Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have recently come under scrutiny for their social media activity following the coronation of King Charles. While some see their posts as a strategic power play, many fans of the royal couple have come out in support of their social media prowess.
News.com.au columnist Daniela Elser has voiced suspicions over the couple's use of professionally-produced photos and videos from the coronation, hinting at a calculated effort to promote themselves. Elser argued that the couple's posts focused more on their own involvement in the event than on the newly-crowned King himself.
"The William and Kate videos are a blatant yet effective self-promoting marketing effort," wrote Elser. "While there are a few shots of His Majesty waving from the Buckingham Palace balcony, he is largely absent from the Wales' carefully-crafted narrative. Their aggressive attempt to promote themselves, even at the expense of the King's big day, reeks of a power move."
Elser further suggested that this could be part of the Duke and Duchess's strategy to bolster their future roles as the next King and Queen of the United Kingdom, a move she finds "understandable." However, she also speculated that the royal couple might not be willing to remain passive understudies in the meantime.
Despite Elser's criticism, many netizens have expressed approval of Prince William and Kate Middleton's social media strategy following the coronation. Several comments even recommended a pay raise for the royal couple's social media manager in light of the engaging content.
"What happened after Charles became King? Finally, William and Kate use social media the best way, and nobody is scared anymore. They steal the show…because we all know they ARE the show," one netizen wrote.
Another said, "The social media manager of this account should have a raise. They have been posting some amazing content lately."
Even Russell Myers, a royal editor at The Mirror, lauded the couple's public relations savvy during his appearance on Today Show Australia. He commended the behind-the-scenes film shared by the royal couple, which offered unique insights into the coronation.
While some may view the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's social media strategy as a power play, it's clear that they have successfully captured the attention of their audience, marking an interesting chapter in the evolving landscape of royal public relations.