Meghan Markle: From Duchess to the Duchess of Cringe

Since stepping away from royal duties, Meghan Markle has found herself in a rather uncomfortable spotlight.

Once envisioned as a Hollywood star and influencer alongside Prince Harry, the couple's journey into the entertainment industry has taken some unexpected turns.

Instead of the glamorous life they anticipated, they've become subjects of ridicule, with many in Hollywood viewing them as a laughingstock.

The Hollywood Reporter recently took a jab at the couple, highlighting their hypocrisy and branding them as part of the “class of 2023.” This label seems to have stuck, and it's unlikely that Markle's foray into a coffee advertisement will change public perception anytime soon.

The 30-second commercial, which many have deemed cringeworthy, features Markle in a series of outfit changes, seemingly attempting to promote a brand while showcasing her acting skills—or lack thereof.

Critics argue that this advertisement epitomizes what Meghan and Harry have become: figures more concerned with monetizing their status than genuinely engaging in charitable endeavors.

Their recent endeavors appear less about philanthropy and more about cashing in on their royal past.

Unfortunately, this focus on financial gain is undermined by a perceived lack of talent and work ethic, which the ad only serves to highlight.

Despite some fans rallying around the commercial, it marks yet another misstep for Markle.

As 2023 comes to a close, it feels like a fitting capstone to what many are calling an “Annus Horribilis” for the couple.

The year has been fraught with challenges, and their ability to navigate the entertainment landscape has been called into question repeatedly.

It begs the question: how did Harry and Meghan stumble so profoundly?

The advertisement itself raises eyebrows.

It features Markle in various roles—fulfilling orders, typing at a computer, and even attempting a fist bump.

However, the execution feels disingenuous, with viewers left wondering why she's participating in such a self-promotional venture.

After all, the couple left royal life claiming they could serve the world in their own way, but the methods they've chosen seem to contradict that mission.

Markle's portrayal in the ad is particularly striking.

Dressed in a white sweater, she appears to be playacting rather than genuinely contributing to the company's operations.

The video seems designed to draw attention to her rather than the actual employees working behind the scenes.

Critics note that it would have been far more impactful had Markle highlighted the real workers instead of hogging the limelight.

As the ad progresses, Markle continues to shift outfits, seemingly trying to convince viewers of her multifaceted role within the company.

Yet, the superficial changes do little to mask the fact that she is merely there to lend her celebrity status to the brand.

This self-serving approach has led to accusations that Markle is more interested in her image than in the hard work typically associated with entrepreneurship.

In a particularly awkward moment, Markle fumbles a fist bump, which the producers chose to keep in the final cut.

While it might be seen as humorous, it also underscores the absurdity of the entire endeavor.

The ad does little to enhance her reputation or that of the brand it aims to promote.

Instead, it reinforces the notion that Markle is more focused on her image than on substantive contributions.

Markle's duality as a public figure complicates her narrative.

On one hand, she presents herself as a gracious and caring individual; on the other, former royal staffers have painted a different picture.

Many perceive her as someone who looks down on those in less glamorous roles, making her participation in such an advertisement feel insincere.

The ad's failure to resonate highlights a broader issue: Markle's current public reputation is in tatters.

Many believe that her involvement in such projects only serves to deepen the divide between her and the public.

It's evident that the couple needs to reassess their strategy if they hope to regain any semblance of respectability.

Harry and Meghan's path forward seems fraught with challenges.

They must transition from flashy appearances to genuine engagement with their audience.

Rather than continuing to chase quick financial gains, they should focus on meaningful projects that resonate with people.

Ultimately, the couple's attempts to leverage their royal ties for profit have backfired.

They are seen as out of touch, and their efforts often come across as desperate.

If they wish to turn their fortunes around, stepping back and allowing their work to speak for itself may be the best course of action.

As the year winds down, the future remains uncertain for Meghan and Harry.

Their recent choices suggest they are still struggling to find their footing in a world that has largely moved on from their royal past.

Only time will tell if they can reclaim their narrative or if they will remain the btt of jokes in the entertainment industry.