Experts Highlight the Vital Role of Media in the Survival and Popularity of the Royal Family Amidst Complex Relations
The survival and popularity of the royal family heavily rely on their relationship with the media, according to experts who discuss the complex dynamics between the two entities.
Sir Anthony Seldon, a renowned historian, highlights the significance of media for the royal family, stating, “There will always be a media. There might not always be a monarchy.”
Various experts echo this sentiment, emphasizing that the royal family particularly depends on the media’s presence.
Sir Anthony singles out the female royals, especially Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, who he believes understands the workings of the media exceptionally well. He describes her as someone who “plays the media to perfection” with a poised and commanding presence, in stark contrast to Diana. He notes an air of astuteness about Kate, stating, “There’s something very knowing about her.”
Discussing Camilla, Sir Anthony observes her savvy nature, suggesting that she grasps the media landscape better than Charles. He predicts her increasing dominance in shaping the Carolean Age as Charles ages, stating that she will become a skilled master craftsman in defining their era.
On the other hand, broadcaster Sir Trevor Phillips expresses his skepticism, accusing the press of self-serving behavior in rehabilitating Queen Camilla’s public image. He criticizes the media’s fickleness, suggesting that their portrayal of Camilla has changed while she remains relatively unchanged.
The newly crowned King, who experienced intense media coverage during his coronation, also relies on media support. Over the past four decades, his family has been embroiled in a media-driven soap opera, contributing to the strained relationship between the palace and the press.
Former BBC court correspondent Michael Cole points to a pivotal moment in the deterioration of palace-press relations. In 1985, granting exclusive access to Charles and Diana to ITN for a year undermined the royal rota system established by Buckingham Palace to ensure fair treatment of the media. The late Queen’s deliberate avoidance of handing out royal scoops was a testament to her media acumen, as it sparked competition and stirred frustration among the media.
This era witnessed a public relations war between Charles and Diana, fueled by planted stories and intensified by tabloid editors who saw it as an opportunity for exclusive coverage. To combat this, a “new breed” of royal press officers emerged, rejecting the “no comment” approach and recognizing the importance of engaging with the media.
Experts emphasize that Kate and Camilla still have work to do in maintaining a positive relationship with the media. Even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who stepped down as senior working royals and relocated to the US, continue to attract media attention through their actions and controversial moves, proving the ongoing relevance of media in the royal landscape.
