Meghan Markle's PR Pivot
Authenticity, Calculated Strategy, or Survival?
Look, we're PR-savvy adults here. When Meghan Markle posts affiliate links to chic products via shopmy.us (full disclosure: yes, I bookmarked a few pieces myself. She has great style.), or subtly counters internet-fabricated feuds by appearing in Gwyneth Paltrow’s kitchen—right as Prince Harry publicly resigns from his African AIDS charity amid fresh controversies—alarm bells ring.
But before we slip into comfortable cynicism, let's reflect:
Could this be calculated influencer strategy? Absolutely. Could it also reflect genuine efforts at resilience and relatability? Equally plausible.
Let’s unpack why Meghan’s latest moves land or falter—and the deeper strategic lessons hidden beneath.
Strategic Timing & Diversion: Gwyneth’s Kitchen and Affiliate Links
Meghan’s new influencer pivot coincides strategically (perhaps too strategically?) with significant reputation challenges:
The release of heavily redacted immigration docs by the Heritage Foundation, a D.C. conservative think tank concerning Harry (inviting intense public speculation).
Some say, lower-than-expected viewership numbers for her new Netflix cooking show, "With Love, Meghan," landing at just 10th place globally, pulling 12.6 million hours in its first week. (Solid, sure—but not exactly a royal slam dunk.)
Perhaps baseless internet drama pitting her against Gwyneth Paltrow, queen of lifestyle brands, right as Meghan dives deeper into influencing with her own curated affiliate shop. Gwynnie’s response: "I genuinely do not understand this at all, whatsoever."
Increasing pressure from their looming $100 million Netflix contract expiration later this year, making success critically important for their brand’s long-term viability.
Negative reviews and criticism from typically supportive progressive American media—echoes of past UK press troubles Meghan hoped to leave behind.
Harry’s dramatic resignation from Sentebale, his deeply personal charity honoring Princess Diana, amidst a controversial public spat—heightening the sense of turmoil in their joint public image.
Resurfaced (and strategically timed) bullying allegations via former royal aide Jason Knauf—especially painful given their timing alongside her Netflix launch.
Whew! That’s a lot.
Strategically, showcasing relatability (and solidarity with Gwyneth) offers powerful image management—a pivot from controversy toward warmth, commerce, and comfort.
Yet consider: Might these relatable moves (and public "friendships") represent genuine attempts at reclaiming control over the personal narrative, rather than mere distraction?
Strategic Lesson:
The best pivots don’t scream "damage control." Audiences sense when content shifts are overly convenient. Effective pivots blend authenticity seamlessly into strategic timing, subtly reshaping the narrative without obvious manipulation.
New PR Hire, New Direction: What's Really Going on Behind Meghan’s Latest Moves?
This month, Meghan Markle added new PR firepower by hiring Meredith Maines as Chief Communications Officer. She also tapped Shahed Fakhari Larson earlier in 2025 as an external strategic communications consultant focused on their tech and business ventures. The takeaway? Meghan recognized something wasn't working and decided to shake things up.
But let’s talk plainly—Maines is now the seventh (yes, seventh!) major communications hire since Meghan and Harry relocated to the U.S. five years ago. So, is this frequent turnover just evidence of evolving communication needs (fair enough, their brand keeps shifting), or is it symptomatic of deeper strategic instability?
We can't overlook the timing. Netflix projects are drawing lukewarm reviews, old controversies like bullying allegations are resurfacing, and—oh, right—there’s an extended royal family back in the U.K. with their own complicated PR agendas. This isn't just a tactical pivot; it feels existential. With a $100 million Netflix contract hanging in the balance, Meghan isn’t casually changing advisors—she’s in survival mode.
Here's the uncomfortable truth your own stakeholders probably don't want to hear (but should):
Fresh PR advisors alone can't instantly repair reputations damaged by instability or inconsistency.
Authentic, consistent messaging, not new faces alone, rebuilds lasting trust.
Strategic Lesson:
Constantly changing advisors reveals deeper strategic uncertainty. True reputation rehabilitation requires consistent authenticity—no quick fixes.
Crafting Relatable Messaging During Controversy: Gwyneth’s Pie & Family Moments
Meghan’s Instagram content is textbook "strategic self-disclosure":
Curated affiliate content (tasteful fashion, beauty, lifestyle).
Aligning publicly (and cleverly) with Gwyneth Paltrow, despite social media’s attempts at creating drama.
Intimate snapshots blending family warmth, polished aesthetics, and emotionally resonant visuals—including a carefully-timed emotional snapshot with Harry.
A rare PEOPLE Magazine interview emphasizing family and marriage—subtly designed to soften perception amidst public scrutiny.
Yet relatable messaging has limits. Authenticity must be believable—not just Instagram-perfect. Meghan’s personal images and family-centered narratives are deliberately framed around universal emotional truths. She’s not just redirecting attention; she’s offering reassurance of normalcy amid criticism.
Strategic Lesson: Relatable messaging must be sincere enough to resonate, yet strategic enough to serve the larger goal. The line between "believable" and "manipulative" is thin. Successful messaging embraces real emotions—not scripted performances.
Psychological Insight: Genuine Coping or Calculated Move?
Constant media scrutiny, public criticism, and intense financial pressure might genuinely drive Meghan toward influencer-style content for comfort and control.
Consider this carefully: Could Meghan’s influencer pivot reflect authentic emotional coping strategies amidst profound public and personal pressures—not merely calculated PR moves?
What This Means for You: Empathy isn’t just soft—it’s strategic. Factor genuine emotional coping into your crisis communication playbook.
Crafting Relatable Messaging During Controversy
Meghan’s Instagram content is textbook "strategic self-disclosure":
Intimate family moments.
Warm, emotionally resonant visuals (including a carefully-timed emotional snapshot with Harry).
A rare PEOPLE Magazine interview emphasizing family and marriage—subtly designed to soften perception amidst public scrutiny.
But relatable messaging is tricky. Audiences crave believable authenticity, not carefully manufactured relatability.
Here’s the subtle PR reality: Meghan’s personal images and family-centered narratives aren’t random—they’re deliberately framed around universal emotional truths. She’s not just redirecting attention; she’s offering reassurance of normalcy amid criticism.
Strategic Lesson:
Relatable messaging must be sincere enough to resonate, yet strategic enough to serve the larger goal. The line between "believable" and "manipulative" is thin. Successful messaging embraces real emotions—not scripted performances.
The Psychological Angle
Let’s push beyond the usual strategic skepticism. Constant media scrutiny, ongoing public criticism, and intense financial pressure from Netflix might genuinely be driving Meghan toward emotional coping strategies that appear strategic.
Consider this carefully: Could Meghan’s vulnerability and family-oriented content be a genuine coping mechanism, providing psychological comfort amidst relentless external pressure?
We often assume PR moves are calculated, but psychological resilience is real. It's entirely plausible her pivot isn’t mere image management—it could reflect authentic emotional adaptation to a very public crisis.
What This Means for You:
Always account for stakeholders’ emotional realities. Empathy isn’t a soft skill in crisis—it’s a strategic necessity.
Conversation Starters For Subscribers - Let’s Chat!
I love this savvy community—I want your take:
If you were Meghan’s PR strategist (making you her 8th hire 😉), would you suggest this pivot, knowing both the strategic opportunities and risks?
Does Meghan’s pivot effectively shift your perception, or does the timing feel manipulative?
Privately DM me: What’s your biggest strategic takeaway from Meghan’s moves this week?
Strategic Takeaways Summary:
Timing & Authenticity: Genuine pivots balance strategic timing with authentic self-disclosure.
Advisors ≠ Instant Credibility: Frequent PR turnover signals internal instability; real trust builds through consistency and authenticity.
Influencer Authenticity Must Feel Natural: Successful pivots blend relatable content with genuine emotional resonance—not contrived intimacy.
Psychological Realities Matter: Emotional coping can inform genuine strategic choices; empathy is a strategic asset.
What do you think?
You crave insider knowledge—not gossip. Clarity—not clickbait. Unpack along with me thoughtfully (but wit and snark always allowed). I think we all agree that PR crises are fascinating to follow, but I’m all about finding the strategic lessons from the disasters to help building your own Indestructible Reputation™.
Absolutely gobbled this up - such an interesting read, thank you!
I'm one of those rare Meghan fans who often agrees with the points the Megxit community make and yet still very much wishes her well.
I suspect that her actions are very often authentic responses, but they're perhaps motivated by a need to 'talk back' to her haters. When you follow the criticisms - "the children don't exist," "She and Harry are separated" etc - parts of how she shows up feel like they make sense.
I'd be very interested to hear your takes on the PR moves of the Royal Family (William's current links with Jeremy Clarkson seem especially curious to me).
The best example of Megan being not authentic was the pretzel bag. I believe she did this because she thought it would look thoughtful. A better look would have been to provide snacks, with no possibility, of having nuts. Then adding a note that said nut free snacks. It come across like she is playing a role that is not hers. Also, I feel that she is playing a role that is not hers. I think the clothes are probably her best bet.