The media frenzy surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry seems to be fading, at least from the perspective of U.S. paparazzi. Veteran Los Angeles-based photographer Mark Karloff recently shared his insights with Techreport via The Post, revealing that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer the “hot-ticket” subjects they once were.
Initial Scramble for Their Attention
When Meghan and Harry first moved to California in 2020, the paparazzi were in a frenzy, eager to capture every moment of the couple’s new life. Karloff explains, “When Harry and Meghan first came here, it was a mad scramble. Every photographer in LA was trying to figure out where they were staying, where they were going, and what they were doing.” The search for the couple became a major focus for the media.
Staged Photo-Ops and Frustration Among Photographers
Karloff also highlighted that the couple initially staged what he described as “mock photo-ops” to manage their public image, which left many photographers feeling frustrated. “They were doing setups; they would pop up and be doing some charity work, and I think it was their photographers,” Karloff noted. This added to the growing sense of disillusionment among the paparazzi, as many felt the images captured weren’t genuine.
Why the Interest Has Faded
Though Karloff admits to capturing a few images of Harry and Meghan during events in their early days in California, he soon backed off from chasing the couple’s every move. “The craziness of that kind of photo, I stay away from that because it’s not exclusive, and they don’t make as much money,” Karloff said.
According to Karloff, public interest in the couple has significantly diminished. “In the U.S., and in my experience, the interest has died down a lot. Now they aren’t worth the hassle, and the payday isn’t the same,” he stated. He went on to explain that the couple’s desire for control, particularly Meghan’s, has made it difficult for photographers to secure the kind of exclusive shots they once did.
The Decline of Harry and Meghan’s Media Frenzy
The decline in media interest may indicate a shift in how the public perceives the couple. While Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties caused a media storm, their move to California and subsequent efforts to maintain control over their image seem to have contributed to a more measured response from both the media and the public.
As the paparazzi move on to new targets, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might be facing a new challenge in maintaining the kind of media presence they once enjoyed.
