Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's life after stepping back from royal duties continues to draw public scrutiny, with reality TV star Bethenny Frankel offering pointed commentary on the couple's ventures and lifestyle.
Speaking to Us Weekly, the former Real Housewives of New York City cast member said the Sussexes have faced difficulties making their post-royal projects resonate. "They didn't want the fame, but they didn't want to give up the lifestyle, because it's expensive. Now they're living in Montecito, and it's hard for things to land," Frankel remarked.
Frankel suggested that the couple sought to secure deals quickly, aware of what she called a "window of opportunity." She added, "It's hard to land all of those things... And business is really hard. I respect that relationship and that loyalty to each other, and I just don't think it's that easy. If it was so easy, everybody would be good at doing it."
Since leaving the royal family in 2020, Meghan has launched two podcasts, a Netflix docuseries, a lifestyle program titled With Love, Meghan, and a line of food and beverage products including jams, wine, and cookie mix. Prince Harry has released a memoir and produced a Netflix reality series centered on polo.
The couple recently renewed their Netflix partnership. Meghan announced, "We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand. My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision."
A source close to the Sussexes told GB News the renewal was long in the works. "They're over the moon... Netflix would not have renewed the deal if they thought The Duke and Duchess wouldn't sell," the source said, pushing back on what they described as "wild and inaccurate speculation" from the British press.
Frankel, who has built a lucrative brand as a social media influencer, also reflected on her own career shift. "I can't make more money by going and sitting in Jimmy Fallon's seat... I make as much money as they do sitting in my house, in my pyjamas," she said, noting her TikTok and Instagram followings rival the audience of daytime TV talk shows.
