The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly planning to bring Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to the UK next month for a visit that royal author Ingrid Seward says is critical for Meghan's business and public image. The trip comes ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham and amid renewed scrutiny of Meghan's As Ever lifestyle enterprise.
Meghan Needs 'Royal Stardust' for Business Success
Ingrid Seward, royal author and editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, told the publication: "They need to come, or more accurately, Meghan needs to come. She really needs a bit of royal stardust sprinkled on her and her business if she wants it to succeed. She's probably hoping a visit to the UK would give her that, so she has to make it work somehow."
Seward added: "It could be a very good move for her business but it leaves her with a bit of a crisis because coming to a country where she is so disliked won't be easy."
As Ever Faces Speculation of Financial Troubles
Recent weeks have seen speculation about difficulties for Meghan's As Ever brand, which launched in April last year. One account suggested Meghan's popularity among Americans declined in the first quarter of this year, with visits to her online shop also dipping. Page Six alleged the former Suits actress could be "facing a $5 million jam" if she fails to sell her jams, teas, and flower sprinkles before they expire at the end of next summer.
However, a Sussex spokesperson rejected these claims as "entirely false and based on speculation," confirming that As Ever continues to expand with "a strong customer community and an exciting pipeline of future products."
Criticism Over Royal Connections and Father's Day Ad
Since its debut, Meghan has faced criticism over merchandise and questions about capitalizing on her royal ties. The most recent focus was an As Ever advertisement before Father's Day, promoting a gift collection featuring a signature candle, matches, herbal tea, and honey for $110 (£83). One X user accused Meghan of having "disowned her dad" while "trying to keep a royal title selling Father's Day items."
According to Seward, if Meghan wants financial security and autonomy from Harry's royal family, she needs the royal stamp of approval. "The business and her relationships with the royal family are sort of symbiotic," she explained. "Her branding is built on a Hollywood idea of royalty... She can't be that unless she has some sort of relationship, ideally a good one, with the royal family."
Public Opinion and Divorce Rumors Pose Challenges
Seward noted the difficulty of reversing unfavourable public opinion in the UK, where many "blame her for everything that's gone wrong with Harry and his family." She added: "I don't know how she'll turn it around... Coming here and facing that will be a challenge, but the last thing she wants is more rumours that she and Harry are getting divorced, if he were to come alone."
The visit also raises questions about Harry's relationship with King Charles. Harry told the BBC last year he would "love" to reconcile, saying: "There's no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious." His last face-to-face meeting with his father was in September last year at Clarence House, lasting 54 minutes. Reports described the atmosphere as "distinctly formal," but Harry's representatives called that "categorically false" and blamed "sources intent on sabotaging" the reunion.
Potential Meeting with King Charles Requires Careful Planning
Seward said any meeting next month would need careful planning. "Arranging a last-minute visit and hoping to see King Charles would be a risk," she claimed. "His days are ordered down to the second... So if Harry, with or without his family, is hoping for more than 54 minutes, it will need to be very carefully planned as early as possible."
She added: "But I'm sure the King would love to see and get to know Harry's children. He loves spending time with the younger generations of the family... It would be lovely for him to have that opportunity and time with Harry's children too."
