The PR Verdict: Media Strategy, Celebrity Fallout, and Political Optics

Date: 25 September 2026
Analysis by: Ben Smith, Founder, PRmoment.com

In the fast-evolving landscape of public relations, the past week has served as a masterclass in how reputation management can either solidify a legacy or inadvertently erode it. This week’s PRmoment News Review featured a deep dive into four distinct flashpoints: the controversial literary release by Earl Spencer, the ongoing PR struggle of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the diplomatic tightrope walked by Andy Burnham, and the corporate-music fallout surrounding Ed Sheeran.

With expert analysis from veteran PR strategists Mark Borkowski and Angie Moxham, the discussion centered on the fragility of public perception and the high stakes of modern crisis management.

1. The "Bank Raid": Earl Spencer’s Swan Song

The literary world and the British aristocracy converged in a storm of controversy this week with the publication of Charles Spencer’s Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. While the book achieved massive visibility through strategic serialisation in the Mail and a high-profile interview with Laura Kuenssberg, the reception from the PR community has been decidedly lukewarm—and, in some corners, scathing.

The Strategic Miscalculation

Mark Borkowski, a titan of PR, did not mince words regarding the motives behind the release. “I think there’s a nasty smell about the book because I do feel that it is a bit of a bank raid,” Borkowski stated. From a reputation management perspective, the timing and execution have invited accusations of exploitation.

Implications of Royal Friction

The situation is compounded by the looming threat of legal or retaliatory action from figures like Piers Morgan. Borkowski noted, “Piers Morgan has the money and also the temperament to actually do what he wants to do: get the book pulped, and give as much pain as possible, not only to Penguin but of course his main target, Charles Spencer.”

Angie Moxham raised the issue of motive, suggesting that the pressure of maintaining grand estates may have forced Spencer’s hand. “I question his motive for publishing the book. He positions it as his swan song as much as hers. But he clearly has had an expensive divorce, and it’s not cheap running estates.” This framing suggests a narrative disconnect: the public is being asked to engage with a tribute, while the subtext is perceived as financial necessity.

2. Harry and Meghan: A Narrative in Flux

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain a perennial topic for PR analysts. This week, the discussion focused on their inability to find a consistent, relatable voice in an increasingly hostile media climate.

The Need for a "Trusted Anchor"

Borkowski argued that the couple’s primary failure lies in their lack of strategic counsel that understands the nuance of the British media. “They need that trusted anchor… that critical friend, that wise voice who understands social as well. I think things could be so much different for them,” he observed.

The Performance Gap

Moxham, who expressed sympathy for the couple, described their current PR state as a "lost cause," highlighting a specific incident at the Invictus Games. “The teleprompter dried up, and he [Harry] couldn’t ad-lib. He did not have that passionate, heartfelt story narrative in his head to be able to get over that.” For public figures who built their brand on authenticity and personal storytelling, a failure to connect without a script is a critical blow to their perceived credibility.

3. Andy Burnham and the Trump Media Boycott

The political arena provided a stark contrast in PR efficacy this week, as Andy Burnham’s visit to "Trump Land" coincided with a volatile media environment involving the President-elect’s boycott of major networks.

The Power of Media Unity

The Trump administration’s decision to ban CNN, MSNBC, and Politico backfired by triggering a rare display of media solidarity. Moxham praised the response, noting, “You can’t take on the media by picking off individual brands. It’s great that they’ve stood together. That’s the power of great journalism.”

The Diplomatic Tightrope

Borkowski reflected on the realities of global politics, where the PR visible to the public often masks the actual negotiations. “Campaigning against Trump is one thing, but actually governing alongside him has some advantages… that’s part of what happens at these events: the sort of PR that happens in rooms we’re not in.” Burnham’s ability to perform on the international stage was seen by Moxham as a credible effort, though overshadowed by the broader circus of the Trump media strategy.

4. Ed Sheeran: The Trap of Corporate Music

The controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s recent tour stop highlighted the dangers of artists becoming untethered from their "authentic" brand identity.

The Authenticity Crisis

The backlash stemmed from a "toxic mix" of factors: the inclusion of support act Macklemore, who has faced accusations of antisemitism, appearing at a stadium owned by Robert Kraft, a vocal pro-Israel figure. Sheeran’s response—a dry, teleprompter-led statement—was widely panned as insincere.

Borkowski’s assessment was blunt: “Ed Sheeran is not political. He is vanilla. He’s the busker that’s made it big… If he turned up on that stage with an acoustic guitar, he would have appeased his fans.” The failure was not just in the politics of the tour, but in the corporate machinery that forced a "vanilla" artist into a high-stakes political minefield, stripping away the very quality that made him a global success: simplicity.

Implications for Future PR Strategy

As we synthesize the lessons from this week’s news, three clear themes emerge for those in the industry:

1. Authenticity Cannot Be Rehearsed: Whether it is Prince Harry’s struggle with a teleprompter or Ed Sheeran’s scripted apology, the audience is increasingly adept at spotting manufactured sentiment. In an age of digital saturation, the "human" element—unscripted, raw, and vulnerable—is the only currency that retains value.
2. The "Bank Raid" Risk: When public figures use personal tragedy or private history for financial gain, the public’s "smell test" is immediate. PR professionals must advise clients that the short-term financial windfall of a "tell-all" project is rarely worth the long-term erosion of their reputation.
3. Media Solidarity as a Force Multiplier: The Trump media boycott serves as a reminder that the media is at its most powerful when it acts in concert. For corporate entities looking to manage their relationship with the press, playing outlets against one another is a high-risk, low-reward strategy that often results in a united front against the provocateur.

Looking Ahead

The coming quarter promises further volatility. As public figures continue to navigate a landscape where every word is scrutinized, the role of the PR advisor has shifted from mere "spin doctor" to "strategic conscience." The common thread across these four stories is that reputation is not built in the headlines—it is built in the moments of decision before the headlines are written.

As Mark Borkowski rightly pointed out, whether in the halls of power or the stadiums of global pop stars, "the rooms we’re not in" are where the most important PR work happens. Our job is to ensure that when our clients emerge from those rooms, their actions reflect their stated values, rather than contradicting them.

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