Meghan Markle Under Fire: Are Her Ventures Failing While Draining Harry’s Wealth?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry remain two of the most talked-about figures in the modern royal narrative. Since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020 and moving to California, the couple has positioned themselves as independent global influencers, pursuing projects in media, publishing, philanthropy, and lifestyle branding. Yet in recent months, critics have increasingly questioned the effectiveness of Meghan’s ventures, with some experts claiming that “everything she touches flops.” More troubling, according to these voices, is the suggestion that Harry’s financial resources are being spent without meaningful returns.

A String of Disappointments

When Meghan and Harry first announced their new chapter outside the royal family, anticipation was high. They signed lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify, launched their Archewell Foundation, and hinted at lifestyle brands that would redefine their image.

But reality has not always matched expectations. The Spotify partnership, for example, collapsed in 2023 after the company ended its deal with Archewell Audio. Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, failed to sustain momentum beyond its debut, leaving critics to label it uninspired. A senior Spotify executive even described the Sussexes as “grifters,” sparking widespread debate over their credibility.

Meanwhile, other projects have struggled to gain traction. Meghan’s potential lifestyle brand, speculated to rival Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, has yet to materialize. Netflix has canceled or scaled back some planned productions, leaving observers to wonder whether the couple’s content truly resonates with audiences.

Money Matters

At the center of the criticism is money. Prince Harry, who inherited millions from his late mother, Princess Diana, has shouldered much of the couple’s financial foundation since their royal departure. The pair also purchased a lavish estate in Montecito, California, symbolizing both independence and significant expense.

Experts argue that Meghan’s ventures are consuming more resources than they generate. One commentator noted, “Harry’s inheritance is being funneled into projects that simply don’t deliver. The couple risks burning through their wealth without building sustainable income.”

While it’s difficult to know the couple’s exact financial situation, the perception that Meghan is “wasting Harry’s money” has become a recurring theme in media coverage. For critics, this narrative underscores the belief that she is overreaching without delivering tangible success.

The Image Problem

Equally significant is the question of image. Meghan and Harry’s brand was initially built on a mix of glamour, compassion, and modern activism. However, repeated setbacks have shifted perceptions. Instead of being seen as trailblazers, they are increasingly portrayed as celebrities struggling to maintain relevance.

Media analysts argue that Meghan has yet to define a clear personal brand. Is she a philanthropist, a lifestyle entrepreneur, a media figure, or a social commentator? Without consistency, her projects risk being seen as scattershot and opportunistic.

Royal biographers add another layer of critique, claiming Meghan underestimated how difficult it would be to build credibility outside the royal institution. “Without the crown behind her, she’s just another celebrity,” one commentator remarked. “And the Hollywood market is already saturated.”

Defenders Push Back

Despite the criticism, Meghan still has her defenders. Supporters argue that she and Harry face an unusually high level of scrutiny, with every misstep amplified by hostile media coverage. They point out that her Archetypes podcast did win an award and reached millions of listeners before Spotify pulled the plug on its deal. They also note that building an independent career after leaving the royal family is a monumental challenge, requiring time, trial, and error.

From this perspective, Meghan’s ventures are works in progress rather than outright failures. Advocates say her commitment to women’s empowerment, racial equality, and mental health remain valuable contributions, even if they don’t always translate into commercial success.

The Long-Term Question

Still, the central question remains: can Meghan Markle and Prince Harry build a sustainable brand outside the royal orbit? For critics, the answer depends largely on whether Meghan can produce a breakthrough project that resonates both culturally and commercially.

Experts suggest that focusing on fewer, high-quality initiatives may be key. Rather than scattering efforts across multiple industries, Meghan could channel her energy into a single passion — whether that’s women’s rights, education, or media storytelling. By establishing credibility in one arena, she could rebuild momentum and prove her doubters wrong.

Meanwhile, financial prudence will be essential. Without careful management, even Harry’s considerable resources could dwindle. As one analyst warned, “Their spending habits must align with their earning power. Without a major hit, the balance could tip dangerously.”

Royal Comparisons

Adding to the pressure is the constant comparison between Meghan and other members of the royal family. While Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is often praised for her steady, understated approach to public life, Meghan is painted as ambitious but inconsistent. This contrast reinforces the narrative that Meghan is failing to meet expectations, both as a former royal and as a public figure in her own right.

The irony, of course, is that Meghan and Harry left the monarchy precisely to escape such comparisons and carve their own path. Yet even in California, they remain tethered to the royal brand — a reality that may continue to haunt their attempts at independence.

Conclusion

The claim that “everything Meghan touches flops” may be harsh, but it reflects a growing perception problem for the Duchess of Sussex. Critics argue that she is burning through Harry’s fortune without producing meaningful results, leaving the couple vulnerable to financial and reputational strain.

Still, the story is not over. Meghan remains a figure of influence, with the potential to reshape her narrative through focus, determination, and authenticity. If she can deliver a project that truly connects with audiences, the criticism may fade. If not, the questions about wasted money and failed ventures will only grow louder.

For now, Meghan Markle stands at a crossroads: either prove her critics wrong by building something enduring, or risk being remembered not for the causes she championed, but for the opportunities she failed to seize.