Meghan Markle is reportedly gearing up for a complete image overhaul in the UK and is “looking for a new PR expert in Britain”. The Duchess of Sussex has been living in California with husband Prince Harry and their two children since they both stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020.
The move, dubbed ‘Megxit’ saw the Montecito-based royals try to decipher a new life away from the Firm – and so came the launch of high-profile interviews, including that famous sit-down chat with Oprah Winfrey.
Then Harry’s book Spare, released last year, contained a host of bombshell accusations about members of his family, with relations still frosty with him and brother Prince William.
But with Prince Harry recently making a fleeting visit to London to see his father King Charles after a cancer diagnosis, there’s been talks of whether both he, Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet would venture back across the Atlantic.
This latest move, as reported by the Mail, claims the Duchess of Sussex is seeking “professional help to gain positive publicity” for both herself and the Sussexes’ foundation, Archewell.
It has long been tipped that the Sussexes would be relaunching their brand in 2024, after a turbulent 2023 which saw the termination of the Archetypes podcast on Spotify.
The new claims suggest the Sussex couple are looking into branching out their rebrand in Harry’s home country too.
But according to an insider, even though Harry and Meghan see an opportunity emerge following the royal health woes of King Charles and Princess Kate, many PR people are apprehensive about taking them on as they fear they may not listen to their advice.
The source said: “The Royal Family is looking short-staffed and quite elderly.
“The Sussexes have a popularity problem and can see there is an opportunity to step in to fill a vacuum over here with their own work.
“There is also growing noise stateside that Harry would like to carry out duties on behalf of his father again.
They added: “American stars also often expect their PRs to spend their time shouting at people – that’s not going to appeal either in the UK where things are done rather differently.”
Another PR expert agreed and told the publication: “This is a s**t sandwich that many senior PR people will not be willing to eat. Many will turn it down.
“Representing the couple in the UK is a tantalising thought but they don’t have a reputation for listening to advice. What would be the point?”