If you thought Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were trying to mend fences with the Royal Family, their latest move might make you think again.
The couple has just hired a new communications chief—and she’s no stranger to controversy, especially when it comes to the royals.
From ‘The Crown’ to Team Sussex
Emily Robinson, a high-powered PR executive who once led global publicity for The Crown—yes, that Crown—is officially the new Director of Communications for Harry and Meghan.
For those keeping track, Robinson was in charge of the Netflix show from seasons three to six, which were arguably the most scandal-filled chapters in the series.
It’s a bold choice, considering how the Royal Family has long bristled at the way The Crown has depicted them.
And it seems like a deliberate signal: the Sussexes aren’t backing down.
Promoting The Most Controversial Royal Storylines
Robinson wasn’t just behind the scenes—she led the charge when it came to marketing The Crown’s most contentious moments.
She handled press for episodes that dramatized Prince Harry in a Nazi costume, Diana’s infamous Panorama interview, and even a fictional ghost-Diana appearing to the Queen.
She also reportedly fought against adding any disclaimers that the show was fiction, even during season five, which suggested King Charles plotted against his own mother.
Many royal watchers found that portrayal deeply offensive—but Robinson stood firm.
A History of Tension with The Palace
It’s no secret that The Crown has stirred serious emotions within the Royal Family.
Some insiders say Robinson promoted the drama with an “iron fist,” earning her a reputation as both a tough operator and a polarizing figure within Netflix.
She left her role in April 2024, shortly after the sixth and final season wrapped.
That season pushed even more buttons, painting Mohamed Al Fayed—father of Princess Diana’s boyfriend Dodi—in a sympathetic light, while ignoring long-circulating allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
It also imagined a fictional meet-cute between a young Kate Middleton and Prince William, and portrayed Kate’s mother as a scheming matchmaker.
Why Choose Someone So Linked to Royal Drama?
Even insiders are stunned by the decision to bring Robinson on board.
As one source put it, “It’s almost beyond belief that Harry and Meghan would hire someone straight from The Crown.”
The move comes on top of the couple’s already controversial $100 million Netflix deal, which resulted in their explosive Harry & Meghan docuseries.
In that program, Meghan revealed that she was denied mental health support, and Harry openly criticized the Royal Family for racial bias and media manipulation.
Harry’s Take on The Crown’s Portrayal of His Family
Interestingly, Harry himself has admitted he’s watched The Crown—and doesn’t seem too bothered by it.
In a 2021 interview with James Corden, he called it “fiction” and said he prefers it over real tabloid stories.
He doubled down on that view in 2023 during an appearance with Stephen Colbert, saying he even fact-checks the show but values its role in shaping public understanding of royal history.
A PR Powerhouse With Decades of Experience
Despite the eyebrow-raising connection to The Crown, Robinson isn’t a one-trick pony.
She’s got over 20 years of experience in publicity and branding, with stints at networks like A&E, Discovery, Bravo, and VH1.
She’s also worked across both scripted dramas and unscripted reality shows.
Her hiring comes as part of a larger strategy.
The Sussexes recently expanded their communications team, with Meredith Maines stepping in as Chief Communications Officer in February.
Maines says she’s excited to help shape their public story “as entrepreneurs, builders, and philanthropists.”
Building a Brand Beyond Royal Ties
Harry and Meghan are clearly scaling up. Forbes reported that the couple brought on Method Communications to help manage their growing business and philanthropic ventures.
And Robinson’s arrival is just the latest sign they’re getting serious about managing their image.
A source close to the team said this expanded PR operation comes at a moment of “tremendous growth and success” for the pair.
Meghan’s Business Ventures and Brand Buzz
Meghan’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard has been in the spotlight this year.
Her new show With Love, Meghan premiered in March, and her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder launched shortly after.
While the brand had a hiccup around the restocking of popular items like teas, biscuit mixes, and edible flowers, Meghan clarified that new products are on the way.
Expect things like rose wine and chic homewares soon.
More Changes Behind the Scenes
Staffing changes aren’t stopping with Robinson.
Meghan has brought on Sarah Fosmo as her new Chief of Staff, while Miranda Barbot has been promoted to oversee Harry’s office in the same role.
Together, they’re building what looks like a full-fledged empire—complete with tight messaging, product lines, and streaming projects.
What’s Next?
With Robinson at the helm of communications, one thing is clear: the Sussexes aren’t retreating from their media ambitions.
If anything, they’re doubling down—with a team that knows exactly how to stir the public conversation, controversy or not.