Meghan Markle could face public embarrassment during her upcoming trip to the UK next week unless she makes a key strategic move, according to a PR expert. The Duchess of Sussex is set to join Prince Harry for a five-day visit marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham, her first time in the country in four years.
Expert Warns of Potential Humiliation
Renae Smith, founder of PR and branding agency The Atticism, told the Daily Express that Meghan has a real opportunity to change public perception if she focuses on supporting her husband rather than seeking the spotlight. "Could Meghan humiliate herself? Absolutely. But equally, she has a real opportunity here to do something we haven't seen very often: simply to support her husband without becoming part of the story," Smith said.
Meghan last visited the UK in September 2022 for Queen Elizabeth's funeral. Since stepping back from royal duties six years ago, she has launched several business ventures, including her lifestyle brand As Ever. Her popularity in the UK remains low, ranking just above Prince Andrew in public opinion polls.
Advice: Adopt the Princess of Wales Approach
Smith advised Meghan to emulate Kate Middleton's style during the trip. "If I were advising her, my advice would be very simple: take the Princess of Wales approach for this trip. Show up, support your husband, be warm, gracious and present, but don't try to own the narrative," she explained.
The expert cautioned against giving speeches or creating separate moments. "Don't give speeches unless absolutely necessary. Don't create separate moments. Don't make yourself the headline. This is Harry's event and Harry's legacy. Let him shine," Smith added.
Opportunity to Build Credibility
Smith noted that this approach could help Meghan demonstrate that the cause comes first. "This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the cause genuinely comes first. If she can do that, I actually think it would be received positively," she said. However, she acknowledged that it won't instantly win over critics. "Not because everyone will suddenly love Meghan, they won't, but because consistency and restraint build credibility over time," Smith concluded.
The trip comes after Harry and Meghan's visit to Australia earlier this year, where the duchess attended events tied to her brand As Ever. The Invictus Games countdown event in Birmingham is expected to draw significant media attention, with Meghan's role under scrutiny.
