By Charles Switzer
9:04am PST, Feb 20, 2025
A Polarizing Visit to L.A. Wildfire Survivors
Prince Harry and
Meghan Markle's visit to meet Los Angeles wildfire survivors in January was intended as a compassionate outreach, but the backlash they received highlights their increasingly polarizing public image.
Showbiz expert
Mark Boardman of
MarkMeets.com exclusively tells
Wonderwall that while some viewed the visit as a genuine act of support, others dismissed it as another carefully "orchestrated PR move."
Are they truly committed to humanitarian efforts, or are they working to maintain media relevance?
Here's where things currently stand for the controversial ex-royals.
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The Struggle for Consistency in Their Public Image
"The skepticism stems from a larger issue — many Americans remain unsure whether to see them as humanitarian figures or
celebrities trying to maintain relevance. The mixed reactions to their visit reflect a broader fatigue with their public image. Since stepping back from royal duties, their brand has struggled with consistency, bouncing between personal grievances and philanthropic efforts," he says.
This ongoing challenge makes it difficult for the Montecito royals to establish a clear and lasting reputation beyond their royal exit.
A Fine Line Between Awareness and Overshadowing
"The public eye is unforgiving, and any misstep — real or perceived — can further cement existing narratives. The backlash over their L.A. visit, particularly criticism that they overshadowed local efforts, suggests that for many, their presence felt more performative than impactful," the expert observes.
While their intention may be to highlight important causes, the perception that they take center stage can
dilute the very message they are trying to amplify.
How Can They Rebuild Their Image?
"Has this left a permanent negative impression on Americans? Not necessarily, but it does reinforce the divide in public perception," Boardman states. "Their strongest supporters will continue to see them as misunderstood do-gooders, while skeptics will view each move with suspicion."
The Duchess of Sussex's new Netflix series
With Love, Meghan premieres on the streamer on March 4, but it may take more than just a glitzy lifestyle series to get people on board with the pair.
"To truly reshape their image, they may need to focus less on optics and more on tangible, behind-the-scenes efforts that don't center on their presence but on actual results," he concludes.
