The Prince of Wales has taken a significant strategic step by appointing a specialist crisis manager, a move interpreted as preparation for an intensified period of public scrutiny, including the potential return of his brother, Prince Harry, to the UK.
A Proactive Strategy, Not a Panic Reaction
According to PR expert Mayah Riaz, the hiring of crisis guru Liza Ravenscroft is a calculated and forward-thinking decision by Prince William. It is not a response to a specific incident but rather an effort to safeguard his long-term reputation as he moves closer to the throne. "At this level of public scrutiny, the biggest reputational mistakes usually come from being unprepared, not from the crisis itself," Riaz explained.
The role of a crisis manager is often preventative. It involves stress-testing possible scenarios, identifying potential pressure points before they escalate, and ensuring clear response strategies are in place. For a senior royal like William, this is fundamentally about protecting long-term credibility and public trust.
Timing Coincides with Renewed Family Focus
The timing of the appointment in January 2026 is particularly notable. It comes just weeks before Prince Harry is thought to possibly return to the UK, an event that would inevitably refocus global media attention on the complex dynamics within the Royal Family.
"The timing is telling," Mayah Riaz stated. "With Harry’s visit approaching, it makes sense to have an expert in place who can anticipate media angles, manage briefing strategy, and neutralise misinterpretation before it gains traction."
The monarchy has faced a tumultuous few years, including the cancer diagnoses of both the Princess of Wales and King Charles, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and continued public commentary from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This move is seen as preparing for the risk of "narrative drift," where minor moments or unnamed sources can quickly snowball into damaging stories.
The Expert at the Centre of the Strategy
The newly hired expert, Liza Ravenscroft, describes her work on her LinkedIn profile as dealing with "front page stuff: from boycott campaigns to sexual allegations to serious safety issues." She emphasises a "human-led response" directly to key audiences.
Her professional CV includes significant roles at major corporations like Marriott Hotels and British Airways. She portrays herself as someone who believes in the power of strong relationships "to defend and charm in equal measure."
Ultimately, this decision signals a mature and media-intelligent approach from the future king. "It shows William is thinking several steps ahead and understands that in today’s media climate, reputation is not just about what you do, but how it is framed," concluded Riaz. "Preparation is power, and this is a clear example of that in action."
