Meghan Markle smiling

Meghan Markle was warned by a PR expert (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle was cautioned by a PR expert ahead of her big trip to Australia this month. The Duchess of Sussex is heading Down Under alongside her husband, Prince Harry, to promote her business and philanthropic endeavours.

The Sussexes are said to be focusing on their separate projects, with Meghan particularly committed to promoting her lifestyle brand, As Ever, as it looks into expanding into new markets. But a PR expert has warned the Duchess on how she should approach the Australian market as a businesswoman to avoid disappointment.

Australian-born Renae Smith, founder of PR agency The Atticism, told the Daily Express: “Australia is not an easy market to win over. We have a very strong tall poppy mentality, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

 

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Visit Australia - Day 2

Meghan Markle in Australia in 2018 (Image: Getty)

“If I were advising them, I would keep it very clear. For Meghan, I would be far more measured.

“If this is about testing the Australian market, it needs to feel observational rather than promotional.

“Less ‘here’s my brand,’ more ‘I’m here to understand the audience.’ The more she tries to push, the more resistance she’s likely to meet.”

Ms Smith said that the trip is not destined to be a “huge flop” and that it will be fine, adding that “‘fine’ and ‘transformational’ are very different things”.