When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive in the UK this month, they will be reentering a country that has been discussing them from a distance for six years. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in Britain in September, and reports suggest that the couple will reside privately outside London for an extended period while maintaining their non-working royal status.
There is speculation surrounding the couple’s return. After facing challenges with the British press, which played a role in their move to California, some wonder if the tabloids’ interest in them will diminish this time. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, highlighted the polarized portrayal of Harry and Meghan in the media, noting the tendency for certain segments of the press to engage in personal attacks and sensationalism.
The initial coverage of Meghan included derogatory headlines from outlets like the Daily Mail and The Sun, indicating the negative tone of media reports. An analysis by The Guardian revealed a significant disparity in the coverage of Meghan compared to Kate Middleton, with Meghan receiving a higher proportion of negative articles.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan expects heightened interest in the couple’s return to the UK, describing it as a return to the “lion’s den.” She believes that Harry and Meghan are better prepared this time and understand the challenges they may face.
Barnett noted that the British public’s focus may have shifted to other ongoing events, diverting attention from the couple’s return. He also mentioned the recent legal setback in privacy lawsuits involving Prince Harry and the Daily Mail, suggesting it could lead to further negative coverage.
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan comes amid scrutiny of the British media following the death of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor who faced intense media attention before his passing. Some have drawn parallels between the treatment of Arday and Meghan, highlighting issues of privacy invasion and unfair scrutiny faced by public figures.
Arday’s death has sparked discussions about race, diversity, and media representation in Britain. Marcus Ryder, a media diversity advocate, emphasized the lack of diversity in the British media and how it impacts the portrayal and treatment of Black individuals.
Ryder connected the narratives surrounding Arday’s rise and fall to the broader societal issues of racial bias and systemic inequalities. He sees Meghan’s presence in the royal family as a reflection of these contradictions in British society.
As Harry and Meghan transition to their new non-royal life, having resided in California for six years, much of the drama surrounding their departure has been extensively covered. Ryder hopes that media coverage of the couple will reflect the positive sentiments many, especially Black women, hold towards Meghan Markle.