Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Criticized for Ignoring Royal Protocol
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have once again found themselves under scrutiny for their perceived disregard of royal protocol. According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the couple’s timing of their activities often appears to conflict with the royal family's calendar, drawing significant attention and criticism.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, coinciding with the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton's, return to the public spotlight at the Trooping the Colour event. Just hours before this significant royal engagement, Nacho Figueras, a close friend of the Sussexes, posted a photo promoting new products from Meghan Markle’s brand, American Riviera Orchard. This move has been criticized as an attempt to overshadow Middleton's appearance.
"Megan and Harry know perfectly well every single thing they do is monitored by the press," Fitzwilliams remarked to The Sun. "The idea that they would do something on the day of Trooping the Colour is pretty silly. It is a clash of a sort. What was done was just silly."
Fitzwilliams pointed out that Markle’s decision to launch the brand’s new products on such a day was poorly timed. He noted that earlier in March, Markle had sent 50 jars of her strawberry jam to celebrities and influencers, but the response was tepid, with few high-profile endorsements.
"What's so odd is that she did anything on the day of Trooping the Colour at all, it doesn't make any sense," Fitzwilliams added. "The label on the jar said 'two of two'; if she's only going to send two jars out, what on earth is the point? I don't think it's been thought out. This makes no public relations sense. It's ridiculous."
Fitzwilliams went on to claim that Meghan and Harry have consistently shown a lack of concern for royal protocols. They allegedly prioritize their actions without regard for how they might impact the royal family. "The Sussexes have never cared about the royal protocol, that you don't have a diary clash," he stated.
He also suggested that the couple’s public relations consultants would not have advised such a timing, indicating a potential disconnect or disregard for strategic communication. "This makes them objects of mockery," he added.
The incident has fueled ongoing debates about the Sussexes' relationship with the rest of the royal family and their approach to public engagements and media interactions. Critics argue that their actions often appear to undermine the traditions and schedules of the royal family, while supporters might view their independent initiatives as a way to carve out their own path.
Meghan and Harry’s activities are frequently scrutinized, and their decisions are often seen through the lens of their departure from royal duties and their subsequent move to the United States. This recent incident is another chapter in the complex narrative of their public lives, highlighting the ongoing tension between maintaining individual identities and respecting established royal protocols.
In this context, the Sussexes’ every move is closely monitored and analyzed, creating a dynamic where their actions are perpetually compared to the standards and expectations set by the royal family. Whether intentionally or not, their timing and choices continue to spark debate and criticism, reflecting the broader challenges they face in balancing their new roles with their royal heritage.
The broader implications of such actions extend beyond mere public relations missteps. They touch on the deeper issues of loyalty, tradition, and the evolving nature of the royal family in the modern media landscape. As Meghan and Harry navigate their post-royal lives, these incidents serve as reminders of the scrutiny that comes with their unique positions and the high expectations placed upon them by both the public and the media.