PR and the Palace; are the mists clearing?

[Whentherainsetin101]

For those of us interested in the PR aspects of how the institution of the monarchy presents itself to us, the unsuspecting public, and given that Charles Spencer’s book has prompted a re-examination of events which took place over twenty-nine years ago, I thought this might be a good time to examine what Andrew Lownie calls;

“that gap between the curated narrative and the reality”.

We now know lots of things that weren’t obvious thirty years ago, for example;

We know that BP sometimes issues statements that question the credibility of the “accuser” rather than addressing an accusation directly.

We know that the relationship between the press and the palace is largely self serving on both sides.

We know that the royal rota tow the line in exchange for access.

We know that certain tabloids favour certain royals eg Fergie and The Sun.

We know that BP leaks and briefs certain stories to deflect from other more damaging ones.

We know that BP uses “safe” public figures to broadcast their spin for them eg it used to be Nicolas Soames but now appears to be Rory Stewart.

We know that many things presented to us in one way are in reality very different, eg the late Queen Elizabeth’s marriage, AMW being “banished” to Sandringham.

Given all of the above, do you think the Palace are losing the PR battle, simply because people are now much more switched on about ‘spin’ and because they favour a much more authentic approach?

I think OP is mistaking apathy and lack of interest in the monarchy (perhaps among younger people) for active opposition. I’m sure Republic would like to interpret it as such, but I don’t see it. What I do see is interest in specific political causes and issues amongst younger people, but frankly they think these (ME conflict, oil, lack of jobs and housing) are more important than raging against the monarchy.

And many older people see the mess the world is in and are grateful for the stability and continuity our system gives us.

Yes, I think those are fair points

Not the slightest bit cross. Honestly. And I must check my posts to ensure they don't come across as that because really nothing could be further from the truth, I have some important stuff in my life ATM and this is not that!
But thank you.

It wouldn’t be popularity suicide-because we would never see it. As-for example, I imagine most people if asked would say they think AMW was currently in something approaching house arrest when he has actually been house hunting in the Middle East.

With a girlfriend. Apparently.
No idea how true that is.
Now, you can't tell me that he is on scheduled flights because a picture of him at an airport would be worth megabucks
I can only assume the Palace are covering discreet private travel for him

No worries! Seriously, it's only chat. You had an opinion, people asked about it. That's all!

You really think China & Russia are spreading William is angry stories to destabilise the UK?!

If only he was house hunting in the Middle East.

I’d be delighted to see the back of him.

He could buy something with a couple of wings and take his ex and his security seeking nephew (and his family) with him.

I think AMW will have met many people with very discreet private transport over the years. (As will MM and Harry no doubt)

I doubt the RF would be arranging the travel.

They might stand with balloons and party poppers to see him off though.

A kazoo as well if he took the Sussex crew with him.

There could be a future problem because of Gen Z’s feelings towards the monarchy. If the feeling remains indifferent rather than positive then there conversely could create the possibility of the monarchy reverting to something more secretive and mysterious. I know that Gen Z is split on the concept of nepo babies which is the closest thing to royalty . Some are quick to point out that certain people are successful because of their nepo baby birth but others help these nepo babies become even richer and more famous by supporting their businesses and media output.

I remember a time where bashing quangos and calling for them to be slashed was all the rage. I haven’t heard the word quango in years - did they go? Were the amounts spent decreased? Or as I suspect are they thriving, influencing policy and making money for faceless powerful people? (Doesn’t that remind you of the powers advising the monarchy?)

Being authentic is spin these days- it means more Instagram posts, going Live on social media etc for many. I don’t want RF TikToks where they follow trends to appear more down to earth.

As for the leaking rather than briefing - what do you expect? Of course they only discuss questions or topics that are in their interest - same as our government. People post petitions because they think that they have actual influence but it will only be debated if it’s of interest to the governing party’s political agenda. The monarchy are undoubtedly financially and legally shady as an institution and I commend the journalists who plough through accounts and find the dodgy practices that we should know about. They represent the UK and shouldn’t behave in a way that shames us in 2026. I don’t need full transparency but financial and criminal activity is a problem.

Yes, I do. It’s one amongst many, many SM campaigns by which they manipulate and subvert Western democracies. That one is relevant to this thread but they will obviously target industry and education institutions etc etc. The aim is to create distrust and uncertainty about all kinds of institutions, not just in Britain but across Europe.

I thought this was common knowledge. It’s what GCHQ etc are always on the watch for - disinformation campaigns by hostile powers.

He’s family and very charismatic l. He was very popular.

Obviously, I don’t know fir sure but I strongly suspect it’ll happen.

Charismatic ? He is a petulant , angry manchild .
He was popular when he was being managed by the MIGs and pre marriage.
His true self is very different.

He was popular, but unfortunately he's squandered much of that in the last 6 years. His real attitude and personality have been revealed, and it's not very nice.

Stepping in to stop it? Just how is the king supposed to do that? He should not stop an investigation into Andrews action's that would be akin to popularity suicide

It would also be unconstitutional.

Edit to add: Only unthinking people are of the opinion that AMW is under 'a form of house arrest' given that he has been neither charged with not convicted of any crime to date.

That’ll be over a fair few dead bodies then.

That charisma was lost on that school kid.

I am not sure why that’s relevant but I suppose it relates to your point about PH being untrustworthy with state secrets. He wouldn’t necessarily have to be involved in a role similar to AMB’s previous envoy job. I doubt there are many state secrets around, for example, Wellchild.

I truly wish I could have a bet with you on this!

It’s relevant because I’ve seen many pps on MN declare that the King has the say about the Sussex’s security. He doesn’t.

It all feeds into a worrying suspicion that many people don’t understand the limits of constitutional monarchy. They seem to imagine KC is Louis XIV. That all changed at The Glorious Revolution in 1688.

I do understand how it all works.

I wouldn’t hesitate to bet on it but obviously prepared to accept I may be wrong!

Me too 😂

Come on now . Where are all the musings etc you claim?

Someone bought meghans candle (they dont like her) unfortunately it arrived with no wick (which didn't help the dislike) they have ripped the piss about wickless candles ever since

Possibly, in case you haven't noticed people get a bit vexed about this subject 🤔

Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised he had a temper we all do. I would be surprised if he had a temper at home if he was an abusive husband and father i would be surprised he honestly seems quite calm and level headed coming from two occasionally hysterical parents with a flair for the dramatic he has done very well to overcome his upbringing as we say