It’s no secret that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been making some pretty bold moves lately to reshape their public image. They seem to be going for a “divide and conquer” approach, creating space and focusing on their own independent projects. It’s all very apparent—maybe even a bit too apparent. But from a PR perspective, here are my top five recommendations for Meghan to effectively tackle their image issues.
1. Revamp Her Styling
Meghan really needs to reconsider her wardrobe choices. Often, she appears overdressed for events, piling on the jewelry or presenting herself in a polished manner that doesn’t quite fit the occasion. This creates a disconnect, especially in professional settings, and it leaves the public feeling confused. For example, wearing a red, spaghetti strap, flamenco-style dress to a panel on empowering women in business is simply out of sync.
Take Invictus for instance—she’s shown up inappropriately dressed for a sporting event in the past. High heels and designer clothes can come off as pretentious, making it seem like she’s more focused on her appearance than the actual event. My advice? Opt for plain, basic outfits like straight-leg mom jeans with no visible brands, paired with sneakers and Invictus merchandise. By wearing gear that represents the event, she can shift the focus away from her appearance and emphasize her support for Invictus instead.
Additionally, she should step back from being the center of attention. Instead of giving speeches, she could volunteer or hand out care packages, blending in and showing genuine support rather than trying to shine in the spotlight.
2. Change Up the Hair
A new hairstyle can be a game-changer for anyone, but especially for a public figure like Meghan. It signals a fresh start and can drastically alter her image. I’ve suggested before that a sleek, collarbone-length lob would look fantastic on her. The long, voluminous hair she often sports tends to overwhelm her features, whereas a simpler cut would create a more flattering balance. It would also be easier to manage!
3. Keep Jewelry Minimal
When Meghan shows up wearing excessive jewelry, it often reads as flaunting wealth, which can be inappropriate for daytime events. I recommend she reserve her more extravagant pieces for evening occasions. During the day, she could stick to her wedding ring and opt for simpler, affordable earrings. This strategy is something Catherine, the Princess of Wales, does effectively, incorporating fun, accessible jewelry into her outfits without losing her style. Meghan could even support women-owned businesses by selecting affordable pieces that align with her values, creating a more relatable image.
4. Stop the Self-References
Every time Meghan is asked a question, she tends to steer it back to her personal experiences. While sharing anecdotes can personalize her message, it’s become a pattern that feels self-indulgent. This habit leaves the public with the impression that she lacks depth in her understanding of various topics. Instead, Meghan should focus on the event or subject at hand. For instance, if asked about her children during an Invictus event, she could share how rewarding it is to see kids at the event, instead of making it about her family.
5. Get Involved with Local Youth Organizations
Finally, I highly recommend that Meghan and Harry engage with a local youth organization where they can make a tangible difference. Whether it’s participating in environmental cleanups or helping to establish youth centers, this kind of involvement would significantly improve their public image. Showing up in person to mentor and support underprivileged youth conveys sincerity and commitment—qualities that resonate well with the public.
The key here is to do this work quietly without heavy publicity, making it clear that they are genuinely invested in their communities. Imagine if they had sponsored a group of underprivileged kids to visit an art exhibit instead of just attending a gala; that would have demonstrated real commitment to their values and made a more positive impact.
An Additional Thought
Now, I have one last recommendation that I didn’t include in the top five because I’m not sure they’d ever take it seriously. If I had to prioritize one thing for them to do, it would be to apologize for discussing private family matters. Acknowledging that their past behavior was wrong would show growth. They could even frame it as a lesson learned during a challenging time in their lives, suggesting that mental health struggles clouded their judgment.
While I believe a full, heartfelt apology would be the best approach, I’m not convinced that Harry and Meghan would ever go that route. However, softening the message to emphasize personal growth could potentially be more palatable for them.
