Meghan and Harry's Failed Hollywood 'Rebrand' Causes Public Disinterest, Expert Says

PR expert claims the couple's 'victim marketing' and scattershot approach to projects has led to waning public interest.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring shattered glass and glittering sequins in high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the glamour and fragility of celebrity culture.The public's waning interest in the Sussexes' Hollywood ventures reflects the challenges of transitioning from royal status to independent celebrity.Montecito Today

A PR expert has claimed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's failed attempts to 'rebrand' themselves in Hollywood after leaving the royal family in 2020 have caused the public to become bored and lose interest in the couple. The expert cited the couple's 'victim marketing' through high-profile interviews and Harry's memoir, as well as their inconsistent approach to projects, as factors that have polarized public perception of the Sussexes.

Why it matters

Meghan and Harry's transition from senior royals to independent public figures has been closely watched, with their every move scrutinized. This expert analysis suggests their efforts to establish a new identity and career path outside the monarchy have not resonated as strongly as they had hoped, potentially impacting their future opportunities and influence.

The details

After leaving the royal family in 2020, Meghan and Harry immersed themselves in a series of Hollywood endeavors, including a $100 million deal with Netflix and Meghan's lifestyle docuseries. However, PR expert Doug Eldridge claims their 'rebrand' has failed, leading the public to become 'polarized' or 'lose interest altogether.' Eldridge cited the couple's high-profile interviews, Harry's memoir 'Spare,' and their 'perpetual cycle of victim marketing' as factors that have turned public sentiment against them. He also said Meghan is not being cast in acting roles and the Netflix deal is no longer in place, suggesting their Hollywood ambitions have not materialized as planned.

  • Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the royal family in January 2020.
  • Prince Harry published his memoir 'Spare' in 2023.
  • Meghan Markle's Netflix docuseries 'With Love, Meghan' premiered in 2022 but was not renewed for a second season.

The players

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, who was a former actress before marrying Prince Harry and leaving the royal family in 2020 to pursue independent projects in the United States.

Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex, who is Meghan Markle's husband and the younger son of King Charles III, published a tell-all memoir 'Spare' in 2023 detailing his struggles as a royal.

Doug Eldridge

The founder of Achilles PR, a public relations expert who recently commented on Meghan and Harry's failed attempts to 'rebrand' themselves in Hollywood.

Oprah Winfrey

The renowned talk show host who interviewed Meghan and Harry in 2021 about their decision to leave the royal family.

Netflix

The streaming platform that signed a $100 million deal with Meghan and Harry in 2020 to produce documentary content, though their projects have not been as successful as hoped.

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What they’re saying

“In the years following their highly publicized exit from the royal family in 2020, the couple made a series of decisions that directly altered the public sentiment and perception.”

— Doug Eldridge, Founder, Achilles PR

“From the Oprah [Winfrey] sit-down, to the tell-all book, to the perpetual cycle of 'victim marketing' many observers on both sides of the Atlantic began to question their motives and gradually began to form a polarizing view of the couple or even worse, lose interest altogether.”

— Doug Eldridge, Founder, Achilles PR

“Markle isn't being cast for acting roles and their $100m deal with Netflix is no longer in place. That doesn't mean they can't or they won't, but based on objective reporting, they simply aren't at this point.”

— Doug Eldridge, Founder, Achilles PR

“When that was no longer in place, it left the public wondering how to categorize them moving forward. They took a scattershot approach to projects and public engagements, which to some, seemed like a 'spaghetti against the wall' approach to figuring out what sticks.”

— Doug Eldridge, Founder, Achilles PR

What’s next

The public's waning interest in Meghan and Harry's activities could impact their future opportunities and influence, as they continue to navigate life outside the royal family.

The takeaway

Meghan and Harry's highly publicized departure from the royal family and subsequent attempts to 'rebrand' themselves in Hollywood have not resonated as strongly as they had hoped, leading to a polarized public perception and potential loss of interest. This highlights the challenges of transitioning from a prominent institutional role to independent public figures.