Meghan’s Divisive Popularity Could Boost Her New Empire

April 06, 2025,
By JANEY LEE, Senior Royal Correspondent, AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW)

Five years after Megxit, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is forging a fresh path. Her new lifestyle empire is live, but her popularity splits opinions worldwide. In the UK, it’s a low 19%, per a YouGov poll. In the US, it’s a warmer 43%. Tomorrow, her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder drops. Experts wonder: can she win over the doubters? At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we dig into this bold journey.

Meghan’s latest Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, hit screens on March 4. It features her sprucing up flowers and baking with pals. It grabbed 2.6 million views in week one, ranking tenth globally on Netflix. Yet, fans gave it just 33% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics called it glossy but empty. Still, a second season is already filmed for this fall. Transitioning to business, her brand As Ever launched this week. Products like £11 flower petals and £21.50 honey sold out fast. But some slammed the prices.

Her next move? A podcast. Meghan’s excited, sharing on Instagram about chats with women who built dreams into wins. Will it charm the world or flop? Opinions differ. For some, she’s a hustler seizing chances. For others, she’s chasing the wrong vibe. Either way, her divisive “Marmite effect” might just fuel her rise.

The Megxit Shadow Lingers

It’s been five years since Meghan and Prince Harry left royal life. Their last UK moment was at Westminster Abbey in 2020. Tension brewed even then. The plan was for them to sit early, not walk with the Queen. It irked them, insiders say. So, William and Kate joined them instead. The day felt “uncomfortable,” one attendee told america112.com.

Since then, Meghan’s barely visited the UK. She’s now rooted in California. But the royal tie sticks. PR expert Evan Nierman says, “Everything loops back to Buckingham Palace.” Her 2021 Oprah chat and Harry’s 2023 book Spare stirred the pot. Some call those moves brave. Others say idiotic. Now, she’s pushing a new story—lifestyle guru. Yet, the royal lens won’t fade.

A Mixed Bag of Reactions

Meghan’s Netflix show sparked chatter. British Vogue called it “high gloss, low connection.” The Guardian dubbed it “unlovable.” The Telegraph went harder, naming it narcissism in action. Tina Brown, ex-Vanity Fair editor, said Meghan misread the mood. “Fake perfection doesn’t fit today,” she argued.

But not all reviews tanked. Some global press loved its warm polish. Fans of her old blog, The Tig, saw roots of that vibe. Royal author Sally Bedell Smith asked, “Why not bring back The Tig?” It had loyalty and snap. Still, Meghan’s team expected pushback. They weren’t shocked.

Her As Ever brand also split views. The quick sell-out wowed supporters. Critics, though, questioned her vision. Prices felt steep to some. Yet, PR guru James Crawford sees a silver lining. “Divisiveness can work in this media age,” he told AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW). Love her or hate her, she’s got eyes on her.

The Marmite Magic

Meghan’s show didn’t top charts, but it held its own. Halo: Season One beat it with 4.2 million views. TV editor Adam Miller says that’s no surprise. “Lifestyle won’t outdo sci-fi,” he noted. For Netflix, it’s solid. Her fans lapped it up. Her foes rolled their eyes. That split? It’s her strength.

Crawford adds, “Polarized views keep her buzzing.” Meghan’s leaning into it. When podcaster Amanda Hirsch fretted online, Meghan sent a note. “Don’t be scared. This is fun,” it said. She even tackled Gwyneth Paltrow feud rumors with a cheeky Instagram pie clip. Smart? You bet. It’s bold marketing.

Life in Montecito

Off-screen, Meghan and Harry keep it low-key. Their Montecito pad is plush and private. Friends like Serena Williams and Abigail Spencer stay tight. Meghan’s bonded with local parents too—think Pilates and kids’ parties. At dinner spots, they’re left alone. Chef Vikram Vij, from Vancouver, says they’re respectful guests. “They paid for their crew too,” he shared.

But not all tales glow. Some ex-staff whisper gripes. Vanity Fair’s Anna Peele calls the vibe around them “febrile.” A row over Harry’s charity, Sentebale, adds heat. Insiders defend them, but the noise persists. Meghan’s brand can’t fully dodge it.

What’s Next?

Where do they go now? Peele says they’re testing stuff out. “Good intentions don’t always land,” she warns. Nierman thinks they’re on track. “She’s carving a fresh lane,” he says.ictory, though, needs focus. Sally Bedell Smith wonders about Harry. “Is he a spare to her now?” she muses.

Royal watcher Katie Nicholl stays hopeful. “They can turn it around,” she told america112.com. But they need a plan. Hollywood’s tough. Titles alone won’t cut it. Acting again? Unlikely. A Suits cameo might spark buzz, but she’s evolved. Philanthropy via Archewell could be their ace.

PHOTO: Meghan in Action

*Meghan shines in her Netflix series, *With Love, Meghan. Credit: Netflix

GRAPH: Popularity Across Continents

Why This Matters

Meghan’s journey grips the globe. From London to LA, Delhi to Sydney, her moves spark talk. Love her hustle or hate her gloss, she’s a force. Her empire’s just starting. Will it soar or stumble? At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we’ll keep tracking.

For more, check BBC News for global takes. Stay tuned to america112.com for updates.

Meghan’s new lifestyle empire splits opinions. Can her divisive charm boost her brand? Read more at AMERICA NEWS WORLD.

CREDIT PHOTO:BBC

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