Meghan Markle ‘dreaming of return to global stage’ with relaunch across Europe and US
GB News
Mark Borkowski, a leading PR expert, stated that each of the Duchess of Sussex’s public appearances tied her to a different industry or cause.
Mr Borkowski told the Mail: “She is trying her hand to re-enter the global stage without waiting for an invitation.
Meghan Markle ‘dreaming of return to global stage’ with relaunch across Europe and US
Duchess of Sussex says new Netflix deal is ‘sign of strength’ for partnership
Telegraph & Argus
Duchess of Sussex says new Netflix deal is ‘sign of strength’ for partnership
The Sussexes previously described their latest deal with Netflix, which is also a partner in As Ever, as “extending their creative partnership”.
But PR and crisis expert Mark Borkowski has called it a “downgrade,” and suggested Netflix had “done a very neat job of pivoting away from two very expensive people who didn’t deliver”.
With Love, Meghan first ran on the streaming platform in March this year, with its second season released in August.
Its launch coincided with the unveiling of Meghan’s As Ever brand, with her first products including her raspberry jam, and the flower sprinkles she repeatedly promotes throughout the show.
Will Meghan’s latest wine gamble pay off? Experts warn Duchess of Sussex’s Sauvignon Blanc launch is ‘risky’ – following a ‘muted’ reception to her 2024 rosé
Daily Mail Online
Leading publicist Mark Borkowski told the Daily Mail: ‘They have shot the golden goose of 2020 – more of a ‘we’ll call you’ than ‘here’s the chequebook’. It’s a first-look deal, which means Netflix gets first dibs but no obligation to bankroll every semi-royal whim.
‘I reckon Netflix is trimming fat industry-wide, so this is less carte blanche, more curated cameo.
‘They’re still in business together – Meghan’s. As ever brand and seasonal specials keep them in the Netflix shop window but make no mistake, this is a slimmed-down sequel to the blockbuster original. So Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix chapter [is] less champagne budget, more Prosecco by the glass.’
How Victoria Beckham has done what Meghan Markle never could
Daily Mail
The renewed deal was described by the Sussexes – who made the announcement with Netflix – as ‘extending their creative partnership’ through Archewell Productions.
But the new terms are understood to be worth less for Harry and Meghan than their previous contract, according to a person familiar with the deal, and represent Netflix loosening its ties with the couple.
Leading publicist Mark Borkowski told the Daily Mail: ‘They have shot the golden goose of 2020 – more of a ‘we’ll call you’ than ‘here’s the chequebook’. It’s a first-look deal, which means Netflix gets first dibs but no obligation to bankroll every semi-royal whim.
‘I reckon Netflix is trimming fat industry-wide, so this is less carte blanche, more curated cameo.
‘They’re still in business together – Meghan’s. As ever brand and seasonal specials keep them in the Netflix shop window but make no mistake, this is a slimmed-down sequel to the blockbuster original. So Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix chapter [is] less champagne budget, more Prosecco by the glass.’
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-15181205/meghan-markle-white-wine-launch.html
PR Woman Transforms King Charles Image with Human Touch
Orbital Affairs
Colleen Harris: The Communications Powerhouse Behind King Charles’s Modern Image
When the British monarchy found itself at a crossroads of tradition and modernity, few individuals played as pivotal a role in shaping its public image as Colleen Harris. Often described as the PR strategist “who helped turn Prince Charles into a human being,” Harris’s return to the royal fold as King Charles’s communications advisor marks a significant chapter in the monarchy’s ongoing evolution.
A Trailblazer in Royal Communications
Colleen Harris’s career is distinguished by a series of firsts. As the first Black press secretary to a senior member of the royal family, her appointment in the late 1990s was groundbreaking. According to The Guardian, Harris’s approach was characterized by empathy, transparency, and a deep understanding of public sentiment, qualities that proved invaluable during some of the monarchy’s most challenging moments.
Her initial tenure coincided with a period of intense scrutiny for the then-Prince of Wales. Public perception of Charles was at a low ebb, shaped by years of negative press and personal upheaval. Harris’s strategy was to humanize the prince, encouraging openness and authenticity in his engagements. As royal commentator Valentine Low noted in a recent interview, “Colleen Harris brought a warmth and accessibility to Charles’s public persona that had previously been lacking.”
A Return at a Critical Juncture
Harris’s return to the royal household as King Charles’s communications advisor comes at a time when the monarchy faces renewed calls for transparency and relevance. In a tweet that quickly gained traction, royal journalist Omid Scobie observed, “Colleen Harris’s return is a clear signal that King Charles values experienced, empathetic communication in a rapidly changing media landscape.”
Recent studies underscore the importance of effective public relations in maintaining institutional trust. The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer highlights that 61 percent of respondents believe leaders should be more open and honest in their communications. Harris’s proven track record aligns closely with these expectations, positioning her as a key asset in the King’s efforts to modernize the monarchy’s image.
Addressing Public Concerns and Building Trust
One of the most pressing concerns among royal watchers is whether the monarchy can adapt to contemporary values while preserving its unique heritage. Harris’s approach offers a blueprint for achieving this balance. By prioritizing authentic storytelling and proactive engagement, she has helped bridge the gap between the royal family and the public.
For example, during her previous tenure, Harris was instrumental in orchestrating community visits and charitable initiatives that showcased Charles’s personal commitment to causes such as environmental sustainability and youth empowerment. These efforts not only improved public perception but also demonstrated the monarchy’s capacity for meaningful social impact.
Expert Opinions and Case Studies
Communications experts widely recognize Harris’s contributions. In a recent article for PRWeek, industry veteran Mark Borkowski remarked, “Colleen Harris understands that the monarchy’s survival depends on its ability to connect with people’s real lives. Her return is a smart move at a time when authenticity is more important than ever.”
A case in point is the successful launch of The Prince’s Trust International, which Harris helped promote during her earlier tenure. The initiative has since supported over one million young people worldwide, a testament to the power of strategic communication in driving positive change.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Royal Communications
As King Charles navigates the complexities of his new role, Harris’s expertise will be crucial in shaping the monarchy’s narrative. Her emphasis on openness, empathy, and community engagement resonates with a public that increasingly demands accountability from its institutions.
The renewed partnership between King Charles and Colleen Harris signals a commitment to evolving with the times while honoring tradition. As royal historian Robert Lacey recently commented, “The monarchy’s ability to endure rests on its willingness to listen, adapt, and connect. Colleen Harris embodies these qualities, making her an invaluable advisor in this new era.”
In an age where public trust is hard-won and easily lost, the return of Colleen Harris to the royal communications team offers both reassurance and inspiration. Her legacy—and her ongoing work—remind us that even the most venerable institutions can find fresh relevance through the power of authentic storytelling and genuine engagement.
PR Woman Transforms King Charles Image with Human Touch – Orbital Affairs
How Gary Neville’s attack on the flag backfired
The Telegraph
“It was the wrong time to drop a broadside at exactly the wrong moment in the news cycle,” says crisis consultant Mark Borkowski. “He’ll probably argue it was an aside that’s been blown up. But if he were to stray into Lineker territory, he’d have to wear a very thick suit of armour – and I think people would carefully ignore him, which would be a financial downturn for him.”
It helps, he says, that Neville isn’t at the BBC, where it would be “a different kettle of fish” after something like this. “It’s a squall. But why would Sky lose him? He’s probably one of their most valuable pundits.”
Borkowski agrees. “It was insensitive, but this is not the same accelerant as blighted Gary Lineker.”
From eugenics to Scooter Braun: how Sydney Sweeney became one of the most controversial stars in Hollywood
The Standard
“It’s absolutely a tactic,” says celebrity PR expert Mark Borkowski, “because as soon as you disclose that in the age of culture wars, you are cannon fodder.”
Borkowski and Gamble both compare this apolitical side of Sweeney to Taylor Swift, who famously took a long time to disclose her political stance around the 2016 election, despite incessant pleas from her fans to denounce Donald Trump. At the time, PRs and critics claimed it was due to Swift wanting to capitalise on her fandom being split between both camps, and not wanting to lose half her audience.
No one else can brand it like Beckham
The Times
“Fame is quite toxic, particularly when you’re living your entire life in the glare of publicity. Your kids don’t have the same normal life as the person next door. And it’s very, very difficult,” says Mark Borkowski, a veteran publicist and strategist. “So you see clearly the pain of that in a family. But that isn’t the business.”
His status as a gay icon, who had posed on the cover of Attitude magazine, was severely undermined when it was revealed he had signed a long-term deal to promote the World Cup in Qatar. But in retrospect, Borkowski says, the negative publicity “just supercharged him. In his case the old adage ‘all publicity is good publicity’ is true.”
Prince Harry And Meghan In Talks With Netflix For Princess Diana Documentary In Renewed Deal
MSN
PR expert Mark Borkowski told the Daily Mail that the couple’s once-lucrative arrangement appears to have shifted.
“They have shot the golden goose of 2020 – more of a ‘we’ll call you’ than ‘here’s the chequebook,” he said.
Borkowski explained that the new agreement is a “first-look deal, which means Netflix gets first dibs but no obligation to bankroll every semi-royal whim.”
He continued: “I reckon Netflix is trimming fat industry-wide, so this is less carte blanche, more curated cameo. They’re still in business together – Meghan’s. As Ever brand and seasonal specials keep them in the Netflix shop window, but make no mistake, this is a slimmed-down sequel to the blockbuster original.
“So Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix chapter [is] less champagne budget, more Prosecco by the glass,” he added.
Sarah Ferguson’s reduced life from charity axe to exile and ‘financial destitution’
The Mirror
A PR expert, Mark Borkowski, branded the emails “reputational napalm” to Sarah.
“When a children’s hospice decides the reputational risk of association outweighs the patronage of a Duchess, the verdict is clear: she is toxic. Charities are bellwethers for public trust. If they won’t touch her, then publishers, sponsors, and producers won’t either. This isn’t a PR headache – it’s financial destitution dressed up as disgrace,” Borkowski explained.
Sarah Ferguson’s reduced life from charity axe to exile and ‘financial destitution’ – The Mirror
‘Toxic’ Sarah Ferguson ‘faces financial destitution’ as Epstein email leaked
Birmingham Mail
A PR expert has claimed the leaked emails between the Duchess of York and Jeffrey Epstein are “reputational napalm”
The Duchess of York’s correspondence with sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, was made public recently, revealing a string of emails where she called Epstein a “supreme friend.”
Due to this matter, multiple charities she has been involved with for a long time have decided to cut her out of the picture – including The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, British Heart Foundation, The Children’s Literacy Charity and Prevent Breast Cancer.
Now, a PR expert has claimed this scandal could render Sarah as “toxic” with the leaked emails viewed as “reputational napalm,” according to Mark Borkowski.
He told The Mirror: “The Duchess’s reputation and ability to earn a living off the back of that reputation directly affects Andrew’s finances.”
He added: “The leaked emails are reputational napalm… Julia’s House severing ties is not a side note; it’s a siren.
“When a children’s hospice decides the reputational risk of association outweighs the patronage of a Duchess, the verdict is clear: she is toxic.
“Charities are bellwethers for public trust. If they won’t touch her, then publishers, sponsors, and producers won’t either. This isn’t a PR headache – it’s financial destitution dressed up as disgrace.”
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/toxic-sarah-ferguson-faces-financial-32529756
Sarah Ferguson branded ‘toxic’ by PR expert as she’s sacked from charities over Epstein
Express
A close confidant of Fergie revealed she penned the email during a period when she faced threats of legal proceedings from Epstein, who was discovered dead in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. Fergie apologised to Epstein after connecting him to paedophilia during an interview, stating: “I did not use the P word about you”.
PR guru Mark Borkowski warned that Fergie was in danger of becoming “toxic” and described the leaked emails as “reputational napalm”.
He stated: “The Duchess’s reputation and ability to earn a living off the back of that reputation directly affects Andrew’s finances. The leaked emails are reputational napalm… Julia’s House severing ties is not a side note; it’s a siren.
“When a children’s hospice decides the reputational risk of association outweighs the patronage of a Duchess, the verdict is clear: she is toxic. Charities are bellwethers for public trust. If they won’t touch her, then publishers, sponsors, and producers won’t either. This isn’t a PR headache – it’s financial destitution dressed up as disgrace.”
‘Toxic’ Sarah Ferguson ‘faces financial destitution’ as she’s axed over Epstein scandal
The Mirror
Experts say the scandal could leave Fergie a “toxic” brand and have a devastating effect on her ability to financially support herself and disgraced ex-husband Andrew, 65. A close pal of Fergie said she wrote the email at a time when she had been threatened with legal action by Epstein, 66, who was found dead in his cell in 2019 as he awaited trial.
Fergie said sorry to Epstein after linking him to paedophilia in an interview, telling him: “I did not use the P word about you”.
PR expert Mark Borkowski said Fergie risked becoming “toxic” and said the leaked emails were “reputational napalm”. He said: “The Duchess’s reputation and ability to earn a living off the back of that reputation directly affects Andrew’s finances.” He added: “The leaked emails are reputational napalm… Julia’s House severing ties is not a side note; it’s a siren.
“When a children’s hospice decides the reputational risk of association outweighs the patronage of a Duchess, the verdict is clear: she is toxic. Charities are bellwethers for public trust. If they won’t touch her, then publishers, sponsors, and producers won’t either. This isn’t a PR headache – it’s financial destitution dressed up as disgrace.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/toxic-sarah-ferguson-faces-financial-35946232.amp
Why Meghan has suddenly been silenced: Once a loud and proud social justice warrior, she’s now (whisper it) quite boring. Experts say it’s all part of a master plan
Daily Mail Online
Mark Borkowski, a crisis PR consultant, said: ‘Meghan has learned, the hard way, that volume isn’t the same as influence. The early phase of “finding her voice” became a cacophony – every speech, every podcast clip, every political nudge was amplified and often weaponized against her. The result? Fatigue. The media got bored of the sermon, the public got tired of the tone, and her commercial partners got nervous.’
Borkowski said she was likely being warned to steer clear of controversy, in a bid to maintain a broad appeal.
‘Netflix and her other backers don’t want noise – they want focus,’ he said. ‘A glossy docuseries or lifestyle brand can’t thrive if the headlines are dominated by political spats or stray comments about the royals. Silence, in this case, is a strategy: it keeps the attention on the product, not the controversy.’
Strictly’s Thomas Skinner: Casting nightmare or ratings gold?
The Telegraph
“The problem with Strictly is that it has replaced EastEnders as our national soap opera,” says Mark Borkowski, a PR expert. “The show is stuck in this loop of continually trying to weather the storm.”
With these nastier controversies continuing to dog the show, it’s getting tougher for them to attract genuine A-list talent, says Borkowski. “Why the hell would they want to get involved with it? It’s far too much drama – and Strictly doesn’t make careers the way it used to.”
Borkowski wonders if it’s time to rest Strictly, “like they did with Top Gear and Doctor Who”, and let the programme reset.
Strictly’s Thomas Skinner: Casting nightmare or ratings gold?
Print has become more powerful than ever’: Edward Enninful launches new magazine
The Guardian
The publication has recently been criticised by fashion fans for becoming too mainstream. Its latest issue, which landed on shelves on Monday, co-stars the models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Malle described her recent digital cover story on Lauren Sanchez Bezos as a “calculated risk”.
The PR consultant and author Mark Borkowski says Enninful’s rebrand would have been carefully considered. In June 2023 when he announced he was leaving British Vogue after six years as editor-in-chief in addition to four years as European editorial director of Vogue, there were rumours Enninful had been forced out after a power struggle with Wintour. “There were obituary-type pieces written about Enninful,” Borkowski says. “Some felt he had risen to a pedestal he wasn’t worthy of.”
Now it appears we are entering the era of rivalry 2.0. For anyone who thought Enninful had fallen off his path to rise to the top of the fashion chain, this phoenix-like comeback hints that he believes his journey is not over.
“The launch shows he is a very powerful person and influencer,” Borkowski says. “But being an entrepreneur brings added baggage. You are not the product of an empire. Now it’s about the quality of the team he builds. Every move he makes will be pored over. He cannot fail.”
Has Sydney Sweeney already been cancelled? Romance with Taylor Swift’s arch-nemesis Scooter Braun comes after backlash against Hollywood darling from…
Bundle
It has also been revealed that the blonde beauty is a registered member of the Republican Party, which sparked a hugely divisive response online
PR guru Mark Borkowski said: ‘Behind [Sydney] is a professional machine that knows how to keep her image afloat. No flailing on Twitter. She lets the visuals do the talking’
The lingerie line is being backed by Ben Schwerin, a partner at private equity firm Coatue according to Puck. The company recently had a $1 billion investment from Bezos and fellow tech giant Michael Dell via their Coatue Innovation Fund.
Back in March, Sweeney signed on to star in the video game adaptation of the recent hit Split Fiction, which has been backed by Amazon MGM Studios.
From Suffragette arsonists to soup on sunflowers – why the stunt still matters.
BBC Sounds
Legendary publicist Mark Borkowski takes a no-prisoners look at the history of the protest stunt – the noisy, theatrical interventions that have rattled the establishment for over a century.
With fascinating examples from the BBC archive and interviews with Led By Donkeys, The Centre for Political Beauty, Joey Skaggs, The Yes Men, veteran activist Jamie Kelsey Fry and Clare Farrell from XR.
Written and presented by Mark Borkowski
Produced by Alison Vernon-Smith
Researcher: Ellie Dobing
Executive Producer: Julian Mayers.
A Yada-Yada Audio production for BBC Radio 4
SYD THE SEXIEST Inside Sydney Sweeney’s shock romance with Taylor Swift’s nemesis Scooter Braun that is rocking Hollywood
The Sun
They had been together since 2018 and got engaged in 2022 with plans for a wedding in May.
They split up as her star power soared.
But PR guru Mark Borkowski reckons her growing string of controversies have helped propel her forward.
He told The Sun: “Sydney hasn’t dodged the storms, she’s ridden straight through them and somehow come out shinier.
“Most actors caught in the crossfire of partisan politics, fan wars, or brand ‘wokeness’ wobble, apologise, retreat. Sweeney doesn’t.
“She keeps working, keeps fronting campaigns, keeps landing movies.
“That relentless forward motion has become its own PR strategy: The next premiere, the next photoshoot, the next glossy cover pulls the audience’s attention forward.
“Momentum itself is her shield. Crucially, she isn’t doing this alone.
“Behind her is a professional machine that knows how to keep her image afloat. No flailing on Twitter. She lets the visuals do the talking.
“Add Scooter Braun into the picture and the message is clear: She has heavyweight operators around her who understand the alchemy of fame.
“Braun is a fixer, someone who knows how to turn enemies into fuel. So the storms aren’t really avoided; they’re converted. Outrage becomes visibility, visibility becomes currency. That’s why she’s been signed up by Jimmy Choo, and why she will keep landing glossy campaigns tomorrow.
“For now, Sydney Sweeney is un-cancellable.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/36561946/sydney-sweeneys-romance-taylor-swifts-scooter-braun-hollywood/
The power of social media has changed the art of the political protest and this is why
Metro
Mark Borkowski, a crisis PR consultant, told Metro that the art of protest is different today because it lacks the power of social media.
Speaking after he voiced his opinions on Radio Four’s Outrage doc – the publicist gave ano-prisoners look at the history of the protest stunt.
He told Metro: ‘Suffragettes would be locked up, and women who got into the base where nuclear weapons were and smothered them with porridge, that wouldn’t be tolerated now,’ he explained.
‘Why? There’s a greater fear because of social media and the power it has in telegraphing that message. People are now being imprisoned just for talking about a protest.’
The power of social media has changed the art of the political protest and this is why