AFTER stepping back from the Royal Family and moving stateside, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have had a rollercoaster few years.
From their controversial Harry & Meghan Netflix doc to Harry’s bombshell Spare memoir, it hasn’t been all plain-sailing – and their public perception has been affected.
According to data from Statista, just 23 per cent of the British public had a favourable view of Meghan, which is a drop from 55 per cent in October 2019.
Despite ditching royal duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex insist their mission is to “Show Up, Do Good”.
Meanwhile, Meghan has a number of upcoming projects, including her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and her Netflix cooking show.
Branding expert Edward Coram-James, who is Chief Executive Officer of Go Up, said there could be a way to change perception of them in order to achieve their goals.
Here are five steps Meghan could take in order to “win over the public”, according to the expert…
The couple have undertaken a number of joint ventures, including their Archewell foundation and their Netflix docuseries.
However, Edward suggested Meghan should focus on her solo projects for the time being.
He advised: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s public image has become increasingly toxic due to a combination of negative press coverage and woeful PR strategies.
“Rather than attempting to repair their joint reputation, which would be an uphill battle, Meghan should continue building her own legacies without the burden of their shared public image.”
Meghan may be about to launch her homewares brand, but Edward suggested that she should focus on “doing good”.
He advised: “Meghan should really lean into her strengths, like her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to making a difference.
“Her passion for women’s empowerment, education, and social justice fits perfectly with her international relations background and her knack for connecting with people personally.
“In particular, grassroots charity work would offer Meghan a unique opportunity to leverage community influence and grassroots networks.”
Prince Harry’s explosive Spare memoir rocked the boat, particularly due to the critical claims it made about the royal family.
Harry laid into his father for not hugging him after the death of his mother, Diana, the late Princess of Wales.
He also revealed how William disapproved of Harry’s marriage to Meghan and once called her “difficult,” “rude” and “abrasive.”
It has been rumoured that Meghan could follow with a tell-all memoir of her own.
Edward shared how the duchess should consider delaying its release for the time being.
He shared: “I believe it’s crucial for Meghan to carefully consider the timing of her rumoured memoir release.
“Public interest in her has fluctuated over time, with recent trends suggesting a degree of fatigue surrounding her media presence.
“This weariness is likely exacerbated by the constant scrutiny of her personal life.”
While Meghan should put the memoir on pause, the branding expert said she shouldn’t ditch it all together.
He said: “Given this context, it’s imperative that Meghan choose the timing of her memoir carefully.
“Releasing it amidst this fatigue and saturation could risk diminishing its impact and further alienating audiences.
“A strategic release, perhaps after a period of positive public engagement or when media interest in royal matters has shifted, could capture renewed attention and ensure a more favourable reception.
“This approach would allow Meghan to position her memoir as a fresh and compelling narrative rather than simply adding to the noise around the royal family.”
Before she married Harry, Meghan had a successful acting career and is estimated to have had an annual salary at £333,000 when she was in Suits.
And the branding expert says Meghan should try to tap into this solo success once again.
Edward shared: “Before she met Harry, Meghan was a successful TV actress with a great reputation, though not quite a household name.
“By carving out her own identity apart from Harry, she can get back to being seen as the hardworking, successful actress she was before becoming a Duchess.
“Similarly, Harry was incredibly popular before Meghan, and he has the potential to regain public affection.”
