Meghan Markle has been warned by a PR expert that she could inflame tensions with the Royal Family after reusing controversial interview clips from a recent chat with Prince Harry, a move that could divert attention from the couple’s new project.
In a recent interview with CBS’s Sunday Morning, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their new project, called The Parents’ Network (TPN). The project aims to improve child safety online and connect families who have lost a child to suicide related to cyberbullying.
However, during the interview, some parts of the previous controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey were replayed. Meghan shared her concerns about her mental health and thoughts of self-harm during her time as a member of the Royal Family, which has sparked mixed opinions from the public and experts.
Renae Smith, founder and director of The Atticism, criticised Meghan’s move, saying it was a “risky” decision to bring back the interviews. She noted that while it could “rekindle interest” in the couple’s new project, it also risked “reopening old wounds” and “reigniting controversy”. “Reliving the Oprah interview could divert attention from their current initiative,” Smith said.
She also advised the couple to look for new approaches that avoid highlighting issues related to the British Royal Family. “It would be wiser for them to introduce new, forward-looking content rather than revisiting past controversies,” she said. This would help highlight the current efforts and achievements they are making.
Meanwhile, Meghan has expressed that she hopes that sharing her experience can “help someone or encourage someone in their life to really check in and not just rely on appearances.” At the time of her interview with Oprah, Meghan received much praise for her openness and honesty about the difficult experiences she has faced.
Finally, Harry and Meghan’s Archwell Foundation has stated that the TPN project will “strive to unite and uplift parents and carers, and systematically change the social media platforms and devices that create dangerous environments for young people around the world.”