Slicing veggies, baking cakes - will Meghan's rebrand work?

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to launch her new television series titled 'With Love, Meghan,' which is scheduled to premiere on January 15. The trailer for the show presents a charming image of Meghan engaging in various domestic activities, such as picking flowers, slicing vegetables, and decorating cakes. There is even a heartwarming scene where she collects honey and shares a loving moment with her husband, Prince Harry. This new series marks a significant shift in Meghan's public persona, as she is now embracing a more traditional and domestic image, reminiscent of the 1950s housewives. Public relations expert Chloe Franses describes this transformation as a rebranding for Meghan, who has previously been recognized as a feminist and a Hollywood actress. However, opinions on this change are divided; while some view it as an authentic return to her roots, others criticize it as being out of touch. One notable aspect of the trailer is that Meghan appears alone, without Harry by her side. Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, the couple has been involved in various joint ventures, including a production company and a charitable foundation. However, with this new show, it seems they are increasingly pursuing individual paths and creating separate income streams. Professor Pauline Maclaran, an expert in marketing and consumer research, suggests that this separation could lead to greater success for both Meghan and Harry, as their previous joint efforts did not garner the recognition they desired. The launch of 'With Love, Meghan' also signifies a departure from their royal connections. While Harry and Meghan have previously discussed their experiences within the monarchy, this new series appears to focus solely on lifestyle and wellness, areas that Meghan explored before her marriage through her lifestyle blog, The Tig. On The Tig, Meghan shared insights on beauty, diet, fashion, travel, and personal growth. Although The Tig was shut down in 2017, returning to lifestyle content could be a strategic move for Meghan, according to PR experts. Chloe Franses notes that this approach is common for women in the public eye who balance aspirational lifestyles with real-life challenges. However, some critics argue that Meghan should be addressing more pressing global issues instead of focusing on her personal life. The show features several well-known guests, including actress Mindy Kaling, which adds to its appeal. Critics like Alex Silver express concern that Meghan is prioritizing her own interests over more significant societal matters. They believe she could use her platform to raise awareness for charitable causes, rather than centering the show around herself. The lifestyle space has proven to be a double-edged sword for some celebrities, as seen with Brooklyn Beckham's photography book, which faced backlash. This is not Meghan's first venture into the business world; she and Harry previously signed a multi-million-pound deal with Netflix and appeared in a documentary about their relationship. However, not all of their projects have been met with success, as evidenced by the low ratings of their recent Polo documentary and the mutual decision to part ways with Spotify after their podcast failed to resonate with audiences. Meghan also launched a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard, which has garnered a following on Instagram but has not been active since its launch. Some speculate that this new show is an attempt for Meghan to explore further business opportunities, potentially partnering with major brands and supermarkets. This strategy mirrors the success of other celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, who has built a thriving lifestyle brand with Goop. As Meghan embarks on this new venture, questions arise about how it will affect public perception of her. Royal expert Victoria Murphy believes that while the show will likely attract initial viewership, the true test will be whether it can maintain a loyal audience and establish a strong global brand for Meghan outside of her royal ties. Professor Maclaran agrees, suggesting that the show may resonate with specific demographics, particularly in the United States. However, some critics, like Silver, argue that Meghan's efforts to 'detoxify' her brand may not be successful, as they doubt the show's ability to connect with a broader audience. The response to the trailer has been mixed, with numerous media outlets analyzing every detail, often with a critical lens. The British tabloids remain fascinated by Meghan, while she also enjoys a dedicated fan base on social media. For her critics, the show may come across as superficial, while her supporters may celebrate her return to the spotlight. Ultimately, this new endeavor seems poised to reinforce existing opinions about Meghan, regardless of whether they are positive or negative.