Harry and Meghan Warned Blending Royalty and Activism Could Harm Brand
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been cautioned that merging their royal heritage with celebrity activism without a cohesive narrative could damage the Sussex brand. In 2024, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched a ‘PR blitz,’ following a brand revamp earlier in the year. They have since embarked on various ventures, including Meghan’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, two new Netflix shows on polo and cooking, and their recent “unofficial royal tour” in Nigeria.
Renae Smith, founder and director of the Atticism, emphasized the critical need for a unified narrative for high-profile brands like Harry and Meghan’s. Speaking to the Express, Smith explained, “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s current strategy of mixing royal gravitas with celebrity activism presents a unique hybrid brand, but it certainly brings challenges alongside its opportunities. The lack of a unified narrative could confuse their audience and potentially weaken their brand impact.”
Smith underlined the importance of consistency in branding. “A clear and consistent message helps build a strong, reliable brand that audiences understand and trust. When the message becomes fragmented, it can lead to audience disengagement,” she said.
Addressing their unofficial royal tours, Smith noted, “These could enhance their image as compassionate, proactive figures on the global stage. However, success depends on producing real, measurable impacts rather than just appearing as high-profile visits.”
Smith concluded that while Harry and Meghan’s diverse initiatives reflect their dynamic interests, they must tie them to a “central mission statement or cause” to maintain brand strength and clarity. “Focusing on fewer, more aligned projects could make their brand narrative stronger and more coherent, achieving more substantial, lasting change in their areas of interest,” she advised.
This warning comes as Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their roles outside the traditional royal framework, balancing their royal background with their ambitions in activism and media. The couple’s ability to effectively communicate their message and mission will be pivotal in sustaining their brand and public influence.