Meghan Markle is reportedly gearing up to relaunch her personal brand, a move that could leave Prince Harry feeling sidelined. After a period of laying low, the Duchess of Sussex is said to be ready to step back into the spotlight, focusing on her own ventures, which might push Harry into the background.
Meghan's return to the limelight
Following a subdued role during the couple's recent UK visit for the Invictus Games countdown, Meghan is now said to be reinvigorated and eager to kickstart her career again. During the trip, she stayed out of sight, letting Harry take the lead, including at a meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove.
The Invictus Games publicity events, which were a PR success, featured only Harry, with no Meghan in sight. Now back in California, insiders suggest Meghan feels she has done her part to support Harry and wants to shift focus to their life in America, particularly her own brand.
Brand Sussex 2.0
With their five-year, $100-million Netflix deal expired and US audiences reportedly tiring of their complaints, the couple might need new revenue streams. Meghan's defunct Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, was surprisingly shortlisted for a Daytime Emmy Award for 'Outstanding Lifestyle Program', which could provide a boost.
It is thought Meghan wants to ramp up her 'As Ever' website brand, which includes selling expensive jams and candles, potentially pushing Harry further into the shadows. An insider said: "Meghan feels she’s done her bit to help him. She went to England, kept out of sight, and abided by all the rules because she knew how important the trip was. But now that they’re back home, she’s saying it’s time to forget about the royals and put their energy back into the life they’re building in America, which really means focusing on her and her brand."
Mixed reception
The Emmy nomination seems at odds with the show's performance, as ratings plunged from 5.3 million in the first season to 2 million in the second. Additionally, YouGov America polls show Meghan's popularity has declined from 37% last year to 29% this year.
The Emmy Awards in September present an opportunity for the Sussexes to network with TV and commercial power players, potentially relaunching Brand Sussex 2.0. The question remains whether the public is ready for it.
