When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come back to the UK this month, they will be returning to a nation that has been discussing them from a distance for six years. Their kids, 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 of London for an extended period. They will continue as non-working members of the royal family.
There is anticipation surrounding the couple’s return, with questions arising on whether the British tabloids’ interest in them will diminish this time around. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, noted the polarized portrayal of Harry and Meghan in the media, describing them as either “good cops” or “bad cops,” with some sections of the press engaging in personal attacks.
The scrutiny faced by the couple, particularly Meghan, has been a subject of analysis. A study of media coverage revealed a significantly higher percentage of negative articles about Meghan compared to Kate Middleton. As Harry and Meghan prepare to return to Britain, royal commentator Afua Hagan believes they are better equipped to handle the media attention this time.
The evolving media landscape and the public’s shifting interests may influence how the British press covers the couple’s return. Despite facing challenges in the past, Barnett suggests that other ongoing events could divert public attention away from the couple.
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan coincides with a period of introspection for the British media following the recent passing of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor whose treatment by the press sparked debates on journalistic ethics. The parallels drawn between the media scrutiny faced by Arday and Meghan highlight concerns about racial bias and media diversity in the UK.
Marcus Ryder, an advocate for media diversity, points out the systemic issues in British media that affect Black individuals’ opportunities for success. Arday’s story symbolizes broader debates on diversity and meritocracy within elite institutions, reflecting on Meghan’s own experiences as a Black woman entering the royal family.
As the couple transitions into a non-royal lifestyle and settles in California, much of the past drama surrounding their departure has been extensively covered. Ryder hopes that the media coverage going forward will reflect the positive sentiments held by many, especially Black women, towards Meghan Markle.