Harry and Meghan’s Post-Royal Identity Is Still Taking Shape — and That May be a Good Thing

PR expert Olivia Bennett suggests that the deal collapse could offer the Sussexes an opportunity to reassess their business strategy.

March proved to be somewhat of a rough patch for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as it marked the end of As Ever's partnership with Netflix. To add to their troubles, Variety published a scathing report, shedding light on the couple's alleged unprofessionalism in Netflix meetings. Despite the setback, PR expert Olivia Bennett suggests all may not be lost, noting that the collapse could offer an opportunity to reassess their business strategy and reshape their post-royal identity.

Speaking to The Daily Express, Bennett, a PR Director, said that Harry and Markle's deal collapse meant that the public is now anticipating 'what's coming next.' She argued, "The Netflix decision will inevitably generate headlines, but it doesn't automatically signal long-term damage to the Sussex brand. Partnerships in this space are often fluid, particularly when expectations on both sides are high." She mentioned how the couple can pursue a wealth of other opportunities, adding, "There's still a sense that Meghan and Harry are shaping what their post-royal identity looks like, and when projects don't land as strongly as expected, it can create the impression of starting again."

However, if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were to rebuild their identity and brand, Bennett urged Markle to do one thing. She stressed, "From a PR standpoint, this is recoverable. Meghan has been moving into the lifestyle and wellness space for some time, so the focus now is on proving that As Ever can stand on its own." She continued, "The reality is that Meghan will always generate media attention, and while that brings scrutiny, it also brings opportunity. Moments like this can look like setbacks publicly, but they're often part of a wider business journey. There are likely other avenues already being explored, even if they're not yet visible."

While Bennett was optimistic about Harry and Markle bouncing back from the scandal unscathed, PR expert Renae Smith argued that the couple's core issue had always been a 'blurred narrative' of their very different identities. She told The Daily Express, "If I were advising them, I would actually separate the lanes more clearly. Harry continuing in humanitarian spaces makes sense. Meghan, at this point, does not feel aligned with that positioning anymore. She is clearly building a lifestyle and commercial brand." 

As for Markle's lifestyle brand, on March 6, reports claimed that she had ended her partnership with Netflix. According to a report by The Sun, she cut ties with the streaming giant over fears that As Ever's growth was being stifled. Shortly after Markle's spokesperson released a statement saying, "As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world." Netflix seemed to accept her decision, releasing a statement and wishing her well for her future endeavors.