When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their way back to the UK this month, they will be re-entering a nation that has been engrossed in discussions about them for the past six years. Reports suggest that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in Britain in September, while the couple plans to reside privately outside of London for an extended period as non-working royals.
There is anticipation surrounding the couple’s return, with speculation on whether the tabloids’ enduring interest in them will diminish this time around. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, highlighted the polarized portrayal of Harry and Meghan in the British press, describing how they were often depicted as villains in a starkly black-and-white manner, with some media outlets engaging in personal attacks.
The media scrutiny faced by the couple was evident in headlines like the Daily Mail’s reference to Meghan’s mother as “(almost) straight outta Compton” and The Sun’s story linking Meghan to a pornographic website. A study by The Guardian revealed a significant disparity in the coverage of Meghan compared to Kate Middleton, with Meghan receiving a much higher proportion of negative articles.
As Harry and Meghan prepare to re-enter the spotlight in the UK, royal commentator Afua Hagan believes they are better equipped to handle the media attention this time. Despite potential challenges, they are approaching the situation with a better understanding of what to expect.
Reflecting on the changing landscape in the UK, Barnett noted that other societal issues now vie for public attention, unlike when Harry and Meghan first lived in the country. However, a recent legal setback suffered by Prince Harry and others in their court battle against the Daily Mail could lead to heightened negative coverage in the media.
The couple’s return coincides with a period of reflection for the British media following the tragic death of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor whose experiences have sparked a debate on media scrutiny and its impact on public figures. Some have drawn parallels between the treatment of Arday and the negative coverage endured by Meghan, highlighting the challenges faced by Black individuals in the public eye.
The discussion around Arday’s story has raised broader questions about race, diversity, and representation in elite institutions. Marcus Ryder, a prominent figure in media diversity, emphasized the need for greater inclusivity in the media to ensure fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background.
As Harry and Meghan re-enter the UK as private citizens, having spent the past six years in California, they face a media landscape that has already extensively covered their departure. Despite the lingering controversies, there is hope that the media coverage will reflect the positive sentiments many, especially Black women, hold towards Meghan Markle.
Ultimately, the couple’s return to the UK marks a significant moment both for them and for the ongoing discussions surrounding media scrutiny, diversity, and representation in British society.
