Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown slams Meghan Markle for unfocused celebrity ambitions and attempting to emulate Michelle Obama without the substance to back it up.
At a Glance
- Tina Brown criticizes Meghan Markle for launching multiple business ventures without following through, calling her approach “enormously shallow”
- Brown suggests Markle lacks self-confidence and is trying to be “instant Beyoncé or instant Michelle Obama” without the necessary foundation
- Despite criticism, Brown acknowledges Markle’s influencer power, noting products she endorses sell out quickly
- Brown claims Markle rarely takes advice from experienced advisors but serves as Prince Harry’s primary counsel
- The couple continues to operate their Archewell organization from their $14.65 million Montecito mansion following their royal exit
Royal Expert Delivers Harsh Assessment
Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and respected royal biographer, has delivered a scathing critique of Meghan Markle’s business strategy and celebrity aspirations. Brown specifically targeted Markle’s tendency to launch multiple ventures simultaneously without seeing them through to completion. In recent months, Markle has unveiled a Netflix show, lifestyle brand, podcast, and digital storefront, prompting questions about her ability to manage so many diverse projects effectively.
“Her problem is just that she is so ADD. She just never stops making announcements and never really follows through.” Brown, 71, said on the “Mixed Signals for Semafor Media” podcast on Friday.
Brown’s comments highlight growing concerns about the sustainability of the Sussexes’ business model five years after their dramatic exit from royal duties. The couple currently operates from a $14.65 million mansion in Montecito, California, which serves as headquarters for their nonprofit and entertainment studio, Archewell. While Prince Harry maintains involvement with charities like the Invictus Games Foundation, Markle’s professional focus has appeared less defined.
Identity Crisis and Emulation
According to Brown, Markle’s scattered approach to business ventures stems from a fundamental identity crisis. She suggested that the Duchess lacks the confidence and established foundation that underpins truly successful public figures. This insecurity, Brown argues, leads Markle to imitate established celebrities rather than developing her own authentic brand and voice in the marketplace.
“Maybe she’s just so devoid of self-confidence that she’s always trying to be a sort of instant Beyoncé or instant Michelle Obama without the background that has built those people — you know, those very, very strong structures on which they stand. So that’s really been her problem.”
The criticism extends to Markle’s previous media ventures, which have faced challenges. Her Spotify podcast “Archetypes” encountered production difficulties and was criticized for lacking depth before the partnership ended. Archewell Productions has developed Netflix series including “Polo” and “With Love, Meghan,” though industry insiders have questioned whether these projects deliver compelling content to justify their high-profile deals.
Influence Without Direction
Despite her harsh assessment, Brown acknowledged Markle’s undeniable influence in certain spheres. Products endorsed by the Duchess frequently sell out, demonstrating her commercial appeal and marketing power. This success suggests Markle possesses genuine talent for brand promotion, even if her overall business strategy lacks coherence according to critics.
Brown also highlighted concerns about the advisory relationship between Markle and Prince Harry, suggesting a problematic dynamic has developed. According to the royal biographer, experienced advisors find working with Markle frustrating due to her reluctance to accept guidance, yet she serves as the primary influence on her husband’s decisions.
This situation poses challenges for Prince Harry, who has faced his own struggles since stepping back from royal duties. While his memoir “Spare” achieved commercial success, it further complicated his relationship with the royal family. Industry observers note that Harry demonstrates genuine passion when discussing charitable work, particularly his initiatives in Africa, but questions remain about the couple’s long-term professional direction and stability.
