In a significant move for the royal household, the Prince and Princess of Wales have appointed a top crisis communications expert to manage their public relations. The hire comes at a pivotal time for the monarchy, with several sensitive issues on the horizon.
A Strategic Hire for Choppy Waters
Kensington Palace confirmed that Liza Ravenscroft, a senior director at the global communications firm Edelman, will soon take up the role steering PR for William and Kate. Known in industry circles by the formidable nickname "bulletproof sunshine," Ravenscroft's CV highlights her specialty in supporting leaders during their "worst ever days in the office." She is reputed for handling front-page crises, from boycott campaigns to serious safety and ethical allegations.
While palace officials are downplaying the link, framing her role as focused on day-to-day press interactions, her expertise in navigating high-stakes scandals is unmistakable. Her appointment signals that the future King and Queen are taking a proactive, strategic approach to safeguarding their reputation in what may be a turbulent year ahead.
The Mounting Challenges for Team Wales
The timing of this appointment is highly pertinent. Prince Harry is scheduled to return to the UK next week for a final court showdown against the Daily Mail. This visit will inevitably thrust the brothers' fractured relationship back into the spotlight. Furthermore, plans are reportedly being made for both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to return to Britain this summer for Invictus Games commitments.
The dynamic around the Sussexes has shifted. With Prince Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein casting a long shadow, public perception of Harry and Meghan has softened somewhat. Their entrepreneurial success in California also resonates with a modern, can-do attitude. This creates a complex public relations landscape for the more traditional Prince William, who remains steadfastly opposed to a rapprochement with his brother.
Compounding this is the issue of royal finances. Last year, broadcaster David Dimbleby criticised the House of Windsor for being as rich as "plutocrats." Unlike his father, Prince William chooses not to publish his Duchy of Cornwall tax returns. In a cost-of-living crisis, the spectacle of unaccountable royal wealth presents a growing reputational risk, particularly among younger generations.
The Path Forward for the Monarchy
Ravenscroft's appointment also reveals coordination at the highest level. Her current boss at Edelman is Julian Payne, King Charles III's former communications secretary. This sovereign seal of approval indicates a concerted effort to align the messaging of the monarch and his heirs closely as the succession becomes an increasing preoccupation.
A key test may come this summer with a potential charm offensive to the United States. Proposals are afoot for the Prince of Wales to undertake a visit during America's 250th-anniversary celebrations and the FIFA World Cup. While such a tour offers a chance to dazzle on the world stage, it also carries risks, especially in the volatile political climate surrounding a potential second Trump presidency.
Ultimately, the hiring of "bulletproof sunshine" is a clear signal. The Waleses are fortifying their team for a year where family discord, financial scrutiny, and global diplomacy will test the monarchy's resilience. Ravenscroft's core task will be to guide the future King through the necessary compromises to ensure the institution's longevity, all while managing the relentless glare of the public spotlight.
