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Meghan Markle’s Image Makeover: Can She Turn It Around?
Royal author Tina Brown has weighed in on Meghan Markle's ongoing struggle to reshape her public persona.
Despite facing a wave of criticism for her rebranding attempts, Brown suggests there may still be hope for the Duchess of Sussex to redeem herself.
The scrutiny surrounding Meghan's efforts is relentless.
Brown, known for her sharp commentary and as the biographer of Princess Diana, has previously been vocal about her disapproval of Meghan's decisions, even stating that the Duchess possesses “the worst judgment of anyone in the entire world.”
Yet, she now extends a lifeline, offering potential pathways for Meghan to salvage her reputation.
Currently, Meghan's brand, American Riviera Orchard, remains in limbo.
Although it was teased eight months ago, reports indicate that the brand is struggling to secure a trademark.
This delay adds to the mounting pressure on Meghan as she attempts to redefine her image.
In a recent post on her Substack blog, Fresh Hell, Brown outlined a scenario that could pave the way for Meghan and Prince Harry to reconnect with royal duties.
With King Charles' private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, having resigned, Brown believes this could create a friendlier environment for discussions about Harry's security needs and the possibility of a royal return.
Brown argues that returning to royal duties may provide Meghan with a much-needed face-saving opportunity.
She suggests that the demands of being a second-tier royal might be less burdensome than the ongoing struggle with branding missteps.
This perspective offers a glimmer of hope amid the chaos surrounding the couple's public image.
Her insights come after an appearance on the Ankler podcast, where she candidly discussed the couple's challenges.
Brown didn't hold back, declaring, “The trouble with Meghan is that she has the worst judgment of anyone in the entire world.”
She lamented that most of Meghan's ideas have missed the mark, which has contributed to the negative perceptions surrounding her.
Despite her critiques, Brown acknowledged Prince Harry's strengths, stating, “He is the most talented member of the royal family, without a doubt, in terms of being a prince.”
She described him as “flawless” in his royal role, yet noted his impetuous nature and fragility, suggesting that many within the palace foresaw his departure from royal life.
In her book, The Palace Papers, Brown elaborates on Meghan's struggles to adapt to royal life, particularly after her first tour in Australia, which she reportedly despised.
A former palace employee shared with Brown that Meghan found royal engagements outdated, preferring to focus on causes she genuinely cares about.
This disconnect may have fueled her desire to shine in Hollywood rather than conform to royal expectations.
Interestingly, these critical views of Meghan contrast with positive remarks from some of her former staff.
Steve Davies, her ex-bodyguard, painted a different picture, describing her as a “good person with a big heart.”
He defended her against claims of being difficult to work with, emphasizing her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Davies highlighted Meghan's commitment to charity and her down-to-earth interactions with everyday people, including dog walkers and cleaners.
He reflected on a valuable lesson he learned from her: respect breeds respect.
His empathy towards Meghan during her initial days in the royal family adds another layer to the narrative surrounding her character.
As Meghan continues to navigate her complex relationship with the royal family and the public, the question remains: can she truly turn her image around?