Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s journey presents a sobering narrative of ambition marred by missteps.
Despite reportedly investing thousands, if not millions of pounds, into building their brand, their efforts have tragically spiraled into what can only be described as a monumental disaster. A prime example of this is their latest venture, American Riviera Orchard, which launched back in March. This initiative has floundered spectacularly, remaining largely unknown to the public. One can’t help but wonder if Markle might have been better off simply branding herself as Meghan or Meghan Markle; her name alone carries significant weight. However, her attempts to forge a new identity have proven problematic.
The launch of her jam, an endeavor that seems harmless at first glance, has devolved into a comical spectacle, with no actual product available for purchase. The world buzzed about Meghan's jam as if she were personally in the back room crushing berries with her feet. This absurdity raises questions about the wisdom of their branding strategies. Who, exactly, is advising them on these ventures?
It appears that sometimes, the ventures requiring the least investment resonate unexpectedly with audiences. Consider the contrasting landscape surrounding Markle and Harry: just as Prince Harry was recently spotted in New York delivering speeches that lacked substance and engagement, Markle has faced accusations of relying on empty rhetoric. In stark contrast to his brother, Prince William, who commands attention and respect with compelling discourse, Harry often seems to wander aimlessly, reading from an autocue and failing to connect with his audience. This pattern of underwhelming public appearances only amplifies the sentiment that their brand is struggling for relevance.
Adding to the peculiarities of their branding journey, Prince Harry's staff has been spotted wearing a new Sussex emblem pin—a supposed badge of honor that raises eyebrows. There is chatter surrounding the potential interest in these pins, with whispers suggesting they should consider monetizing them as merchandise. Yet, the irony lies in the fact that their engagement with the royal family prohibits them from selling such items. Are they willing to bend the rules for a quick financial gain? If they were to capitalize on this pin, would anyone genuinely want to buy it? The very symbol of the staff raises questions about the brand’s identity and what it truly represents beyond mere employment.
Revisiting March, amidst Markle's jam escapade, the public faced another emotional rollercoaster with news surrounding Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and her health struggles. At that moment, Markle’s timing felt almost opportunistic as she attempted to divert attention with her jam's cozy springtime imagery. However, as soon as the cameras left, the reality set in: her brand was in free fall, struggling to secure a competent CEO, and the lack of credible partnerships speaks volumes about its viability. Despite the negativity, Markle continues to blame external factors, including unflattering press coverage, for her misfortunes.
As she grapples with these challenges, the holiday season looms ever closer. Traditionally, October marks the time for brands to prepare for the bustling Christmas market. Unfortunately for Markle, her brand appears nowhere near ready. She finds herself at a crossroads, faced with the decision to step back and regroup, riding out the negativity until the new year, or to push forward with an unclear vision. Insiders suggest that her team is urging her to take a step back and let the dust settle before attempting to reemerge in 2025. However, given her history of abandoning projects like Archewell and The Bench, one must question whether she can truly regroup and return with a compelling new offering.
