Meghan Markle is facing criticism yet again for what some are calling a clumsy publicity move, highlighting tensions in the royal sphere. Nacho Figueras, a polo player and a friend of Meghan and Prince Harry, recently drew attention to her latest venture, American Riviera Orchard, just ahead of Trooping the Colour on June 15th.
The Daily Mail's Richard Eden pointed out Meghan's strategy of sending out products and encouraging friends and influencers to promote them, which he described as unpredictable and uncontrollable. "Welcome to Royal Pancakes," he quipped, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these endorsements.
His colleague Rebecca English echoed these sentiments on Palace Confidential, labeling Meghan's approach as "clumsy" and highlighting the challenges of coordinating such announcements in the royal context. "You can't expect them to be informed of official announcements because trust is lacking," she explained.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, continue to navigate shifts in their popularity and influence. Despite stepping back as senior working royals in 2020, their impact remains a topic of scrutiny.
A recent ranking assessing the members of the royal family suggests a decline in the couple's individual power and popularity. The Daily Beast's Royal Power List indicates a marked difference between the couple's standing compared to other senior royals, particularly with the return of Princess Diana to public duties.
According to the publication, Prince Harry currently holds a 34% popularity rating, with Meghan trailing at 26%. In contrast, Prince William enjoys a 67% popularity rating and a 97% fame rating, surpassing his wife, Kate Middleton, whose popularity stands at 71% with a 95% fame rating.
While Harry and Meghan are considered more controversial and intriguing figures compared to the senior royals, their influence has seen fluctuations since relocating to the United States. The couple's decision to step down from royal duties in early 2020 marked a significant shift, allowing them to pursue commercial ventures and financial independence.
Following their move to California with their son Archie, now five, and daughter Lilibet, aged three, Meghan and Harry have been vocal about their experiences within the royal institution. Meghan's allegations of racism directed at unnamed royals and their candid interviews have added to their public profile.
Most recently, Meghan launched American Riviera Orchard, sending exclusive jars of jam to celebrity influencers to promote on their platforms. This latest move is part of their broader strategy to build their brand and expand their commercial ventures.
Despite their efforts, Meghan Markle's attempt to connect with international figures like Taylor Swift reportedly met with rejection, allegedly due to the singer's loyalty to the royal family. Over the weekend, Prince William took Prince George and Princess Charlotte to one of Swift's concerts, where they shared selfies, thanking Prince Charles for the experience.
