Meghan Markle should return to the red carpet and support Prince Harry when he accepts a high-profile award next month as it could prove “beneficial” for her overall public image, an entertainment expert has said. Newsweek.
Harry will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11 in Los Angeles, California.
The royal is being honoured for his military service and commitment to veteran communities worldwide through sport with his Invictus Games tournament.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Woman Foundation for Women
Although Harry’s attendance at the event has not yet been confirmed, a personal appearance with Meghan could add extra glamour and excitement to the event.
Entertainment expert and founder of MarkMeets Mark Boardman said Newsweek that the positive development for Harry could also work in Meghan’s favour and offer the couple the opportunity to benefit from an uncontroversial outing to celebrate a good cause.
“It might be beneficial for the Duchess of Sussex to accompany Harry and show solidarity,” he said.
“Given the positive context of the event, her presence would not only demonstrate her commitment to being by Harry’s side, but potentially also draw public attention to their shared philanthropic efforts. From a media perspective, another red carpet photo opportunity would secure the Duchess of Sussex more press coverage and potentially some interview snippets to promote her latest ventures.”
Meghan last attended a red carpet event in January, where she attended the world premiere of Bob Marley: One Love Biopic in Jamaica. The Duchess did not take part in interviews with Harry and the couple’s friends, film boss Brian Robbins and his wife Tracy.
Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Since then, Meghan has soft-launched her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, unveiled a jam collection and filed trademark applications for a range of household products, including dog biscuits and yoga mats.
The Duchess is also working on a new podcast series with her partner Lemonada Media and a new lifestyle show with Netflix, so she has a number of projects that would benefit from publicity. It would also be beneficial for Meghan to maintain a strong public presence for marketing reasons.
“The high profile of the ESPYs combined with the positive coverage surrounding the awards make it an ideal opportunity for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to be seen together in a positive light,” Boardman noted. “This could lead to further opportunities and collaborations.”
Newsweek has emailed representatives for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for comment.
James Crawford-Smith is NewsweekRoyal Reporter based in London. You can you can find him on X, formerly Twitter, under @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III and Queen Camilla, William and Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry or their family that you would like our expert royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
Unusual knowledge
Newsweek’s goal is to challenge conventional wisdom and make connections while searching for common ground.
Newsweek’s goal is to challenge conventional wisdom and make connections while searching for common ground.
