Latest efforts of Meghan Markle to redefine her public image have faced unexpected obstacles, leaving the Duchess of Sussex reportedly “extremely upset” despite a carefully planned rebranding campaign.
At the start of the year, Prince Harry and Meghan had high hopes, particularly with Meghan’s anticipated return to social media and her new partnership with Netflix. However, recent events have cast a shadow over their Hollywood ambitions, raising questions about their post-royal trajectory.
One of the biggest setbacks came when Meghan’s upcoming Netflix series was postponed. Originally set for release earlier this year, the two-month delay was attributed to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. While the decision was made out of respect for those affected, the couple later found themselves at the center of controversy after volunteering at a relief center, with critics accusing them of using the tragedy for publicity.
Compounding their difficulties, Vanity Fair published a highly critical exposé titled American Hustle, which delved into Harry and Meghan’s post-royal business ventures. The article resurfaced unflattering narratives about the couple, questioning their motivations and long-term plans. Reports suggest that both Harry and Meghan were deeply “upset” by the scrutiny, viewing it as a direct challenge to their rebranding efforts.
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield weighed in on the controversy, stating, “They’ve worked hard to reshape their image, but this article has reinforced some of the harshest criticisms against them.” She added that despite their attempts to establish themselves as Hollywood power players, skepticism surrounding their public and business endeavors remains a significant hurdle.
Despite the backlash, Netflix has publicly reaffirmed its support for the Sussexes. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer of Netflix, recently expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming projects, signaling that the streaming giant still sees potential in their brand. In addition to her Netflix venture, Meghan is also involved in a film adaptation of Meet Me at the Lake, a best-selling novel by Carley Fortune.
As the couple faces mounting criticism, all eyes remain on Harry and Meghan to see how they will overcome these challenges and whether their rebranding strategy will ultimately prove successful.