Prince Harry questioned about next move as Meghan Markle builds lifestyle empire
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Brooke Shields Slams Meghan Markle In Podcast With King Charles’ Goddaughter, Episode Is Deleted
Brooke Shields’ podcast interview with King Charles’ goddaughter, India Hicks, has been deleted one week after it was posted. The 60-year-old star described Meghan Markle as “too precious” and “serious” in the episode. Brooke recalled attending a panel on women’s issues with Meghan last year. Meghan previously shared that, at age 11, she wrote a letter to Procter & Gamble to protest a soap commercial with the slogan, “Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans” The Duchess of Sussex said she felt “shocked, angry and hurt” when the ad was initially advertised exclusively to women cleaning products. The actress said she interrupted Meghan to share a story of her own about playing a pr*stitute when she was 11-years-old in 1978 drama Pretty Baby. She said the panel was “more relaxed” after she made a joke about her role.
The actress and model spoke with King Charles’ goddaughter, India Hicks, on an episode on India’s podcast An Unexpected Journey earlier this month. However, the video of the conversation is no longer available on her official website.
A link to the podcast episode leads to a “page not found” message on India’s site.
Brooke mentioned Meghan while discussing their participation in a SXSW panel in March 2024 titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen.”
Brooke Shields’ podcast interview with King Charles’ goddaughter, India Hicks, has been deleted
Image credits: Mike Coppola / Getty Images
According to The Independent, the 60-year-old star described Meghan as “too precious” and “serious” in the episode.
Brooke recalled that Meghan had told the panel a story about rejecting gender stereotypes at age 11.
“Katie [Couric, who led the panel] asks the first question to Meghan, and she talks about how at a young age, she was already advocating for women,” the actress began.
“She starts telling a story about how when she was 11 – and she keeps saying, ‘Well, when I was 11, I saw this commercial, and they were talking about how washing dishes was for women.
“And she said, ‘I didn’t think only women wash dishes. It wasn’t fair. So I wrote to the company.’”
Image credits: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images
Brooke continued, “She kept saying she was 11! She wrote to the company, they changed the text, they changed the commercial.
“It was just too precious, and I was like, ‘They’re not going to want to sit here for 45 minutes and listen to anybody be precious or serious.’”
The New York-born star said she interrupted the Duchess of Sussex to share a story of her own.
In the interview, Brooke recalled attending a panel on women’s issues with Meghan Markle last year
Image credits: SaintMeghanMarkle / Reddit
Image credits: SaintMeghanMarkle / Reddit
“I go, ‘Excuse me, I’m so sorry, I’ve got to interrupt you there for one minute.’ I was trying not to be rude, but I wanted to be funny because it was so serious,” she described.
Brooke said she told the audience, “I just want to give everybody here a context as to how we’re different. When I was 11, I was playing a pr*stitute,” referring to her controversial role in the 1978 drama Pretty Baby.
After the joke, “the place went insane,” and the panel was “more relaxed,” she recalled.
Meghan shared that, at age 11, she wrote a letter to P&G to protest a soap commercial with the slogan, “Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans”
Image credits: SaintMeghanMarkle / Reddit
Meghan previously shared that she wrote a letter to Procter & Gamble to challenge a soap commercial that aired with the slogan, “Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.”
The multinational company eventually changed the product’s slogan to “People all over America.”
Meghan’s social studies class had reportedly been assigned to watch commercials and assess them.
Image credits: SaintMeghanMarkle / Reddit
“I don’t think it’s right for kids to grow up thinking these things, that just mom does everything,” expressed the then 11-year-old during an interview with Nick News unearthed by Inside Edition in 2017.
“I said, wait a minute, how could somebody say that? Just about one out of every three commercials is going to say something that’s going to hurt somebody’s feelings.”
The Duchess of Sussex mentioned the letter during a speech at the United Nations, recalling how she had felt “shocked, angry, and so hurt” that the cleaning product was initially advertised exclusively to women.
Led by Katie Couric, the panel was titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen”
Image credits: SaintMeghanMarkle / Reddit
She said that her father, Thomas Markle, had encouraged her to write letters to “powerful” figures to make her voice heard.
“My 11-year-old self worked out that if I really wanted someone to hear me, well then I should write a letter to the First Lady. So, off I went, scribbling away, to our First Lady at the time, Hillary Clinton.
“At the age of 11, I had created my small level of impact by standing up for equality.”
She also wrote letters to celebrity attorney Gloria Allred and Nick News anchor Linda Ellerbee.
In her Nick News interview, the future royal encouraged viewers to take action when they witnessed social inequality.
“If you see something that you don’t like or are offended by on television or any other place, write letters and send them to the right people, and you can really make a difference, not just for yourself but for lots of other people.”
Brooke made a joke about her role in Pretty Baby to lighten the mood after Meghan’s “serious” story
Image credits: The Clip Edit / YouTube
The retired actress, who moved from the UK to California with her husband, Prince Harry, in 2020, has partnered with organizations like Smart Works, which assists women returning to the workforce. She has also been involved in projects focused on women’s issues during visits to Nigeria, Morocco, and India.
Social media users had a lot to say about Brooke’s interview with India Hicks being deleted, given India’s ties to the British royal family.
Image credits: brookeshields /Instagram
“But why can Meghan openly criticize the RF but no one can criticize her?” one user asked.
“Why did she take it down? Who put pressure on her?” another wondered.
A third shared, “That’s disappointing. I didn’t think Brooke was being mean or rude, she was just telling a funny story.”
“At the age of 11, I had created my small level of impact by standing up for equality,” said the Duchess of Sussex during the panel
Image credits: Fuzheado / Wikipedia
Others defended Meghan, arguing that her story was relevant to the panel. “It was a forum for women about their rights and what they go through. It seems it would be appropriate for a somewhat serious setting.”
“Well, Katie asked Meghan to tell the dishwashing story again. She shouldn’t have opened that can of worms. But maybe it was pre-decided that she asked that question,” speculated someone else.
Brooke’s mention of Meghan in the podcast divided opinions online
‘Meghan Markle must make one move to be taken seriously
‘Meghan Markle must make one move to be taken seriously – yet she’s still resisting’ According to royal expert Jennie Bond, it could be that Meghan is determined to show one key thing. The Duchess of Sussex is continuing her transition into entrepreneur by continuing to plug her lifestyle brand As Ever on Instagram. Speculation has swirled that Prince William, when King, could take action with both Meghan and Harry’s titles, given they are no longer working members of the family. But Jennie believes it is unlikely the heir to the throne would ever do this. She added: “Granted, there seems to be a public appetite for stripping them of their titles, but I think it’s unlikely that William would choose to do this” It would seem, and in fact would be, quite vindictive. There is also the question of whether a monarch can indeed do this.”
Meghan Markle has been doubling down on her business empire as she continues to promote her As Ever brand on Instagram and talk about her humble beginnings on her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder – and one expert believes she could go even further with her image
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex (Image: Getty Images for TIME )
Meghan Markle has seemingly left her royal days well and truly behind her as she continues to build her business empire. The Duchess of Sussex is continuing her transition into entrepreneur by continuing to plug her lifestyle brand As Ever on Instagram, as well as talking about the trials and tribulations of running a business on her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder.
In many of the episodes so far as she chats to female business founders, Meghan focuses on her humble beginnings and has barely mentioned her old royal life. And according to royal expert Jennie Bond, it could be that Meghan is determined to show one key thing.
Meghan has launched a lifestyle brand called As Ever (Image: JENNA PEFFLEY/NETFLIX )
The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “I think she’s also determined to show that she is a strong character and, from relatively humble beginnings, she has become a successful actress, and now an influencer and entrepreneur.
“I think she’s anxious to be seen as a successful businesswoman in her own right – and not just because she has lived briefly inside the palace walls and has a royal title.
“That message might, perhaps, come over more clearly if she resisted using her title and her HRH in her business and personal dealings. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that she has had a fruitful TV career and is now pursuing any number of ambitious projects in the business world.”
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When it comes to titles, speculation has swirled that Prince William, when King, could take action with both Meghan and Harry’s titles, given they are no longer working members of the family.
Harry and Meghan with Prince William back in 2018 (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images )
But Jennie believes it is unlikely the heir to the throne would ever do this. She added: “Granted, there seems to be a public appetite for stripping them of their titles, but I think it’s unlikely that William would choose to do this. It would seem, and in fact would be, quite vindictive. There is also the question of whether a monarch can indeed do this.
“Some titles could be removed on the will of the Sovereign, but the universal view is that to strip someone of their Peerage demands an act of Parliament. And it would be a brave government to venture into that field when there are, in all honesty, so many more pressing issues.
“William may remain estranged from his brother forever, even though this would be a very sad state of affairs. But, if he does, I think he will continue to regard Harry simply as irrelevant to his life and to this country. And I don’t think he would trouble himself with taking away either of their titles.”
Of course, Meghan does use her title from time to time and even sparked a recent row after using her HRH style in a personal note to a friend.
Jennie explained: “For Harry and Meghan, it would, of course, be a very public insult. Curiously, even though they have turned their backs on rejoining the working royals, they seem very wedded to the idea that their children should use their royal titles.
“And Meghan is clearly not averse to using her HRH, even though she was expressly told not to. So I’m sure they would be hurt and angry if theirs were taken from them. And it would, inevitably, reduce their standing -particularly, perhaps, in the eyes of the American public, who seem to adore royalty. But I simply do not think that this is going to happen.”
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Meghan Markle’s ‘Queen’ aspirations as business brand built to mirror Hollywood icon
Meghan Markle has launched a new business, ‘As Ever,’ which is said to be inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop. The duchess’ brand is dedicated to selling beautifully crafted essentials, with the former actress said to want to become a ‘Montecito queen’ Insiders have revealed that her lifestyle brand, which sells farmhouse products, is not only funded by Netflix but owes its existence to the streaming giant. The Duchess has allegedly outsourced the entire operation of her brand to Netflix, according to claims. Meghan also launched With Love, Meghan on Netflix where she shares her home improvement tips. The show aligns with her brand’s theme, offering ways to enhance your home and cooking skills.
Meghan Markle has launched a new business, ‘As Ever,’ which is said to be inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop. The duchess’ brand is dedicated to selling beautifully crafted essentials, with the former actress said to want to become a ‘Montecito queen’
Meghan Markle lives in Montecito, California (Image: Getty Images )
Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle brand ‘As Ever’ is turning heads with products inspired by a Hollywood A-lister, with The Independent noting its focus on beautifully-crafted essentials for the home. The Duchess of Sussex has turned her talent for promoting other brands into curating her own collection, available through her exclusive online boutique.
She’s reportedly channeling the success of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, but an insider told Puck that Meghan isn’t looking for widespread accessibility: “There was the thought that she could dominate any space she decided to get into. But she doesn’t want to be accessible.”
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Markle – who boasts a large net worth – aspires to reign as a ‘Montecito queen,’ positioning herself within the lifestyle space distinctly differently from Paltrow, who infamously stated, “but isn’t willing to commit in the way Gwyneth was-in the sense where Gwyneth was like, ‘I don’t care if you’re poor and can’t afford this. Get in or get out,” according to the source.
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Ending feverish whispers of tension, The Mirror reports that Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow united for a cheeky Instagram video addressing the rumored rift. In the clip, Gwyneth appears baffled by a fan’s query: “Are you comprehending the Meghan Markle beef that social media says you two have?”
Meghan Markle plans to expand her brand ‘As Ever’ (Image: Getty Images )
She candidly responds: “I genuinely do not understand this at all, whatsoever,” and includes Meghan to ask directly: “Do you understand this?”
Meghan and her partner share a hearty laugh, shrugging off any tension, reports the Express. A key investor is reportedly the driving force behind Meghan Markle’s brand, according to sources.
Insiders have revealed that her lifestyle brand, which sells farmhouse products, is not only funded by Netflix but owes its existence to the streaming giant.
Gwyneth Paltrow also has her own brand (Image: Getty Images )
Ted Sarandos, previously referred to Netflix as a “passive partner in Meghan’s company”, however, an insider has disclosed that everything is “completely manufactured and handled by Netflix”, comparing it to a licensing agreement.
The Duchess has allegedly outsourced the entire operation of her brand to Netflix, according to claims.
They told media outlet Puck: “She’s not building a lifestyle empire. There’s no one that works for the brand. She’s outsourced the entire brand to Netflix. They send samples and she picks what she likes.”
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Markle also launched With Love, Meghan on Netflix where she shares her home improvement tips. The show aligns with her brand’s theme, offering ways to enhance your home and cooking skills.
5 Takeaways From ‘With Love, Meghan’
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has returned to the small screen with a new cooking and lifestyle show. The eight-episode series positions Meghan as a modern domestic goddess embracing the do-it-yourself delights of cooking.
Filmed at a property near her home in sunny Montecito, Calif., the eight-episode series positions Meghan, 43, as a modern domestic goddess embracing the do-it-yourself delights of cooking, crafting and entertaining.
“Love is in the details, gang,” she says on an episode of the show, while preparing her own lavender towels.
The series, which Netflix has pitched as “inspiring,” saying it “reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming,” is directed by Michael Steed, who worked on “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” It is executive produced by Meghan and is loosely organized around a series of creative projects — teaching a friend to make bread, throwing a game night for friends and planning a brunch — and offering tips along the way.
Prince Harry is Struggling to Move On
Prince Harry’s recent acknowledgement that King Charles III no longer speaks to him comes after five years in which he has not fully escaped the royal life he left behind. The Duke of Sussex took a swipe at his father on May 2 after losing a lawsuit aimed at getting his police bodyguards re-instated on trips to Britain. Harry’s biggest moments during those two years have all been tied to his past life as a working royal. The Invictus Games, his most successful project, was launched more than 10 years ago during his time as a royal, even to honor the legacy of his mother, Princess Diana. The WellChild Awards, where the prince works with Prince William, also dates to his time in the royal family, even though they cannot be in the same room at the same time. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding will take place on May 25, 2018. The wedding will be held at St. James’ Palace in London, England, and will be followed by a reception in Kensington Palace.
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Prince Harry’s recent acknowledgement that King Charles III no longer speaks to him comes after five years in which he has not fully escaped the royal life he left behind.
The Duke of Sussex took a swipe at his father on May 2 after losing a lawsuit aimed at getting his police bodyguards re-instated on trips to Britain.
The BBC interview came after two years in which Harry and Meghan Markle had managed to mostly shelve their negative feelings about their royal exit in order to detoxify their reputations and focus on the future.
Strikingly though, that two-year period has seen Meghan re-invent herself with a series of new projects, while Harry’s biggest moments have all had their roots in the royal career he left behind in Britain.
Prince Harry is greeted by Pikemen and Musketeers as he arrives for an Invictus Games Foundation 10th anniversary event at the Honourable Artillery Company, in London, England, on May 7, 2024. Prince Harry is greeted by Pikemen and Musketeers as he arrives for an Invictus Games Foundation 10th anniversary event at the Honourable Artillery Company, in London, England, on May 7, 2024. Chris Jackson/Getty Images for The Invictus Games Foundation
Prince Harry’s Swipe At King Charles
Harry told the BBC he wanted reconciliation but also accused his father of blocking his quest to get his police team back, and raised the emotional stakes by arguing that Meghan, Prince Archie and Prince Lilibet cannot travel to the U.K. without them.
“I don’t know how much longer my father has, he won’t speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile,” he said.
“There is a lot of control and ability in my father’s hands. Ultimately this whole thing could be resolved through him. Not necessarily by intervening but by stepping aside, allowing the experts to do what is necessary.”
At one point, such criticism by Harry of his family were a semi-regular occurrence, but the prince’s broadsides largely stopped after the release of his book, Spare.
That may well owe in part at least to polling that showed a collapse of the couple’s popularity among Americans.
Either way, the strategic pivot was signaled in February 2023 when their spokesperson at the time, Ashley Hansen, confirmed the departure of staff members involved in “those vital ‘look back’ projects, as they [Harry and Meghan] now look forward.”
And Meghan has looked forward, with As Ever, an online shop selling lifestyle products, With Love, Meghan, a Netflix cooking show that is heading for its second season, and Confessions of a Female Founder, her second podcast.
Prince Harry’s Biggest Projects
Yet, Harry’s biggest moments during those two years have all been tied to his past life as a working royal.
The lawsuits over his police security were a literal attempt to force the British government to restore the level of protection he had as a working royal on visits to the U.K.
And his swipe at Charles when he lost the case echoed the narrative from his “look back” Oprah Winfrey interview in which he said: “My family literally cut me off financially, and I had to afford security for us.”
Despite losing two lawsuits and an appeal, he is still vowing to fight on by lobbying British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper directly.
In summer 2023, Harry made global headlines by becoming the first royal family member to testify as the claimant in a lawsuit.
And it triggered a high for Harry when he won against Mirror Group Newspapers, though the damages awarded to him were not huge at £140,000 (about $185,000).
The case revolved around the conduct of tabloid journalists decades ago, with some allegations dating to the Princess Diana era and much of his evidence relating to a past relationship with ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy.
The same could be said of another lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, which Harry settled out of court in January, reportedly for a sum in the millions.
Even the Invictus Games, his most successful project, was launched more than 10 years ago during his time as a working royal.
Other big moments in his year include The Diana Award, where the news stories are frequently about efforts made to manage the fact that it works with Harry and Prince William, who cannot be in the same room together, even to honor the legacy of their mother.
And his relationship with the WellChild Awards also dates to his time as a working royal.
Prince Harry’s Newer Projects
Harry at one stage launched a documentary on Netflix about polo, which did not attract enough reviews to have a critics score on Rotten Tomatoes but had an audience score of 25 percent.
And even polo will always be linked to the Royal Family, who are famous for playing the sport.
Another new feature of the past two years was Harry and Meghan returning to international visits.
Yet, again the move so closely mirrored their past royal lives that the British High Commissioner to Nigeria had to clarify to local media that “they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one,” in May 2024.
The closest Harry has come to getting up and running with a completely new project has been the Archewell Foundation Parents Network, a “support network for parents whose children and families have been impacted by online, social media harm,” according to the couple’s website.
No doubt, it is a worthwhile cause though it is yet to create the kind of show stopping moments that Sussex fans have grown accustomed to.
In short, some will like Meghan’s podcast, TV show and lifestyle brand and others will not, but either way she has moved on and that is something Harry appears to have found far more difficult.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek’s The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We’d love to hear from you.