Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been criticized for their perceived reliance on their royal connections to bolster their public image and branding efforts in the United States. Despite stepping away from royal duties in 2020, the couple has continued to utilize their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, sparking debate about their intentions and the authenticity of their rebranding attempts.
Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist speaking to GB News, voiced concerns over what she perceives as the Sussexes' growing desperation to maintain their royal allure. "They are getting desperate, ever more desperate," Lieberman observed, suggesting that Meghan Markle, in particular, had high expectations for their popularity upon their return to the U.S. However, their efforts to leverage their royal status without fulfilling traditional royal roles have not translated into the success they anticipated.
This sentiment was echoed in their recent decision to change their children's surnames from Mountbatten-Windsor to Sussex, further emphasizing their desire to retain a royal connection. This move has led to accusations of hypocrisy and an overreliance on their royal heritage to stay relevant.
Adding to the controversy, the Sussexes' decision to relaunch their website with their royal titles has been interpreted by some as an attempt to cling to any remnants of their royal past. The Wall Street Journal previously branded Meghan and Harry as "Hollywood flops," indicating a perceived decline in their appeal since their royal departure.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward speculated that the late Queen Elizabeth would have been disappointed by the couple's actions, particularly given her high hopes for their potential contributions to the Commonwealth. Seward noted the Queen's appreciation for Meghan's diverse background and the modern flair she brought to the monarchy, making their eventual departure and subsequent actions all the more disheartening.
Despite being stripped of their HRH status, Meghan and Harry have found ways to navigate the Queen's directives, maintaining a connection to their Sussex titles through various means. Seward lamented this development, suggesting that the couple's reliance on "half-truths" to assert their independence could have been avoided had they chosen a different path.
As Meghan and Harry continue to navigate their post-royal life, their strategies for maintaining a public presence and building their Archewell brand have come under scrutiny. The debate surrounding their use of royal titles and connections raises questions about the balance between their royal heritage and their desire for a new identity independent of the monarchy. The couple's ongoing efforts to redefine themselves while retaining ties to their royal past continue to spark discussions about the complexities of leaving royal life behind and the challenges of rebranding in the public eye.
