When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come back to the UK this month, they will be re-entering a country that has been discussing them for six years from a distance. Reports suggest that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are scheduled to start school in the UK in September. The couple is anticipated to reside privately outside of London for an extended period and will maintain their non-working royal status.
With the couple’s return sparking various speculations, there is curiosity about whether the intense tabloid interest in them will diminish this time. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, noted the polarized portrayal of Harry and Meghan in the British press, with some outlets engaging in personal attacks and sensationalism.
The media scrutiny on the couple has been evident in past headlines such as the Daily Mail’s controversial coverage of Meghan’s mother and The Sun’s misleading report on Meghan’s TV appearances. Research shows a significant disparity in the coverage of Meghan compared to other royals, with a higher proportion of negative articles about her.
As Harry and Meghan prepare to face the UK media once again, royal commentator Afua Hagan believes they are better equipped to handle the scrutiny this time. The evolving landscape in Britain and changing public interests may also influence the media’s focus on the couple.
The recent court defeat suffered by Prince Harry and others in privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail could potentially lead to more negative press coverage. The timing of Harry and Meghan’s return coincides with a period of reflection for the British media following the tragic death of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor, which has sparked debates on media ethics and treatment of public figures.
The parallels drawn between the media treatment of Arday and Meghan highlight concerns about racial bias and lack of diversity within the British media. Marcus Ryder, a media diversity advocate, emphasizes the systemic challenges faced by Black individuals in the media industry and society at large.
As Harry and Meghan transition to a life outside the royal family, their return to the UK signifies a new chapter. The couple’s experiences and the media’s portrayal of them reflect broader societal issues and attitudes towards diversity and representation. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the media narrative around Harry and Meghan will evolve and whether it will accurately reflect the sentiments of the wider population.
