Harry and Meghan, fueled by their tumultuous relationship with the British press, has raised questions about whether the tabloids’ fixation on the couple will diminish this time around. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, highlighted the polarizing portrayal of the couple in the press, noting a tendency for personal attacks and sensationalized coverage.
The scrutiny faced by Harry and Meghan in the U.K. media is evident in past headlines, such as the Daily Mail’s controversial piece about Meghan’s mother and The Sun’s misleading story linking Meghan to a pornographic website. A study by The Guardian revealed a stark contrast in the tone of coverage between Meghan and Kate Middleton, with Meghan receiving a significantly higher percentage of negative press.
As the couple prepares to return to Britain, royal commentator Afua Hagan anticipates a heightened level of interest from the media. She believes that Harry and Meghan are better equipped to navigate the media landscape this time around, having learned from their previous experiences.
Notably, the British public’s attention may now be diverted to other ongoing events, according to Barnett. However, a recent legal setback for Prince Harry in his privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail could potentially lead to a resurgence of negative coverage in the media.
The couple’s return coincides with a period of reflection for the British media following the tragic death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday. His passing has sparked a debate on the boundaries of media scrutiny, particularly concerning the treatment of Black public figures. Some observers have drawn parallels between the coverage of Arday and the relentless media scrutiny faced by Meghan.
The lack of diversity in the British media has also come under scrutiny, with Marcus Ryder highlighting how Black individuals are often subjected to different standards of scrutiny and success. Arday’s story and Meghan’s experiences symbolize larger societal issues around race, diversity, and privilege within elite institutions.
As Harry and Meghan transition into their new roles and life in the U.K., the media landscape may evolve to reflect a broader range of perspectives. Ryder hopes that the coverage of the couple will encompass the positive sentiments felt by many, especially Black women, towards Meghan Markle.
