According to PR expert Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, the entertainment industry often operates on visibility rather than just talent. Speaking to Fox News Digital, he explained that in Hollywood, maintaining relevance is crucial. When public interest begins to decline, it directly impacts opportunities, partnerships, and long-term deals. Simply put, if the audience’s attention shifts elsewhere, projects are less likely to continue or be renewed.
Eldridge believes that the period following the couple’s departure from royal duties—often referred to as “Megxit”—played a key role in shaping public perception. He pointed out that several high-profile decisions, including their interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry’s memoir, and what he described as a recurring narrative centered around personal struggles, may have contributed to a shift in how audiences view them. Over time, this has led to increasingly divided opinions, with some supporters remaining loyal while others have lost interest altogether.
In earlier years, much of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s public identity was closely tied to their roles within the British royal family. Once that connection changed, particularly given the highly public nature of their exit, many people were left uncertain about how to perceive them moving forward. This lack of a clearly defined identity may have further impacted their ability to maintain consistent public engagement.
The expert also noted that the couple’s approach to projects and public appearances has appeared somewhat inconsistent. He described it as trying multiple directions at once without a clearly focused strategy, making it harder to establish a strong, long-term brand.
To illustrate his point, Eldridge compared their approach to a “Swiss Army knife.” While such a tool is useful in short-term or unexpected situations, it is not designed to serve as a permanent solution. In the same way, he suggested that attempting to apply a flexible, all-purpose strategy to long-term brand building may not deliver sustainable results.
He further emphasized that building a lasting public image requires careful planning, consistency, and discipline. Frequent attempts to rebrand, without a clear and steady direction, can dilute a public figure’s identity rather than strengthen it. According to Eldridge, repeated reinventions may give the impression of effort, but without a solid foundation, they risk leading to limited progress.
In conclusion, the expert suggested that despite ongoing efforts, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be struggling to regain the level of influence they once held. In a fast-moving media landscape, maintaining relevance requires not only visibility but also a clear, consistent narrative—something that, in his view, the couple is still working to establish.
