Prince Harry has been praised for “restoring his image” after a controversial few years, as he carried out official visits solo in Canada.
The Duke of Sussex embarked on a media tour across Canada last week to promote the upcoming winter Invictus Games for injured veterans, which will be held in Vancouver in February.
Public relations expert Riley Gardiner told the Daily Express that his solo appearances, which included attending a football game in Vancouver, allowed all focus to be on the organisations.
Gardiner said: “It’s a smart move for Prince Harry to promote the Invictus Games on his own this year – it means the spotlight can stay on the games and away from every little thing Meghan does.
“He’s showing respect for the athletes and the cause without any distractions.”
The expert said Harry is “winning back trust” as a philanthropist by focusing on causes that matter after his revealing book and controversial Netflix series.
Gardiner added: “I think his confidence comes across as real, which is key to winning back trust and restoring his image after some tough moments.
“It feels like a well-thought-out brand launch mixing meaningful engagements with unexpected public appearances.”
Harry spent almost a fortnight apart from Meghan last month to attend UN Climate Week in New York, and charitable events in Africa.
The Sussexes reportedly opted to separate their professional lives following their tour of Colombia in August.
They completed a four-day visit after an invitation from the country’s Vice President Francia Marquez, but faced criticism for accepting due to the reported security costs.
Harry helped set up Invictus in 2014 as an Olympics-style international sporting event for injured and wounded service men and women across the globe.
Despite professionally flying solo for now, it appears the Sussexes are happier than ever at their Montecito home, with Meghan Markle admitting “every year it gets better”, while talking about her children growing up and spending time together as a family during the festive season.
