Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan Markle's Next Move: Can She Survive Without Netflix?

I spent this week on the phone to PR bigwigs who about how they would advise Meghan Markle and Prince Harry now that the future of their Netflix deal is looking uncertain

Meghan Markle's Brand Under Fire: Is It Time for a Royal Reboot?

The drama-filled world of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has been making headlines nonstop since their bombshell decision to "step back" as senior working royals in 2020. But now, it seems the couple is facing a new challenge: their brand's dwindling popularity.

According to reports, Netflix is pulling the plug on its lucrative deal with the Sussexes, worth a whopping $100 million. The news has left many wondering how Meghan and Harry will continue to fund their lavish lifestyle in California. But more pressing is the question: what's next for Meghan Markle Inc., the brand that's been touted as the "next big thing" in celebrity entrepreneurship?

Archewell's five-year deal with Netflix resulted in a handful of shows, of varying success

We spoke with top PR experts, who revealed that Meghan's image is stuck in a rut – and it's time for a radical overhaul.

A Brand Built on Controversy

Meghan's journey to becoming a household name began when she married into the British royal family. But her decision to leave the Firm and start anew in the United States sparked a media firestorm. Despite the initial excitement, Meghan's brand has struggled to gain traction. Her Netflix shows have underperformed, with only one hit series, Harry & Meghan (2022), managing to make a splash.

While his wife remains firmly in the celebrity space, royal watchers have noticed recently that Harry appears to be repositioning himself with projects in-line with that of a working royal

But why? According to Nicole Reaney of InsideOut PR, Meghan's problem lies in her inability to deflect criticism with self-deprecating humor. "She tends to attract a swarm of criticism online," Reaney notes. "It all stemmed from turning her shoulder from the Royal Family, her own family and the declaration for privacy – [and] persistent attempts to 'make news'."

Reaney's assessment is echoed by Tony Nicolls, a former journalist-turned-head of PR agency Good Talent Media. Nicolls believes Meghan needs to take a step back from the limelight and rethink her brand strategy.

"The biggest stumbling block for Meghan Markle's brand is that it's built around her 'taking herself seriously'," Nicolls explains. "Therefore, a shift towards an authentic tone would require a level of 'self-awareness'."

Meghan's As Ever lifestyle brand continues to add products to its range

But will Meghan listen to these wise words of advice? Her recent Instagram return and the launch of yet another wine as part of her As Ever lifestyle brand suggest she's more committed than ever to her high-profile persona.

The Problem with Trying Too Hard

Reaney points out that Meghan's efforts to establish herself as a "wholesome lifestyle figure" have come across as forced and staged. "There was never an association to her with cooking or food," Reaney notes. "It came across as a desperate attempt to relaunch her brand."

As Ever's latest wine is the 2024 Napa Valley Rosé. The frequent addition of products to the brand signals intentions to grow Meghan's celebrity lifestyle business

But what if we told you that there's another celebrity who's mastered the art of self-deprecation? Gwyneth Paltrow, the Oscar-winning actress and founder of Goop, has built an empire by leaning into her quirks and poking fun at herself.

Think about it: when Gwyneth announced her partnership with Astronomer after the company's CEO and HR chief were exposed as lovers, she turned a potentially scandalous situation into a hilarious PR stunt. Her ability to laugh at herself has earned her a reputation as one of the most authentic celebrities in the business.

Meghan's Missing Ingredient: Self-Deprecation

There has been talk of Meghan taking cues from her lifestyle rival Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured), who balances sincerity with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour

So, what can Meghan learn from Gwyneth? How about embracing the cringe factor and being willing to make fun of herself? Sounds simple, right?

Well, not quite. According to Nicole Reaney, this approach might be "a step too far" for the earnest duchess.

"Meghan has been so serious over recent years with interviews divulging her multitude of personal struggles," Reaney notes. "It would be unnatural to then mock herself – it's all just too far removed."

Gwyneth certainly believes in her product - but the Goop founder isn't above making fun of herself, as shown by her appointment as 'spokeswoman' for the under-fire firm Astronomer

The Road Ahead: A Brand Overhaul

But what if Meghan is willing to take the leap and reboot her brand? Tony Nicolls believes that taking a step back from the limelight and reassessing her image could be the key to success.

"The best thing to nudge change along is to remove the emotion," Nicolls explains. "Look at the evidence that indicates your brand might need shifting – negative press, sales, brand health scores."

Meghan's latest Netflix show has been widely parodied on social media - not because she is disliked, but because her earnestness is unintentionally funny. She should lean into that

Reaney seconds Nicolls's strategy, advising Meghan to "pause from the limelight" and adopt a "redirection" strategy.

"It may even be worthwhile returning to her acting roots," Reaney suggests. "But I believe a bit of distance from media and personal brand reflection would be a good move for her right now."

The Verdict: A Royal Reboot is Long Overdue

Meghan Markle could consider trying to get in on the joke - but PR experts I spoke to note that her current brand image is built around taking 'herself seriously'. She may need to rethink this

In conclusion, Meghan Markle's brand has become stuck in a rut – and it's time for a radical overhaul. With the Netflix deal potentially no longer on the table, the former Suits star must rethink her strategy if she wants to maintain her high profile.

As our PR experts have made clear: taking herself less seriously and shunning the spotlight might just be the recipe for success. Will Meghan listen? Only time will tell.

Sources:

Meghan could really benefit from leaning into the 'cringe factor', which was on display in this video of her dancing while pregnant

  • InsideOut PR
  • Good Talent Media
  • The Scholarly Note (formerly Daily Mail)

One brand expert suggested that if Meghan were their client, they would advise her to 'pause from the limelight' and adopt a 'redirection' strategy

Nicole Reaney of InsideOut PR says 'transforming an image takes time'