Meghan Markle Accused of ‘Commercialising’ Invictus Games Ahead of UK Tour: 'She Feels Entitled'
With a highly anticipated UK tour just around the corner, Meghan Markle is finding herself at the center of yet another debate over her commercial projects.
Two months ago, true to her entrepreneurial nature, Meghan Markle teamed up with OneOff ― an AI fashion discovery platform, both as an investor and a strategic partner. Through this venture, fans can buy items she wears through her personalized profile, with AI cataloging her wardrobe and suggesting alternatives for sold-out pieces, verified by stylists. While supporters view this as helping designers, critics contend it commercializes her public appearances and transforms her wardrobe into a revenue-generating channel via affiliate marketing and AI logistics. Now, she's facing similar backlash ahead of her July visit.
Next month, Markle is set to return to the UK along with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet; however, she is facing significant backlash for her motives. The Duchess is being slammed for profiting from her outfits worn during previous Invictus Games. While she will be marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 during her five-day scheduled visit, critics believe her alleged commercial tactics undermine the cause. It has been reported that Markle earns 10 and 25 per cent commission on each item purchased from her range. "The Palace will not be surprised by Meghan commercialising anything," royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted, while speaking to GB News. He also added, "Invictus is Harry’s creation, so she feels entitled to do this."
This is not the first time Markle has come under the scanner. In fact, she has previously been scrutinized for selling outfits on the controversial website. During the Australia tour, she and Harry visited victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack. Her $440 striped Matteau shirt, $139 white sailor-style jeans, $298 Freda Salvador trainers, $198 Brochu Walker sunglasses, and $950 brown suede handbag were quickly put up for sale on the app after her visit, leading to severe criticism. Royal commentator Richard Palmer had said at the time that this was the "starkest example yet" of the Sussexes' attempts to commercialize their royal brand. "I think this will have alarm bells ringing at the Palace," he told the Daily Mail. Later, the original link to the sale page was deleted after the controversy blew over.
Later, Markle seemingly defended her move during an exclusive with The Australian Women's Weekly. According to her, fashion is a powerful industry that allows individuals to convey messages through their attire. She further emphasized the importance of giving credit to the correct designers and brands, noting that they work hard and deserve recognition for their contributions. "Either supporting a friend, being brand loyal... So it’s always been important to me that the correct designer is credited."
