Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have unveiled some new business ventures this week amidst swirling rumors that Netflix might not be renewing their five-year, $100 million deal. Meanwhile, American Riviera Orchard has been stagnant for over six months, and the Archwell Foundation's challenges are well-documented. Enter the diversion tactic: a fresh puff piece showcasing Meghan Markle’s business investments and Prince Harry’s foray into life coaching.
Meghan Markle, ever the picture of grace, has taken a new step into the world of investing. According to a recent New York Times puff piece, she’s focusing on investing in women-owned companies. She refers to this as her “dolphin tank” approach, emphasizing her preference for nurturing smaller-scale ventures. Meghan claims she has about five to ten women-owned companies in her portfolio, and this passion inspired her to invest in American Riviera Orchard.
In a particularly amusing segment, Meghan describes what she calls the “Meghan Markle Effect.” She recounts how, after wearing a Strathberry bag in 2017, the brand's online sales surged and the bag sold out in just 11 minutes. Meghan says this realization changed her approach to fashion and her investment strategy, opting to support designers and smaller brands that deserve more recognition.
Yet, this self-congratulatory tone raises some eyebrows. Meghan’s mention of her influence seems to overlook the “Kate Middleton Effect”—Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has been a fashion icon for over two decades. Meghan herself drew inspiration from Catherine’s wedding dress for her first wedding to Trevor.
Despite Meghan's claims of unexpected popularity, it’s worth noting that she ran a lifestyle blog called The Tig, where she was eager to attract attention and brand deals. It wasn’t until her royal connection that she truly captured the public's eye. It’s almost charming how she presents herself as a unique case of influence, despite the longstanding tradition of royalty impacting fashion trends.
Meghan’s latest investment is in a handbag company called Sesta Collective, which produces bags in Rwanda and finishes them in Italy. The company’s founder revealed that Meghan is a minority stakeholder, meaning her financial contribution was relatively small—much like her investments in other ventures such as Clever Blends.
Not to be outdone, Prince Harry is venturing into life coaching. Partnering with BetterUp, where he’s been the Chief Impact Officer, Harry is helping to launch BetterUp University. This online institution will offer degrees in life coaching, professional development, and career coaching. Newly filed papers show the company is applying for a trademark for BetterUp University. It’s curious to see how Harry, not exactly known for his academic achievements, will influence this new educational initiative.
