Meghan Markle Prefers 'Guaranteed Good PR' In Nigeria Over Possible 'Boos' In UK, Royal Expert Claims
Meghan Markle will not join Prince Harry on his trip to the United Kingdom for the Invictus Game, and her decision is "wise," according to a PR expert.
The Duke of Sussex will attend the special church service for the Invictus Games' 10th Anniversary at St. Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday. However, Markle will stay in California and instead join him on his trip to Nigeria.
Newsweek royal correspondent Jack Royston weighed in on Markle's decision on the recent episode of "The Royal Report" podcast. According to him, Markle probably skipped the U.K. trip to avoid the possible boos but will go to Nigeria with Prince Harry because she's likely to receive a warm reception in the African country.
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"The centerpiece of this visit is a service of Thanksgiving for Invictus at St Paul's Cathedral. Now, the last time Meghan went there, Meghan and Harry were booed by royalists. That was during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee," Royston said.
"There were cheers as well, but there were certainly boos, and that was during a similar service of Thanksgiving. By contrast, Meghan will obviously get a very positive welcome in Nigeria."
The royal expert added, "So, she may simply be choosing guaranteed good PR over the possibility of another moment of hubris at the hands of monarchists who don't really like her very much."
Royston, however, noted that the Duchess of Sussex had been "a great supporter of Invictus." She has attended several tournaments, including the "one year to go" promotional events aside from the actual games.
Lynn Carratt, a public relations guru, also weighed in on Markle's decision to not join her husband in his trip to England this week. Carratt told the Mirror it was a "wise" move from the former actress.
"It's a wise decision that Meghan isn't accompanying Harry to the UK for the Invictus Games," Carratt said. "This event is one of Harry's greatest accomplishments, that he was already involved in before meeting Meghan.
"If Megan were to return to the UK, the press coverage of the Invictus Games service would likely be overshadowed by her presence, which neither Harry nor Meghan would want."
She also acknowledged the possible boos, noting that there was "some hostility towards Meghan in the UK." Thus, for her, it's "understandable" that the Duchess of Sussex decided to skip the U.K. event.
"She wouldn't want to subject herself to negative press or public reception," Carratt explained.
Charlotte Griffiths, royal editor for the Mail on Sunday, shared the same sentiment. She was convinced that visiting the U.K. would bring up "terrible memories" for Markle, and the duchess reportedly "knows she'll get booed and get bad reception."
However, Griffiths said Markle was a "strong and tough woman." She believed the former "Suits" star should have taken the opportunity to walk the steps where she was booed because "It would look great for her Netflix show anyway."
