Meghan Markle made a particular move in her Netflix show which was dubbed “calculated and strategic” by a PR expert.
The Duchess of Sussex has been at the centre of discussions since last week after her long awaited lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, landed on the streaming giant.
In episode two, Meghan appeared in a seemingly awkward moment when her pal and Hollywood actress Mindy Kaling called her by her maiden name—Meghan Markle.
Meghan was seen correcting her friend, saying: “It’s so funny you keep saying, Meghan Markle. You know, I’m Sussex now.
“You have kids and you go ‘No, I share my name with my children.’ I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go ‘This is our family name. Our little family name.'”
Now a PR expert said the interaction between the two women was a “calculated and strategic move” to spark discussion and generate “buzz” around her new show.
James Holton, Consumer Behaviour and Social Media Expert at GrowthScribe, said: “Meghan’s moment with Mindy Kaling wasn’t just a random moment, it was a calculated and strategic move to spark discussion and generate buzz around With Love, Meghan.
“In today’s digital landscape, viral moments like these are deliberate yet powerful tools to drive engagement.
“This definitely mirrors the Kardashian Playbook, where they stay relevant through carefully crafted media moments.
“Similarly, Meghan’s team manufactured publicity through well-timed Mindy Kaling controversy, fueling instant debates online and generating millions of impressions, increasing the show’s visibility.”
The expert added: “It was carefully calculated to generate headlines worldwide and it did.
“However, Google trends show ‘Meghan Markle Sussex correction’ spiked 300% post-launch, then tanked, which means interest was low.
“The move drove engagement but failed to benefit her image. Meghan’s team let scripted authenticity overshadow her ‘everywoman’ pitch, alienating UK viewers who’d rather see her vulnerable side than flex a title.”
With Love, Meghan is now available on Netflix and has been renewed for a second season, which is expected to land in the autumn.