As Meghan Markle gears up for the January 15 release of her Netflix series, "With Love," she appears to be taking a page from the past, revitalizing her public image through a focus on domestic life and self-care.
**Meghan Markle's New Netflix Venture: A Risky Rebranding or a Return to Roots?**
**Meghan Markle's New Netflix Venture: A Risky Rebranding or a Return to Roots?**
The Duchess of Sussex prepares to launch her lifestyle show on Netflix, stirring mixed reactions on her brand transformation.
In the trailer for her new show, the Duchess embraces a nostalgic image reminiscent of the "trad wife" trend, showcasing activities like gardening, cake decorating, and honey harvesting. Public relations expert Chloe Franses describes this shift as a refreshing yet "authentic" return to Meghan's roots as a lifestyle blogger prior to her marriage to Prince Harry. Despite this, the show has already sparked controversy, with some critics labeling it "tone deaf."
In recent years, Meghan and Harry have made strides to carve out their identities separate from their royal titles, with varying degrees of success. Frances contends that the focus on lifestyle and wellness in "With Love" signals a distancing from royal obligations, allowing the Duchess to explore interests previously overlooked. Critics, like media relations expert Alex Silver, argue that there are pressing global issues that require attention instead of personal branding efforts.
The new show diverges from the couple's past collaborations, suggesting a move towards establishing separate income streams. Marketing professor Pauline Maclaran points out that the shift could draw in a distinct audience for Meghan, especially those interested in wellness and lifestyle inspires.
Nevertheless, past endeavors have raised questions about the sustainability and audience appeal of Meghan's projects. Previous initiatives, including a now-defunct podcast with Spotify and low-rated Netflix shows, have failed to captivate large audiences. As such, Meghan’s latest series is viewed with skepticism regarding its capacity to rebuild her brand.
While the show's initial reception is likely to attract viewers, royal experts suggest the real challenge lies in fostering a dedicated following. Although aiming to enhance her public image, Silver asserts that it may strengthen existing perceptions rather than broaden appeal.
The reaction to the trailer has already amplified discussions around Meghan, drawing mixed reviews from the media and fans alike. As the landscape continues to shift, the upcoming show will determine whether it truly resonates with audiences or reinforces existing opinions about the Duchess.
Additional reporting from Guy Lambert and Nadine Yousif.
In recent years, Meghan and Harry have made strides to carve out their identities separate from their royal titles, with varying degrees of success. Frances contends that the focus on lifestyle and wellness in "With Love" signals a distancing from royal obligations, allowing the Duchess to explore interests previously overlooked. Critics, like media relations expert Alex Silver, argue that there are pressing global issues that require attention instead of personal branding efforts.
The new show diverges from the couple's past collaborations, suggesting a move towards establishing separate income streams. Marketing professor Pauline Maclaran points out that the shift could draw in a distinct audience for Meghan, especially those interested in wellness and lifestyle inspires.
Nevertheless, past endeavors have raised questions about the sustainability and audience appeal of Meghan's projects. Previous initiatives, including a now-defunct podcast with Spotify and low-rated Netflix shows, have failed to captivate large audiences. As such, Meghan’s latest series is viewed with skepticism regarding its capacity to rebuild her brand.
While the show's initial reception is likely to attract viewers, royal experts suggest the real challenge lies in fostering a dedicated following. Although aiming to enhance her public image, Silver asserts that it may strengthen existing perceptions rather than broaden appeal.
The reaction to the trailer has already amplified discussions around Meghan, drawing mixed reviews from the media and fans alike. As the landscape continues to shift, the upcoming show will determine whether it truly resonates with audiences or reinforces existing opinions about the Duchess.
Additional reporting from Guy Lambert and Nadine Yousif.
