Meghan Markle Throws Tantrum in LA After Being Branded 'Biggest Losers' of 2023 with Prince Harry

The Archwell Foundation, which seems to be a sinking ship. It has experienced a staggering $1 million drop in donations, pushing it into the red. If that doesn't scream "brand buzz failure," I don't know what does. Harvard Business School, take note; this is your case study on how not to build a brand. But was I surprised? Absolutely not. Back in January, while the world was still caught up in their media blitz, I warned you all that Harry's brand was in crisis. The Hollywood Reporter merely echoed what I've been saying for months.

One crucial lesson here is the importance of public perception. Harry and Meghan's complaining and self-centered approach in their projects didn't resonate well with the public. Sure, they may have had grievances with the royal family, but did people really want to see them capitalize on it? The backlash was inevitable, and it's no surprise. Public perception can make or break a brand, and 64% of people have abandoned brands due to a bad experience.

Next up, delivering on your brand promise. No amount of media hype can save a substandard product or service. Take Meghan's $20 million podcast deal with Spotify, for instance. Despite all the headlines, it couldn't survive beyond one season. Brands must ensure they deliver on their promises to build trust and credibility. Trust is a currency, and only 34% of consumers believe that companies are transparent about their commitments.

Choosing the right partnerships is also crucial. The Spotify deal did more harm than good, especially when the head of podcast innovation at Spotify criticized Harry and Meghan as grifters. More than half of strategic partnerships fail, so choose wisely and align partnerships with the brand's values and long-term goals.

Lastly, be open to feedback and willing to adapt. Harry and Meghan stuck to their strategy of criticizing the royal family despite increasing negative feedback. Brands that prioritize customer experience and adapt based on audience response drive higher revenue. Archwell's financial losses could have been avoided with the right brand strategy and adaptation.

Beneath all the buzz, Harry's brand was a ticking time bomb, and it finally exploded. They failed where the Kardashians succeeded in monetizing their lives because authenticity matters. Trust is the foundation, and the Kardashians have earned it, sitting on multi-billion dollar fortunes. Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, are in the red. The lesson here is crystal clear: a strong brand strategy is not just about creating buzz; it's about converting it into loyal customers. The era of brands that can't make that conversion is coming to an end, and the Harry and Meghan saga serves as a cautionary tale for all.