Meghan Markle Suffers Setback with Her New Podcast

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, finds herself in turbulent waters again as her new podcast and business endeavors face repeated setbacks. At 43, the former actress and royal is struggling to revive her media and lifestyle projects, including ventures with Netflix, Lemonada Media, and her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

In February 2024, Meghan signed a deal with Lemonada Media to distribute her new podcast series, following Spotify’s decision not to renew their $20 million partnership for Archetypes. However, the planned release has yet to materialize, with Lemonada reportedly facing challenges launching the project.

A source revealed to Hello! Magazine that the delay mirrors issues with her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, which has also been postponed due to the devastating California wildfires. While her previous Spotify content is being re-released across platforms, insiders suggest Meghan’s team is scrambling to meet expectations amid mounting skepticism.

One former collaborator offered blunt criticism, describing working with Meghan as “really, really, really awful” and “painful.” Speaking to Vanity Fair, the source alleged, “She’s constantly playing checkers—aware of everyone’s position on the board. If you’re not in her game, you’re tossed aside.” The accusations of “undermining” and “backstabbing” only deepen the controversies surrounding her leadership style.

Meghan’s Netflix projects have also hit snags despite the couple’s $100 million deal inked in 2020. After releasing the controversial docuseries Harry & Meghan in 2022, followed by Live to Lead and Heart of Invictus, Meghan’s solo endeavor, With Love, Meghan, remains on hold.

Adding to her challenges, her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has been mired in legal disputes and delays since its March 2024 announcement. The company has yet to unveil its product line, and efforts to secure a trademark have been repeatedly blocked.

In September 2024, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denied her application, citing rules against trademarking geographic locations. This followed objections from rival brand Harry & David, which argued the name was too similar to their “Royal Riviera” line. The Duchess requested a three-month extension in November to resolve the issues, but progress remains slow.

The ongoing setbacks fuel public debate over Meghan’s post-royal endeavors. Critics argue the Duchess is struggling to find a consistent identity in the U.S. entertainment and business worlds.

“She wants to be taken seriously as a producer and entrepreneur, but the repeated delays and complaints from colleagues make that difficult,” said Amanda Collins, a royal historian. Others believe the couple’s earlier projects leaned too heavily on royal drama. “They need to focus on fresh, meaningful content that stands on its own, rather than rehashing grievances,” added Collins.

Despite the challenges, Meghan has yet to back down. Supporters hope her podcast will offer a platform for women’s empowerment, as initially promised. However, with critics already questioning its viability, the Duchess faces a steep climb to rebuild credibility.

Whether Meghan Markle can overcome these hurdles or if these delays signal deeper issues with her ventures remains to be seen. For now, the Duchess’s post-royal chapter is one of persistent struggle—and unrelenting scrutiny.