When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their way back to the UK this month, they will be reentering a country that has been discussing them from a distance for the past six years. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in the UK in September. Reports suggest that the couple will live privately outside London for an extended period, maintaining their status as non-working royals.
Questions have arisen about the couple’s return, especially considering their strained relationship with the British press, which played a role in their move to California. Will the tabloids’ interest in the couple diminish this time around? According to Steven Barnett, a communication professor at the University of Westminster, the British press has often portrayed Harry and Meghan in a polarizing manner, with some elements engaging in personal attacks.
Coverage of Meghan included headlines like the Daily Mail’s reference to her mother as “(almost) straight outta Compton” and The Sun’s article about her appearing on a pornographic website. An analysis by The Guardian revealed a significantly higher percentage of negative coverage about Meghan compared to Kate Middleton. Royal commentator Afua Hagan anticipates increased interest in the couple’s return to the UK, describing it as them walking back into the “lion’s den” but being better prepared this time.
Besides the evolving dynamics of the couple, Barnett notes that other ongoing events might be occupying the British public’s attention. The recent privacy lawsuit loss suffered by Prince Harry and others against the Daily Mail could potentially lead to more 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 death of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor. Arday’s passing has sparked debates about media scrutiny and its treatment of public figures, particularly those from minority backgrounds. The intense coverage around Arday’s resignation and allegations has drawn parallels to the negative press Meghan received.
The lack of diversity in British media has been highlighted in discussions surrounding Arday’s death and Meghan’s experiences as a Black public figure. Marcus Ryder emphasizes the need for more diversity in media to allow individuals, regardless of their background, to succeed or fail without being part of broader narratives about race and privilege.
As the couple transitions to non-working royals after residing in California for six years, much of the drama surrounding their departure has been extensively covered. Ryder hopes that the media coverage reflects the positive sentiments many, especially Black women, hold towards Meghan Markle.