Celebrities

Meghan and Harry seem to be splitting their business interests

Published 2 weeks ago on Sep 26, 2024

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pursue Separate Careers: The Real Reason Behind Their Shift.

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the UK and moved to California in 2020, they were hailed as a new power couple destined to conquer the world of media and philanthropy. Comparisons to celebrity couples like George and Amal Clooney and even former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were frequent, as many believed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would leverage their royal status for success in the U.S. However, recent developments suggest that this dream may not be unfolding as planned. The couple seems to be shifting toward independent career paths, leaving many to wonder what led to this change.

The Early Ambitions of the Sussexes: When the couple arrived in Los Angeles amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they made it clear that they intended to harness their combined influence. Their early days in California were spent living in a mansion generously provided by American TV star Tyler Perry. While adjusting to their new life, they began laying the groundwork for what they hoped would be a successful and lucrative future.

In 2020, they established Archewell, a combination of for-profit and non-profit ventures registered in Delaware, a state known for its favorable tax laws. Through Archewell, they aimed to emulate the success of high-profile American figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, who had established foundations that further solidified their influence and prestige after leaving public office. The Sussexes' royal mystique and global recognition seemed to position them perfectly for this endeavor.

Multi-Million-Dollar Deals: One of their first major moves was signing multi-million-dollar deals with media giants like Netflix and Spotify. These agreements were framed as a way for the couple to share their story and produce content that aligned with their values, including social justice, mental health advocacy, and charitable work. Notably, they both appeared on the pilot episode of their Spotify podcast, and big names such as Sir Elton John, James Corden, and Tyler Perry were featured as guests to demonstrate their star power.

Their infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey soon followed in March 2021, during which Meghan made shocking claims about the royal family. The interview, which aired globally, created a significant rift between the couple and Harry’s relatives. While it initially boosted their notoriety in the U.S., the negative fallout from the interview alienated many former supporters. This public backlash may have been the first sign that their "power couple" strategy was beginning to falter.

Signs of Divergence: Despite the controversy surrounding their Oprah interview, Harry and Meghan pressed forward with their media projects. They fulfilled their obligations to Netflix by releasing a six-part docuseries titled Harry & Meghan in 2022. While the show generated significant buzz, it was criticized for being overly focused on their personal grievances with the royal family, which may have further eroded their public image.

By the time Meghan’s podcast series Archetypes debuted on Spotify, it became clear that the couple’s professional dynamic had shifted. While they had initially been signed as a duo, Meghan took sole control of the podcast, leaving Harry largely absent from the project. The 12 episodes were exclusively presented by Meghan, signaling the first step toward their career separation.

The Fallout with Spotify: Despite initial fanfare, the Archetypes podcast turned out to be both Meghan and Harry’s first and last series with Spotify. In 2023, the streaming platform announced that it would not be renewing their deal. The decision raised eyebrows, and Bill Simmons, an executive at Spotify, publicly ridiculed the couple, calling them “f***ing grifters.” He further mocked Harry’s attempts to pitch ideas for other podcasts, which reportedly failed to impress Spotify’s executives.

The fallout with Spotify seemed to accelerate the couple’s move toward independent projects. Meghan’s podcast may have given her a taste of success on her own, leading her to continue pursuing solo ventures. Harry, on the other hand, began focusing on promoting his memoir, Spare, without Meghan by his side. This book, which contained deeply personal revelations about his family, further strained his relationship with the royals and received mixed reviews from readers and critics alike.

Separate Paths for Netflix Projects: The clearest sign of their diverging professional interests has been their upcoming projects for Netflix. Meghan is reportedly working on a cookery and lifestyle show, a nod to her former career as an actress and her passion for wellness and lifestyle content. Meanwhile, Harry’s next project is a documentary centered on polo, one of his favorite sports. These separate ventures suggest that the couple has decided to pursue careers tailored to their individual strengths and interests.

Harry's Solo Charity Work: This week, Harry was seen attending charitable events in New York alone, notably events connected to his late mother, Princess Diana. These types of engagements would once have held equal appeal for Meghan, but her absence has fueled speculation about the couple’s evolving dynamic. Interestingly, Harry appeared noticeably more relaxed and at ease during his solo appearances compared to past joint trips with Meghan, such as their much-criticized visit to New York earlier this year, which included claims of a "high-speed car chase" with paparazzi—claims that were later denied by local authorities.

Meghan’s New Career Strategy: According to a source close to the couple in California, Meghan has decided that their business interests are best served by focusing on separate career paths. The insider revealed that while they will still carry out some charitable engagements together and embark on joint foreign visits, their professional projects will now be largely independent of one another.

The Future of the Sussexes: Meghan’s ambition to establish herself as a significant figure in show business could explain the couple’s new direction. With her solo career taking off, she may feel that she is the bigger draw when it comes to Hollywood and entertainment deals. Meanwhile, Harry may use this time to focus on repairing his fractured relationship with his family, making more frequent and longer visits to the UK in the process.

Conclusion: The Sussexes' decision to split their business interests marks a significant shift from their original strategy of presenting themselves as a power couple. While this new approach may allow them to pursue their individual goals, only time will tell whether it will prove to be the key to their long-term success in the competitive worlds of media, philanthropy, and entertainment.

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