Meghan Markle’s unexpected return to Hollywood has sparked a wave of royal speculation, and insiders now claim her decision may be more desperate than strategic. While many believed her new project was a carefully planned comeback, one royal source has painted a very different picture one rooted in financial strain and a fading public image.
According to reports, Meghan’s re-entry into acting “was never part of the plan.” In fact, a well-placed insider told the Daily Mail, “This was never in her plan. This confirms it. They are poor.” The blunt statement has reignited public debate about whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lavish California lifestyle has outpaced their actual income.
The Duchess of Sussex, now 44, rose to fame through her role as Rachel Zane in Suits, a hit legal drama that ran from 2012 to 2017. After marrying Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan walked away from acting to focus on royal duties, only to step down from those responsibilities two years later when the couple famously left the monarchy and relocated to California.
In 2022, Meghan told Variety that she was finished with acting for good. “I’m done,” she said firmly at the time. “I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.” Those comments now appear to have aged poorly as the former royal prepares to return to the screen in the upcoming film Close Personal Friends.
Filming for the project is currently underway in Pasadena, California. Though the release date remains unconfirmed, industry insiders say it’s being treated as a major opportunity for Meghan to test her Hollywood footing again.
The film centers around two couples one famous, one not who form an unexpected friendship while on vacation. It features an impressive lineup of stars including Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding.
While the project seems glamorous on the surface, royal commentators argue that the Duchess’s decision reflects growing financial and emotional distance between her and Prince Harry. Since stepping down from royal duties, the couple has faced ongoing criticism over their commercial ventures, from Netflix documentaries to book deals, with many accusing them of “cashing in” on their royal connections.
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Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams recently noted that the Sussexes’ public image has taken a significant hit in both the UK and the US. “They’ve built their brand on royal rebellion, but the novelty has worn off,” he said. “This acting project might be Meghan’s way of proving she can stand on her own but it also signals that their financial independence might not be as solid as it seems.”
Hollywood insiders close to the production describe Meghan as “focused but cautious.” One crew member told People magazine, “She came in with this quiet confidence. She introduced herself to everyone and didn’t demand special treatment. She seemed happy but there’s no denying there’s pressure for this to go right.”
Another observer added that Meghan’s involvement in the film feels like her “reclaiming her power” after years of public criticism. However, others view it as a calculated attempt to regain visibility at a time when her and Harry’s media influence is waning.
Some experts believe that the Duchess’s shift back to acting might be linked to the couple’s cooling relationship with major media companies. Following the end of their Spotify deal and uncertainty around their Netflix contract, Meghan’s return to film could be an effort to reestablish her identity — separate from her royal narrative.
Despite the speculation, Meghan’s supporters argue that she’s simply returning to her roots. “Acting was her first love,” one friend said. “She’s not doing this for fame or money. She’s doing it because she finally feels ready to be herself again.”
Whether Close Personal Friends becomes the triumphant start of Meghan’s Hollywood renaissance or a reminder of the couple’s strained public standing remains to be seen. But one thing is certain that Meghan Markle’s next act is already sparking as much drama off-screen as it promises to on it.
