When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come back to the UK this month, they are re-entering a country that has been discussing their lives from afar for six years. Reports suggest that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will start school in Britain in September, and the couple plans to reside privately outside London for an extended period while remaining non-working members of the royal family.
There is curiosity surrounding the couple’s return, especially considering their strained relationship with the British media, which played a role in their move to California. Could the intense interest from tabloids wane this time around? Speculations about the Royals are common in the UK, with Prince Harry and Meghan often portrayed in a polarized manner by certain sections of the press.
The British media faced criticism for its coverage of Meghan, with headlines like “Harry’s girl on Pornhub” and negative articles outweighing positive ones. As they prepare to return, observers anticipate heightened media scrutiny but note that Harry and Meghan are better equipped to handle it this time.
Apart from changes within the couple, the public may be preoccupied with other ongoing narratives, diverting attention from Harry and Meghan. A recent legal setback in privacy lawsuits against the Daily Mail could lead to more negative coverage. The return of the Duke and Duchess also coincides with a period of reflection on media ethics following the death of a Cambridge professor amid intense media scrutiny.
The intertwining of Meghan’s and the late professor’s stories highlights issues of race, diversity, and media representation in Britain. Questions regarding the treatment of Black public figures in the media have surfaced, prompting discussions on diversity and the societal challenges faced by minority individuals.
As Harry and Meghan navigate their non-royal status and life in the UK after years abroad, they may encounter a different media landscape shaped by past events. The hope is that media coverage reflects the positive sentiments many, especially Black women, hold towards Meghan Markle.