Latest news with #Meghan Markle
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Meghan Markle is a 'fraud' who is 'milking' her fame from Prince Harry to 'sucker people' into buying her products, leading US brand experts claim
Meghan Markle is a 'fraud' and As Ever is all about 'milking' her fame from marrying Prince Harry to 'sucker people into buying her stuff', two of North America's leading brand experts have claimed. Canadian lawyer Phillip Millar and California marketing executive Camille Moore, stars of popular The Art of the Brand podcast, believe the launch and concept of her lifestyle business has been one of the worst they have ever seen. 'I love sh***ing on people who suck. Meghan Markle sucks as far as I'm concerned', Mr Millar has said. 'It [As Ever] is run by a confederacy of dunces working on this platform that is just getting maximising the value from her fame that came from Suits and being a part of the Royal Family and they're just milking that for everything they can'. Millar and Moore, who have advised big businesses including Mercedes-Benz, L'Oreal, Olaplex, Dior, Van Cleef and Air Canada, say Meghan's business has been a 'royal disaster'. Mr Millar believes that As Ever lacks authenticity because he claims that Meghan is 'pretending' to be a domestic goddess and most people don't believe it. But he added that the people who have rushed to buy her wine, jam, crepe mix and tea shows 'how gullible a lot of consumers are'. Canadian lawyer Phillip Millar and California marketing executive Camille Moore, stars of popular The Art of the Brand podcast, believe the launch and concept of her lifestyle business has been one of the worst they have ever seen He said: 'She's not substantial. I'm agitated by her so much because it is a deliberate misrepresentation of what she is because she thinks she can pretend to be that while actually being this and sucker people into buying her stuff and every step of the way she's failing because it's not legitimate. It's not intelligent. It's not well executed. 'There was nothing about her brand that was good from the start to a distinguishing eye. She was a fraud what I can see from the beginning who was just using opportunities to advance herself. Her brand wasn't one built on substance. It was based on using people. 'They're not executing anything well on any show on anything. But it shows how gullible a lot of consumers are'. Mr Millar said that investors including Netflix appear to have failed to ask serious questions of Meghan before the launch. 'People who consider themselves smart because nobody ever questions them are running this business and telling her to use a playbook that works for products where scarcity matters. Confectionery scarcity doesn't matter. He added: 'There's an egocentric approach to it that if you achieve some level of celebrity, you think you can build a brand, but that's the start of your brand. You can make short-term money from it, but it's not a long-term strategy'. Phillip believes Meghan has failed to see what she really is - a 'disruptor' rather than a homemaker. He said: 'Her brand should be I'm a disruptor. I go into TV. I make noise. I go into the Royal Family. I make noise. She should brand herself as a rebel, but she's not consistent with what she is. 'She should be a disruptor and sell products that are not that expensive and that represent disruption, but that audience is not spending a lot of money'. Ms Moore said Meghan is responsible 'for really probably having the worst brand execution to date', adding: 'She's had zero ownership in this business. It's effectively like she's just like labeling her brand'. She added: 'I feel like she's doing such a brutal or good job, depending on how you're looking at it, of getting this like free PR and then absolutely s***ing the bed'. When she started posting links on the ShopMy e-commerce site, some thought that this was going to prove an irresistible source of serious income for the Duchess of Sussex. It couldn't be easier, really – influencers link posts from their Instagram to the online shop, and then rake in a percentage of every item of clothing, make-up or homeware sold as a result. Some of the top creators make up to $1million (£740,000) a year with a cut of between 10 and 30 per cent per item, depending on the retailer. The 'creators' are ranked in a tiering visible only to other ShopMy entrepreneurs; the biggest earners are 'icons' and the lowliest ranking is 'enthusiast'. After an initial flurry on the site, in which she directed shoppers to the sweaters she wore in her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, the denim dress she wore on a 'date night' with Prince Harry to watch Beyonce and her make-up and hair favourites, Meghan has fallen silent. Indeed, she's not posted in over two months on ShopMy and it seems that her ranking has dropped from icon to enthusiast as a result. While she continues to appear regularly on her own Instagram page and that of her brand, As Ever, she or her team are not linking through for 'easy money'. A spokesman for the couple did not respond to requests for clarification but a source says that – however lucrative – this potential revenue stream is simply not important to her. 'Her current priorities are centred on As Ever and expanding her business ventures. ShopMy represents an exploration into social media that she enjoys.' The source adds: 'The duchess has consistently approached ShopMy with a focus on authentically sharing products and designers she supports, particularly female founders she wants to uplift.' The deal is then: Meghan doesn't need the money, because she's making plenty already. As speculation grows over the couple attempting to renew links to the UK – with two key members of the Sussex team meeting the King's aide, Tobyn Andreae, earlier this month, as revealed exclusively by The Mail on Sunday – it's intriguing to examine what commercial successes the couple have had since moving their lives to California. The bottom line, of course, has always been significant for both Harry and Meghan. As they seemingly make steps towards rebuilding bridges with the Royal Family, you have to ask: How would a rapprochement serve the Sussexes? And, more than this, might they need to make up with the King for financial reasons. After all, he used to fund his son Harry's life ... right down to a wardrobe allowance for his wife. People who know the Sussexes say the reopening of communications doesn't mean they're any less committed to life in Montecito. I'm told: 'They're very happy living in and raising their family in California and, as it stands, have no plans to leave. The duke will of course continue, as he has done since he emigrated, to visit the UK in support of his charitable causes and patronages.' Indeed, Montecito is the epicentre of how they are marketing themselves. Meghan's As Ever brand was originally known as American Riviera Orchard, after the area in which they live. Five months after Megxit in February 2020, the Sussexes bought their house in Montecito for $14.65million (£10,890,000). And it's that purchase which seems to have fired the starting gun on the Sussexes' endeavours. In their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey the following year, which took place while Meghan was pregnant with daughter Lilibet, Prince Harry reflected on their money-making activities to date. He said their deals with Netflix and Spotify had both been driven by financial necessity. The prince said he was cut off by his family in the first quarter of 2020, shortly after he and Meghan announced they would step back as senior members of the royals. He added that he still had the money left to him by his late mother, Princess Diana. 'Without that, we wouldn't have been able to do this,' he said, referring to the family's move to California. If Harry and Meghan had really been getting $100million over five years from Netflix at a steady rate of $20million a year, then you could consider it taken care of. But a source with knowledge of the Netflix deal say it's never worked out like that But even the reputed £10million left by Diana wouldn't be enough to buy his house and sustain their lifestyle for long. The couple are widely reported to have taken out a mortgage, with repayments apparently standing at $480,000 a year. On top of this, property tax will be a further $68,000 a year. Utilities are estimated at $24,000 a year, staffing costs $250,000 and security – always a priority for Prince Harry, who made two tours of duty in Afghanistan with the Army Air Corps – is said to cost up to $3million a year. It all adds up to needing to clear around $4million a year after tax, which is quite a task. Sources also indicate that the price Harry and Meghan pay to run their Archewell production company is significant, 'probably $3million a year, which as an overhead commitment is quite big by Hollywood standards', though some of those costs come out of charity funds. If Harry and Meghan had really been getting $100million over five years from Netflix at a steady rate of $20million a year, then you could consider it taken care of. But a source with knowledge of the Netflix deal say it's never worked out like that. They said: 'From speaking to someone with knowledge of the deal, it looks like they've probably managed to maybe keep $10million-$15million or a touch more purely for themselves over the nearly five years so far – not bad business, but that kind of money doesn't last long with their lifestyle. 'Netflix paid for the production of [the tell-all hit documentary series] Harry & Meghan, which would have included a big fee for them. 'I'd guess [the money Netflix spent on it] works out at $20million all-in. 'Netflix haven't done too badly out of the relationship in as much as they've probably only gone out of pocket to the tune of around $40million or thereabouts, and they did at least get a huge hit documentary out of the investment, and a less successful show in With Love, Meghan. 'The whole arrangement was basically a trade-off for Netflix getting the Harry & Meghan documentary and they will regard it as a modest win.'
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Royal Titles Could Be Revoked If They ‘Step Out of Line,' Warns ‘Insider'
and his wife, , may risk their royal title if they speak out against the British monarch's family again, a new report has suggested. The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their public roles in 2020. After ditching the United Kingdom for a life in the United States, the couple made a series of bombshell claims against the royal family. Now, according to a recent report, there are plans in place to revoke Harry and Meghan's Sussex titles. There are plans in place to revoke Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Sussex titles, says 'insider' A new report has alleged that Prince William may not hesitate to strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal title when he takes the crown in the future. RadarOnline exclusively learned from insiders that the Prince of Wales is still angered by his brother and his wife's public criticism of The Firm. A courtier told the outlet that King Charles was 'especially stung by Harry labeling him an emotionally cold father' in his memoir, 'Spare.' However, the courtier continued that despite 'all the hurt' that Harry 'caused,' Charles never took away his Sussex title. This is because he is reportedly 'concerned' about the 'backlash.' The late Queen Elizabeth II bestowed royal titles on Harry and Meghan on their wedding day in 2018. The couple stepped from their public roles in 2020. However, Harry and Meghan are seemingly holding onto their titles. The most recent occurrence was on the 43-year-old's Netflix show, 'With Love, Meghan.' While talking to her guest, Mindy Kaling, she said, 'It's so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle.' She added, 'You know I'm 'Sussex' now.' The RadarOnline insider claimed the royals are 'absolutely furious' over Meghan continuing to 'flaunt the Sussex title for her and Harry's own self-gain.' Meanwhile, unlike his monarch father, William has no concerns over revoking Harry and Meghan's titles. The insider alleged that the royals have 'quietly sanctioned the title removal.' This would reportedly happen 'if Harry and Meghan step out of line again.' The insider even claimed that the palace 'already called several secret meetings.' It has been reportedly done to 'discuss the possibility and put an actionable plan in place.' It is worth highlighting that the claims about Harry and Meghan's royal titles came from a reported 'insider.' The palace has not made any comments on this. The post Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Royal Titles Could Be Revoked If They 'Step Out of Line,' Warns 'Insider' appeared first on Reality Tea. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Prince Harry and King Charles' secret 'peace summit' is a 'good first step' and sign of 'optimism', insider claims
The meeting between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 's communications chief and King Charles III's aide is a 'good first step' amid 'optimism that it can be taken forward', an insider has revealed. The Sussexes have denied leaking details of the meeting between Meredith Maines and the King's communications secretary Tobyn Andreae near Clarence House. Liam Maguire, who runs Harry and Meghan's UK public relations team, was also at the meeting last Wednesday at the Royal Over-Seas League club in London. Now, a source has told People magazine - which is friendly with the Sussexes - that the talks could be the start of an improved relationship between father and son. The unnamed insider said: 'It was a good first step. It is always better to be talking. It's a positive step. There's optimism that it can be taken forward.' It is not known whether it was Charles or Harry who arranged the 'peace talks' but pictures of the two sides enjoying drinks have raised hopes of a reconciliation. There has still been no official comment on the meeting from press representatives for Buckingham Palace, the Sussexes or the Prince and Princess of Wales. Both Harry, 40, and his 76-year-old father are said to be keen to reconcile, especially after the King was diagnosed with cancer last year. Harry and Meghan are said to have been frustrated that pictures of the meeting were published The King and Harry at Windsor Castle for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022 However, Harry and Meghan are said to have been frustrated that pictures of the extraordinary meeting were published in The Mail on Sunday. Sources close to Harry have insisted the Sussexes were not responsible for passing details of the meeting on to the newspaper. They acknowledged that having the details splashed across newspaper front pages was not an ideal start to what they had hoped would be a new period of peace, according to The Telegraph. Pictures of the meeting show Ms Maines, carrying a black Louis Vuitton bag, arrive by taxi with Mr Maguire at 3.50pm on Wednesday. Mr Andreae turned up minutes later carrying a gift from Berry Bros & Rudd, the official wine supplier to the Royal Family. The trio were later seen chatting over drinks in the 26C (78F) sunshine on a first-floor garden terrace overlooking Green Park. After ten minutes they resumed their discussions inside. A source said the summit was only the 'first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction'. Liam Maguire and Meredith Maines from the Sussexes' PR team are pictured outside the club Tobyn Andreae arrives for the secret meeting last week with a gift from Berry Bros & Rudd The source told The Mail on Sunday: 'There's a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in years. 'There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks. There were things both sides wanted to talk about.' Royal experts suggested the meeting was 'more of a courtesy call' than peace talks. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward said she believed it was simply a chance for Ms Maines, who was appointed earlier this year, to meet her British counterpart, respected royal aide Mr Andreae. The Palace refused to comment on whether Prince William was aware of the meeting but royal experts said it was unlikely to have gone ahead without his approval. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham is one opportunity for a public reconciliation reportedly being discussed by both sides. Another royal insider told MailOnline: 'Prince Harry made it clear in May that he was fed up with the fighting and wanted to reconcile with his family, not least because his father hasn't shared his cancer prognosis with him and he just hasn't got a clear picture about His Majesty's health. 'A first step is getting their offices talking to one another again. Tobyn Andreae is director of communications for the whole royal household so in that sense could be seen to be representing the Prince and Princess of Wales but, in reality, they run their own operation. King Charles and Prince Harry at a meeting at Clarence House in London in December 2018 'Many things have been said that probably everyone regrets but if there is reconciliation, it's likely that William and Kate are going to be a tougher nut to crack than the King. 'I'd be surprised if William wasn't aware that it was going ahead. His office and Team Sussex have coordinated in the past, even when the two brothers weren't speaking, over events for the Diana Award or the unveiling of the Diana statue. 'But relations have been increasingly strained even at that level between the Sussexes and both the King's and William's offices'. The source added: 'The first step has to be building trust so I think there's frustration that this meeting was leaked'. A source close to the Sussexes told MailOnline that all parties involved were 'frustrated' that the meeting was made public. But another royal expert claimed that the King and his heir will be peeved that it was made public - and could even suspect Harry, Meghan and their team. Phil Dampier told MailOnline: 'Both The King and Prince William always fear that they can't trust Harry and Meghan not to put any talks they have into the public arena and this will confirm their worst fears. 'To me it looks as though Harry wants to portray himself as the one who is trying to patch things up. If talks fail he can say he tried. 'But I don't think these tactics will work and the fact this summit was leaked will put any reconciliation process back by months'. California-based Harry is set to next visit the UK in September for the annual WellChild Awards.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry's Life Is Characterized by ‘Lack of Clear Achievement,' ‘Experts' Claim
reportedly did not get the best of both worlds after he and his wife, , left their royal duties in the U.K. and settled in California. British royals expert Hilary Fordwich exclusively told Fox News Digital that the Duke of Sussex's life is characterized by 'lack of clear achievement.' She also claimed that his popularity has taken a hit in both countries. Meanwhile, other experts share that Markle leads a more prominent life, growing her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Prince Harry is reportedly struggling to find his place five years after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from their royal duties. According to Fox News, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams shared that the Duke of Sussex is in 'exile' and has some regrets about leaving his home country. He is allegedly navigating the royal rift with his family members and also appears to have lost touch with several of his friends. Fitzwilliams further claimed that Markle has been leading things in the past few months, including the launch of her Netflix-backed lifestyle products. British royals expert Hilary Fordwich said that Prince Harry's life portrays 'frustration' and a 'lack of clear achievement.' According to her, the duke is struggling to 'carve out anything either lucrative or fulfilling.' He is reportedly still navigating his role in California while his wife continues to build her lifestyle empire with her brand, As Ever. Fordwich also claimed that neither of Prince Harry's endeavors bore him any form of independence or satisfaction. His projects have also allegedly failed to garner momentum or public support. According to the expert, people close to the Duke of Sussex reveal that he is 'homesick and feels out of place in California.' Fordwich stated that Prince Harry is missing his old friends, given his 'limited' social circle in California. Previously, a source revealed that the Duke of Sussex is planning a solo trip to the U.K. to possibly mend his relationship with the royal family. However, he is reportedly leaving Markle out of it, realizing that her involvement might complicate dynamics further. The insider also shared that the former actor is supporting her husband in this decision. The post Prince Harry's Life Is Characterized by 'Lack of Clear Achievement,' 'Experts' Claim appeared first on Reality Tea.
