Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan Markle's Meteoric Rise: From Royal Life to Global Mogul

Meghan makes headlines whatever she does and she is a fascinating, complex character

The Duchess of Sussex: A Tale of Ambition, Scandal, and Self-Invention

It's hard to believe it's been eight years since Meghan Markle, a then-little-known American actress, stole the hearts of the world with her whirlwind romance with Prince Harry. The couple's fairy-tale wedding in 2018 was watched by a staggering 1.9 billion people globally, cementing Meghan's status as a global sensation. But behind the scenes, whispers of tension and power struggles between the couple and the Royal Family were brewing. Fast-forward to 2023, and the once-revered Duchess of Sussex has become a polarizing figure, with many questioning her motivations and behavior.

From Cinderella to Global Mogul

Prince Harry and Meghan in their first official photocall. In her Aquazzura cocktail shoes that didn’t quite fit, Meghan was a trailblazing Cinderella: gauche but fizzing with confidence, full of promises that she would never stop fighting for social justice and women’s empowerment

Meghan's journey from unknown actress to global mogul is nothing short of remarkable. With her quick wit, sharp tongue, and unapologetic confidence, she charmed the world with her royal wedding debut in 2018. Her promise to "fight for women's empowerment" and "social justice" resonated deeply with fans worldwide. But beneath the glamour and glitz, a more complex figure emerged – one who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.

In her early days as a royal, Meghan was feted by the media for her fashion sense and charitable endeavors. Her Instagram feed was filled with images of her philanthropic work, from cooking meals for sex workers to advocating for women's rights. But as time went on, cracks began to appear in her seemingly perfect facade.

The Bridge-Burning Duchess

Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, which was watched by a global television audience of 1.9billion

Meghan's rapid-fire ascent to global fame was accompanied by a trail of burned bridges and damaged relationships. Her treatment of staff at Kensington Palace was alleged to be dictatorial and demanding, with some employees speaking out about the duchess's high expectations and lack of empathy. The once-loyal couple's decision to leave the Royal Family in 2020, dubbed "Megxit," sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace.

A Brand Built on Controversy

As Meghan transitioned from royal wife to global entrepreneur, her brand began to take shape – one built on controversy and self-promotion. Her As Ever label, launched in 2021, was met with skepticism by fans and critics alike, with many questioning the quality of her products and the hefty price tags attached. The duchess's foray into wellness and lifestyle content, including a cooking show and podcast, raised eyebrows among experts who questioned her qualifications.

Meghan Markle (centre) with her co-stars of the legal drama Suits, in which she starred as Rachel Zane for seven series

The Price of Fame

Meghan's decision to partner with Netflix in 2020 sparked heated debate about the exploitation of royal status for personal gain. Critics argued that she was profiting from her connections to the Royal Family without contributing meaningfully to charitable causes or public service. The couple's lucrative deal, reportedly worth over $100 million, cemented Meghan's status as a global influencer – but at what cost?

A Malignant Narcissist?

The duchess is currently negotiating a new multi-million-pound deal with Netflix to replace her previous £73million package, with the global streaming giant promising to focus on the As Ever brand and her television series With Love, Meghan (pictured)

As Meghan continues to build her brand and reputation, critics are increasingly vocal about her behavior. Former chat show host Megyn Kelly called the duchess "a malignant narcissist" in a recent YouTube video, while President Donald Trump dismissed the couple as "not great people." Martha Stewart, the celebrated lifestyle expert, expressed skepticism about Meghan's qualifications for a similar role.

The Duchess's Defense

So how does Meghan respond to her critics? With characteristic confidence and flair, she has developed a defense mechanism that blends humor with indignation. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, she attributed her success to her "hard work" and "dedication," while dismissing naysayers as jealous or uninformed.

Let’s be brutally honest. Nobody would be buying Meghan’s ridiculous raspberry ‘spread’ – £11 a jar, including ‘keepsake’ cardboard packaging – if she had not married a prince of the British realm and basked in the afterglow of such a lucrative alliance

A Lesson from the Duchess

Meghan's ascent to global fame serves as a reminder of the power of self-invention and relentless ambition. Love her or loathe her, the duchess has shown that with determination and drive, anything is possible – even for those who were once considered outsiders.

In the words of Georgia O'Keeffe, "I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free." For Meghan Markle, such wisdom may come too late. Her brand may be built on controversy, but her message remains clear: in a world where fame is currency, she will stop at nothing to accumulate more.

In short order edghan achieved everything she wanted – and then some. Her own TV show. A lifestyle brand. Royal children, two of them, one of each, pictured with Archie and Lilibet

Be More Meghan?

In an era where social media has created a cult of personality around influencers and celebrities, Meghan's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-promotion. Love her or loathe her, one thing is certain – the Duchess of Sussex will continue to fascinate and infuriate audiences alike for years to come.

As for those who aspire to follow in her footsteps? Be warned: with great power comes great responsibility – and a healthy dose of humility might just be the key to long-term success. But for now, it seems Meghan Markle is content to bask in the glow of her own legend, no matter how divisive or damaging that may be.