Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly focusing on enhancing their philanthropic image following a recent setback. According to royal commentator Gareth Russell, who spoke exclusively to GB News, the couple’s recent international engagements are part of a strategy to pivot public perception and reinforce their charitable commitments.
The Sussexes have just returned to the United States from Colombia, marking their second quasi-royal tour in three months. Russell suggests that these visits, which come amid a period of recalibration for the couple, are a direct response to what he describes as a “catalyst” between 2021 and 2022 when public sentiment shifted due to “oversaturation” of their media presence. He noted that their frequent interviews, a Netflix special, and Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, all contributed to this overexposure. The timing and content of their Oprah Winfrey interview, especially during Prince Philip’s illness and in the wake of family funerals, also drew criticism.
Russell elaborated, “There was really a point at which they were everywhere you looked. A lot of people felt that the interviews were questionable, whether in terms of content, timing, or frequency.” He believes the couple is now attempting to redirect attention toward more philanthropic efforts, contrasting their earlier focus on personal grievances with the Royal Family.
During their visit to Colombia, the Duchess of Sussex met with Vice President Francia Márquez, who extended the invitation after watching their controversial Netflix documentary. This meeting aligns with the Sussexes’ efforts to rebrand themselves as global advocates, tackling issues beyond their personal narratives.
Russell continued, “People reached a point at which there was almost oversaturation with the Sussexes. Initially, their primary focus seemed to be discussing their family and criticizing how they perceived they had been treated by the Royal Family.” However, the public anticipated a stronger emphasis on charitable work immediately following their departure from royal duties, which, according to Russell, “didn’t happen on the scale people expected.”
The royal commentator further observed that the Sussexes’ recent activities appear to be a calculated move to present a more philanthropic front. “They’re not something the public seemed really interested in,” Russell stated, reflecting on the lukewarm reception to their recent tours compared to the initial explosive coverage of their Oprah interview. He suggests that the couple is now striving to align with the public’s expectations for them to use their platform for broader humanitarian causes rather than personal matters.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to navigate their post-royal life, their recent actions suggest a renewed effort to reshape their public image and prioritize philanthropy. Whether this strategy will successfully resonate with the public remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Harry and Meghan are determined to evolve beyond their royal roots and forge a distinct path forward
