Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent UK visit has been described as one of the couple’s most successful public appearances in years. However, a public relations expert believes one well-received trip will not be enough to repair their reputation.
Renae Smith, founder of PR and branding agency The Atticism, told the Daily Express that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex must now demonstrate consistency if they want to build on the positive response.
“Reputations are rebuilt through repeated behaviour over long periods of time, not one well-managed visit,” she said.
According to Smith, consistency has long been the biggest challenge for Harry and Meghan. She noted that whenever public tension appears to ease, another development often places the couple back at the centre of controversy or produces conflicting headlines.
Smith acknowledged that the UK visit was successful from a public relations perspective. However, she said the more important question is whether the Sussexes can maintain the same approach in the future.
“The real question isn’t whether this trip was successful because, from a PR perspective, yes, it was,” she explained. “It’s whether they can repeat this approach another ten times.”
Her comments suggest the couple’s next moves will be closely watched, particularly by members of the royal household who may remain cautious about whether the apparent change in tone will last.
For Harry and Meghan, the trip may represent a positive step, but rebuilding public confidence is likely to require time, restraint and a consistent message.
