Shift in Strategy: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Reframe their Public Image, Royal Insiders Share
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly embracing a new approach to sustain public intrigue.
A recent conversation between Jeremy Kyle, former BBC journalist Michael Cole, and royal correspondent Rupert Bell on TalkTV delved into the alleged changes in the Sussexes' tactics. A report from The Sun, citing an anonymous source, suggested the royal couple intends to forego further interviews, tell-all books, and documentaries.
Kyle expressed skepticism regarding the Sussexes' silence, considering it more of a calculated move amid their perceived public relations woes. Cole supported Kyle's sentiments, stating, "Your assumptions hold weight, Jeremy. Harry and Meghan remain the same. What's evolved, however, are their methods. They have decided, or it's been decided on their behalf, to cease belittling and undermining the monarchy. This shift can be traced back to the powerhouse talent agency, WME, which now represents the Sussexes."
This April, WME disclosed their partnership with Markle, with the intention of fostering her various endeavors, including film, TV production, and other business pursuits. This announcement did not include Prince Harry.
Cole inferred that WME might have advised the royal couple to limit the personal disclosures, considering public fatigue towards such revelations. This suggestion came on the heels of the Sussexes' Netflix docuseries released in December and Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," published in January, which was accompanied by several revealing interviews.
"What I understand from WME's engagement with them is that there will be new content produced for Netflix. The focus will be on presenting compelling narratives, possibly fact-based, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and engrossing stories," explained Cole.
Bell, on the other hand, suggested the couple might have become aware of the public's lackluster reception towards their documentary and Prince Harry's memoir. He pointed out, "I believe they've acknowledged the adverse feedback to the Netflix documentary. Despite its substantial viewership, the consensus was largely critical."
He further commented, "His book shed light on his struggles, but people have dismissed it as mundane. There's a limit to how much you can do."
Bell hinted that the Sussexes' upfront approach has led to current challenges as they map out their future.
The assertions made on TalkTV could not be independently confirmed by International Business Times.
However, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield suggested the pair are far from retiring from the spotlight. She expressed to Fox News Digital, "Harry's past is far from fully explored. Prince Harry even admitted to The Telegraph that he withheld certain disclosures in 'Spare' to safeguard his father and brother. These comments were immediately perceived as a potential warning of more revelations to come."