Meghan Markle’s attempt to rebrand her public image is facing a serious setback as fresh allegations of bullying resurface, casting doubt on her efforts to reshape her persona. A recent profile in Vanity Fair marking the five-year anniversary of Meghan and Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties has reignited old accusations, with former staff claiming their time working with the Duchess of Sussex was so distressing that they required “therapy.” These claims echo accusations from her time at Kensington Palace, leaving her attempts to present herself in a more positive light in jeopardy.
Royal expert Tom Bower described the new revelations as “devastating,” noting how they undermine Meghan’s ongoing rebranding effort. “The revival of her image of the Difficult Duchess who torments her staff into seeking therapy to alleviate the misery of working for Meghan is a disaster,” Bower said, emphasizing the damaging effect these allegations have on her public image, reported the Express.
In an effort to revamp her image as a loving and approachable figure, Meghan has been working on a Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, set to launch in March. The show was meant to present Meghan as a “loving, caring Californian mother and wife,” aligning with her aspirations to shift away from her previous public persona. However, early reactions to the project have been lukewarm, with some critics dismissing it as “saccharine and silly,” further complicating her efforts.
Additionally, the Vanity Fair article also portrayed Prince Harry as “lost, out of his depth, and naive,” which has further strained their collective public image. This portrayal, combined with the resurfacing of the bullying allegations, has raised concerns about their future as a brand.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams warned that the Sussexes’ efforts to rebuild public trust are being overshadowed by the bullying claims. “The bullying claims overshadow their philanthropic efforts, making it harder for them to rebuild public trust,” he said. As their Netflix deal nears its conclusion, experts speculate that the streaming giant may reconsider its partnership with the Sussexes, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding their public image.