It’s a strange thing to watch someone try to reinvent themselves while the world is already convinced of their downfall. Meghan Markle’s most recent video – a cooking clip that should have felt harmless – became the latest example of how even the simplest gestures can spiral into controversy.
The video itself was polished. A white designer shirt, delicate styling, expensive jewelry, and Meghan preparing a Mediterranean meal for one. For those unfamiliar, it could have passed as just another influencer post. But this wasn’t just any influencer – it was Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, wearing Princess Diana’s Cartier watch, valued at nearly £18,000, and a gold bracelet with its own complicated backstory.
For critics, the optics were hard to ignore. A lifestyle brand struggling for footing, a celebrity weighed down in lawsuits and unpaid vendor reports, and yet here was Meghan, presenting herself as relatable while dressed in couture. It didn’t come across as authentic—it looked like performance.
The jewelry made the symbolism stronger. Diana’s watch has enormous sentimental value, a direct tie to the royal legacy Meghan and Harry walked away from. The gold bracelet, meanwhile, is believed to be a gift from Meghan’s former husband, a reminder of past commitments. Wearing both in a cooking video wasn’t just fashion. It felt intentional, almost as if she wanted the conversation that followed.
But the video didn’t just spark debate about jewelry or aesthetics—it raised larger questions about Meghan and Harry’s partnership. Harry was nowhere to be seen. For a couple that once leaned heavily on joint appearances and affectionate photographs to crush rumors of marital strain, the silence was deafening. Meghan’s birthday passed with no public acknowledgment from Harry. Their professional work also appears split: Meghan pushing her new lifestyle brand alone, Harry distant from it entirely.
Reports suggest the brand, once called American Riviera Orchard and now As Ever, is struggling. Insiders describe mismanagement, unpaid bills, and unclear direction. A rushed name change, a scattered rollout, and little support from platforms like Netflix have left the project looking unstable. Even celebrity outreach fell flat—Khloé Kardashian shared a photo of Meghan’s product basket without endorsement or enthusiasm.
This pattern isn’t new. Meghan’s previous projects—podcasts, children’s books, documentaries—often launched with big headlines before quietly fading. The drive for attention was clear, but the follow-through less so. The worry is that As Ever may be another short-lived attempt.
Harry, meanwhile, faces his own challenges. His once-respected charity ties are under fire. A split from Sentebale left awkward questions. Africa Parks, another organization he supports, is facing serious allegations about its treatment of indigenous communities. Even the Invictus Games, once his strongest achievement, is drawing criticism from veterans and organizers who feel their dedication has been overshadowed by staged appearances and PR moments.
Together, these struggles create a picture of disconnection. Meghan’s efforts to prove independence appear strained. Harry’s silence around her projects suggests distance. Their shared ventures, like Archewell, are criticized for poor oversight. Even symbolic gestures, such as sending a wreath to a UK memorial, are questioned as calculated moves rather than heartfelt acts.
The broader issue is one of credibility. Meghan’s brand depends on Harry’s royal background, whether directly acknowledged or not. Without his presence, her projects lose much of the appeal that first attracted investors. And Harry, without consistent dedication to causes like Invictus, risks losing the reputation that made him more than just a royal name.
What’s left is a cycle of polished appearances followed by public doubt. The pasta video wasn’t just about food. It was a statement: “I’m thriving.” But the timing—amid whispers of marital distance, financial trouble, and shrinking public goodwill—made it ring hollow.
For Meghan and Harry, the challenge ahead isn’t simply proving that their marriage is intact or their ventures are viable. It’s about rebuilding trust. Trust from supporters, from partners, and from the public who once believed in their ability to stand for something more than headlines.
Until then, every polished video, every luxury accessory, and every carefully staged gesture risks being read not as confidence, but as desperation.