Five years after stepping away from royal duties, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, continues her quest to carve out a distinct identity as an entrepreneur and lifestyle influencer. On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, she will unveil her latest venture, Confessions of a Female Founder, a podcast promising candid conversations with women who turned dreams into thriving businesses. The launch comes at a pivotal moment: while her commercial projects yield impressive financial returns, her public approval, particularly in the United Kingdom, faces headwinds. A recent YouGov poll reveals that just 19% of Britons view her favorably in 2025, down from 26% in 2024. In contrast, the United States offers a warmer reception, with 43% approval as of January this year. The question looming over this new endeavor is whether it can broaden her appeal or if the shadow of her royal past will continue to define how she’s perceived.
Since the so-called “Megxit” in March 2020, Meghan’s journey has been one of bold reinvention. Now settled in Montecito, California, alongside Prince Harry, she has built a life that blends privacy with multimillion-dollar enterprises. Her recent Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, and the launch of her premium brand As Ever—offering items like edible flower petals and wildflower honey—signal a deliberate push into the lifestyle market. Despite undeniable commercial wins, such as the series hitting 2.6 million views in its debut week and As Ever products selling out within a day, the response has been mixed. Critics panned the show, which earned a mere 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 2,500 votes, and questioned the pricing of her brand, hinting at a disconnect with broader audiences.
Public relations experts suggest that Meghan’s tie to the British monarchy remains a double-edged sword. Evan Nierman, founder of Red Banyan, notes that no matter how far she distances herself, the narrative circles back to Buckingham Palace. James Crawford, managing director of PR Agency One, adds that her fame, rooted in her marriage to Harry, shapes both praise and skepticism. With Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan aims to spotlight her entrepreneurial spirit, drawing on stories that mirror her own path—a move that could either solidify her independence or underscore the persistent royal lens through which she’s viewed.
- 2.6 million views for With Love, Meghan in its first week on Netflix.
- 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 2,500 reviews.
- 19% favorability in the UK in 2025, compared to 43% in the US.
Five years on: the lingering echoes of Megxit
On March 9, 2020, Meghan and Harry attended their final official engagement as working royals—the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. The event, steeped in tension, marked the end of an era. Behind the scenes, a decision to exclude them from the official royal procession alongside Queen Elizabeth II sparked friction. To ease the situation, Prince William and Kate, then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, also opted to take their seats early rather than join the Queen’s entrance. An attendee recalled the atmosphere as “deeply uncomfortable,” setting the tone for the years that followed.
Since that day, Meghan has visited the UK only twice, cementing her life in California. Yet the ripple effects of Megxit endure. Mark Borkowski, head of the UK-based Borkowski communications agency, explains that her every move is filtered through her royal history. The 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, which laid bare palace tensions, and Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare fueled a polarized narrative. A source who collaborated with the couple described those choices as “brave yet risky,” noting that their current focus is on ventures that sidestep royal drama. The shift is evident in projects like the Netflix series and the upcoming podcast, which aim to establish Meghan as a standalone figure in the lifestyle and business arenas.
The transition hasn’t silenced critics. Tina Brown, former Vanity Fair editor, has argued that Meghan possesses an “unerring instinct for missteps,” citing the Netflix series as poorly timed amid a cultural shift away from curated perfection. Still, her efforts reflect a relentless drive—what the Countess of Sandwich, an American who married into British aristocracy, calls a distinctly “American hustle.” This optimism, once seen as a strength that could win over the UK, now faces a tougher audience, even as her projects resonate with a global niche.
A lifestyle empire under the microscope
Launched on March 4, 2025, With Love, Meghan offers a peek into the world Meghan seeks to dominate. Filmed in a staged kitchen, she shares tips like repurposing supermarket bouquets into elegant displays and scenting flannels with lavender water. The series, set for a second season this fall, ranked as Netflix’s tenth most-watched show globally in its debut week. Yet the reception was lukewarm. British outlets like The Guardian and The Telegraph slammed it as “soulless” and “narcissistic,” while Vogue UK pointed to a lack of human connection beneath its glossy surface.
Internationally, some praised its warmth and visual polish, drawing parallels to The Tig, Meghan’s pre-royal lifestyle blog. Royal author Sally Bedell Smith wonders why she didn’t revive that platform, which boasted a loyal following and clear branding. Instead, Meghan opted for fresh ventures like As Ever, where £11 edible petals and £21.50 honey jars sold out instantly but sparked debates over pricing and vision. Adam Miller, TV editor at Metro, downplays the criticism, noting that lifestyle shows rarely rival dramas like Halo: Season One, which garnered 4.2 million views in the same period. For Netflix, he says, the series met expectations, proving its commercial viability despite the divided reviews.
The scrutiny extends to Meghan’s broader strategy. Critics argue her focus on luxury lacks relatability, while supporters see a savvy play for a premium market. The numbers back the latter: 2.6 million views and sold-out products signal demand, even if public sentiment lags. Her next test, the podcast, could shift the narrative by emphasizing substance over style—a chance to connect through shared stories of resilience and innovation.
Polarization as power: the Marmite effect at play
Meghan’s public image thrives on division, a dynamic experts liken to the “Marmite effect”—loved by some, loathed by others. James Crawford argues that in today’s media landscape, this split can amplify visibility, keeping her in the spotlight regardless of sentiment. The Netflix series and As Ever brand underscore this: fans laud her authenticity and ambition, while detractors decry perceived superficiality. The podcast, launching April 8, 2025, is unlikely to sway entrenched opinions but could deepen her appeal among supporters.
Her response to the backlash reveals a blend of defiance and charm. When podcaster Amanda Hirsch expressed “fear” over the Netflix series’ reception, Meghan sent a handwritten note: “Don’t be. This is the fun part—let’s enjoy it.” In a playful Instagram video, she debunked rivalry rumors with Gwyneth Paltrow, sharing a pie slice with the actress in a moment of casual camaraderie. These moves suggest a calculated lightness, leveraging humor to disarm critics while staying true to her brand.
- Key figures highlighting the divide:
- With Love, Meghan: 2.6 million views, 33% approval.
- As Ever: Sold out in a day despite pricing backlash.
- Podcast debut: April 8, 2025, focusing on female founders.
Life in Montecito: privacy and a tight-knit circle
Away from the public eye, Meghan and Harry lead a secluded life in Montecito, two hours from Los Angeles. Their multimillion-dollar estate is a fortress of privacy, surrounded by security and a select group of friends, including Serena Williams and Abigail Spencer. Meghan has shared glimpses of bonding with fellow parents, from pilates classes to kids’ parties. At Vancouver’s Vij’s restaurant, chef Vikram Vij recalls their visits—quiet dinners where they covered the tab for themselves and their security team, earning his respect for their courtesy.
This calm contrasts with past turbulence. Meghan has largely avoided the UK since 2020, while Harry grapples with scrutiny over Sentebale, his charity now under investigation. Insiders defend them, but the episode ties her brand, however tangentially, to royal intrigue. Vanity Fair contributor Anna Peele describes the atmosphere around them as “febrile,” a mix of admiration and contention that follows their every step. Their Archewell Foundation, meanwhile, hints at a growing focus on philanthropy—a potential anchor for lasting impact.
What lies ahead for Meghan and Harry
The debut of Confessions of a Female Founder marks a fresh chapter. Unlike the Netflix series, it leans on substance—stories of entrepreneurial grit that echo Meghan’s own reinvention. Evan Nierman sees this as the right move: shedding royal baggage for innovation. Sally Bedell Smith, however, raises a broader question: where does Harry fit? She muses whether he might step back, championing veterans quietly while Meghan takes the lead. Katie Nicholl, author of The New Royals, believes their future hinges on balancing commerce with purpose, particularly through Archewell.
Speculation about Meghan returning to acting—perhaps a Suits cameo—fades among experts. Anna Peele notes she’s no longer the “girl-next-door” of her pre-royal days; she’s a business mogul now. Nicholl agrees, emphasizing that their global platform could shine brightest in philanthropy. Hollywood demands more than titles, she warns—it requires a clear plan. As Meghan and Harry navigate this crossroads, their ability to blend ambition with authenticity will shape their legacy.
- Milestones in their recent journey:
- 2020: Official royal exit in March.
- 2021: Oprah interview airs.
- 2023: Harry’s Spare published.
- 2025: With Love, Meghan and podcast launch.
