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‘Popularity contest’: Real reason behind Prince Harry and Prince William’s feud

The divide between Prince Harry and Prince William has taken a ‘petty’ turn in a quest for popularity, a royal expert claims.

Meghan and Harry's 'sad tactic' against royal family

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are competing in a “popularity contest” with Kate Middleton and Prince William, a royal expert claims.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have launched a string of new Hollywood-esque projects since stepping down as senior royals in Megxit, including Meghan’s children’s book and their Archewell podcast.

Meantime, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also appear to have embarked on a rebranding in the last few months, with the launch of their new YouTube channel and changing their Instagram handle.

Royal author Duncan Larcome told The Sun: “Whether William and Kate like it or not, they are now international players in a transatlantic popularity contest with their own flesh and blood”.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a ‘popularity contest’ with William and Kate. Picture: AFP
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a ‘popularity contest’ with William and Kate. Picture: AFP
The relationship between William and Harry (far right) is strained. Picture: Getty Images
The relationship between William and Harry (far right) is strained. Picture: Getty Images

“Harry and Meghan have shown that modern royalty will only survive if it is absolutely at the cutting edge of social media and their profiles play into the narrative of the cult of the celebrity.

“Which is a complete change from the era of Prince Philip. It was never about the royals, it was about the causes, never complain, never explain, ignore questions about you and make it about your causes.”

He added: “Clearly William and Kate are quite clear they need to do more to sell themselves as a couple, family and personalities.

“I think in the first few years of their marriage they were very formal.

“Things like their anniversary video, that is a deliberate charm offensive to sell them as personalities as well as people who are going to be the king and queen.”

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is showing more of her personality lately. Picture: AFP
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is showing more of her personality lately. Picture: AFP

HARRY AND MEGHAN’S NEW ROLE

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have teamed up with a US consumer goods giant to “promote gender equality.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation today announced the multi-year global partnership with Procter & Gamble, an American multinational known for its cleaning goods.

The statement said: “Archewell Foundation believes that with community, and through compassionate service to others, we can unleash systemic cultural change. In service of doing this, and building more compassionate communities, Archewell Foundation announced a multi-year global partnership today with Procter & Gamble.”

Meghan Markle has announced yet another post-royal venture. Picture: AFP
Meghan Markle has announced yet another post-royal venture. Picture: AFP
Procter & Gamble makes household cleaning products. Picture: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
Procter & Gamble makes household cleaning products. Picture: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg

The partnership with the American multinational consumer goods firm will focus on gender equality, more inclusive online spaces, and resilience and impact through sport.

The statement on the Archewell website said: “Through Archewell Foundation, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on a mission to build a more equitable and just future for women and girls.

“In this partnership, Archewell Foundation and P&G will put a priority focus on gender equity.”

When she was 11, Meghan wrote to Procter & Gamble to object to sexism in a dishwashing detergent commercial which included the line: “Mothers around America are fighting greasy pots and pans”.

She asked P&G to change the advert to “people all over America” and the company subsequently amended the language.

What Meghan did as a thoughtful 11-year-old landed her on the US cable TV show for kids ‘Nick News’ in 1993. In that ootage young Meghan called out TV commercial for hurting people’s feelings.

Now, the Archewell statement added: “The partnership will elevate the voices of adolescent girls to ensure their point of view and lived experience is heard at the tables where decisions are made.

“Expanding on P & G’s collaboration with Promundo, together we will underscore the importance of engaging men and boys in the drive for gender equity throughout society and encourage shared caregiving at home so everyone in the family can thrive.”

It comes as P & G joined Archewell Foundation in supporting Harvest Home, a homeless shelter specifically for expectant mothers, on Mother’s Day.

— With The Sun

Originally published as ‘Popularity contest’: Real reason behind Prince Harry and Prince William’s feud

Read related topics:Meghan MarklePrince Harry

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-team-up-with-us-consumer-goods-giant-to-promote-gender-equality/news-story/db44116a9623f40719c8617208092a2a