As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prepare for their upcoming visit to Australia, a leading PR expert is cautioning that the high-profile tour comes with significant risks. According to talent manager Dermot McNamara, the couple is walking a tightrope between reviving their global appeal and facing intense media scrutiny.
Speaking to the Mirror, McNamara suggested that Prince Harry, in particular, may feel a strong urge to reconnect with the public. “Australia is a place that loves them dearly, especially when compared to the UK,” he explained. “So it’s a trip that has a lot of possibilities, but also a lot of risk. It’s a way to send the message: ‘We are here and we are active.’”
McNamara described the tour as a strategic middle ground for the Sussexes, allowing them to present themselves in multiple roles—as royals, celebrities, and simply as Harry and Meghan—without overwhelming the public. However, he warned that the stakes are high. “They’re probably hoping to reignite their global brand in Australia, while also working out what they want to do in the future,” he said. “It’s a last chance for them to establish where they fit and where they want to go.”
Adding to the complexity, McNamara noted that Harry may face uncomfortable questions during the tour related to ongoing controversies involving the royal family. “Harry wasn’t implicated, but he’s probably still going to have to answer questions about it all,” he said. “Whilst he probably doesn’t want to comment and be dragged into the Andrew-Epstein situation, he also doesn’t want to be seen as not commenting, so he’s in a very difficult position.”
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