Meghan Markle’s public relations moves have become a frequent subject of discussion, with many questioning the direction in which they are headed. US correspondent Samuel Clench shared his thoughts on the matter in a recent article for News.com.au, expressing skepticism about the Sussexes’ ongoing attempts to maintain a presence in the Hollywood elite.
Clench criticized the couple’s lifestyle, describing it as “hobnobbing with the rich and famous, and signing absurdly lucrative media deals, and enjoying the sort of lifestyle most people would find too preposterous to even bother dreaming about, while forever pitching themselves as victims.”
He pointed out the glaring contradiction between their pursuit of fame and their previously stated desire for privacy, adding that “these are all clear, stone-cold, unambiguous PR strikeouts.” Reflecting on their 2024 actions, Clench observed that their attempts to connect with the public have largely failed to resonate.
“Of the royal family – and there have been a great many such stunts, the interview with Oprah chief among them – has endeared them to anyone who was not already predisposed to be sympathetic,” he noted. Clench questioned the ultimate goal of the Sussexes’ endeavors, suggesting, “I suppose it might just be about money, but that’s not the impression you get.”
Clench also drew comparisons between Meghan’s PR efforts and the strategies used by political media teams. He suggested that the Sussexes’ approach resembles that of a political team that lacks a clear vision or cohesive message.
“The Sussex operation really does remind you of a political media team that has no real, coherent idea of what it’s doing or what its message should be,” he explained. Despite the couple’s polished appearance and high-quality media production, Clench argued that the substance of their output leaves much to be desired.
“It’s polished. Goodness, is it polished? Harry and Meghan use only the highest camera quality. They have extremely competent producers. Yet everything they produce is so banal. So empty. So vacuous and pointless. It’s all form with no function; all optics with no substance,” he concluded.
Clench’s critique highlights the ongoing debate about the Sussexes’ public image and their shifting priorities as they navigate their post-royal lives.