Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been issued a stark warning regarding the impact of their shared public image, which one expert claims has become increasingly “toxic” and challenging for their brand.
PR specialist Ed Coram James recently shared his insights on GB News, highlighting the struggles the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now face in the public and commercial arenas.
According to James, the couple’s brand has always been closely tied together, with a reputation based on their status as a duo. “Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have had a distinct brand,” James noted.
He emphasized that their identity has been tightly interwoven, leading them to be perceived as a singular unit. “Call it ‘Harry and Meghan,’ call it ‘the Sussexes,’ call it whatever you like. The fact is that for years they have become synonymous with one another.”
However, the public perception of Harry and Meghan took a significant turn after their widely publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
In the televised conversation, the couple revealed their grievances with the British royal family, which James claims ultimately transformed a personal disagreement into an “all-out-war” with the monarchy. This, he says, has steadily shaped their brand into something he views as “commercially untenable.”
The backlash following that interview, coupled with additional media coverage, has led to a point where James suggests “not that many major brands are going to be rushing to write them a large cheque based on their brand value.”
While the couple has engaged in high-profile deals, such as their partnership with Netflix and various philanthropic initiatives through the Archewell Foundation, critics argue that the Sussex brand may no longer possess the appeal it once did.
Read More: Prince Harry’s Growing Guilt Over Meghan’s Sacrifices and Prince William’s Treatment to Her
This, according to James, has potential ramifications not just for their projects but for their financial future. “When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic,” he explained.
Yet, James also sees a potential path forward for the pair, suggesting that the two may benefit from creating separate identities to overcome the negative perceptions surrounding their joint image.
“When separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels,” he observed.
For now, Prince Harry and Meghan’s public image remains a topic of intense scrutiny. As they continue to build their lives in the U.S., both are navigating new avenues outside the royal spotlight.
With Meghan resuming personal projects and Harry pursuing initiatives close to his heart, such as mental health advocacy and veteran support.
Ultimately, time will tell whether a shift toward individual branding can alter the public’s perception and open fresh commercial doors for the Duke and Duchess.
For now, as James’s analysis suggests, the couple may be in a crucial period of redefining what their brand can — and will — stand for moving forward.
