Title: Inside The Royal PR Machine: Pippa Harris’s Thrilling Ride in Buckingham Palace
It’s no secret that behind the compelling scandals, popular misconceptions, and engaging storylines of the British royal family, there is a “PR machine” driving the narratives. Over the years, Pippa Harris has been the strategic brain behind this machine. She managed global publicity for several of Buckingham Palace’s most controversial stories, including Harry’s infamous Nazi fancy dress, Diana’s explosive Panorama interview, and the intriguing ‘ghost’ Diana graphic novels talking to the Queen.
Harris joined the Royal household in 2005 and, in no time, climbed the ranks due to her absolute mastery over crisis management skills. Her skill set was immediately put to the test when she had to handle the public uproar caused by Prince Harry’s Nazi costume at a friend’s fancy dress party.
“That was a clear case of sheer ignorance, and Harry regretted his choice almost instantly,” said Harris, offering some behind-the-doors insight while speaking at a PR industry event. Harris expertly handled the situation, reminding fans and critics alike that despite their iconic status, the royals are human and subject to errors of judgment.
But perhaps the most controversial event in Harris’s tenure was Princess Diana’s 1995 BBC Panorama interview with Martin Bashir. Diana’s shocking revelations about her fraught relationship with Prince Charles, including the infamous assertion— “There were three of us in this marriage”— sent shockwaves across the globe. Harris navigated through the PR nightmare with finesse, showcasing why she is known as the best in the business.
“Crisis situations like these are where you make or break your reputation. In the end, it was about making the public understand that no relationship is perfect, even a royal one,” Harris said.
She also spearheaded the publicity for the intriguing ‘ghost’ Diana novels in which Diana’s spirit holds conversations with the Queen. Although greeted with mixed reactions, the storyline added a new dimension to the royal family adding to the growing interest among the global audience. Harris navigated the controversy with her trademark composed stance.
“We have to stay relevant. We knew it would be controversial, but isn’t that what draws the audience,” Harris remarked.
Through her career, Harris masterfully steered the royal narrative, ensuring the family’s image stayed intact despite the storms they weathered. She served as a reminder that even an institution as formidable as the British royal family needs a PR wizard to keep its reputation shining.
As she leaves her royal duties to pursue new ventures, insiders have likened the task of replacing Harris to “substituting the Queen herself.” Though the person filling Pippa’s shoes is yet to be named, one thing is clear: they have massive stilettos to fill.
Reflecting on her journey with the royals, Harris noted, “When you’re the face of British history and culture, there is no playbook for it. You’re writing it as you go along. And I daresay we did a good job of it.” And a good job, indeed it was, Pippa.
So, while we say au revoir to the game-changing PR expert, who knows what new narratives and controversies await us on the royal front? The British royal family’s show of power, popularity, prestige, and the occasional faux pas will continue to intrigue us. The only thing certain is that Pippa Harris’s legacy will be felt in every narrative spun by the royal PR machine.
