Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear “deeply bothered” by a new explosive royal book, following their heated response, according to a PR expert.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued an extensive and fiery statement last weekend, refuting several shocking allegations made in Tom Bower’s upcoming book. Bower’s latest work, portions of which have been serialized by The Times magazine, levels numerous accusations against the Sussexes, their relationship with the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Invictus Games.
After the serialized excerpts of the new book were published, the Sussexes’ spokesperson released a statement: “Mr Bower’s commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation. This is someone who has publicly stated, ‘the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’ language that speaks for itself.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement last weekend (Image: Getty)
“He has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met. Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”
However, a PR expert has criticized the level of detail in the Sussexes’ statement, suggesting it makes them appear “deeply bothered,” which may not be to their advantage.
Renae Smith, founder and director of Atticism, told the Daily Express: “I think the detail of the statement is part of the problem. If something is genuinely ridiculous and completely fabricated, the strongest response is often either no response at all or a very short and dismissive one.”
Ms. Smith suggested that a brief statement such as “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are declining to comment on something so absurd” would have been a more appropriate reaction for the Montecito couple. She further noted: “Instead, they went into enough detail that it makes them look deeply bothered.
“And once you do that, you shift the conversation from the book itself to why it upset you so much.”
She continued by stating that the heated response indicated that Mr. Bower had “hit a nerve.”
The PR expert elaborated: “Not necessarily because every claim is true word for word, but because it is clearly close enough to the public narrative around them to sting.
“When public figures engage this heavily with criticism, people do not usually think, well that settles it, they must be innocent. They usually think, hmm, there must be something in there.”
After their outburst, Mr. Bower spoke to the Daily Express and stated: “The Sussexes are reaching the end of the road in Hollywood.
“Their behavior, lack of original talent and suffocating self-importance has made it even more important for them to return to Britain in July, meet the King and be revalidated as royals.”
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