Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were warned that their “faux royal tours” abroad could “deepen” the ongoing rift with the Royal Family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on what was described by many as a “successful” three-day trip to Nigeria earlier this month to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
And they also hinted that there could be more tours on the horizon after Harry told PEOPLE that it’s “hugely important for us to meet directly with people, supporting our causes and listening, in order to bring about solutions, support and positive change.”
But now a PR expert has claimed trips of this nature could have an impact on the Montecito couple’s already strained relationship with the Royal Family.
PR specialist Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR told the Mirror: “These faux-royal tours could deepen their rift with the Royal Family, if not handled correctly.
“Their [Harry and Meghan’s] Nigerian tour bared all that hallmarks of a Royal Tour which was said to [have] infuriated the palace.”
The expert added that if these tours are linked to the couple’s individual work and projects, it would boost their brand’s image.
She explained: “I don’t believe the Nigerian tour helped to increase their popularity in the UK and USA, but it did showcase to the African nations the work that the couple can do and will certainly have increased their popularity there.”
Meanwhile, sources claimed last week Harry and Meghan could be eyeing up Ghana for their next tour.
However, Ms Carratt warned that the couple could need a reason for their trip to make sense.
She said: “Since Ghana is not participating in the Invictus Games and Meghan does not have Ghanaian heritage, for their visit to Ghana to be successful, they would need to have a specific project, like an Archewell project or partnership that they want to showcase in the country and encourage people to get involved in.
“It can’t just be an unofficial royal tour for the sake of it.”