Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, seems to have undergone a dramatic transformation in her public persona, shifting from advocating for global humanitarian causes to embracing influencer-style brand partnerships. This move has left many royal experts and fans puzzled, as her previously held image as a philanthropic figure now contrasts sharply with her recent ventures.
A Shift in Priorities
When Meghan Markle rose to fame through her connection with Prince Harry, she became known for her vocal support of social causes, particularly women’s rights, mental health, and racial equality. However, her latest endeavor seems to mark a stark departure from this narrative. The Duchess now focuses much of her public presence on a fashion website that includes affiliate links, allowing her to profit from her wardrobe choices.
A royal source told Express.co.uk, “I think we’re seeing the collapse of the Meghan-as-humanitarian narrative. You simply can’t talk about dismantling institutions, advocating for women’s rights, and humanitarian causes—and then pivot straight into affiliate marketing, influencer-style brand placements, and monetizing your own taste.”
This has left many fans and commentators confused, as the new direction Meghan is taking feels like a stark contrast to her previous activism.
A Jarring Contrast: Humanitarian to Fashion Influencer
The Duchess’s latest online fashion page, where she lists her clothing details and links to items that fans can purchase, has raised eyebrows. The platform allows Meghan to earn a profit from affiliate links, which some critics argue detracts from her earlier claims of working toward more significant global change.
PR expert Chad Teixeira criticized the shift, stating, “This move feels like the final nail in the coffin for the ‘serious thought leader’ narrative.” He added, “She’s gone from giving speeches about global issues to offering discount codes for blazers.”
The Fallout for Prince Harry and the Royal Family
The timing of Meghan’s new focus on influencer-style marketing comes as Prince Harry grapples with controversy surrounding his exit from the charity Sentebale, which he co-founded. Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the charity’s head, accused Harry of bullying following his departure, adding further complexity to the couple’s ongoing relationship with the royal family.
As Meghan continues to transition into this new phase of her career, it remains to be seen how this shift will affect her public image. What was once a focus on philanthropy now appears to be sidelined for more commercial endeavors, raising questions about the long-term implications of her evolving brand.
