Brand and culture expert Nick Ede exclusively told the Daily Express that the Sussexes are taking a “deliberate” approach ahead of their trip down under, with a three-pronged method involving “confidence, stability and control”. Mr Ede explained: “Harry and Meghan have always taken a very deliberate, almost Hollywood-style approach to managing scrutiny and what we’re seeing now is a continuation of that strategy.”
He added: “By stepping out publicly with the Netflix owner Ted, they’re clearly trying to project confidence, stability and control. It’s a classic PR move and in their minds, that shuts down rumours about fractures behind the scenes.”
Mr Ede added that there are risks to this approach: “However, the risk is that it can feel overly performative. When you align yourself so visibly with a commercial partner right after controversy, particularly following legal action from Harry, it invites more questions rather than closing them down. People start to wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes.”
He further explained: “Their brand has always been built on authenticity and purpose, but this can starts to feel more like celebrity damage control than values-driven storytelling, which is where they’re strongest.
“I think what’s great about the pair is that together they are really strong and showing this united front and not shying away is a really positive move for them and the brand as they embark on their Australian journey very soon.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out for a stylish date night on Friday and were photographed at a party hosted by Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos at his Montecito home in California.
The Sussexes joined a number of celebrities at the event, including former Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and singer Katy Perry. In one image, Meghan and Harry were seen embracing the Netflix boss’s wife, Nicole Avant.
Last year, Netflix announced that Meghan and Harry had changed their partnership with the streamer through Archewell Productions with a multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects.
Their glamorous outing came on the same day it emerged that Harry is facing a new legal challenge involving Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa.