Harry and Meghan’s Return to the UK: PR Implications and Future Prospects

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s choice to move back to the United Kingdom could impact their Hollywood opportunities, as a PR specialist shared with Newsweek. Eric Schiffer, Chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, stated, “This is the kiss of death to stardom in America for both of them. They got beaten like a rented mule during this process.” Despite their return at the end of August, their home in Montecito, California remains unsold, leading to speculation about the permanence of their move.

Considerations

Harry and Meghan have several Netflix projects ongoing, including adaptations of Carley Fortune’s romance novel ‘Meet Me at the Lake’ and Major Adam Jowett’s Afghanistan War memoir ‘No Way Out.’ It is uncertain if they will continue pursuing film and TV projects in the U.S., as financial considerations may play a role in sustaining their lifestyle. A shift in location could alter Hollywood’s perception of them.

Self-Inflicted Challenges

Upon moving to the U.S., Harry and Meghan secured multi-year Netflix and Spotify contracts and launched the Archewell Foundation, now Archewell Philanthropies. However, recent years presented difficulties. Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare’, faced ridicule, including controversial passages. Their Spotify partnership dissolved in June after a single podcast series from Meghan, prompting an executive to label them as “f****** grifters.” Additionally, Meghan’s TV show, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ received negative reviews and failed to achieve high rankings on Netflix.

Schiffer comments, “This was cemented with their retreat back to Britain. They became in part the enemy of the people through self-inflicted wounds. There was devastating incompetence in navigating their own march to stardom in the U.S., and the death rattle really began with Harry’s book.”

Returning Home: Implications and Opportunities

The couple’s future in the UK is uncertain, as they have not confirmed a permanent move. Speculation arises around Meghan’s potential return to acting—a recent rumor involved the Netflix series ‘The Gentleman.’ Schiffer predicts, “She may try to go back to acting, but the chance of stardom in the United States is dead.” He suggests they focus on philanthropy where they have historically thrived.

Harry’s Upcoming Charity Engagements

Following their return, Harry plans several charity events in September. Highlights include attending the Invictus Spirit Awards and participating in the launch of the INSPIRE education initiative. He will also attend the WellChild Awards in London, a charity he has supported since 2007, where he’ll meet award recipients and deliver remarks.