Prince Harry’s pursuit of revenge against the press is being characterized as a flawed and very high-risk strategy, according to a public relations expert.
The Duke of Sussex has initiated legal action against various media groups, including Associated Newspapers and News Group Newspapers, citing alleged phone hacking.
In a historic moment, he recently appeared in court as one of the few royals to testify in the witness box, winning 15 out of 33 hacking claims against Mirror Group Newspapers.
His victory resulted in £140,600 in damages.
David Yelland, a former editor of the Sun newspaper and PR expert, expressed his concerns about Prince Harry’s approach on his podcast, “When it Hits the Fan.”
He described the strategy as all or nothing, with Harry clearly seeking revenge and not holding back.
Yelland emphasized that this aggressive stance is causing the Duke to accumulate more enemies in the press, ultimately making his job even more challenging.
Despite acknowledging the risks associated with Prince Harry’s strategy, Yelland acknowledged the significance of his recent legal victory.
He labeled it a major triumph and a shameful moment for the newspaper industry.
Yelland commended Harry for his bravery in taking on the immense power of the media, noting that he is the only one willing to confront them.
However, he also cautioned that this may be an unwise move.
Yelland highlighted the control editors have over the narrative, explaining that while Harry won last week, he suffered a setback the following day.
This underscores the flaws in his PR strategy.
Despite his admiration for the Duke’s courage, Yelland believes there are aspects of his approach that need reconsideration.
Simon Lewis, a former communications secretary to Queen Elizabeth II and co-host of the podcast, added that Prince Harry’s recent victory should be seen as a battle in a long war.
Lewis emphasized the ongoing nature of the conflict, suggesting that there will be many more challenges ahead.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s pursuit of revenge through legal action against media groups has raised concerns among experts in public relations.
While his recent victory in court was significant, it is clear that his aggressive strategy carries risks and may not be sustainable in the long run.