Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been warned by a PR expert ahead of their bombshell return to Britain. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced plans earlier this week to relocate to the UK, six years after leaving for a new life in America.
The couple will live in a non-royal residence outside of London and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools. The move has sparked debate about how the British public will react to the U-turn, given the criticism the Sussexes have levelled at the Royal Family and the institution of the monarchy.
Poll shows low popularity
A YouGov poll last month found that only 22% of Britons see Meghan in a positive light, compared with 65% who hold an unfavourable opinion of the former actress. Meanwhile, 33% see Harry positively and 58% negatively.
Another YouGov poll, carried out the day after the surprise U-turn, showed 33% believe the King's youngest son and the former Suits star should not come back, while 45% do not know. Fewer than a quarter (21%) were in favour of the Sussexes relocating from the US.
Expert warns of 'one chance'
Now a PR expert has warned the couple about how they should approach their low popularity in Britain. Renae Smith, founder of PR and branding agency The Atticism, told the Daily Express: "Is it wise? It can be, but, and this is a big but, she [Meghan] has exactly one chance to get this right."
Smith said: "You cannot dip in and out of Britain the way you can dip in and out of American public life. The UK is a much smaller place, the media here have long memories and they are not forgiving. Her last visit went off without major drama, which was a genuine step forward, but as I have said before, one good trip does not change public opinion. A sustained effort does."
Warning over 'content' approach
Smith added that if the Sussex couple came to Britain and "kept their heads down" without turning their move into a reality show, the public's opinion could shift in the future. However, she warned that if they try to narrate the experience through interviews and documentaries, it would likely have the opposite effect.
She said: "If this becomes content, it is over."
