Justin Paget/Getty Images
Royal historian Hugo Vickers has delivered a harsh verdict on Meghan Markle’s attempts at rebranding, particularly her efforts to distance herself and go solo like her husband, Prince Harry. In an interview with The Sun, Vickers discussed how Meghan’s approach seems to resonate differently with audiences in the UK and the US.
Vickers noted that while Meghan’s strategies may work in America, they fail to strike the same chord in the UK. He observed, “I don’t think that anything she’s doing at the moment is going to appeal to people in the UK very much.” He also commented on Meghan’s bold fashion choices, like wearing a red dress, which he described as a “power statement,” similar to Princess Diana’s iconic black dress when she attended the Serpentine Gallery. According to Vickers, “Sort of establishing herself as a figure. I think that works better in America than it does over here.”
This criticism comes on the heels of similar remarks by PR expert Ed Coram-James, the CEO of PR firm Go Up. Coram-James also weighed in on the effectiveness of Meghan’s public relations strategies, telling The Mirror that her US-based PR approach may have been one of the key reasons for her struggles internationally. He explained, “The Duchess of Sussex took a US-based attitude to PR. US-based PR can be extremely attack-focused. Go on the offensive against your rivals. Big publicity tours. Reveal-all exposes. Celebrity endorsements.”
He contrasted this aggressive PR style with the more subtle and discreet approach typically seen in the UK, stating, “UK PR tends to be different. Just as visible, but much more discreet. In short: Harry and Meghan took a US-style approach to PR and tried to make it work internationally. And it backfired, spectacularly.” told by The Mirror.
Both Vickers and Coram-James highlight the cultural differences in how public figures are perceived in the US versus the UK. Meghan’s decision to take a more outspoken, media-driven approach seems to have resonated with her American audience, but has been met with skepticism or indifference in the UK. This contrast underscores the challenges she faces in rebranding herself as a global figure, rather than one tied to just one country or region.
As Meghan continues her solo endeavors, both critics suggest that adjusting her strategies to better align with the expectations of UK audiences may be essential if she hopes to restore her image there. Whether or not Meghan will respond to this advice remains to be seen, but her ongoing efforts at rebranding will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized on both sides of the Atlantic.
