Harry and Meghan’s Invictus ‘powerplay’: Sussexes’ decision to pose with NATO chiefs just days before William heads for talks with the UN in New York is latest stage of the PR battle between the two brothers, experts say
DAILY MAIL
Harry and Meghan’s appearance with NATO chiefs in Germany today has stolen a march on Prince William in a PR battle between the two brothers and their wives, an expert told MailOnline today.
The Prince of Wales will travel to New York next week, as part of move to step up his role as a global statesman, to meet United Nations leaders and attend a summit for his £50million Earthshot Prize, which is now in its third year.
William is increasingly popular in the US and his trip has generated much interest across the Atlantic, with all major TV networks bidding for interviews.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met NATO joint force commander General Luigi Miglietta today on the sidelines of Harry’s Invictus Games – amid claims by athletes at the event that they felt ‘caught up in the royal crossfire’ between him and his family.
The couple held hands and smiled beside NATO chiefs and their families, including a large Italian and Dutch armed forces contingent, during the royal-style engagement in Dusseldorf.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede said the Sussexes’ decision to pose with NATO chiefs could be a ‘powerplay’ in the personal PR battle.
He said: ‘Harry and Meghan know that this is a really good time to shine their lights on both the lnvictus Games but other power players too.
‘There will always be a power play between the two brothers and their wives as they are the most famous pairs on the planet so all eyes will be on them.
‘With William meeting the UN chiefs next week the brothers have covered some of the most important and powerful people on the planet. For both of them this is positive PR but also inevitably raise eyebrows as to where they will be going next’.
As William and Kate visited a forest school and a farm in the UK today, the Sussexes arrived at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf this afternoon, where the sitting volleyball and table tennis is being held.
The Sussexes arrived hand-in-hand, Meghan in a bronze silk shirt and caramel trousers while her husband wore a smart navy suit and crisp white shirt.
They smiled and waved with NATO bosses and their families.
Meghan showed her more formal side at a private meeting with NATO chiefs and their families.
After sporting styled shorts and a J crew cardigan to watch a wheelchair rugby event, she was dressed in a more demure style for the meet and greet.
Meghan wore loose fitting wide leg caramel trousers and a silky brown shirt. Harry wore a blue suit but no tie.
The NATO event came after Harry had a private engagement in the morning while Meghan relaxed in their suite at the Hyatt Hotel.
He took part in a discussion organised by Better Up, the Silicon Valley career and life coaching start up where he is Chief Impact Officer on a reported seven-figure salary.
Last night the couple put on an extraordinary red carpet-style display of flirting and affection at the Games in their first official public engagements together since May.