Meghan Markle Faces Challenges in Regaining Public Favor Amid Series of Missteps

Meghan Markle Faces Challenges in Regaining Public Favor Amid Series of Missteps

When Meghan Markle began her relationship with Prince Harry, she was often seen as a revitalizing presence for the British monarchy. However, five years after their departure from royal duties, the so-called ‘Markle Sparkle’ appears to have diminished significantly for many.

Meghan transitioned from a Hollywood actress to the Duchess of Sussex following her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. By 2020, the couple stepped back from their roles as senior royals and relocated to California, Meghan’s home state.

The 43-year-old is currently preparing to debut her Netflix series titled ‘With Love, Meghan’ on March 4, which faced delays due to fires in Los Angeles.

What has contributed to Meghan’s challenges in public perception? Kinsey Schofield, the host of the ‘To Di For Daily’ podcast, shared insights with Fox News Digital. She remarked that the ‘avalanche of missteps’ is apparent, particularly following Meghan and Harry’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

The interview, watched by nearly 50 million globally, revealed their struggles within royal life alongside controversial assertions about the royal family.

According to Schofield, the couple’s narrative of hardship may have set an unfavorable tone for their audience. She explained that rather than adopting a positive approach, they primarily expressed bitterness and frustration.

Schofield emphasized, ‘People connect more with individuals who inspire and uplift rather than those who complain. This connection fosters trust and enhances likability, creating a memorable brand.’

Furthermore, she pointed out that focusing on providing solutions rather than merely highlighting problems could yield a more favorable public reaction. Achieving a restoration of credibility necessitates transparency, proof, and the passage of time.

Despite this advice, Meghan has not often retreated from public view in a manner that might allow the public to forgive past grievances.

Schofield clarified, ‘In the sphere of royal commentary, criticisms are not aimed personally at Meghan Markle. The focus remains on her professional missteps rather than direct attacks on her character.’

After their exit from royal duties, dubbed ‘Megxit’ by the media, Meghan and Harry have continually voiced their grievances. The couple elaborated on their feelings in the 2022 Netflix docuseries ‘Harry & Meghan,’ and Harry published a memoir titled ‘Spare’ in 2023.

Expert on British royalty, Hilary Fordwich, described the decline in public favor as initiated when they chose to criticize the royal family openly. Fordwich noted, ‘Airing personal grievances is generally looked down upon and can be quite damaging.’

She added, ‘To reshape their public image in a positive manner, they must project positivity in their communications and actions.’

Initially, Meghan and Harry had planned to balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America. However, Buckingham Palace announced that their withdrawal from royal obligations would hinder their ability to fulfill public service duties. In response, the couple asserted that everyone could lead a life of service and emphasized its universality.

Branding expert Doug Eldridge explained the gradual shift in public perception towards Meghan. He highlighted that the unfavorable image cannot be attributed to a single event; rather, it is the cumulative effect of various controversies over time.

Eldridge observed, ‘Kept under a spotlight, the consequences of numerous critical moments have compounded, creating a highly unfavorable perception.’ He also noted that while Meghan certainly possesses the ability to create engaging content, many investors struggle to see past the negativity surrounding her.

During her interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan stated that she felt silenced by the royal institution, indicating that she was not only unprotected but that lies were told to safeguard other family members.

Reflecting on her intentions, Meghan expressed regret for her expectation that she would be shielded from the media scrutiny she encountered while adapting to royal life.

Just before the Winfrey interview aired, The Times of London published a report alleging that Meghan had mistreated her staff at Kensington Palace. Meghan’s representatives denied the allegations, asserting they were part of an ongoing smear campaign against her character.

Schofield remarked that these damaging claims, coupled with Meghan’s critical comments about the royal family, painted a negative picture that has persisted in public discourse.

She stated, ‘They should have understood that beginning their narrative with criticism would attract even more judgment. Meghan embodies the lessons of vulnerability in public perception.’

In 2023, Harry confirmed that the royal family had adhered to a motto of never complaining and never explaining, illustrating the disconnect between family principles and their action.

Schofield proposed that if Meghan and Harry had chosen to shift the focus toward their experiences in America rather than dwell on the past, public response might have been more favorable.

Leading with positivity and solution-oriented communication remains a more effective strategy than focusing on grievances, according to Schofield. If criticism is necessary, it should be constructive and relate to a broader positive mission, as damaged reputations require more than superficial rebranding.

British broadcaster Helena Chard suggested that had Meghan opted for a prolonged hiatus after her departure from royal duties, perceptions could have improved.

Chard stated, ‘Both Meghan and the public would benefit from a break from the relentless media attention surrounding her,’ proposing that time away could allow for reflection and transformation in public opinion.

Eldridge maintained that despite past mistakes, it remains achievable for Meghan to repair her reputation. He cautioned against vilifying others to seem more likable, emphasizing that genuine self-reliance is key.

Eldridge stated, ‘In America, we celebrate comebacks, and if Meghan wishes to undertake this journey, she should concentrate on her own narrative without the victim mentality.’

He concluded, ‘While the path is straightforward, executing it effectively poses its own challenges.’