Meghan Markle has been urged to stop being “reactive” and instead focus quietly on how she wants to promote her global brand to succeed. The Duchess of Sussex launched herself as an entrepreneur last year with a new lifestyle brand, a new podcast series, and a new cooking show on Netflix.
She also launched a new Instagram page while accompanying her husband, Prince Harry, on various engagements related to their charity, Archewell, has faced criticism for promoting too many things at once. Now, as rumours of a future cookbook are in full swing, a PR expert has cautioned the Duchess and said that she needs to make her overall brand not feel “so reactive” in order for it to grow deep roots within her existing fanbase.
Renae Smith, founder of PR and branding agency The Atticism, told the Express: “We can’t deny she has the ingredients for a long-lasting brand within her existing fanbase. But it’s got to stop feeling so reactive.”
The expert added: “To turn the tide in 2026, she needs to lead with clarity, show consistency in her messaging, and decide whether this next chapter is about commerce, culture, or personal reinvention, because trying to do all three at once simply isn’t working.”
Ms Smith said that a cookbook will unlikely be a grand success; however, it could help Meghan weave herself into the homemaking business.
She explained: “Will a cookbook pay the bills? No. But it could be part of a broader narrative, one that leans into homemaking, food, comfort, and simplicity.
“If she dropped the controversy, stepped into a softer, ‘Martha Stewart meets Eat Pray Love’ zone, and streamlined the brand properly, she might actually find long-term traction.
“Food, homey products, recipes, the heart of the home: it’s all there waiting to be owned. Just stop doing everything else. But this is Meghan. Stay tuned… because I highly doubt it’s going to go that way.”
It comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a surprise video appearance at Oprah Winfrey’s event to mark the launch of a new book aimed at helping young people live a more offline life.
The Sussex couple, who are big advocates for children spending more time away from smartphones, discussed the importance of such a book with the authors.
