Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'Faux Royal Tours': A Strategic Move to Redefine Their Public Image

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have sparked controversy with their recent tour of Australia, which has been dubbed a 'faux royal tour' by critics. The four-day trip, which included engagements in Melbourne and Sydney, was seen by many as an attempt to monetize their status as royals. However, according to royal commentator Bronte Coy, the couple views the tour as a success and is planning to use it as a blueprint for future visits.

The couple's visit to Australia was marked by a series of engagements, including a visit to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, an Invictus Australia sailing event in Sydney Harbour, and a trip to Bondi Beach. While the couple described the trip as privately funded and focused on 'listening, learning, and supporting communities', critics argued that it was a publicity tour designed to promote their personal brand. The visit also included a number of commercial endeavors, including a 'girls weekend' event at a five-star hotel, where VIP tickets cost £1,670, and a speech by Harry at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne.

Bronte Coy, a senior reporter at news.com.au, covered the couple's tour and was asked if she thought they would use the Australia trip as a model for future visits. She replied that the feeling on the ground was very positive and that the couple seemed to think it was very successful. Coy also stated that sources close to the couple told her that the Australia tour was seen as a 'trial run' and that they would 'unapologetically' continue with this plan in the future. This plan involves using commercial engagements to fund the philanthropic side of their tours, which they will run as a package.

The couple's decision to embark on 'faux royal tours' has raised questions about their role in the royal family and their use of their status for personal gain. While they have stepped back from their roles as senior royals, they continue to use their royal titles and engage in activities that are similar to those carried out by working royals. This has led to criticism that they are trying to have it both ways, enjoying the benefits of being royals while also pursuing commercial interests.

However, it is also possible to see the couple's approach as a strategic move to redefine their public image and create a new model for royal engagement. By focusing on philanthropic work and supporting communities, they may be able to carve out a new role for themselves that is distinct from the traditional royal duties. Whether or not this approach will be successful remains to be seen, but it is clear that the couple is committed to their vision and is willing to take risks to achieve it.

The couple's plans for future tours are not yet clear, but it is likely that they will continue to face scrutiny and criticism as they navigate their new role. As they move forward, they will need to balance their desire for privacy and autonomy with the public's expectation of them as members of the royal family. It will be interesting to see how they navigate this complex landscape and whether their approach will ultimately be successful.