After stepping back from royal life in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to Montecito, California, seeking privacy and independence. But the transition hasn’t been simple. According to Edward Coram James, a seasoned PR expert and founder of GoUp, the couple’s situation highlights a clash between royal image and celebrity branding.

Royal PR vs. Celebrity PR: Two Worlds Collide

“Royal PR is rooted in tradition, quiet dignity, and a sense of service. It’s not about going viral,” James explained. “On the other hand, celebrity PR relies heavily on personality, visibility, and emotional appeal. You’re constantly promoting yourself, not just a cause or message.”

Projects, Products, and Public Perception

This year, Meghan Markle returned to the public stage with a range of new ventures, including her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the lifestyle brand As Ever, and a fresh podcast titled Confessions of a Female Founder. While these efforts signal a strong push toward celebrity status, critics believe the shift has only intensified their biggest, messiest PR challenge.

A Brand in Limbo: Neither Fully Royal Nor Fully Celebrities

“That’s where, in my opinion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hit turbulence,” James noted. “They left royal duties but haven’t entirely left the royal brand behind. They exist in this grey space — not fully royals, not fully celebrities — and that makes for a messy PR narrative.”

The Oprah Interview and the Image Shift

Experts point to the 2021 Oprah interview as a turning point — a shift from duty and tradition to personal storytelling. “It was a defining moment,” said James. “But when your public image keeps evolving, audiences may struggle to connect with the authentic you. That inconsistency only adds to the biggest, messiest PR puzzle.”

Archewell Foundation: Their PR Lifeline

Despite the chaos, one consistent element remains: their commitment to the Archewell Foundation. James emphasized, “Focusing on Archewell gives Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a sense of mission and impact. It’s their strongest play in building a sustainable, respectable brand.”

Holding Onto Titles While Chasing Reinvention

Though they’ve moved to Hollywood, the couple still uses royal titles in private life. “That hints at an ongoing internal conflict,” James explained. “They wanted a clean break, but part of them still clings to that royal shine — which makes this their biggest, messiest PR hurdle yet.”

Conclusion: The Battle Between Image and Identity

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are walking a fine line, balancing fame, family legacy, and media scrutiny. As their biggest, messiest PR chapter continues to unfold, the world watches closely to see whether they’ll emerge with a clear identity or remain stuck in the complicated in-between.

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