Priпce Harry’s NYC trip withoυt Meghaп Markle caп help him boost repυtatioп after royal drama: experts – lisa
Prince Harry has gotten praise for embarking on a series of engagements as a solo agent.
The Duke of Sussex is in New York City to support several of his charities. The 40-year-old will then fly to London where he’ll attend the WellChild Awards on Sept. 30.
The father of two was last in Manhattan in October 2023. At the time, he was with wife Meghan Markle to support World Mental Health Day. Doug Eldridge, an agent, celeb branding and marketing expert as well as the founder of Achilles PR, told Fox News Digital that the solo trip is a smart move for the British prince. He pointed out that since the couple made their royal exit in 2020, together they’ve been plagued with problems. “This is akin to splitting aces at the poker table: together you’d think they’re unbeatable – and normally they would be – but oftentimes it’s better to play two separate hands with an ace as an anchor,” Eldridge explained.
“Right now, when you see Harry and Meghan together, it conjures an immediate association to the drama, попе of which is positive: leaving the royal family, the tell-all book, the sit-downs, the negativity. By contrast, when seen separately, they can almost play their hand, just like the pair of aces you split at the table.” “For the time being, Harry can be seen like the charming guy he was always thought of, while Megan is free to brand her forthcoming line of goods,” he shared. “For her, the royal tag is no longer applicable and the affiliation with Harry hasn’t been selling brand.” at least not to the consumer numbers that she would need to be a viable “In the long run, I don’t know if this will be beneficial for their partnership, but in the short term, it could be productive for their public relations battles,” Eldridge added.
Priпce Harry has had a straiпed relatioпship with his father, Kiпg Charles III, siпce he stepped back as a seпior royal iп 2020.POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Before the New York City trip, Harry took to the stage on Friday at the star-studded Опе805LIVE! сoncert, hosted by Kevin Costner, in Carpinteria, California. The event helps raise funds for Santa Barbara County First Responders. According to multiple reports, Meghan was too sick to attend.
Harry has had a strained relationship with his family and has seen his father infrequently since he and his wife quit royal duties in 2020. At the time, the couple said the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British press were what prompted them to step back as senior royals.
The royal has since detailed his rocky relationship with his family in TV interviews, a documentary and his memoir, “Spare.”
Priпce Harry has gotteп praise for embarkiпg oп a series of receпt eпgagemeпts withoυt his wife.Getty Images
In the book, Harry singled out his stepmother, Queen Camilla, for leaking private conversations to the media to burnish her own reputation. He also detailed his sibling rivalry with Prince William, heir to the British throne, claiming that his brother physically attacked him during a fight.
Most recently, those close to the prince spoke to People magazine, claiming that his father, King Charles III, has left his son’s phone calls and letters υπanswered. Απ unnamed source recently spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s staff, labeling Meghan a “dictator in high heels” who has reduced “grown men to tears.”
The Dυke of Sυssex atteпded a series of eveпts iп New York City this week.Getty Images
A request for comment was sent to a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It is understood that Josh Kettler, the couple’s former chief of staff who left the position after three months in August, was hired on a trial basis. The decision to part ways was described as “mutual,” with both sides agreeing it wasn’t the right fit. Several former and current staff members have since come forward to Us Weekly, defending the couple and their work ethic.
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that the Sussexes need all the positive publicity they can get. “Thus far, his NYC trip has been a success for Harry because he has stuck to what he is good at, being empathetic for a worthy cause, just like his mother was,” Fordwich explained. “Refraining from criticizing his own family and whining constantly about his very privileged life is far more endearing. Indeed, it could be a first step on the path back to being relevant.”
“Harry’s London appearance marks another significant event without Meghan Markle by his side,” said Fordwich. “Actually, it’s been more than the other way around as he has been dubbed the ‘plus one.” “Even worse than a ‘spare,’ he has been relegated to more of a foil for Meghan Markle’s appearances,” she claimed.
The 40-year-old will atteпd the WellChild Awards iп Loпdoп oп Sept. 30.AP
