Remember the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Montecito years? It took them a good four or five years to really get a competent communications team in place to execute a proactive comms strategy. The wilderness-comms years were rough, remember? We were regularly begging Harry and Meghan to issue statements or react to any of the terrible narratives being foisted upon them, and they refused. The real shift was in 2025, when Meghan promoted With Love, Meghan and launched As Ever. It was great – the people working with Meghan for all of that were very smart. Apparently, that was the same team which organized Harry’s 2025 BBC interview, and the subsequent London meeting with King Charles’ senior aides. Well, Harry and Meghan have been trying to bring their “new comms strategy” with them to England. Their team has been reacting to almost everything and giving almost daily briefings to a handful of outlets. All of this has the palace in a panic.
The Palace is bracing for a battle it has no intention of starting. Sources tell Naughty But Nice that Harry and Meghan’s increasingly aggressive strategy of publicly challenging Palace statements has alarmed royal insiders, who fear the Sussexes are prepared to turn every disagreement into another public confrontation.
“Harry and Meghan feel completely unleashed,” a royal source tells Naughty But Nice. “They believe silence failed them before, so now their attitude is: if the Palace says something they don’t like, they will answer. They’re no longer afraid of the consequences.”
But insiders insist King Charles has no intention of being dragged into an endless war of words with his younger son. The King’s strategy is simple: dignity, restraint and silence.
“Charles will not turn the monarchy into a reality show,” says the source. “He isn’t going to respond to every complaint, accusation or perceived slight. The Crown has survived far bigger storms by refusing to wrestle in the mud.”
Prince William, however, is understood to be more protective of the institution — and far less comfortable allowing Harry and Meghan to control the narrative unchallenged.
“William doesn’t want a war, but he also won’t allow the monarchy to become a punching bag,” adds the insider. “If lines are crossed, he believes facts should be corrected quickly and firmly.”
That leaves the Palace facing an extraordinary dilemma: how do you fight opponents determined to engage when your greatest weapon has always been refusing to fight?
“Harry and Meghan want a response,” says the source. “Charles believes the most powerful response may be giving them none.”
[From Rob Shuter’s Substack]
I mean… Charles isn’t staying silent. The palace isn’t staying silent. “Dignified silence” is not Charles’ style. There was the clarification letter, sent out on Monday, and at least a half-dozen briefings to the palace’s friendly reporters pushing back on Team Sussex’s briefings to the Telegraph, the BBC and People Magazine. It’s a legit communications crisis for the palace because the Sussexes are not letting the palace get the last word, nor are the Sussexes allowing the palace to dictate the narrative. That’s what happens when two people are outside the tent, pissing in. This is what they should have been doing for the past eight years. But here we are. A palace in crisis because Harry and Meghan’s comms team is super-chatty.
Photos courtesy of Instar.
-
- USA Rights Only – Johannesburg, South Africa -20191002- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visit Tembisa township during the last day of their tour in Africa. -PICTURED: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex -PHOTO by: Dominic Lipinski/PA Images/INSTARimages.com -45764634.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
-
- USA Rights Only – Nuku’Alofa, Tonga -20181026- Prince Harry Duke of Sussex and Meghan Duchess of Sussex visit Toloa Forest Reserve for The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy during their tour of the Kingdom of Tonga. -PICTURED: Meghan Duchess of Sussex -PHOTO by: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment/INSTARimages.com -39335626.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
-
- North America Rights Only, London, England – 20220603- National Service of Thanksgiving On Day Two Of The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations -PICTURED: Meghan Duchess of Sussex -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com -67260352 Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
-
- North America Rights Only, London, England – 20220603- National Service of Thanksgiving On Day Two Of The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations -PICTURED: Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com -67259710 Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
-
- USA Rights Only – London, UK -20180619-Royals Attending Royal Ascot Day at Ascot Racecourse -PICTURED: Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Meghan Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles and Prince Harry -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com -37087496.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
-
- USA Rights Only – Wellington, New Zealand -20181028- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand. -PICTURED: Prince Harry Duke of Sussex, Meghan Duchess of Sussex, Jacinda Ardern -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com -39372797.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
-
- USA Rights Only – London, UK -20180710-UK Royals Attend RAF 100 Service at Westminster Abbey -PICTURED: Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
-
- USA Rights Only – Tonga, Oceania -20181025- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend an official welcome at Consular House in Tonga on the first day of their visit to the country. -PICTURED: Meghan Duchess of Sussex -PHOTO by: Paul Edwards/PA Images/INSTARimages.com -39316632.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
-
- USA Rights Only – Cape Town, South Africa -20190925- Duchess of Sussex on Day 3 of Royal Visit to Africa. -PICTURED: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex -PHOTO by: Paul Edwards/INSTARimages.com -45577896.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
The only thing that will work is if William and Kate are exiled. I don’t care where.
Oh, say it again!
In exile, doing real work: Kate in a kitchen and William as a public bus driver.
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha,🤣🤣🤣🤣 this is the funniest post I’ve read in a long time, thanks for the morning laugh. Oh and ITAWY, yes please🤣🤣
Yes, please keep slandering the Sussexes, Willy! Harry released all his potential scandals in “Spare” already. We can’t wait to hear the dirt he has on you!
And as a private citizen, Harry can write any book or make any documentary he wants. And he probably knows things we don’t. He said so himself.
Hhahahahahaha! DIgnified! Hey Chuckles, we’ve got the vid of you during the Great Pen Tantrum. And let us not forget the Tampon Tapes. What boobs they all are.
Charles picks a fight and then complains he’s stuck in a fight. His logic is dizzying.
I think the SNL sketch in which Charles completely transforms himself into a tampon with the Queen’s blessing needs to be revisited.
If the “working” royals would just be seen working — just doing regular volunteer work, the likes of which many of us do, week to week — this would not be a story. It would not be a drama. These people are giving an inadvertent and involuntary argument for the demise of the institution. Because it’s not a safety net. It’s supposed to be engaged in social work, and community organising. For lack of better words. Not image management.
This! The British public need to assess whether the RF and their so-called work is worth the hundreds of millions of pound entrusted to them to do good works for the benefit of Britons and, if not, abolish the Monarchy and reclaim the assets!
Once upon a time Charles advised Meghan to hop on a plane and go and see her father and sort it out face to face. Why doesn’t Charles take his own advice and speak to Meghan and Harry face to face and agree an amicable way forward? Isn’t that the adult and mature way of discussion and negotiation because no one wants or needs this drama (apart from the press!?) Give and take, live and let live, generosity, grace, kindness, understanding rather than an exhausting, endless war of briefing attrition which is distracting and damaging? Turf wars or both sides supporting good causes and charitable endeavours? Isn’t it time to come to a reasonable agreement about a mutually beneficial way forward where both parties could win? Surely they are both on the same side as regards public service?
Perhaps t
If “Charles believes the most powerful response may be giving them none” why, then, did he rush out a statement that he really does support veterans after the Uganda withdrawal from Invictus shortly after the letter was issued?
I read an article last week stating the best strategy is for Harry and Meghan not to comment on everything. lol. This move can’t be because British education is superior. I wish they would just state why. Archie and Lili deserve the best education possible and the US would provide that.As an RN I’ve worked with nurses educated in the UK. For those that have been able to be licensed in California and actually get a job have said it was a steep learning curve. My midwife was from New Zealand and educated in the UK, she was a sweet woman but my baby nearly died because I was not tested for Group B Strep. He was in the NICU for a month. This was a decade before I became an RN. I only went home from the hospital to shower, so I was privy to the NICU nurses gossip, all I heard was nurses educated in the were on the level of a CNA with an IV certification. Now I believe that to be true, if higher educationis lacking then what can be said for primary and secondaryschopls!
I didn’t know this! My daughter is a nurse. Nursing school in the US is very tough.
Dignity, restraint and silence — ah, yes, the Windsor way LOL.
Charles ripped a sink out of a wall once because he lost a cufflink down the drain, he was so “restrained.” And William probably can’t even spell those words.
Dignity always dignity as his wife flashes Mrs Fuzzy at another war memorial and he head butts her in public when she attempts to hold more than his hand! How will the lip reader explain either action as dignity, restraint and silence!
Mrs. Fuzzy! LOL. Never heard that one.
“Harry and Meghan feel completely unleashed,” a royal source tells Naughty But Nice. “They believe silence failed them before, so now their attitude is: if the Palace says something they don’t like, they will answer. They’re no longer afraid of the consequences.”
As PRIVATE citizens have a right to…
*sips tea with pinky up* 🫖
This article starts by saying that H&M plan to respond to Palace statements and then spends the rest of the article acting like H&M speak first. Also Charles is primarily to blame for the BRF’s reputation as a trashy reality TV family
Honey to be petty, Chuck started divorce wars briefing before Harry went to Eton! He collaborated with Dumbledore on his memoirs trashing his parents and admitting that he never loved his wife without any thought about impact on close family and his school kids. Oh and he and Dumbledore did a two hour yawnfest to promote said book.
People seem to forget that Charles published a memoire before Harry did. And he was the Heir. The future King. Harry is fifth in line and almost certainly never will be. I think it’s worse for someone who gets all the benefits of the system to trash it from within.
The Palace thought Harry and Meghan would remain silent like they were forced to do when they were working royals. The Palace failed to realise that time has passed and they don’t have control over Harry and Meghan. They thought that Harry and Meghan would have remained silent when they released that letter.
I mean…..they’ll put down their gun when the palace puts down theirs. Their team is just responding to the palace. so this article makes no sense on its face – first they have an insider saying “if the Palace says something they don’t like, they will answer.” and then the rest of the article is about how poor charles and william dont know what to do when the sussexes wont just let the palace lie about them endlessly.
Honestly i wonder if part of their return was just the mindset of “they’re going to talk shit about us anyway, so lets just live where we want.”
“Charles will not turn the monarchy into a reality show.” Sorry. That’s all it is in the 21st century. Their best hope of preserving it for the future is to lean into the celebrity culture it has embodied at least since Diana was alive.