Meghan, Duchess of Sussex moved home to the United States six years ago with dreams of creating an empire with her husband Prince Harry, thanks to their royal status, a slew of bright ideas and a bit of help from friends in high places.
Now she’s facing up to the fact that not only have most of their plans for supporting their luxury lifestyle gone belly-up (like the Netflix and Spotify deals), but she’s burned bridges with high-powered contacts. These contacts could help her and Harry find the financial success they’re striving for.
Meghan’s fallen out with people who could have helped her. These people could have helped her become one of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion and social media influencing. That will hit her in the pocket, says media commentator Alison Boshoff.
California sources report that the Sussexes are experiencing “wall-to-wall fall-outs and alienations”.
Alison says, “In the circles that matter, Meghan and Harry no longer have any bridges to burn.”
Anna Wintour is reportedly at odds with Meghan Markle
One of the leading figures on the list of people who don’t want to be associated with them is former US Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, according to Alison. Frostiness between them dates back to before Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, left their roles as senior working royals. Sources say Anna was furious in 2019 when Meghan collaborated with British Vogue on a special issue rather than with her.
Anna, 76, who still wields huge power as global editorial director and chief content officer at Vogue publisher Condé Nast, also doesn’t like the fact Meghan allegedly never returns fashion items she’s been lent. She also reportedly doesn’t want to pay for them.
“Anna loves the royal family – she would have hated how [Harry and Meghan] handled their exit from The Firm,” says an insider.
Anna and Meghan were seen exchanging a cordial greeting at Paris Fashion Week last year, and Anna complimented the former actress on her outfit, telling her she looked amazing. But not being invited to this year’s prestigious Met Gala, which Anna oversees, is a sign there are issues. Meghan and Harry have never attended. Getting Anna on side would have opened many doors.
Why major fashion deals remain out of reach
“For a self-confessed fashionista like Meghan, becoming an ambassador for Chanel, Dior or another major fashion house would be a dream come true and a wonderful stream of revenue,” says Alison.
“But Wintour is the kingmaker in this realm and without her patronage, it remains out of reach.”
Meghan should have taken a leaf out of Lauren Sánchez Bezos’ book when it came to winning over Anna. Lauren, 56, the wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos, 62, endeared herself to the editor by accepting fashion advice.
The Lauren Sánchez Bezos playbook for influence
Meghan could also have made an effort to develop a relationship with Lauren, according to insiders. The former journalist could be very helpful thanks to her husband’s immense wealth and many powerful contacts. Instead, Meghan snubbed Lauren several times, turning down invitations to events she’s hosted.
Another friendship that appeared potentially lucrative was with Kris Jenner, 70, the Kardashian “momager”. Kris is a legend in Hollywood for her ability to network and make money from brand-building. There has long been talk of collaborations on some of the Sussexes’ ventures, like Meghan’s As Ever product line. There has also been talk of Harry and Meghan appearing on an episode of The Kardashians.
Tension over social media photos sparks fallout
However, the relationship is said to have soured over pictures Kris and her daughter, Kim Kardashian, posted of Meghan at Kris’ 70th birthday last year. According to sources, Meghan wasn’t happy with the way she looked and asked for them to be taken down. An insider says she “threw a fit” while another adds that Kim, 45, and Kris were unhappy about being given orders.
“Kim felt like Meghan acted like Buckingham Palace had arrived.”
The Sussexes denied they’d asked for the pictures to be removed, but Kim said that wasn’t true.
“The Kardashians are over them,” says the source, adding that Kris hasn’t liked any of Meghan’s Instagram posts since last year.
Signs of a cooling relationship
Because so much business in Los Angeles depends on who you know rather than what you know, it would be a good idea for Meghan and Harry to invest time in cultivating new relationships. It would also be a good idea for them to try to fix old ones that have turned sour.
“They don’t have a choice,” says an associate.
“They need the money.”
