Last weekend, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave some of the most strikingly candid interviews we've ever seen from members of the British royal family in their documentary, Harry & Meghan: An African Journey.
The documentary, which premiered on the UK on ITV, came amid a string of troubles with the media for the couple. Not only have the Duke and Duchess faced criticism over some of their decisions (particularly surrounding their demands for privacy), but the royal couple are currently suing British tabloids over invasive reporting tactics and inaccurate stories that have been published about them.
So, will Harry and Meghan's documentary help their case against the media? Ronn Torossian, crisis expert and CEO of 5WPR, weighed in.
When it comes to public opinion about the Sussexes, Torossian believes the doc (and Harry and Meghan's deeply honest interviews) hit all the right notes.
"This documentary does a wonderful job of showing the public that while Meghan and Harry are public figures, they are people too," he says. "Between Harry opening up about how he is still affected by his mother’s death every day and Meghan discussing the challenges of being a new mother in the spotlight, the video softened their images and made them more appealing to the everyday person."
When it comes to the couple's relationship with the press—particularly with the British tabloids—Torossian's optimism is decidedly more cautious.
"However, whether this will help change how they are portrayed in the press is a different story," he adds. "American media and social media have had a sympathetic reaction, but the British tabloids have not really softened their coverage, and have never really warmed up to Meghan as a member of the royal family. Only time will tell if this documentary has the intended effect, and brings both Meghan and Harry out back up to the standing of proper royals."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Must-Visit Hair Colorists in New York City
I trust these talented colorists implicitly.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published