Meghan Markle's latest rumoured attempt to boost her commercial profile has little chance of succeeding, according to an opinion piece, which suggests she should brace for a harsh reality check.
The Duchess of Sussex lacks a stellar business track record, having racked up a string of fizzled deals with industry giants like Spotify and Netflix over the past six years.
Reconciliation Raises Hopes
The tentative reconciliation between the Sussexes and the Royal Family seems to be raising Meghan's hopes of securing a Windsor-endorsed boost for her flagging public brand. While a collaboration with the Prince and Princess of Wales is entirely out of the question, reports suggest Meghan is eyeing Princess Eugenie as a partner for a speculative joint venture.
Harry has always been close to his cousin, who lives in Portugal with her husband and children — conveniently near where the duke and duchess recently bought a holiday home.
Insider Comments on the Partnership
According to an insider who spoke to Woman's Day: "[Meghan] is talking with Eugenie about how they could team up and get involved in something together in Europe. She has been trying to collaborate with her on something for a long time, and being neighbours might make it easier."
These comments — which position Meghan as the sole driving force behind the attempted partnership — are telling in themselves.
Eugenie's Own Reputational Hurdles
Eugenie, who gave birth to her third child just last month, likely has much more on her mind than helping her cousin's wife rehabilitate her public image. Furthermore, she has her own reputational hurdles to manage. Both Eugenie and Princess Beatrice have been caught in the crossfire of Prince Andrew's spectacular fall from grace, forcing them to keep strictly low profiles.
This need for discretion stands in stark contrast to Meghan and Harry's approach to the broader Royal Family, notably King Charles, about whom they have frequently struggled to remain tight-lipped.
Private Relationship vs. Public Brand
There is little doubt Eugenie would enjoy a private relationship with Meghan and Harry. Their children are second cousins, and the families share a genuine bond. However, the duke and duchess must learn to resist the urge to monetise every profile-boosting familial and friendship tie they possess.
Their reported efforts to build bridges with Buckingham Palace and spend more time in the UK are likely motivated as much by their dwindling commercial capital as by Harry's desire to see his father in his twilight years. Recent media briefings and photographic insights into their flying visits prove that the couple still views these interactions through a strategic lens — as a way to remind the public of their royal proximity.
Meghan's pursuit of Eugenie might ultimately serve as a harsh wake-up call that other royals do not want to risk entanglement with her struggling brand. A rejection could finally drive home the reality that any future relationship with the Windsors must be private and under the radar, not just another vehicle for self-promotion.
