The News
Harry and Meghan Go In-House: A New Era of PR Management
In a significant shift for the Sussexes, Harry and Meghan have decided to bring their public relations efforts in-house.
This change comes after parting ways with their previous PR firm, Sunshine Sachs.
Christine Wheel-Shermer, who has been head of communications for their charitable foundation, Archwell, will now oversee all publicity for the couple.
Meghan reportedly stated, “You're hired to boost our image,” signaling a more hands-on approach to managing their public persona.
The decision to move away from Sunshine Sachs appears to be a strategic one.
Sources close to the couple revealed to the Daily Mail that Meghan believes they no longer need to spend substantial amounts on external firms for PR services.
This new direction marks a pivotal moment for the couple as they seek to reshape their public narrative without relying on outside help.
Christine Wheel-Shermer is no stranger to the Sussexes; she has been working with them since 2020 and played a vital role in launching the Archwell Foundation.
Her extensive experience and familiarity with the couple's goals make her an ideal candidate to lead this new phase of their public relations strategy.
Interestingly, reports suggest that Sunshine Sachs ended their partnership with Meghan due to unpaid bills, highlighting a tumultuous relationship between the two parties.
In addition to revamping their PR approach, Meghan has also taken steps to ensure accuracy in her upcoming Spotify podcast series, Archetypes.
She has brought on board a fact-checker, Nicole Pasulka, a talented young American writer whose interests align closely with Meghan's vision for the show.
This move is aimed at avoiding the confusion that has sometimes surrounded Meghan's statements in the past.
One notable instance of confusion arose during an interview with American magazine The Cut, where Meghan recounted a conversation with a South African cast member of The Lion King.
However, Dr. John Carney, the only South African cast member, clarified that he had never met Meghan and was not present at the premiere.
Such discrepancies have led to calls for greater accuracy in Meghan's public narratives.
Meanwhile, in a related discussion, Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen, known for his role on Changing Rooms, weighed in on the royal family's recent efforts to include Meghan.
When asked whether the couple might inherit properties from the late Queen and increase their presence in the UK, he expressed skepticism.
Bowen suggested that Meghan feels more comfortable in the U.S., which aligns with her personality and lifestyle.
He elaborated that the dynamics in the UK can be quite complex.
The public is often supportive of the royals but also expects them to deliver value and work hard.
Bowen noted that the royal family seems to be making a concerted effort to ensure Meghan feels included and cherished, despite the ongoing speculation about her status within the family.
As the Sussexes navigate their new PR landscape, it appears that the couple is focused on crafting a narrative that resonates more authentically with their audience.
However, the journey is not without its challenges.
Valentin Lowe has reported that Prince Harry declined a meeting with his brother, Prince William, fearing that it could be leaked to the press.
This decision came shortly after a revealing interview with ITV presenter Tom Bradby aired.
The situation surrounding the Sussexes continues to unfold, with many questions remaining about their future in the royal fold and their life in the United States.
As they embark on this new chapter, the couple is clearly aiming to take control of their story and present a more cohesive image to the world.
While the public eagerly watches how these developments play out, the Sussexes' journey reminds us of the complexities of fame, family, and the search for identity in the public eye.