When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come back to the UK this month, they will be re-entering a country that has been discussing them from a distance for six years. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to start school in the UK in September, and reports suggest that the couple will reside privately outside London for an extended period while maintaining their non-working royal status.
There are already numerous speculations about their return. Given their past strained relationship with the British press, which played a role in their move to California, there is curiosity about whether the tabloids’ interest in the couple will diminish this time around. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, noted the polarized portrayal of Harry and Meghan in the British media, with some outlets engaging in personal attacks and witch hunts.
The media’s treatment of the couple has been scrutinized, with Meghan receiving significantly more negative coverage compared to Kate Middleton, as revealed in a Guardian analysis. As Harry and Meghan prepare to return to the UK, royal commentator Afua Hagan believes that public interest will intensify. She mentioned that while the couple is entering a challenging environment, they are better equipped this time to handle the scrutiny.
The UK media landscape is also facing scrutiny following the recent death of Jason Arday, a Cambridge professor. His death has sparked a debate on media ethics and the treatment of public figures, particularly those from minority backgrounds. Some have drawn parallels between the negative coverage of Meghan and the intense scrutiny faced by Arday.
The lack of diversity in the British media has been highlighted as a contributing factor to the unfair treatment of individuals from minority backgrounds. Marcus Ryder, a media diversity advocate, emphasized the need for more diverse representation in the media to prevent biases and unfair portrayals.
As Harry and Meghan transition into their new roles as non-working royals, having spent the last six years in California, the ongoing media coverage may reflect varying perspectives. Ryder hopes that the reporting on Meghan will encompass the positive sentiments expressed by a significant portion of the population, especially among Black women.
The couple’s return to the UK amid evolving media dynamics and societal discussions signals a pivotal moment for both them and the British media landscape.