Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's journey toward creating a successful brand has turned into a cautionary tale of ambition hindered by missteps.
Reports suggest that they have poured thousands, if not millions, of pounds into building their public persona, but their efforts have faltered, leading to what some see as a monumental failure. One glaring example is their recent venture, "American Riviera Orchard," which launched in March. Despite the fanfare, the initiative has remained largely unknown to the public, marking yet another setback in their attempts to cultivate a thriving brand.
It raises the question: would Markle have been more successful if she had simply branded herself as "Meghan" or "Meghan Markle"? Her name alone holds substantial recognition, yet her attempts to create a new identity have been fraught with difficulties. The launch of a jam product—an endeavor that on the surface seemed harmless—has become something of a farce. No product is currently available for purchase, yet the world buzzes with mockery about "Meghan’s Jam," imagining her personally crushing berries in some comical spectacle. This absurdity begs the question: who is guiding Meghan and Harry's branding strategies? Sometimes, it’s the simpler ventures that resonate the most, but in their case, even the small initiatives have backfired.
The challenges surrounding their brand extend beyond failed products. Prince Harry, for example, was recently spotted in New York delivering speeches that lacked depth and failed to engage his audience. Unlike his brother Prince William, whose public addresses command attention and respect, Harry’s appearances feel hollow, as he stumbles through scripts, unable to connect meaningfully. These lackluster performances only underscore the broader struggle for relevance that the Sussex brand is facing.
Adding to this curious journey is the introduction of a "Sussex Summit" pin, worn by Prince Harry’s staff as a symbol of pride. This badge, however, has sparked debate, with some suggesting that they should capitalize on the pin by selling it as merchandise. But this idea is steeped in irony: part of their agreement with the royal family prevents them from profiting off such items. Would they be willing to bend the rules for a quick financial boost? And even if they did, would the public actually buy it? The pin, rather than symbolizing brand strength, raises deeper questions about the identity of their enterprise. What does it truly stand for beyond employment?
In March, during Markle’s ill-fated jam launch, the public was also grappling with more pressing news: concerns about the health of the Princess of Wales. Markle’s timing in promoting her jam at such a sensitive moment felt opportunistic, as if attempting to steal the spotlight with cozy, springtime imagery. But once the cameras moved on, the harsh reality became clear—her brand was in freefall. Struggling to hire a competent CEO and forge credible partnerships, the viability of her brand seemed increasingly doubtful.
Despite these setbacks, Meghan Markle has largely placed the blame on external factors, including unfavorable press coverage. However, with the holiday season fast approaching—a crucial time for brands to prepare for the lucrative Christmas market—her team appears woefully unprepared. As October begins, Markle finds herself at a crossroads: should she step back, regroup, and weather the negative press until the new year, or push forward with a brand vision that remains unclear? Insiders have hinted that her team is urging her to take a break, allowing time for the dust to settle before making another attempt at a comeback in 2025.
However, given her history of abandoning projects—such as the now-defunct "Archewell" initiative and her children's book "The Bench"—it’s fair to question whether she can truly regroup and return with a fresh, compelling offering. Time will tell if Meghan and Harry can turn their fortunes around, but for now, their brand struggles remain a glaring example of unfulfilled potential.
