Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once celebrated for their modern approach to royalty, now find themselves at a crossroads as their standing with major brands shows signs of strain. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties to carve out a new path, are grappling with the consequences of their actions and statements about the British royal family. This shift in perception is causing luxury brands to reconsider their association with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Royal and entertainment expert Kinsey Schofield, in a discussion on TalkTV, highlighted the growing reluctance within the industry to align with Harry and Meghan. "The industry is turning their back on Harry and Meghan," Schofield remarked. She emphasized that continuous critiques of the British royal family by the Sussexes might lead luxury brands, which traditionally align with the royalty perceived as "elite and admirable," to distance themselves from the couple.
Cristo Foufas, the host, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that instead of attracting top-tier brands like Dior or Louis Vuitton, the Sussexes might find themselves partnering with more mainstream names. "They're not going to get Dior, they're going to get Walmart. They want to be marketing Bentley's; they're going to be marketing Subaru's; that is the level that they are," Foufas added.
The recent release of Omid Scobie's book "Endgame," which has stirred controversy with its critical take on senior British royals, has only added to the Sussexes' challenges. The book, which includes deeply incendiary attacks, has led to increased scrutiny of Meghan Markle, especially considering her past collaboration with Scobie on the 2020 Sussex biography "Finding Freedom." Initially denying assistance, Meghan later admitted under oath in a London court to providing third-party information about herself to Scobie.
This shifting narrative and the accompanying scandals have reportedly led to a "Hollywood freeze-out" for the couple. As producer Paula Froelich noted in a July interview, celebrities and influencers are cautious about associating with Harry and Meghan, fearing it might impact their relationships with other high-profile figures, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
The Sussexes' situation is further complicated by their reduced public appearances and the alleged fallout of their contract with Spotify. Amidst these challenges, the couple is believed to be reevaluating their strategy and public persona.
The current state of affairs represents a significant turn for Harry and Meghan, who initially captured the world's imagination with their departure from traditional royal norms. However, their ongoing critique of the royal family and the resulting public and industry backlash suggest a need for recalibration. As brands and public figures reassess their connections with the Sussexes, the couple faces the task of navigating this complex and evolving landscape.
