PR expert doubts Sussexes Australia comeback
A public relations specialist has questioned whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming trip to Australia will do much to change wider opinion of the couple, despite expectations of a tightly managed programme of engagements. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to spend several days Down Under later this month for what was described as private, business and philanthropic appearances.
Australian PR consultant Ms Renae Smith, founder of The Atticism, said the tour could be deemed successful in a controlled sense, but suggested it was unlikely to deliver a broader reputational reset. Express.co.uk reported that Ms Smith argued a run of curated “smile and wave” events, supportive crowds and strong imagery might meet the couple’s aims, while a “defining comeback moment” felt unrealistic.
Prince Harry and Meghan last visited Australia in 2018 when they were still working members of the Royal Family, an official tour that drew extensive public attention. The new visit is expected to look markedly different, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are not due to travel with them.
The PR comments come as other scrutiny continues around the commercial side of the Sussexes’ appearances, including reports of ticket prices being cut ahead of a separate Prince Harry speaking engagement linked to their wider calendar.
Organisers have yet to outline a full schedule for the Australia engagements, but the visit will be closely watched for how it is received locally and whether it produces the headlines and imagery the couple’s team is seeking.
