Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been slammed for making one “very petty” move ahead of a major decision that’s left one expert questioning their timing.
Having been vocal advocates on numerous issues since their departure from royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are normally front and centre when it comes to supporting causes close to their hearts.
The couple has carved out a new life through partnerships with Netflix and Spotify, creating quite a stir with their content. Yet, they have recently taken a step back from the spotlight, with no key statements coming from them.
Bronte Coy, a journalist for News.com.au who featured on the Sun’s Royal Exclusive programme, suggests that this muted approach could be intentional.
She said: “I do think it is very deliberate that they didn’t say or release anything, really. Because these things have been in the diary for so long – The King’s tour [of Australia] and William’s homelessness project.”
Coy also speculated on potential PR missteps from the Sussex camp: “The optics are so bad, where there’s been a couple of announcements that have coincided with things like Kate’s finishing up her chemotherapy video.
“[I] think there was an announcement that day from the Sussexes. Even if it is not deliberate from them that they’ve been released at the same time, the optics are that it’s quite petty.”
Coy noted that such events were “really well publicised” and suggested that Harry and Meghan would have surely been cognisant of these occasions, possibly avoiding certain dates before releasing any significant news.
This comes on the heels of revelations that the Royal pair seem to be “going their separate ways” in terms of business.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have increasingly been taking on solo ventures recently as they try to carve out their distinct personal brands.
For Harry, his attention has been dedicated to his charity work, whereas Meghan has retreated from the spotlight somewhat to focus on the growth of her lifestyle bran, American Riviera Orchard.
This venture appears set for a boost, tied in with an upcoming Netflix series scheduled for next year.
Harry recently visited the UK for the WellChild awards, travelled to Africa to witness the progress of HIV charity Sentebale, made appearances at a UN assembly in New York as well as addressing a NATO conference regarding the Invictus Games.
