Vanity Fair's former editor Tina Brown has delivered a scathing assessment of the Duchess of Sussex's journey since departing royal life, describing it as a series of catastrophic missteps that have diminished her standing in both royal and entertainment circles.
According to Daily Mail, royal correspondent Richard Eden has meticulously documented ten crucial decisions that transformed Meghan Markle's trajectory from a promising royal family member to a struggling Hollywood figure.
Brown, who had lunch with Princess Diana shortly before her passing, adds a notable weight to this evaluation. The first major fracture in the royal family’s unity took place in January 2020 when the Sussexes surprised Queen Elizabeth II with their sudden departure announcement. This decision was further complicated by the early unveiling of their SussexRoyal website and the filing of trademark applications for 100 items—including pencils and bookmarks—which many interpreted as an audacious stance toward the monarchy.
The March 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview marked a defining moment in the Sussexes' relationship with both the monarchy and the American public. Despite Prince Philip's hospitalization, they proceeded with the broadcast, which featured numerous allegations against the royal family, significantly damaging their reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Their controversial decision to name their daughter Lilibet, Queen Elizabeth's intimate childhood nickname, created profound distress for the monarch. A palace insider revealed the Queen's poignant response: "The only thing I own is my name. And now they've taken that." This naming controversy led to further strain, evidenced by the Queen's notable absence from photographs with her great-granddaughter during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Frogmore Cottage.
The couple's $20 million Spotify deal, signed in December 2020, initially showed promise with a star-studded pilot episode featuring Sir Elton John and James Corden. However, when "Archetypes" finally launched in August 2022, Harry's absence raised eyebrows among industry observers and audiences alike.
Their Netflix documentary series drew particular criticism for Meghan's reenactment of her first royal curtsy, which many interpreted as mockery rather than reverence. Harry's visible discomfort during this scene became a talking point among royal watchers and media analysts.
The handling of their Commonwealth roles proved especially problematic. Despite their initial appointment as president and vice-president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, their Netflix series later criticized the organization as "Empire 2.0," contradicting their earlier commitments.
Meghan's 2022 visit to Uvalde, Texas, following the school shooting tragedy drew criticism for its timing and perceived publicity motives. The presence of cameras mere days after the incident led to questions about the authenticity of her compassionate gesture.
Her wardrobe choices during charitable visits have repeatedly sparked controversy. A particularly notable incident involved wearing a $7,629 outfit - including a $5,268 Loro Piana cashmere coat and $581 Manolo Blahnik stilettos - to visit a Harlem school where 94% of students qualified for free meals.
The hasty launch of American Riviera Orchard in March 2024, prompted by Eden's pending news coverage, exemplified their reactive decision-making. Eight months later, the venture remains productless, suggesting poor business strategy and planning.
Recent solo red carpet appearances by Meghan in Los Angeles reflect a shift in the couple's "power couple" goals, placing her in competition with Hollywood's elite and prompting questions about their brand strategy. Their media ventures, especially the Spotify deal, have attracted criticism, including a damaging "grifters" comment from a Spotify executive. Despite some initial attention, their Netflix series has struggled to position them as respected content creators.
The cumulative effect of these decisions has reshaped their public image and professional prospects. Their departure from royal duties initially presented as a path to independence and creative freedom, has instead led to a series of challenging transitions and missed opportunities. Their handling of royal traditions and protocols, particularly evident in their media projects and public appearances, continues to influence their reception in both British and American society. Industry insiders suggest their future success may depend on recalibrating their approach to public life and professional ventures.
