Let me take you back to 2014 when a relatively unknown actress, Meghan Markle, starred in the American TV series ‘Suits’.
Thought to be incredibly ambitious and business savvy, she launched a lifestyle blog named after her favourite wine Tignanello – costing over £100 per bottle.
Meghan had created ‘The Tig’, giving her a platform to share with her growing online community lifestyle tips, recipes, beauty and wellness ideas – all with a personal touch.
The blog became very popular, with a wide reach, a significant amount of media attention (even before she met Prince Harry) and successfully promoted “brand Meghan”.
Two years later, in 2016, Meghan Markle met the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and her life changed forever.
Ahead of her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan made the decision to shut down her blog and social media accounts.
Their global fame landed the couple with a multi-million dollar Netflix deal, planting the seed for Meghan to one day return to her passion.
Netflix
Meghan’s final post said: “What began as a passion project evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun and frivolity. You’ve made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy. Keep finding those Tig moments of discovery, keep laughing and taking risks, and keep being ‘the change you wish to see in the world.’ Above all, don’t ever forget your worth – as I’ve told you time and time again: you, my sweet friend, you are enough.”
The newly married Duchess of Sussex was propelled into the global spotlight, and her turbulent time as a working royal, she has since revealed, left her suicidal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex cut ties, and moved to the United States for the Californian lifestyle, that Meghan was once used to.
Their global fame landed the couple with a multi-million dollar Netflix deal, planting the seed for Meghan to one day return to her passion.
Whether you like or loathe The Duchess of Sussex, there is no denying that she has used her newly-found global fame to hone her profile – the jury is out as to whether she has been successful in this mission.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex cut ties, and moved to the United States for the Californian lifestyle, that Meghan was once used to.
Getty
Before she met Prince Harry, it would have been incredibly unlikely a new lifestyle series hosted by Meghan would have dominated global headlines, but her continued (even if tenuous) tie to the Royal Family means millions of people are talking about ‘With Love, Meghan’ – an eight-part Netflix series, streaming from January 15, and clashing with Prince Michael of Kent’s milestone 80th birthday.
Is this Meghan’s dream come true? The Tig 2.0?
On Wednesday, the Duchess uploaded her first post to her no longer dormant Instagram account @Meghan, now boasting over one million followers.
A video of Meghan, drawing 2025 in the sand on a Montecito beach and filmed by Prince Harry, teased things to come.
Last night, the trailer for ‘With Love, Meghan’ was posted alongside a caption from the Duchess: “I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and team @Netflix. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!”
This is Meghan’s passion project, and could tie into her business venture ‘American Riviera Orchard’.
Netflix
This is Meghan’s passion project, and could tie into her business venture ‘American Riviera Orchard’ – which is a lifestyle brand Meghan launched last year, which has so far sent out 50 jars of strawberry jam to Meghan’s close friends to post to their social media stories.
This new series will play to the Duchess’ strengths, and could help her to become a successful celebrity businesswoman – Harry and Meghan’s luxury mansion and round-the-clock security do not come cheap.
But what has been the cost? Has Meghan’s success been at the expense of the Royal Family?
Meghan’s global profile was undoubtedly raised by marrying into the Royal Family, but she may have to rely on more than her Duchess of Sussex title to become genuinely commercially successful.
The Windsors have been engulfed by scandal due to Harry and Meghhan’s decision to complain publicly about being working royals via Oprah Winfrey, a tell-all memoir, a bombshell Netflix series.
The Royal Family have maintained a dignified silence.
Another challenge for Meghan is making her business ventures different from similar celebrity lifestyle projects, in order to compete in an overly saturated market – actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s ‘Goop’ is already highly successful.
Meghan’s global profile was undoubtedly raised by marrying into the Royal Family, but she may have to rely on more than her Duchess of Sussex title to become genuinely commercially successful.
