PR expert Mark Borkowski has warned that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's return to the UK could backfire if they fail to adopt a new approach to their public lives. Borkowski, a crisis and public relations expert, described the couple's announcement as "extraordinary" and suggested the royal family would resist their reintegration.
PR Expert Warns of Repeating Past Mistakes
Borkowski told the Press Association that if the couple rely on their previous tactics, it could lead to disruption. "If we're going to see the typical Harry and Meghan three-ring circus, then we know what happens when that is played out," he said. "That leads to massive disruption, and ultimately if they're going to use the same tools in the same way – they've got to come up with a different play and a different script – that's just repeating the sins of the past." He added: "If they're bringing that whole spin machine with them, then it is going to backfire."
Royal Family Expected to Resist Reintegration
The couple, who have already enrolled their children in British schools starting in September, are set to remain private individuals and non-working members of the royal family upon their return, six years after the Megxit crisis. Borkowski said the Windsors would want to keep the Sussexes outside the monarchy. "The royal family will push against this big time. They will not want them back in the camp," he said. "They've got to do this by themselves. I don't believe this is reconciliation with the royal household at all."
He noted that it was natural for Harry to want to see his father, the King, who is living with cancer and still undergoing treatment, and to ensure his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have a relationship with their grandfather. The King, who was only told of the decision to return on Sunday, is said to be glad to spend more time with the Sussexes but remains adamant they will not be working royals, with no half-in, half-out option.
Brothers' Rift and Public Sentiment
Borkowski suggested the gulf between estranged brothers Harry and the Prince of Wales would be challenging to fix. "From people I've spoken to who do know something about it, that's a very wide chasm. I think William will be rattled," he said. "It's disruptive having the Cain and Abel story, isn't it? You've got the errant brother back again and that's not going to be easy for William, particularly if Harry whips up a huge amount of support."
He said the public may still retain a "soft spot" for Harry, who could be "fantastic" for many different charities. Borkowski also praised Meghan for giving up her life in California for the sake of her children and her marriage. "She's giving up her life to be back in the UK. She has always been seen as that pantomime villain in some ways, but it's not her culture that she's coming to so it's a massive sacrifice for the family and the kids to be here, away from what she knows, to be thrown into a very critical world of her," he said. "So big respect to her for doing that for the sake of the kids, I assume, and also the sake of the marriage."
Meghan is expected to run her lifestyle brand As Ever from the UK, but it is not yet known whether she will begin undertaking charity visits as a non-working royal or embark on other ventures.
