Meghan Markle’s latest ventures into the lifestyle world are getting attention—but not everyone is convinced the Duchess of Sussex is the real deal.
Lifestyle icon Martha Stewart has weighed in on Meghan’s growing influence as a brand builder and personality. And her comments have stirred buzz across royal watchers and pop culture fans alike.
In a recent interview with Yahoo News Australia, Stewart compared Meghan Markle to another celebrity lifestyle mogul—Gwyneth Paltrow—and did not hold back her honest opinion.
“I don’t mind. Good luck,” the 93 year old businesswoman said when asked how she feels about both Meghan and Gwyneth operating in the influencer space.
But while she praised Paltrow’s work, she took a more cautious stance toward Meghan’s credentials. “Gwyneth’s been very successful, by the way. She created quite an interesting body of businesses,” Stewart said. “She’s admired. She won an Oscar, for heaven’s sake, as an actress. She’s pretty powerful.”
As for Meghan, Stewart seemed less certain. “Meghan, I don’t really know very well, and I hope she knows what she’s talking about,” she added.
Then came the subtle dig that got people talking. “Authenticity, to me, is everything,” Stewart said. “And to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important.”
Her remark quickly went viral, with many interpreting it as a challenge to Meghan’s credibility in the influencer and lifestyle world.
The Duchess of Sussex recently launched a new brand called American Riviera Orchard, positioning herself as an elegant tastemaker. But critics have questioned whether her latest pivot is backed by real expertise—or simply built on royal fame.
Martha’s comment cuts right to the heart of that debate. Is Meghan truly an expert in the lifestyle space, or is she just following a trend?
This isn’t the first time Stewart has addressed Meghan’s evolving brand. A few months ago, she told Access Hollywood that she was curious to see how Meghan would perform in her new role. “I’ll watch an episode and see how she does,” Stewart said, referring to Meghan’s upcoming projects.
Read More: Kate Middleton Refuses to Join King Charles and Prince Harry’s Peace Talks as Meghan Markle Looms
Still, Stewart has remained polite in her public remarks, never dismissing Meghan outright—but making it clear that knowledge and authenticity are critical in building long term credibility.
Meghan, for her part, has been careful with labels. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she rejected the idea of calling herself an influencer at all.
“I see myself as an entrepreneur and a female founder,” Meghan explained. “And if the brand ends up influential, then that’s great.”
It’s a subtle but telling distinction—one that separates her from traditional content creators on social media. Meghan is aiming higher, positioning herself as a visionary brand leader.
Still, the comparisons to Gwyneth Paltrow are inevitable. Paltrow’s Goop empire has earned both praise and criticism, but no one questions the star’s commitment or knowledge of her brand. Stewart, clearly, respects Paltrow’s hustle and influence.
Whether Meghan will earn the same recognition remains to be seen. For now, she continues to balance motherhood, her public platform, and her expanding brand empire in Montecito.
But with critics and icons like Martha Stewart watching closely, the pressure to prove her authenticity has never been higher.
As Meghan steps deeper into the lifestyle arena, she may soon need to show the world that she is not just a duchess with a pretty logo—but a businesswoman with substance behind the sparkle.
