Prince Harry and Meghan Markle scored a major “win” after their appearance in Nottingham on Thursday, a PR expert has claimed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were warmly welcomed to the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in St Ann’s, Nottingham, for a run of three quasi-royal public appearances in the city.
Warm Welcome in Nottingham
Harry and Meghan returned to England in August in a dramatic U-turn six years after leaving the country and the Royal Family for a new life in the US. This morning, the pair went straight to greet the crowds of well-wishers, just like a traditional royal walkabout – smiling, shaking hands, giving hugs and taking selfies with the members of the public.
The Duchess was heard telling one woman in the crowd: “It’s great to be back,” and talking about British topics like the weather. Harry and Meghan were “mobbed” by fans as they left their first engagement and did not hesitate to stop for more hugs and selfies.
PR Expert's Verdict
Now, a PR expert has given their own verdict on Thursday’s engagements – the first joint appearance of the Sussex couple since 2022, when they attended the late Queen’s funeral. Renae Smith, founder of PR and branding agency The Atticism, told the Daily Express: “My overall take is that this was a quietly well-executed day, and I would go as far as saying it is the most strategically sound thing they have done since landing back in Britain.”
She said Nottingham was a “clever” choice that works for the couple, as the relationship is “real” and “real is the best they can do on all fronts.” Ms Smith said: “If I were on their team, I would take it as a win… Point Harry and Meghan! “Would I be happy if I were working for them? With the day itself, yes, very. “This is almost exactly the playbook I would have written. Come back quietly, go where you have real roots, do the work, keep the soundbites short and free of grievance and avoid any “it’s all about me” sentiment.”
Private Citizens
The high-profile events are not official royal engagements – with a letter to Government stakeholders, authorised by the King last month, clarifying that the Sussexes remain “private citizens” – they appeared to bear all the hallmarks of such engagements. Harry and Meghan were being protected by their private security team during the events, and did not enjoy the benefit of the police convoys assigned to senior working royals.
