Facing a challenging year filled with setbacks, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has tactically employed her most influential strategy to revitalize her public image. In a surprising turn of events, Meghan made an unexpected return to acting, appearing as an extra in a promotional video for Clevr Blends, shared on Instagram on December 20.
The commercial portrays Meghan in a new light, cosplaying as an intern engaged in daily tasks such as making hot drinks, stacking boxes, and working on a computer in the background. Meanwhile, the brand’s chief executive and co-founder, Hannah Mendoza, lauds the company’s accomplishments throughout the year.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede, in conversation with the Daily Mail, praised Meghan’s strategic approach, hailing it as a clever tactic to showcase her lighthearted and fun side. Despite the positive intention, Ede expressed disappointment over the negative comments on the social media post, attributing it to Meghan’s polarizing public image.
Ede sees the promotional video as a refreshing departure from the seriousness and dramatic revelations that have surrounded Meghan in recent times. Rather than focusing on worthiness, the promo provides a surprising and much-needed change.
According to Ede, the promotional video is a well-thought-out rehabilitation strategy for Meghan, positioning herself as a standalone brand. He anticipates a shift towards personality-led content that portrays Meghan as a media personality—someone kind, compassionate, entertaining, and unafraid to poke fun at herself.
While acknowledging the challenge of winning over detractors, Ede believes that, from a brand perspective, this approach represents the strongest and most authentic way for Meghan to rebuild her reputation and credibility.
Meghan Markle’s return to acting in the Clevr Blends promotional video is not just a surprising cameo but a strategic move to redefine her public image. As she navigates the complexities of public perception, Meghan’s approach signals a shift towards authenticity and a departure from the controversies of the past year. The Duchess seems poised to carve out a distinctive and positive narrative for herself, leveraging her media personality to rebuild credibility in the eyes of the public.