King Charles and his aides have made a significant decision that will have a lasting impact on his reputation, both during his reign and beyond.
According to public relations experts David Yelland and Simon Lewis, Robert Hardman has been selected to chronicle the remainder of the monarch’s life in his new biography.
This choice has gone largely unnoticed but marks a shift in the royal family’s PR strategy.
The release of Robert Hardman’s book, titled “Charles III, New King, New Court,” has already caused a stir.
The serialization in the Daily Mail revealed Queen Elizabeth II’s anger towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for claiming her blessing in naming their daughter Lilibet.
However, Yelland and Lewis believe that the book signifies a more profound change in how the monarchy handles its public image.
During an episode of the Pairs BBC podcast “When It Hits the Fan,” Yelland, a former editor of the Sun newspaper, emphasized the importance of selecting a biographer.
He described it as a strategic move to manage the king’s legacy effectively.
The royal household had to grapple with the challenging question of who to allow access to and who to choose for this crucial role.
Quietly and without fanfare, Robert Hardman, who also works for the Daily Mail, has been granted access to royal papers and members of the royal family.
Yelland highlighted that Hardman had previously produced a BBC documentary about the first year of King Charles’s rule, which aired before Christmas.
This background makes him the chosen person to document the king’s journey for the rest of his life.
While this decision may stir controversy, particularly in California where Harry and Meghan reside, Yelland believes it is the correct choice.
He acknowledged the potential risk for the royal family, as Harry and Meghan’s team already views the Daily Mail as too close to the palace.
However, Yelland argued that investing in Hardman as an individual rather than the newspaper itself is a wise PR strategy.
Whatever Hardman writes in the future will carry credibility, benefiting the palace’s press team.
This selection marks a significant milestone in shaping King Charles’s legacy.
It is a move that has not received much attention but holds great importance.
The royal family recognizes the gravity of their choice and the impact it will have worldwide.
While there may be differing opinions, the decision to entrust Robert Hardman with chronicling the king’s life is seen as a strategic and necessary step.
In conclusion, the selection of a biographer is a crucial aspect of managing the monarch’s reputation, both during their reign and posthumously.