The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are taking strategic steps to enhance their communication and media relations, particularly in the United Kingdom. In a move to bolster their public image and manage media interactions more effectively, they have recently appointed Charlie Gipson and Kyle Boulia as communications executives.
This decision comes at a crucial time as the couple continues to navigate their roles within the public eye after stepping back from full royal duties. Charlie Gipson is set to assume the significant role of Director of Communications and will be based in the UK. His primary responsibilities will involve serving as the main point of contact for the UK press, a vital role given the intense media scrutiny the couple often faces in Britain.
A royal commentator has taken a swipe at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest hire ahead of the Duke’s highly-anticipated UK visit, claiming he will be “eaten alive.”
Royal reporter Charlotte Griffiths, speaking to Ben Leo on GB News, has slammed the couple for their “unwise” move, saying: “Why have they appointed this guy who has no tabloid media experience? “He’s going to get eaten by the wolves. I think it’s a surprise appointment and not in a good way.”
She added: “Don’t forget they’ve lost 17 people in six years. It’s quite a high turnover of staff. I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot with Charlie Gipson.” She continued: “One of my friends who does know him said, look, I just don’t think he’s going to last five minutes.”
Gipson’s role will be particularly crucial in managing the media narrative and facilitating clear and effective communication between the Sussexes and the British press. His expertise will be instrumental in handling all media-related queries for Meghan and Harry, ensuring that their messages and activities are accurately represented.
Meanwhile, Kyle Boulia’s specific role within the team has not been detailed, but his appointment alongside Gipson indicates a robust effort by the Sussexes to strengthen their communications team, reflecting a strategic approach to their global and local engagements.
The appointment of these key positions is reportedly driven by Meghan and Harry’s desire to boost their reputation in the UK. This initiative is timely, as Prince Harry is expected to return to Britain to attend an event in May. His visit, and the couple’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance their public image in the UK, highlight the importance they place on their ties to the country despite their move to the United States.
The decision to expand their communications team with experienced executives like Gipson and Boulia is a clear indication of Meghan and Harry’s commitment to managing their public engagements and media relations more proactively. As they continue to undertake public initiatives and contribute to various causes, effective communication will be crucial to their ability to make a positive impact.
These appointments also underscore the unique position Harry and Meghan hold on the global stage, navigating the complexities of their roles as members of the royal family who are carving out independent public personas. By strengthening their communications strategy, particularly in the UK where they have faced significant media attention, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are laying the groundwork for more controlled and constructive interactions with the press and public.
