When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come back to the United Kingdom this month, they will be reentering 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 reports suggest that the couple will reside privately outside London for an extended period while maintaining their non-working royal status.
As they prepare to return, questions arise regarding the level of media attention the couple will attract this time around. Despite facing intense scrutiny from the British press in the past, there is speculation about whether the tabloids’ interest in Harry and Meghan will wane upon their return.
The couple’s previous experiences with negative media coverage, including sensational headlines and personal attacks, have raised concerns about the impact of the press on their lives. An analysis of media coverage revealed a significant disparity in the treatment of Meghan compared to other royals, with a higher proportion of negative articles directed at her.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan anticipates heightened interest in the couple’s return to the UK, describing it as a return to the “lion’s den.” However, she believes that Harry and Meghan are better equipped to handle the media scrutiny this time around, having learned from their previous encounters with the press.
With the British public potentially preoccupied by other ongoing events and issues, such as political tensions and environmental challenges, the focus on Harry and Meghan may not be as intense as before. Nonetheless, recent legal battles involving Prince Harry and the media could reignite negative press coverage upon their return.
The timing of Harry and Meghan’s comeback coincides with a broader debate on media ethics following the tragic death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday. The intense media scrutiny surrounding Arday’s story has drawn parallels to the treatment of Meghan, highlighting concerns about the media’s treatment of public figures, particularly those from minority backgrounds.
Amid discussions on diversity and inclusion in the media, there is growing recognition of the need for balanced and fair coverage of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The coverage of Harry and Meghan’s return is expected to reflect varying perspectives, including the positive sentiments of many, especially Black women, towards Meghan Markle.
As the couple transitions into a non-royal lifestyle and settles back in the UK after living in California for six years, the media landscape may offer a different narrative compared to their earlier experiences. The hope is that the coverage will capture the genuine support and positivity that a significant portion of the population, particularly Black women, holds for Meghan Markle.