Meghan Markle's Netflix future uncertain following shift away from Royal image

Meghan Markle is set to debut her new cooking show, With Love, Meghan, on Netflix next month, aligning with the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

This marks a notable shift in her career, as she attempts to establish herself outside of her royal past. However, according to royal expert Hugo Vickers, the success of these ventures will determine whether Netflix continues its partnership with her.

If the show fails to deliver, the streaming giant may not hesitate to part ways. The rebranding of As Ever, previously known as American Riviera Orchard, has already been met with controversy.

Legal challenges have emerged, with the mayor of Porreres in Mallorca considering action over similarities between the brand's logo and the town's historic coat of arms.

Additionally, a New York-based business owner has raised concerns that Meghan's brand could overshadow his existing company, also named As Ever. Vickers believes these disputes highlight the intense scrutiny Meghan continues to face.

"She's bound to be attacked because people want to attack her," Vickers said to the MIrror. "But maybe they're also jumping on the bandwagon." Despite this, he suggested that Netflix might benefit from the publicity, as controversy often drives viewership.

However, Vickers emphasized that Netflix operates in a competitive market and expects tangible success.

"A company like Netflix wants value for money... they have to deliver," Vickers stated. "If it doesn't work, then it'll get axed like everything else. You sink or swim-it's a tough world out there."

A Strategic Move Away from Royal Associations

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry have faced criticism for monetizing their ties to the monarchy. However, her latest promotional materials for With Love, Meghan noticeably avoid references to the royal family.

Instead, she has shared nostalgic content from her former blog, The Tig, alongside an illustration of herself, Prince Harry, and her late dog, Guy.

Vickers sees this as a deliberate decision: "She's very wise not to push her royal connection any further," he said, explaining that previous attempts to leverage her status have often resulted in backlash.

He also noted her strained relationship with both the royal family and her own relatives, which could make distancing herself a necessary move.

"This is about reinventing herself," Vickers continued. "That's what people do, and if you're going to be a celebrity, you have to evolve."

As Meghan embarks on this new chapter, the success of With Love, Meghan will be crucial in determining whether she can establish herself as a brand independent of her royal past - or if Netflix will ultimately decide her appeal is no longer worth the investment.