Reports indicate that Meghan Markle, who is set to return to social media under the handle @Megan, has already gained several followers, including her friend and activist Mandana Dayani, the former president of Archewell, the Sussexes' media and philanthropic company.
The Instagram account, though seemingly unassuming at first glance, has garnered attention. The profile photo features a stock image of peonies, said to be Markle's favorite flower. Currently, the account boasts a modest following of 8,200 to 2,600 followers, raising questions about the authenticity of the numbers. Rumors suggest that some followers may have been acquired through purchased subscriptions, a common practice on social media platforms.
Markle's brand and potential earnings from social media have also come under scrutiny. While her PR team claims she could earn a million dollars per post, it is unclear how much her brand is truly worth and what it represents. The notion of earning such a substantial amount per post puts her in the league of top influencers, surpassing even the Kardashians.
However, it seems highly unlikely that a woman in her 40s, whose last name isn't Kardashian, would command such a hefty fee for social media endorsements.
When it comes to major brands like Cartier, Givenchy, and Dior, Megan Markle is not their target influencer. These luxury brands typically enlist the services of established influencers with significant influence and a track record of partnerships with renowned labels. While Markle has partnered with Chanel, Pantene, and Tod's in the past, Cartier has not collaborated with her.
The skepticism surrounding Markle's potential earnings stems from the fact that if major brands believed she could drive sales for them, they would have already sought her out. Cartier's denial of a partnership with Markle reinforces this sentiment. It appears that Hollywood demands either talent or financial power, and without either, one's star power may fade into obscurity.
The claims of earning a million dollars per post and having a billion-dollar brand are viewed by many as exaggerations. While Markle's following on Instagram is growing, it is unlikely that she will reach the reported financial milestones. Furthermore, her lack of popularity is evident in her decision to disable comments on her posts. The reported hundreds of millions from Netflix and Spotify deals remain unconfirmed, and repeating these figures as facts may be giving Markle too much credit.
While Markle's Instagram presence may prove to be financially rewarding, it is doubtful that it will generate enough income to sustain a lavish lifestyle, including property taxes, private jets, and a large staff. PR experts have expressed concerns about Markle's decision to resume her social media activity, as it may reflect poorly on the Sussexes, who have faced accusations of pursuing financial success in a selfish manner.
The perception of a British royal commercializing their position and adopting the behavior of an American reality TV star is seen as a move that further deepens the existing national upset.
In order to rebuild their reputation, the Sussexes may need to adopt a lower profile and refrain from engaging in contentious interactions. The resumption of Markle's Instagram activities is viewed by some as yet another misstep in a series of controversial moves. It is suggested that they should reconsider their approach and find alternative ways to navigate the public eye without adding fuel to the fire.
