Harry and Meghan’s Britain return draws renewed media attention

London, United Kingdom. Prince Harry and Meghan are preparing to return to Britain six years after leaving for the United States, as reports about a potential acting role for Meghan prompted renewed media attention.

The reports underscored the publicity, polarised reaction and scrutiny the couple may face as they promote charities and commercial ventures while seeking privacy.

Reports of potential acting role

Reports said Meghan was in talks to appear in a Guy Ritchie Netflix crime drama, before a subsequent report said a backlash had led to the offer being withdrawn.

Neither side confirmed or denied that talks had taken place.

Entertainment journalist Caroline Frost told Reuters that the attention generated by the reports demonstrated the value of the couple’s visibility.

“You can’t buy this kind of publicity for a TV show,” she said.

British public relations consultant Mark Borkowski said Harry and Meghan could generate an audience for brands and entertainment groups.

“Both Harry and Meghan give people visibility. They can generate an audience,” he said.

Return after six years

Harry, the 41-year-old younger son of King Charles, and Meghan, 45, left Britain for the United States six years ago after citing intense media scrutiny as one reason for quitting royal duties and pursuing independent careers supported by commercial partnerships.

In the years that followed, the couple made global headlines through an interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix documentary series and Harry’s autobiography, “Spare”, in which they criticised the royal family and the British press.

Borkowski said criticism of the royal family had angered many people in Britain. A July YouGov poll found that 64% of respondents wanted to retain the monarchy.