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 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 likely to reside privately outside London for an extended period as non-working royals.
There is anticipation about the couple’s return and whether the British tabloids’ interest in them will diminish this time around after their previous strained relationship with the British press led them to move to California. Speculations about the plans and whereabouts of Royals are common in Britain, with Harry and Meghan often portrayed in a polarizing manner in the media.
The coverage of Meghan has been notably negative in comparison to Kate Middleton, with a Guardian analysis revealing a higher proportion of negative articles about Meghan. Royal commentator Afua Hagan believes that interest in the couple will intensify upon their return to Britain, describing it as stepping back into the “lion’s den” but with better preparation this time.
Professor Steven Barnett noted that the public’s focus may have shifted to other ongoing events, suggesting a change in the media landscape since Meghan and Harry’s last stay in the UK. However, concerns remain about potential increased negative coverage following Prince Harry’s recent legal setbacks in privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail.
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan coincides with a period of reflection for the British media following the death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday. The intense scrutiny faced by Arday has sparked discussions about the boundaries of media scrutiny, particularly concerning the treatment of Black public figures like Meghan.
There have been comparisons drawn between the treatment of Meghan and the media’s handling of Arday’s case, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals of color in the public eye. The lack of diversity in British media has been cited as a contributing factor by industry experts like Marcus Ryder, who emphasizes the need for fair representation and opportunities for all individuals.
Arday’s story has become intertwined with broader discussions on race, diversity, and privilege within elite British institutions, reflecting larger societal issues. Ryder draws parallels between Arday’s narrative and Meghan’s experiences, highlighting the contradictions and complexities faced by individuals navigating institutions built on historic privilege and exclusivity.
As Harry and Meghan transition into their new non-working royal status and reflect on their time in California, the media coverage surrounding them may reach a point of saturation. Ryder hopes that the media portrayal of Meghan will encompass the positive sentiments held by a significant portion of the population, particularly Black women.
Overall, the couple’s return to the UK prompts reflections on media scrutiny, diversity, and societal perceptions, underscoring the evolving dynamics of royal and public figures in the media landscape.
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