Prince Harry has been warned that the public are not likely to be “receptive” to a “bitter” memoir written by a seasoned Hollywood professional.
One PR expert has advised Harry to avoid “exaggerating” events to “shift more copies” of his recently announced new book, which is due out some time next year.
Harry’s publishing deal with Penguin Random House was announced earlier this week, following on from his explosive interview with chat show host Oprah Winfrey alongside wife Meghan Markle.
Their Hollywood connections – which include a documentary series released on Apple TV and podcast deals with music giant Spotify – come in spite of a vow to engage with “grassroots media organisations” and “young, up-and-coming journalists.”
A statement from the Duchess of Sussex in spring last year read: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be adopting a revised media approach to ensure diverse and open access to their work.
(Image: WireImage)
“This adjustment will be a phased approach as they settle into the new normality of their updated roles. This updated approach aims to […] engage with grassroots media organisations and young, up-and-coming journalists.”
Now PR expert Pablo O’Hana, Director of PR at Apostrophe Talent, has offered Harry some sage advice ahead of his book release.
He urged: “My hesitation would be to avoid exaggerating events to shift more copies and swerve bitter revenge. If he wants to rebuild and maintain his reputation, he needs to stick to the truth.
“Keep it steady, be truthful and move forward. The public won’t be receptive to a bitter, divisive and hammed up biography written by a Hollywood professional,” he advised.
(Image: Getty)
But he said the book provided an opportunity to help repair Harry’s damaged reputation, adding: “I think the book – which I’m sure sent a fair few shudders down the backs of the Palace’s PR team – could do that.
“As panicked conversations in Buckingham escalate over the next year, I suspect we’ll see some firefighting from both sides. But if Harry’s on-screen revelations are anything to go by, I’d say he’s got a lot more to unleash and will likely come out on top.
“There is a gradual move to understand the effects of mental health, and I think the public mood will be on their side,” Pablo predicted.
He added that the Sussexes’ position affords them a unique opportunity to become ‘Rebel Royals’.
(Image: SplashNews.com)
“There’s always going to be interest in the Royal Family, and particularly a couple as renowned as Harry and Meghan.
“They have ignored conventions and defied expectations at almost every turn, and that will always be appealing to brands who want to attract a younger, more rebellious audience.”
Pablo continued: “Harry and Meghan have the opportunity to be the ‘Rebel Royals’ and completely re-write the narrative. I absolutely think that’s what they should do.”
The Sussexes’ Hollywood connections have been well documented in recent weeks. Meghan, of course, shot to fame as an actress in the role of Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits.
And much has been made about a potential connection with George Clooney, who some have theorised introduced Harry to the man assumed to be his celebrity ghostwriter, J. R. Moehringer.
Pablo says it’s a “shame” that the royal duo didn’t opt for smaller organisations and journalists, but conceded: “I can see why they might go with a name they know and trust.
“That said, there are so many excellent options out there who would benefit enormously from the boost of working with names like theirs and it wouldn’t take much to have scouted them out.
“It would be an excellent opportunity for them to keep their feet on the ground, and show the public they are actively doing so.”
For more of the latest showbiz news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
