Meghan Markle warned to keep Australia plans “very clear”
Meghan Markle has been urged to keep her messaging “very clear” ahead of an upcoming trip to Australia, with a public relations expert warning that a misjudged tone could risk reinforcing existing criticism. The Duchess of Sussex is expected to visit later this month for several days of private, business and philanthropic engagements, without her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Australian-born PR specialist Ms Renae Smith, founder of The Atticism, told the Daily Express that Meghan should take a more cautious approach and avoid overly promotional messaging, Express reported.
Ms Smith said Prince Harry should continue with his established humanitarian work, but suggested Meghan should make the visit feel “observational rather than promotional” if the aim is to test the Australian market. She added that a retreat-style trip framed too heavily around aspirational branding could create a “tone risk”, arguing that Australians are quick to spot what they view as manufactured messaging.
The comments come as the Sussexes continue to balance commercial ventures with philanthropic projects, following warnings over the couple’s Netflix polo project in earlier coverage.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last visited Australia in 2018 during their official royal tour of the South Pacific, a trip that included public walkabouts and ceremonial events. Their representatives have indicated this month’s itinerary will be markedly different, with a focus on private and business engagements alongside charitable work.
