When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their way back to the UK this month, they will be returning to a country that has been deeply engrossed in discussions about them for the past six years. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are scheduled 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 status as non-working royals.
There is anticipation surrounding the couple’s return, with questions arising about whether the intense media scrutiny they faced previously will continue. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, highlighted the polarized portrayal of Harry and Meghan in the British press, emphasizing the tendency for personal attacks and sensationalism.
Recent analyses have shown a significant disparity in the coverage of Meghan compared to Kate Middleton, with a higher percentage of negative articles about Meghan. Royal commentator Afua Hagan predicts heightened interest in the couple upon their return, describing it as a return to the “lion’s den” but noting that Harry and Meghan are better prepared this time to navigate the media landscape.
The media landscape in Britain has been under scrutiny following the tragic death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, sparking a debate on the boundaries of journalistic scrutiny and the treatment of public figures. The negative coverage faced by Meghan has been compared to the scrutiny Arday experienced, shedding light on issues of race, diversity, and media representation.
As the couple transitions to a non-working royal status and settles in California after years of media attention and legal battles, observers hope for a more balanced and positive portrayal of Meghan Markle, reflecting the sentiments of a diverse population, especially Black women.
