Ah, Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Disruption. The Queen of Controversy. The Empress of Eyerolls. Just when we thought she might retreat into the Montecito mist, she resurfaces with a lifestyle brand, a podcast, and a Netflix series—all under the banner of her rebranded empire, As Ever.
First, let’s talk about the jam. Yes, the £11 raspberry spread that sold out faster than you can say “royal exit.” Critics were quick to spread their disdain, with some comparing its texture to “slimy baby food” and others claiming it “sucks” worse than a broken Dyson. Yet, despite the culinary critiques, the jars flew off the virtual shelves. In the world of celebrity branding, controversy isn’t a bug—it’s a feature.
Then there’s the podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. Meghan introduces herself simply as “Meghan,” shedding the royal titles but not the royal drama. The first episode features Bumble’s Whitney Wolfe Herd, discussing the trials of female entrepreneurship. While it soared to number four on Apple’s charts, it lagged at 24 on Spotify. The mixed reception only fueled the fire, keeping Meghan’s name buzzing in both media and public discourse.
And let’s not forget the Netflix docuseries, With Love, Meghan. A soft-focus, pastel-hued journey through Meghan’s curated world, it showcases her domestic prowess—from baking to gardening—all while subtly promoting As Ever products. It’s a masterclass in brand integration, blurring the lines between personal narrative and product placement.
But the real tea? The reported rift between Meghan and Prince Harry over their children’s privacy. While Meghan shares glimpses of Archie and Lilibet to promote her brand, Harry remains wary, scarred by his mother’s tragic history with the media. This tension underscores the complex dance between personal values and public personas.
Critics argue that Meghan’s ventures are tone-deaf, overly commercialized, and lacking authenticity. Yet, in the age of digital media, where attention is currency, negative press often translates to increased visibility and, paradoxically, success. Every scathing review, every social media snark, only amplifies her reach.
Meghan’s strategy is clear: embrace the spectacle, control the narrative, and monetize the mayhem. By leaning into the controversy, she ensures that her brand remains at the forefront of public consciousness. In doing so, she transforms criticism into capital, proving that in today’s media landscape, bad press isn’t just survivable—it’s profitable.
So, whether you’re spreading her jam on toast or spreading gossip about her latest endeavour, one thing’s certain: Meghan Markle knows how to keep us talking. And in the end, that’s the sweetest spread of all.
Meantime, I’m doing a weekend re-watch of her series, adding pink flowers to my bedside table (it’s a pink full moon), and buttering my sourdough toast to a good life. All love and peace, folks. Let’s leave the lady alone.
Photo credits: Variety, iStock/The Independent, Harper’s Bazaar
Drop your comments or email feedback: etheldacosta@gmail.com
