Meghan Markle’s Business Ventures Raise Concerns Within the Royal Family

Meghan Markle’s Business Ventures Raise Concerns Within the Royal Family

Meghan Markle is on a path to becoming a leading money-making influencer.

Recently, her eagerly awaited As Ever product line debuted, featuring gourmet items such as teas, baking mixes, and jams. The response was explosive, with products selling out almost instantly. In fact, the $28 wildflower honey sold out within a remarkable five minutes, as reported by Vanity Fair.

Duncan Larcombe, a former royal editor at The Sun, shared insights with Fox News Digital, revealing that the success of the Duchess of Sussex’s brand is precisely what worried the British royal family from the outset.

MARKLE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST RELATABILITY CRITICISMS

Larcombe stated, “What this represents is Meghan effectively cashing in on her fame. She is even using her children to enhance her online presence and drive product sales.” He emphasized that this concern was a well-known fear among the royals. However, he added that the full impact of her venture would become clear only after a few weeks.

“She might have struck gold, but many believe this is just another instance of her profiting from her fame linked to the British royal family,” Larcombe noted. Despite her ongoing attempts, he expressed doubt about her popularity in the U.K., saying, “I can’t imagine that having a diverse product range would significantly alter that perception.”

Markle’s unique ability to generate sales has led to her being associated with what’s known as “The Meghan Effect.” This trend echoes the influence of her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, whose fashion choices often lead to substantial sales spikes for the brands she endorses.

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, accused Markle of leveraging her royal connections and even her children’s appearances on social media to capitalize financially. Chard commented, “While it may seem rather lowbrow, this strategy is likely to bring her success. The pricing of the products is reasonable, making them accessible to her fans eager to buy into ‘The Meghan Effect.’ However, the real questions are whether the products will consistently sell and if they are actually appealing. After all, Meghan is not a trained chef or an established culinary expert; she is simply playing a role.”

Markle, an American actress-turned-Duchess, launched her lifestyle brand after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. She and Prince Harry faced tremendous media scrutiny and perceived lack of palace support, seeking financial independence for their family, which includes their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

While they retain their titles as duke and duchess, they no longer possess the HRH designation. Although King Charles III provided a substantial financial sum to aid in establishing their new life, Markle and Harry have focused on building their brand and securing various media deals.

The recent launch of the As Ever line aimed to resonate with a wide audience, even as it faced initial setbacks, including trademark issues that delayed its debut. Initially titled American Riviera Orchard, the brand was rebranded before its launch.

The flagship Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” premiered in early March 2024, showcasing Markle’s culinary skills and entertaining prowess. Criticisms arose regarding the perceived lack of authenticity in both her social media presence and the new series aimed at connecting with her audience.

British royal expert Hilary Fordwich expressed discontent with Markle’s approach, asserting that she is using the royal family legacy that she supposedly wished to leave behind to carve her niche as an influencer. Fordwich questioned, “Who is the target audience for these products? Those struggling financially will surely find this out of reach. The premium packaging and aspirational marketing come off as out of touch with the average consumer. It feels inauthentic, as if aimed only at those leading privileged lives.”

A recent interview feature in The New York Times highlighted pertinent criticisms directed at Markle’s Netflix show, which many labeled as unrelatable and contrived. In the interview, Markle defended her decision to re-enter the spotlight, expressing her desire to work and the significance of connecting her professional endeavors to her family life.

Markle further noted that her production deal with Netflix, signed in 2020, is nearing its conclusion. The couple’s past documentary projects failed to capture audience interest. Nonetheless, Netflix remains invested in the As Ever brand, with fresh episodes of her show expected to debut later this year.

Interestingly, royal family members are not new to monetizing culinary offerings. Buckingham Palace sells honey and preserves, aligning with traditional practices. Comparatively, Meghan’s recent offerings are seen as an extension of these long-standing royal traditions.

Ian Pelham Turner shared his perspective, stating, “Meghan follows in the footsteps of royal commissions, maintaining a link to heritage.” He reminded audiences of her charitable efforts, showcasing her past work aiding those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy through food initiatives that culminated in a recipe book aimed at supporting the victims.

As for the choice to name a dessert after her daughter, Lilibet, Pelham Turner remarked, “Naming it after Lilibet reflects a loving mother’s endearment. There’s nothing inappropriate about that.”

The recipe widely discussed was reportedly inspired by Markle’s grandmother’s banana pudding, further personalizing her kitchen endeavors.

THE FUTURE OF MEGHAN MARKLE’S BRAND

Chard articulated the ongoing polarizing sentiments surrounding Markle, emphasizing her persistent presence in the public discourse. Many perceive her as capitalizing on her past and leveraging her influence. Nevertheless, Chard acknowledged the reality of her situation, stating that Markle must find ways to build financial stability and is determined to succeed in her entrepreneurial journey. With aims to surpass the billions through her brand, Markle remains steadfast in her belief in herself, working diligently to convert skeptics into supporters.