A few years ago, Meghan Markle made headlines for stepping away from the royal life.
Now, she’s aiming to take back control of her image through lifestyle branding and television—on her own terms.
But not everyone is buying the reinvention just yet.
From Actress to Duchess to Entrepreneur
Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan was already making a name for herself.
She starred as Rachel Zane on the legal drama Suits and built a loyal following through her lifestyle blog, The Tig, where she shared thoughts on food, fashion, and wellness.
That part of her life was paused in 2017 as her relationship with Prince Harry became official.
Her marriage to Harry in 2018 was one of the most-watched royal weddings in modern history.
It marked the beginning of a dramatic shift in her public life—and not all of it has gone smoothly.
The Exit from Royal Life and Its Fallout
When Meghan and Harry officially stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with their kids, Archie and Lilibet, the world paid close attention.
The move was bold, and many viewed it as a new chapter for the couple.
But public sentiment started to shift.
PR expert Ryan McCormick pointed out that Meghan’s popularity peaked around the time of the royal wedding.
Since then, he believes her public appeal has been on a steady decline, especially after the couple publicly distanced themselves from the royal family.
The Hollywood Hustle: Deals, Documentaries, and Drama
Despite criticism, the couple secured major entertainment deals, including a $120 million package with Spotify and Netflix.
Their faces were everywhere—TV specials, interviews, and especially the much-talked-about Oprah interview, which aired in 2021.
In that sit-down, Meghan opened up about racism within the royal family and mental health struggles—statements that sparked international conversations and controversy.
Then came their six-part Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan in 2022.
It explored their romance but also painted a scathing picture of their time within the royal institution.
Harry even alleged that Prince William once screamed at him and accused him of betrayal.
The public and media responses were mixed, and some critics claimed the documentary offered a one-sided narrative.
Others questioned the couple’s intent—were they seeking healing or headlines?
Spotify Flop and Harsh Words from the Industry
Meghan also dipped her toes into podcasting with Archetypes on Spotify.
The concept was promising: exploring the stereotypes that limit women.
But the series didn’t gain much traction and was quietly discontinued after one season.
Behind the scenes, tensions emerged, with Spotify’s Bill Simmons bluntly calling the couple “f***ing grifters.”
Rather than fight back publicly, the Sussexes issued a polished statement and moved on.
Another Attempt at Podcasting and Lifestyle Branding
Still, Meghan wasn’t done with podcasting.
She returned this year with Confessions of a Female Founder, partnering with Lemonada Media to speak with powerful women like Spanx founder Sara Blakely.
But again, the momentum fizzled out.
The show hasn’t been renewed, and buzz around it faded quickly.
Now, she’s pivoting once more—this time with a lifestyle brand and a hospitality series that seem designed to mark a clean break from the past.
A New Chapter with “As Ever” and “With Love, Meghan”
In 2025, Meghan re-emerged with a brand-new venture: her lifestyle label As Ever and a Netflix show called With Love, Meghan.
The show, which has already been renewed for a second season, features celebrities like Mindy Kaling and drew 2.6 million viewers in its first week.
Meanwhile, her product collections sold out quickly—even though early sales came with hiccups, like accidentally overselling her apricot spread.
It’s clear she wants this chapter to feel more grounded, more curated, and less tied to the headlines of her royal past.
Can These Projects Change Public Perception?
Marketing expert Stacy Jones thinks the strategy behind Meghan’s latest efforts shows promise.
By focusing on lifestyle, wellness, and storytelling rather than royal drama, Meghan may be carving out a space that feels more relatable to the average viewer.
Jones explained that projects like With Love, Meghan are softer, warmer, and better positioned for long-term connection with audiences.
But she was quick to add that execution matters more than intention.
Meghan’s efforts to shift public perception have often felt disorganized or short-lived—something that doesn’t sit well when your every move is under a microscope.
A Reputation Still Hanging in the Balance
Another branding consultant, Katrina Owens, echoed similar concerns.
While Meghan’s latest moves do suggest a shift toward a more lifestyle-focused identity, they still feel too close to the royal themes she’s supposedly leaving behind.
Owens believes that true reinvention will require time, consistency, and a strategy that sticks.
The stop-start nature of her past projects gives the impression of instability, making it harder for the public to fully embrace this new version of Meghan.
The Road Ahead: Will This Be the Turnaround?
Meghan’s latest chapter is filled with intention, creativity, and undeniable hustle.
But if she wants to shed the labels of the past, she’ll need more than just ideas—she’ll need follow-through.
The challenge isn’t just launching something new; it’s sticking with it, refining it, and building trust with the public again.
Whether As Ever and With Love, Meghan are the start of a powerful rebrand or just another short-lived pivot remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—she’s not fading quietly into the background. Meghan Markle is betting on herself.
Now, the world is watching to see if that bet pays off.