Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will soon be returning to the UK, where they will be reentering a country that has been engrossed in discussions about them for six years from a distance. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are scheduled to start school in Britain in September, with reports suggesting that the couple will reside privately outside London for an extended period as non-working members of the royal family.
There is anticipation surrounding the couple’s return, with questions arising about whether the intense media scrutiny they faced in the past will continue. Steven Barnett, a communications professor at the University of Westminster, noted the polarized portrayal of Harry and Meghan in the British press, often depicted in stark contrasts as “the evil, the bad cops.” He highlighted the tendency of certain media outlets to conduct personal attacks and witch hunts.
Reflecting on past negative coverage, a Guardian analysis revealed that Meghan received significantly more negative press compared to Kate Middleton. Despite the challenges they may face upon their return, royal commentator Afua Hagan believes that the couple is better prepared to handle the media scrutiny this time around.
As the couple prepares to return, concerns have been raised about the intense media scrutiny faced by public figures in the UK. The recent death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has sparked a debate on the boundaries of media scrutiny, particularly concerning Black public figures. The media’s treatment of Arday has drawn parallels to the negative coverage that Meghan Markle endured over the years.
The lack of diversity in the British media has come under scrutiny, with Marcus Ryder emphasizing that Black individuals are often denied the freedom to succeed or fail on their own merits. Ryder sees Meghan’s presence as exposing contradictions within British society, particularly in relation to race and privilege.
With the couple transitioning to non-working royal status and having lived in California for the past six years, much of the drama surrounding their departure has been extensively covered. The hope is that media coverage will reflect the positive sentiments that many, especially Black women, hold towards Meghan Markle.