Meghan Markle’s latest business move did not go down well in PR circles as insiders have hinted that “this is the end” of the Duchess outside of an influencer persona. The Duchess of Sussex has been particularly active on her social media recently, launching a new online shop this week.
Meghan’s ShopMy page features some of her favourite fashion and beauty items, which fans can purchase and will see the Duchess take commission for the sale. This type of shopping has seen a surge in the UK in the past few years, with various influencers posting their lists on websites like liketoknowit.
Prince Harry’s wife has been busy promoting her various endeavours recently, including her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, her new lifestyle brand, As Ever and her upcoming podcast show, Confessions of a Female Founder.
However, her latest move involving her online shop baffled PR experts who now think the duchess will have to stick to just being an influencer – which in turn will limit the type of narrative she could potentially promote.
A source told the Express: “I think we’re seeing the collapse of the Meghan-as-humanitarian narrative.
“You simply can’t talk about dismantling institutions, advocating for women’s rights and humanitarian causes—and then pivot straight into affiliate marketing, influencer-style brand placements and monetising your own taste. It’s the kind of jarring contrast that’s hard to ignore.”
Others added that while Meghan’s humanitarian work might be part of her story, it is not her main “driving force” and her biggest issue is that she has no clear lines separating her work and her brand.
One insider claimed that Meghan flogging her favourite luxury products makes her “come across as a bit of a tw*t” and urged her not to oversaturate herself by “keeping the doors closed and preserving the mystique”.
Another one said that she is “stuck in 2014 Instagram”, while others called the launch of her new online shop “cringe”.
But most of them agreed that Meghan’s latest frenzied online posting and self-promoting make her motives down the line unclear both to professionals as well as her fans.
A source said: “Meghan has access, reach, and impact. But the strategy right now lacks clarity, consistency, and direction. She’s no longer blurring lines between personal brand and purpose. She’s blowing them up.”
Meanwhile, global PR and talent expert Chad Teixeira, gave a scathing verdict for the Duchess’s latest ventures. He told the Express: “It honestly feels like Meghan has finally dropped the act of being anything more than a well-dressed influencer.
“There’s no shame in the affiliate game; it’s a legitimate hustle, but let’s not pretend this is some grand reinvention. From royal tours to reward links, it’s quite the pivot.”
He continued: “She’s basically gone from giving speeches about global issues to giving discount codes for blazers. This move feels like the final nail in the coffin for the ‘serious thought leader’ narrative.
“In the end, Meghan’s gone from the palace to the Pinterest board. It’s not that people don’t want her to win, but this isn’t the kind of power play most expected.
“The strategy lacks the gravitas of someone who once spoke about dismantling institutional structures. Now it’s 10% off handbags and a swipe-up story away from becoming a full-blown fashion affiliate queen.”
However, not all reaction was negative for Meghan’s new online shop. Several fans were delighted with the duchess’s latest move and took to social media to express their excitement over her shopping closet.
One user wrote on X: “This is WONDERFUL! Long overdue! Well done Meghan!” A second one said: “FINALLY! I’ve been hoping Meghan Sussex would do this.”
Another account added: “This is exactly what she is supposed to do. Go Meghan.” A fourth agreed: “She’s coming for everything and I love it!!!” And a final person opined: “Love this era of her being back in control.”