Royal Family PR Strategy Faces Tons Of Internet Challenges

The Royal Family struggles with an image problem, but it didn’t start with social media. However, there’s no doubt that the internet made it far worse. For years, ‘The Firm’ tried showing a stable, reliable, and normal bunch of folks, albeit wealthy. But notably, every single thing about that gets questioned these days.

Fertile Ground For Vloggers

The last few years brought speculation about Princess Catherine and King Charles because of their cancer. Other scandals involved Sarah Ferguson, her ex, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and of course, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Daily, anyone who browses through YouTube ot TikTok sees dozens of videos pop up. And, they’re not always true. In fact, some of  them seem clearly AI or just invented for clicks. Meanwhile, others focus on generating rage, which means views, reactions, and cash in hand. 

PR Is Vital 

There’s been a lot of talk about Harry and Meghan and their PR efforts. But it should be noted that the palace also engages experts. In fact, recent rumors suggest Prince William’s behind the Royal Family efforts to try and promote postive things  about the working royals.  

Of course, more exposure, real or not, only makes it more important for the British royals to adjust. Another big theme that arises is that both Charles and William try and slim down the monarchy. Is it because they really worry about taxpayers’ money? Or is it a reaction to the public demand that bangs on about the wealthy family getting real jobs?

Recently, the palace seems to try and show the family doing relatable things, like visiting homeless shelters, or cancer memorials. More often, folks see things like family pictures, informal videos, and other media that suggests they’re all very normal, approachable, and relatable.

Is It Working?

It can’t be argued that the slimming down failed totally, because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exited. But, it turned out their voluntary slimming down only sparked much more speculation. In fact, it started a trend in non-working royals getting less coverage. However, the Sussex couple kept themsleves in the headlines so much, that it turned slimming upside down. Notably, the palace doesn’t mention them much. 

Then there’s former Prince Andrew. Really, whether behind the scenes the Charles and Andrew are best brothers or not, can’t be shown. It’s important that their PR carefully manages that particular embarrassment.

Fewer Royals Heavier Workload?

Recently, Fox News discussed pressure on the monarchy’s reduced structure. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said Princess Anne believed the monarchy was already “slimmed down without the Sussexes and Prince Andrew.” Meanwhile, royal expert Helena Chard explained that the smaller working royal group “needs” Princess Anne because of the growing workload.

Actually, Anne might have a point, and certainly, the workload seems a bit heavier. After all, Andrew’s out, Sarah Ferguson seems out forever. Queen Elizabeth died, and Prince George is too young to help at all. But, for those who struggle to meet the heating bills, the rent, and who hold down two jobs with the rising cost of living, the workload feels like an exaggeration. 

Balancing The PR War 

Despite efforts to maintain a calm public image, online theories continue all the time. Remember the flurry of speculative articles and videos that a shadowy confrontation with someone by William sparked divorce theories about Catherine? That came during her absence as she struggled with cancer.

These days, even routine royal appearances start debate online. Sometimes, the royal family tries to control the narrative, but that seems to end up even worse than if they ignored it all. If they react, there’s drama. If they don’t react, there’s drama.

Never Normal In The Internet Era?

One YouTube video, now taken down, discussed the changing public image of the monarchy. There, commentators debated whether modern royals can ever truly appear “normal” in the internet age.

Back in the old days, The Firm relied on newspapers, TV interviews, and carefully selected photos. But now, social media moves faster than the palace communications office can deal with. Of course, that only means that any attempts to explain things only leads to more judgment, and more speculation.

Maintaining a carefully ordinary image in times of online conspiracy culture, slimmed down or not, it seems the royal family just can’t keep up.

What do you think? Are the attempts to seem more relatable working? Or, does social media make that impossible? Let us know in the comments below and come back here often for all your royal family news and updates.