In a recent piece royal expert Daniela Elser took aim at Prince Harry, expressing her concern about the public’s perception of the Duke of Sussex. Elser’s article delved into the fallout following Harry and Meghan’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey and its impact on their reputation.
Elser suggests that the much-discussed Oprah interview may not have been the strategic move the Sussexes intended. Instead, she views it as a missed opportunity, claiming that the couple gave away their most valuable asset – their story – for free.
One of the main concerns highlighted in the article was the potential frustration it caused among executives at Netflix and Spotify. Elser argues that the world already knew the major plot points and sensational claims from the interview before the release of the Sussexes’ documentary and Harry’s book. This, she believes, undermined the value of their paid content.
Furthermore, the subsequent outings of the couple, like the Armchair Expert podcast, The Me You Can’t See, Harry & Meghan, and Spare, all covered similar themes. This repetition led to the Sussex brand being perceived as associated with negativity and a propensity to complain.
Elser’s concern is that the public has become familiar with the Sussexes’ narrative, leaving little room for novelty or surprise when their paid content started rolling out in 2022. The world already knew their experiences, claims of royal indifference, unconscious bias, leaking, and allegations of preferential treatment for Team Heir.
This article highlights the challenges the Sussexes face in managing their public image and underscores the importance of strategic planning when sharing their story with the world. As they navigate the delicate balance between their private lives and their public role, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex must carefully consider their approach to communication and ensure that their message aligns with their long-term goals.
