Meghan Markle’s UK popularity blitz kicks off as she hires new PR guru to fix her image problem
MEGHAN Markle has reportedly hired a UK-based public relations executive to fix her image problem.
The new member will join the Sussexes' PR team ahead of the Duchess, 42, unveiling her latest commercial venture.
Meghan's new project, which she has been working on for several months, is believed to be a lifestyle and wellness brand.
A source told the publication it was scheduled for last autumn, but was delayed after it evolved and "took different shapes".
The project is said to be "genuine to who she is" and won't be a copy of Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand Goop.
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It come as Meghan is set to give a heartfelt talk tonight for International Women's Day, alongside a star-studded panel.
She has been confirmed as a speaker at the SXSW Conference in Texas, which celebrates technology, film, television and music.
Meghan will take part in the Opening Day Keynote Panel, with the speakers chosen for all championing human rights and gender equality.
Meanwhile it was reported the Duchess is desperate to relaunch in the UK and is on the hunt for new PR gurus.
She is said to have reached out for professional help to improve her "popularity problem" in Britain.
A UK PR executive would also boost publicity for the couple's foundation Archewell.
"Representing the couple in the UK is a tantalising thought but they don't have a reputation for listening to advice. What would be the point?"
Another source said the wayward royals want to "fill a vacuum over here" as a result of King Charles' cancer diagnosis and Prince William supporting Kate Middleton's recovery from her abdominal surgery.
They added: "There is also growing noise stateside that Harry would like to carry out duties on behalf of his father again."
Harry and Meghan, once seen as stars of the royal family who could help the Windsors connect with a younger generation, walked away from royal duties in 2020 and now live in California.
Their fresh move to rebrand as Sussex.com comes after the Queen banned the couple from using 'SussexRoyal' after they stepped away.
This comes as the Princess of Wales was spotted for the first time since her abdominal operation.
Kate Middleton was in the passenger seat as mum Carole, 69, drove her in an Audi near Windsor Castle on Monday.
The Duchess is also relaunching her podcast career with a new streaming network - but could face a £16million loss.
Meghan has signed with American podcast network Lemonada Media to create new content, and her old 12-episode Archetypes episodes will also be distributed by the firm.
Branding expert Andrew Bloch told Fabulous: "The Lemonada deal is believed to be worth much less than the former Spotify deal."
Meanwhile Harry lost his legal fight against the removal of his government-funded UK security.
Harry had told the High Court that there was "no possibility" of keeping his children safe on UK soil following the security downgrade.
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He is also is battling to block the release of his immigration papers after a US judge ordered them to be handed over.
The Sun has approached Harry and Meghan's representatives for comment.
Harry and Meghan's business flops
- Meghan had her upcoming animated series Pearl chucked out by Netflix while in the development stage.
- Then 42-year-old was said to have been "uncharacteristically quiet" following the loss of her £18million Spotify deal in June last year.
- While Spare initially sold a staggering number of copies demand soon dwindled and a year on its popularity has plummeted with major retailers slashing prices in half.
- Meanwhile, their Netflix documentary also took a hit and the Duke and Duchess are believed to have been paid only half of their reported £78million contract.
- The pair were poked fun at by comedian Jo Koy at the Golden Globes for "being paid millions by Netflix for doing nothing".
- Harry's series, Heart of Invictus, shedding light on the Olympic-style games he started for wounded ex-service competitors also flopped.
- Archewell figures in December last year revealed a hole in the accounts after it received almost £9million less in donations than in a previous year.