In a surprising turn of events, Land Rover has cut ties with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry following a controversial deal that involved shipping Range Rovers from the UK to South Africa for the couple’s 10-day tour back in 2019.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex faced backlash over the use of these vehicles, which were deemed necessary due to security concerns for the royal family.
The decision to transport the 4x4s over a 10,000-mile distance raised questions about the couple’s environmental stance, despite their vocal advocacy for green initiatives.
Although Jaguar Land Rover provided the vehicles at no cost to taxpayers, critics pointed out the availability of luxury armoured Land Rovers for rent locally in South Africa.
Meghan Markle was spotted arriving in a British-registered blue Range Rover during her visit to the University of Johannesburg, further fueling the controversy.
The move came at a challenging time for Tata Motors, the then-owner of Land Rover, which reported significant declines in retail sales during that period.
Following the fallout with Meghan and Harry, Land Rover swiftly shifted its focus to a new brand ambassador, Zara Phillips, a prominent equestrian figure in the UK.
Zara became the first recipient of the new Range Rover model, the Volk, expressing her excitement about the partnership and her long-standing association with the brand.
As of December 2022, Land Rover reported a substantial increase in orders, with the total order book reaching nearly two lakh units, marking a significant rise from the previous year.
The demand for the new Range Rover, as well as other models like the Evoque and Defender, remained strong, reflecting positive market reception.
The Sussexes faced criticism for their travel choices, particularly for opting for private jet flights multiple times within a short span, contradicting their public stance on environmental issues.
Prince Harry’s statements about climate change and the need for immediate action added fuel to the fire, leading to accusations of hypocrisy regarding their carbon footprint.
Despite the scrutiny, Harry defended their occasional use of private flights, citing security reasons to protect his family.
The couple’s actions came under intense scrutiny, especially as they continued to advocate for environmental causes while engaging in practices deemed unsustainable by critics.
The high levels of carjacking in South Africa added another layer of complexity to the situation, with palace officials emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of the royal couple during their tour.
The challenges faced by Meghan and Harry underscored the delicate balance between security concerns and environmental responsibilities in the public eye.
In the ever-evolving landscape of royal engagements and brand partnerships, the fallout between Land Rover and the Sussexes serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of celebrity endorsements, environmental activism, and corporate image.
As the saga unfolds, it highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding high-profile figures and their impact on global conversations.