The Return of the Royals: A Test Case for British Media’s Soul

The impending return of Prince Harry and his family to Britain has sparked a flurry of speculation about how the media will cover them this time around. This is a test case for whether the British press has learned from its past mistakes, particularly in its treatment of Meghan Markle.

The recent death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday highlighted the dangers of unchecked media frenzy. A similar pattern emerged in the coverage of Meghan Markle, where legitimate questions about her background were quickly devolved into personal assault. Communications professor Barnett notes that this is what happens when the British tabloid press engages in “very personal witch hunts.”

The parallels between Arday’s story and Meghan Markle’s experience are striking. Both were subject to an onslaught of negative coverage that was not just unfair but also damaging. The focus on Meghan’s mother and her background in Compton, for example, was a classic case of xenophobic othering.

Marcus Ryder, co-founder of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, points out that Black people in Britain are often denied the freedom to succeed or fail as individuals. Their successes and failures are always subject to wider narratives about racial progress or diversity and merit. This is precisely what happened with Meghan Markle’s arrival at the Royal Family.

The media’s response only exacerbated these tensions, forcing a Black woman into a white space that was not designed for her. Now, with Harry and Meghan’s return looming, it’s essential to consider what this means for British media. Will they learn from their past mistakes or continue down the same path of sensationalism and xenophobia?

The recent court loss suffered by Prince Harry and others in lawsuits against the Daily Mail is unlikely to improve matters, as Barnett predicts a more “nasty and vitriolic” coverage. However, there’s also a glimmer of hope. With Arday’s death, the debate over media boundaries has gained new urgency.

Nina Myskow, a former Sun columnist, was one of those who spoke out against the pile-on that Meghan faced for years. She noted that the same personal assault that Arday suffered is what happened to Meghan and other public figures. This conversation about media responsibility has been long overdue in Britain.

As Ryder puts it, “White people are allowed to succeed and fail as individuals” but Black people are not. Their stories become part of wider narratives about progress or diversity. It’s time for British media to reflect on its own biases and practices.

The return of Harry and Meghan is a test case for how far the media has come in understanding these issues. Will they finally learn from their past mistakes and give the couple the coverage they deserve? Or will we see more of the same tired tropes and xenophobic othering that have become all too familiar?

One thing is certain: this story will not go away quietly. As Ryder hopes, it may reflect “the real positivity” towards Meghan Markle among many Black women in Britain. But for now, as we wait to see how the media will react, let’s keep our eyes on the prize – a more nuanced and compassionate British press that finally recognizes its own biases and privileges.

The clock is ticking, and it’s time for British media to show what they’re made of.