When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come back to the UK this month, they will be reentering a country that has discussed them extensively for six years from a distance. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in Britain in September, and the couple is anticipated to reside privately outside London for an extended period while maintaining their non-working royal status.
There is speculation about how the British tabloids, which fueled their decision to leave for California due to a strained relationship with the press, will now treat the couple upon their return. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, highlighted the polarized coverage of Harry and Meghan, emphasizing the tendency in some sectors of the British media to engage in personal attacks and sensationalism.
The media scrutiny faced by the couple has been intense, with negative coverage of Meghan significantly outweighing that of Kate Middleton, according to a Guardian analysis. As Harry and Meghan prepare to face the British media once again, royal commentator Afua Hagan believes they are better equipped to handle the attention this time around.
The British public’s focus has shifted since the couple’s departure from the UK, with other news stories capturing attention. Despite this, the recent legal setback suffered by Prince Harry and others in lawsuits against the Daily Mail could lead to a resurgence of negative press coverage, according to Barnett.
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan coincides with a period of reflection for the British media following the tragic passing of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor. Arday’s death has sparked discussions about the media’s treatment of public figures, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, drawing parallels to the scrutiny faced by Meghan.
The lack of diversity in British media has come under scrutiny, with Marcus Ryder highlighting the systemic issues that hinder Black individuals from being viewed as individuals in their successes and failures. Arday’s story and Meghan’s experiences both underscore the complexities of race, privilege, and representation in the UK.
As the couple transitions into a non-working royal role and settles in California, much of the past drama surrounding their departure has already been extensively covered. Ryder hopes that media coverage of Meghan will reflect the genuine support and positivity she receives from many, especially Black women.
Overall, as Prince Harry and Meghan navigate their return to the UK, they face a media landscape that has evolved since their departure, with renewed attention on issues of diversity, representation, and fair treatment in the public eye.