Meghan Markle is facing renewed criticism over her continued ties to royal life, with experts claiming much of her professional success stems from her royal association rather than her individual achievements. The Duchess of Sussex, who married Prince Harry in 2018, has built a multimillion-dollar brand since stepping away from royal duties.
However, royal commentator Ingrid Seward argued that Meghan’s influence and business ventures owe much to her royal title. “Without the royal tag, people are not interested,” Seward said during The Sun’s Royal Exclusive podcast. She suggested that Meghan’s ongoing appeal depends heavily on her marriage to Prince Harry and the public’s fascination with the monarchy.
“She needs Harry. Harry obviously needs and loves her. She needs Harry because without him, who is she? Just another person trying to flog their makeup or their food. She has to stand out from the crowd,” Seward added. Since leaving the royal family in 2020, Meghan and Harry have pursued a series of media and business projects in the United States.
The couple signed major deals with Netflix and Spotify, launched the Archewell Foundation, and recently ventured into lifestyle and wellness branding. Critics, however, continue to question whether these ventures would have succeeded without their royal connection.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step down as senior royals — often referred to as “Megxit” — caused a major rift within the royal family. Their departure was followed by explosive interviews, including the couple’s 2021 sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, where they accused the royal institution of racism and emotional neglect.
Now settled in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the Sussexes have largely focused on rebranding themselves as philanthropists and entrepreneurs. Still, many royal watchers argue that their ongoing relevance relies on the very monarchy they distanced themselves from.
Seward’s remarks echo a broader sentiment among royal insiders who believe Meghan’s success story is intertwined with her royal past. Despite her efforts to forge an independent identity, her connection to the Windsor family continues to define public perception.
While Meghan has not publicly responded to the criticism, supporters argue that she and Harry have built a meaningful life outside the constraints of the royal system, using their platform to advocate for social causes and mental health awareness. Yet, as public debate continues, one thing seems clear — the Duchess’s royal ties remain both the foundation of her fame and the source of ongoing scrutiny.