Harry and Meghan Urged to Take a Leaf Out of William and Kate’s Playbook to Protect Their Kids
While the two parties might be estranged, taking advice from parents who have been continuously navigating media storms might help the Sussexes as they settle into the UK.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were recently dealt a major security blow after two international photographers working for a European agency were caught stalking Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s school grounds. The incident certainly strengthened their case for state-funded security in the UK, exposing the weaknesses in their protection strategy for the two children. Given the seriousness of the matter, the Sussexes may need to take a cue from experienced royal parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, who have seemingly done a rather remarkable job in protecting their children from media intrusion.
The main difference between the Wales and Sussex kids is the openness with which their global presence has been handled. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis often make public appearances, albeit in controlled settings. However, Archie and Lilibet’s faces have been largely hidden from the public. Whenever Markle posts photos of them, their faces are either covered with emojis or the images are taken from behind. While the practice is to protect them from the media scrutiny, it has also intensified the intrigue around them.
“Part of the problem, it seems to me, is that Harry and Meghan have inadvertently put a price on the value of the first clear photo of their children,” royal expert Jennie Bond wrote for The i-Paper. “That has spawned more curiosity about them – and upped the reward for any pap who can get a face-on shot.”
While the UK media seemingly follows strict protocols about publishing details or pictures of royal children, the same constraints may not apply to international press. As such, Harry and Markle may need to take a page out of William and Kate’s rulebook to keep their kids safe. The Waleses have, for years, managed to negate the value of any “snatched” photos of their children by reasonably introducing them to the world. Royal fans have seen George, Charlotte, and Louis grow up, so “public interest” is “satisfied” enough to create a demand for paparazzi shots.
The Sussexes could follow the same path. “They could help matters by being more open about their new life back in the UK,” Bond mentioned. William and Kate have never kept their kids’ schools a secret and have often dropped hints about including their hobbies, current favorites, or personality traits. The couple also shares annual birthday portraits and videos of their three kids, and the young royals sometimes accompany their parents to public engagements as well. “The paparazzi might well lose interest if the shroud of secrecy were dropped,” the royal expert added.
While the two parties might be estranged, taking advice from parents who have been continuously navigating media storms might help the Sussexes as they settle into the UK.
