HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS

The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games

- Judy Kean

To onlookers, it appeared awkward at best, rude at worst. When Meghan, Duchess of Sussex asked a woman to move away from her husband Prince Harry as a photo was about to be taken following a polo prizegiving, people watching thought it was rather highhanded of the duchess to be issuing instructions.

Royal experts say that Meghan’s request to the woman to move to another spot in the photo line-up was more about rearranging the order to her liking than jealousy, but shows her controlling nature and how determined the Sussexes are to call the shots when it comes to their public relations opportunities.

The couple are acting on advice from PR gurus to carefully stage-manage the way they appear in public, say the experts.

This not only includes making sure photos are to their liking, but not allowing events they’re attending to be livestreamed when they’re speaking. Harry was recently one of the guest speakers at a seminar held by San Francisco life coaching firm BetterUp – where he is the chief impact officer – but did not appear in the livestream or any video clips later released.

Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole says Harry and Meghan know their popularity has plummeted in both the UK and the US, and are determined to curate their appearances at events to avoid criticism, as well as any unexpected confrontations.

“It’s obvious that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are well aware of the disapproval, hostility and contempt they have incurred among many people by their words and actions since they left Britain,” says Michael. “They clearly do not wish to take any risks of a confrontation they cannot control, let alone stop.