Prince William has reportedly hired crisis manager Liza Ravenscroft in what PR experts say is a proactive move to protect long-term credibility as speculation intensifies around Prince Harry’s expected UK visitCally Brooks Features Writer and Ambarish Awale Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer
15:55, 13 Jan 2026
Prince William’s family has endured recent challenges, including Kate and Charles’ health issues, the Queen’s death, and ongoing tensions with Harry and Meghan.(Image: AP)
Prince William has reportedly made a surprising behind-the-scenes appointment by bringing in crisis manager Liza Ravenscroft – a decision that indicates strategic planning, according to a PR expert.
Whilst the Prince of Wales is accustomed to intense media attention, the choice to secure specialist crisis expertise suggests a conscious effort to safeguard his public position as he moves closer to becoming King. Rather than responding to a particular incident, experts believe the hire demonstrates forward-thinking around reputation management, narrative oversight and public trust, reports the Mirror.
PR expert Mayah Riaz believes the decision should be viewed as strategic rather than reactive. “Speaking as someone who works closely with high-profile public figures on crisis management, this is a calculated and proactive move, not a reaction to panic,” she explains.
Prince William has reportedly hired crisis manager Liza Ravenscroft(Image: Linkedin)
“At this level of public scrutiny, the biggest reputational mistakes usually come from being unprepared, not from the crisis itself.” Crisis managers are frequently misunderstood as being recruited only when matters have deteriorated.
In practice, their function is predominantly preventative – spotting potential vulnerabilities before they intensify and guaranteeing that robust response mechanisms are established. “A crisis manager’s role is essentially to stress test every possible scenario, identify pressure points before they erupt, and put clear response plans in place,” says Mayah.
“It is about message discipline, speed, and making sure the right narrative is ready if and when speculation starts to spiral.” For William, this strategy is about preserving long-term trust.
“For a senior royal, this is about protecting long-term credibility rather than firefighting daily headlines,” adds Mayah.
The timing of the appointment has also sparked interest, especially given the renewed focus on William’s relationship with Prince Harry.
With Harry expected to return to the UK, speculation around family dynamics is likely to escalate – something Mayah believes would be impossible to ignore at William’s level.
The appointment comes amid renewed attention on William’s relationship with Harry, whose UK return fuels family speculation.(Image: Kirsty O’Connor – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“The timing is telling,” she states. “William sits at the centre of a very complex media ecosystem, with ongoing public fascination around his relationship with Harry.
“With Harry’s visit approaching, it makes sense to have an expert in place who can anticipate media angles, manage briefing strategy, and neutralise misinterpretation before it gains traction.”
It’s no secret that Prince William and his extended family have faced their most challenging times yet in recent years, with Princess Kate and King Charles’ respective cancer diagnoses, the late Queen’s death and Prince Harry and Meghan’s ongoing attacks on the monarchy.
“What he may be pre-empting is not a single event, but the risk of narrative drift,” explains Mayah.
“Awkward moments, exaggerated interactions, or unnamed sources can quickly snowball into damaging stories.
“A crisis manager helps ensure that silence, statements, and strategy are all intentional rather than reactive.”
Ms Ravenscroft’s LinkedIn profile provides an insight into her expertise and daily responsibilities: “It’s often front page stuff: from boycott campaigns to sexual allegations to serious safety issues, geopolitical and ethical risks, I’m all about human-led response direct to the audiences which matter.
“This move signals maturity and media intelligence,” comments Mayah.
“It shows William is thinking several steps ahead and understands that in today’s media climate, reputation is not just about what you do, but how it is framed. Preparation is power, and this is a clear example of that in action.”
The crisis management expert’s resume includes stints at Marriott Hotels and British Airways. She characterises herself as someone who “who believes in the power of strong relationships to defend and charm in equal measure”.