The Duchess of Sussex's highly-publicised reinvention away from royal duties is facing mounting criticism from industry experts, with some branding her latest strategic moves an "utter flop" in the competitive world of celebrity branding.
What's Gone Wrong with the Sussex Brand?
According to leading public relations specialists, Meghan's post-royalty ventures have failed to capture public imagination in the way many anticipated. The Archewell foundation, her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, and various media appearances have drawn mixed reactions from both the public and industry insiders.
Expert Analysis Points to Strategic Missteps
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede didn't mince words when assessing the situation: "Everything she does at the moment feels a little bit contrived and not very authentic." He suggested that the Duchess is attempting to cover too many bases simultaneously, from entertainment to lifestyle products, without establishing a coherent brand identity.
Ede further elaborated that successful celebrity brands typically excel in one specific area before expanding, whereas Meghan appears to be "jumping on bandwagons" rather than leading with genuine expertise.
The Royal Factor in Brand Building
Another significant challenge identified by experts is the inevitable comparison to her previous role within the monarchy. Public relations expert Mark Borkowski noted that while the royal connection provides initial attention, it also creates expectations that are difficult to meet outside the institution.
"The problem is the royal brand is the most powerful brand in the world," Borkowski explained. "When you step away from that, what have you got? You've got to have something really powerful to offer."
Public Perception and Commercial Realities
The criticism comes at a crucial time for the Sussexes' commercial ventures. With their Netflix deal under scrutiny and various projects receiving lukewarm responses, questions are being raised about the long-term viability of their current approach.
Experts suggest that a more focused strategy, concentrating on areas where Meghan can demonstrate genuine authority and passion, might yield better results than the current scattered approach across multiple industries.
