Royal and culture experts are having their say on Meghan Markle’s first, yet subtle, foray back into acting. The duchess was seen in a Clver Blends commercial, and they claim she’s trying to give herself a rebranding.
Meghan Markle has had her first starring role since 2017 … as someone who works in admin for a coffee company. The Duchess of Sussex can be seen in various shots, though she never speaks or even looks at the camera. The 42-year-old hung up her acting career when she married Prince Harry in 2018, but now seems to be venturing back out into the world of showbiz. Experts, however, say this is part of a rebranding for her to become a “kind, compassionate, entertaining” media personality.
Meghan Markle’s return to acting in Clver commercial
In the advert for Clevr Blends, a Santa Barbara-based independent tea and latte brand, Meghan can be seen working away at a desk and typing on her computer. This follows several failed business ventures. Earlier this year, she and her husband parted ways with Spotify after only 12 episodes of her podcast, Archetypes, were made.
The actress was previously on the TV series Suits, an American law drama in which she played Rachel Zane. She played the character for seven years from 2011 until 2018 (her last scenes were filmed in 2017).
But her small return could be for a rebranding, say experts.
MORE: Prince William has been fretting over Harry since he gave ‘warning over Meghan’
“It’s also a way of showing Meghan in a new light that is both fun and frivolous,” said brand and culture expert Nick Ede.
“Does it work? I think that Meghan is now such a polarizing figure that comments on the social media post are negative and not celebratory, which is a shame, as the post was meant to be a showing off the success and hard work of the business.”
‘We’ll see a lot more of Meghan’
He added, she should enjoy what she has now rather than “claiming her life is a misery because of what happened to her while in the royal family.”
Ede, who used to be friends with the celebrity, said she has a “rehabilitation plan” and this commercial was her “departure from worthiness and dramatic revelations.”
“I think we will see a lot more personality-led content created that concentrates on Meghan as a media personality who is kind, compassionate, entertaining, and not afraid to poke fun at herself,” the former friend of the Duchess explained.
Although, he wasn’t sure whether it would “win over” those who aren’t her biggest fans. But “from a brand point of view, it’s the strongest and most authentic way to rebuild her reputation and credibility.”
Royal expert Phil Dampier added: “I think she realizes that she and Harry have overdone the victim card.
“She is also being advised by new PR people and I’m sure they have said they need to be more positive and not just live off criticizing the royal family.”
Fans react to Meghan Markle’s Clvr cameo
In the comments under Clver Blends’ commercial which features Meghan Markle on their Instagram, they wrote: “Damn, you’re keeping us BUSY right now! Had to call in some reinforcements [eyes emoji].”
“Wait…is that Her Royal Highness??” asked one person.
Another wrote: “The new hire deserves a raise and bonus and benefits. She is a multitasking Queen. Clearly.”
“Always willing to roll up her sleeves and do the work. We love a hardworking duchess.”
A fourth said: “Love your new employee” and added a heart-eye emoji.
However, others weren’t so impressed.
One person wrote: “Imagine that going from being a Senior Royal with a world platform, to packing coffee for a small company. My how far she has fallen. What’s next, bagging groceries at Whole Foods.”
“Markle is not Royal! She’s a drama queen who doesn’t get along with her family or his family!” said another. “She’s so inauthentic and the most annoying celebrity!”
A third penned: “You’ll be sorry getting her to promote your business…… haven’t you heard….. biggest losers in Hollywood and biggest grifters, she ain’t no Royal.”
Meghan has previously teased returning to Hollywood
Meghan Markle’s small role in the Clver Blends commercial comes a month after she was on the red carpet for Variety’s Power of Women event. There, she explained she would return to our screens but this time behind the camera.
“[I want to make] things that make people feel – I was going to say ‘good,’ but it’s more than that, things that make people feel something, right? And feel a sense of community,” she said.
“Ee have so many exciting things on the slate. I can’t wait until we can announce them, but I’m just really proud of what we’re creating.”
Harry is also apparently “loving” their new ventures with platforms like Netflix. She said the couple are finding it “really fun.”
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