Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embarking on a new chapter in their professional lives, signaling a significant shift towards independence. With upcoming separate appearances, the couple is taking steps to redefine their individual reputations and rebuild their brand. On December 4, Meghan will grace a high-profile Hollywood event honoring her friend Tyler Perry, while Harry will be attending The New York Times DealBook Conference in New York. This move marks a departure from their previous joint ventures, which Meghan once likened to being inseparable, like “salt and pepper.”
Sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex describe this as a “twin-track approach,” with each focusing on their respective passions and projects. Harry will continue his longstanding philanthropic commitments, including the Invictus Games, while Meghan delves into entrepreneurial endeavors such as her upcoming lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. This strategic division comes at a crucial time for the couple as they face challenges in sustaining their joint brand amidst media scrutiny and fluctuating public opinion.
Ed Coram-James, an expert in public relations and crisis management, sheds light on the motivations behind their separate appearances. He suggests that this approach aims to rebuild their individual reputations that have been tarnished by intense criticism from both the public and media. Coram-James asserts that “Meghan and Harry’s brand has been tainted beyond repair” due to ill-advised PR moves that have fueled relentless media backlash. Consequently, joint branding is no longer seen as viable.
For Meghan, leaning into her Hollywood roots while pursuing philanthropic efforts could pave the way for renewed success. By utilizing her acting experience without the constraints of being a Duchess, she has the opportunity to construct an acting comeback that helps rebuild her fanbase and create a more positive legacy. Meanwhile, Harry is encouraged to deepen his focus on causes that resonate strongly with the public, such as his work with veterans and conservation efforts. These commitments have been integral to his identity long before the couple’s royal exit.
The couple’s evolving strategy is a result of their joint trip to Colombia earlier this year, which was one of their last major collaborative endeavors. Coram-James explains that the dual-track approach allows both Harry and Meghan to address their respective audiences and play to their strengths. He emphasizes that “Harry’s association with Meghan will always be seen as a liability in the eyes of many,” highlighting the potential benefits of pursuing individual paths.
Meghan’s upcoming project, American Riviera Orchard, is set to launch in 2025, positioning her as a prominent force in the entrepreneurial world. On the other hand, Harry is preparing for his next Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to veterans and their families.
Royal commentators also weigh in on the couple’s pursuit of professional independence, recognizing it as a necessary pivot in their public life. Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator quoted on GB News, remarks that “This is obviously a new tactic. The Sussexes want to promote their brand as best they can.” He acknowledges that previous joint ventures like collaborations with Netflix and Spotify were met with mixed reviews and intense scrutiny.
Despite their individual focuses, Harry and Meghan occasionally collaborate on shared initiatives such as a recent joint video addressing online safety for children through their Archewell Foundation. However, their current paths reflect a conscious effort to redefine themselves individually while reshaping their public personas and brand identities.
In conclusion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embracing separate professional paths as they seek to rebuild their brand. By focusing on their individual passions and projects while strategically dividing their appearances, they aim to reclaim control over how they are perceived by the public. This new chapter allows them to showcase their strengths, rebuild their fanbase, and create a more positive legacy.
