The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly in early-stage discussions to return to acting as she prepares to relocate to the UK later this month. Meghan Markle is understood to be in talks over a possible role in a third series of Guy Ritchie's Netflix hit The Gentlemen, according to Deadline.
PR expert warns first project is crucial
The show, starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, has been renewed for this season, but Meghan's name has not been officially announced. Now, a PR expert has explained how the duchess can build her own profile outside the Royal Family, but urged her to think carefully about the projects she chooses and how they could affect the public's perception of her.
PR expert Mayah Riaz told the Mirror: “A return to acting could actually be quite interesting for Meghan because it would take her back to an identity that existed before the Royal Family.”
“There can be something quite powerful about returning to an old profession rather than constantly trying to invent a new one,” she added. “It could allow people to see Meghan as an actress again, rather than exclusively as the Duchess of Sussex.”
Return to acting after nearly a decade
However, Ms Riaz added: “The first project would be crucial. If it feels like a serious creative decision and she genuinely embraces the work, it could be refreshing.”
“If it looks like a carefully engineered attempt to reclaim celebrity status, the reaction could be very different,” she warned.
The duchess, who played Rachel Zane in the US legal drama Suits before marrying Harry, returned to acting for the first time in nearly a decade with a cameo as herself in the upcoming comedy Close Personal Friends.
Sussexes prepare for UK life
Upon their return later this month, the Sussexes will live in a non-royal residence outside of London and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
Their move comes after the duke and duchess took their children to see their grandfather, the King, for the first time in four years at his Highgrove home in July. The couple are not thought to have raised the prospect of a return to the UK at that meeting.
