It’s certainly been an Annus Horribilis for the Royal Family in PR terms. The stench around Prince Andrew won’t go away and he has handled the crisis around his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein very poorly. I spoke to Sky News’ Royal Correspondent Rhiannon Mills about the Royal travails recently.
Andrew’s nightmare scenario is that he is subpoenaed or challenged when setting foot on US soil. This would be an image that would haunt him for the rest of his life. My advice to him would be to cooperate with the US authorities now to avoid this situation. I want to look him in the eye and hear his version and learn why he stayed friends with Epstein following his sex trafficking conviction. Trump dropped him immediately. Why didn’t Randy Andy? An access all areas interview with a respected broadcaster could potentially help give us some understanding.
Harry and Meghan have set themselves up as eco-warriors while repeatedly using private air travel. Basic PR error. Don’t ask the public to change their habits while not changing yours. We hate hypocrisy. Andrew’s problems dwarf those of his nephew but I wonder whether there is a common theme.
Many PR/communications staff suffer from Red Carpet Fever and can feel intimidated by their clients. This may be amplified in Royal circles where staff feel subservient. Without the right people around them, professionals who are prepared to stand up to their client, the Royals may not be receiving the right advice. If you’re surround by Yes People, you will make the wrong decisions.
