PR Expert Criticises Harry and Meghan Statement
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been criticised by a public relations expert after issuing a lengthy statement pushing back against claims made in a forthcoming book by royal author Mr Tom Bower. The comments focus on how the couple’s response may have shaped the wider conversation after extracts from the book were published.
In an exclusive report, Express said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a “lengthy and fiery” statement last weekend dismissing a series of allegations linked to Mr Bower’s new book, parts of which were serialised by The Times magazine.
According to the outlet, Ms Renae Smith, founder and director of Atticism, argued that the level of detail in the statement was “part of the problem” and suggested that, where claims are considered absurd, a shorter response—or no response—can be more effective. She said the Sussexes’ approach made them look “deeply bothered” and risked shifting attention away from the book itself and on to why the claims appeared to have upset them.
The couple’s statement, issued through a spokesperson, included a strongly worded critique of Mr Bower and described his work as crossing “the line from criticism into fixation”. The response also referenced remarks attributed to the author about the monarchy and the Sussexes, and said those “interested in facts will look elsewhere”.
The exchange follows the Sussexes’ earlier rebuttal, when they hit back at Tom Bower over what they called ‘deranged conspiracy’ claims, as scrutiny continues around the impact of high-profile royal publishing on their public image.
While debates continue over the merits of addressing claims directly, the latest criticism underlines how public statements can become part of the story, influencing both media coverage and public perception in the days that follow.
