When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive in the UK this month, they will be entering a nation that has been discussing them from a distance for six years. Reports suggest that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in the UK in September. The couple is anticipated to reside privately outside of London for an extended period, maintaining their status as non-working royals.
There is speculation about what their return will entail, especially after their previous departure amid tense relations with the British media. The media’s enduring interest in the couple has raised questions about whether the tabloids’ obsession with them will wane this time around.
Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, highlighted the polarizing coverage that Harry and Meghan received in the past. He noted a tendency in certain segments of the British press to engage in personal attacks and sensationalism.
The couple faced harsh scrutiny from the press during their earlier stay in the UK, including controversial headlines and negative articles. An analysis of media coverage found a significantly higher proportion of negative stories about Meghan compared to Kate Middleton.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan believes that public interest in the couple will intensify upon their return. She acknowledged the challenging environment they are re-entering but expressed confidence in their preparedness to handle the media scrutiny.
Barnett pointed out that the public’s attention may have shifted to other ongoing events, diverting focus from Harry and Meghan’s return. However, he warned that recent legal battles, such as Prince Harry’s court defeat against the Daily Mail, could lead to more negative press coverage in the future.
The couple’s return coincides with a period of reflection on the conduct of the British media following the tragic death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday. The intense media scrutiny and negative portrayal of Arday have sparked discussions about the boundaries of press coverage, particularly regarding public figures from minority backgrounds.
Marcus Ryder, an advocate for media diversity, emphasized the lack of representation and diversity within British media, leading to biased narratives and unfair treatment of individuals from minority groups. He drew parallels between the treatment of Meghan and the broader issues of race and representation in the UK.
As Harry and Meghan transition to a non-royal lifestyle and settle back in the UK after years in California, the media landscape and public perceptions of the couple may evolve. Ryder hopes that media coverage reflects the positive sentiments that many, especially Black women, hold towards Meghan Markle.
