Royal PR Showdown: Meghan vs. Denmark's New Strategy
THE ROYAL RUMBLE: A Tale of Two PR Strategies
In a shocking turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's PR team has been shaken up once again in their lavish California estate of Montecito. Sources close to the couple reveal that they have parted ways with two senior staff members and six other employees as part of a cost-cutting measure. But is this latest move just another chapter in the Sussexes' revolving door policy when it comes to hiring and firing?
Since stepping down as working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have gone through an astonishing 25 staffers, with some departing voluntarily while others were let go. "It's like they're cycling through staff faster than you can say 'Netflix series'," quips a royal insider. But what's behind this revolving door policy?
Enter Meredith Maines, the Sussexes' new Chief Communications Officer (CCO) appointed in February. With a background in corporate PR and talent management, Maines has brought her expertise to the table, signaling a fresh direction for the couple's brand strategy. However, her approach has left many wondering if she's more interested in promoting Meghan's personal brand than navigating the complexities of royal protocol.
Maines' most recent move was hiring a team from Method Communications, an American PR firm that claims to be a "disruptor" in the industry. The reasoning behind this decision? Maines explained it as a strategic choice to adopt a more traditional communications structure, but critics argue it's simply cheaper than employing permanent staff.
But what about the elephant in the room – the Sussexes' notorious animosity towards the press? Maines has made no secret of her disdain for certain outlets and their supposed "clickbait" tactics. In an interview with Us Weekly, she lashed out at publications that perpetuate negative narratives, calling them "motivated by clickbait and systems that make sport out of attacking women."
This bold stance may have endeared Maines to the Sussex Squad, but will it help her win over the hearts and minds of the general public? We're not so sure. After all, criticizing the press while simultaneously promoting Meghan as a business-savvy entrepreneur comes across as tone-deaf at best.
Meanwhile, Meghan has been busy expanding her personal brand with her Netflix series With Love, Meghan and her As Ever lifestyle product line. Her increased public presence outside of traditional media has left some wondering if she's attempting to circumvent the very outlets she's criticizing.
But what about the British royals? Have they taken note of the Sussexes' PR missteps? Not quite – or at least not yet. Take a look at how the Danish royal family is handling their own public relations crisis...
The Danes Do It Better
Just like Harry and Meghan, the Danish royal family faced a PR nightmare when Crown Prince Frederik was photographed on a night out in Madrid with a Mexican socialite. The resulting scandal led to widespread media attention, but instead of going silent, the couple opted for transparency.
Fast forward to early 2025, and Mary and Frederik were ready to shake up their communications team. Enter Nina Munch-Perrin, a seasoned journalist with a reputation for navigating the treacherous waters of royal protocol. As communications manager, Munch-Perrin has brought a welcome dose of expertise to the palace, ensuring that reporting on the Danish royals is more positive and uplifting.
Common themes in recent news coverage include "unity," "love," and "positivity" – a far cry from the sensationalized headlines that plague Harry and Meghan's image. It seems the Danes have learned from their mistakes and are taking a more collaborative approach to managing their public narrative.
A Tale of Two Royal PR Strategies
In conclusion, it's clear that the Sussexes and Danish royal family are worlds apart when it comes to handling PR crises. While Harry and Meghan seem content with disrupting the status quo, Mary and Frederik have opted for a more traditional approach, one that prioritizes transparency and collaboration.
But who's doing it better? We leave it up to you to decide. Will Meredith Maines' bold stance on clickbait culture pay off in the long run, or will the Sussexes' PR woes continue to plague their every move?
As for the Danish royal family, Nina Munch-Perrin's no-nonsense approach has breathed new life into their public image. It's a stark contrast to the drama-filled headlines that surround Harry and Meghan.
So what can we learn from this royal rumble? Perhaps it's time for the Sussexes to take a page out of the Danish playbook – or at least consider a more nuanced approach to PR management.
As one royal insider puts it, "The Danes are doing it right. They're taking control of their narrative and reaping the rewards."
But will Harry and Meghan follow suit? Only time (and possibly a few more high-profile PR blunders) will tell.