Is There an Impending “Meghan-aissance” on the Horizon?
When it comes to Meghan Markle’s career, it feels like something big is about to happen, and that it could happen at any time. (We just don’t know what.)
Maybe it’s because, when she was a working member of the royal family, we could check in on Meghan Markle’s day-to-day schedule via The Royal Diary (which lays out every engagement members of the royal family have before it happens), and, after an engagement occurs, see what she’d done in the past week, the past month, or the past year via The Court Circular.
We don’t have that anymore, and the ambiguity surrounding Meghan’s next move is taking up brain space in a lot of people’s heads right now: is she relaunching her lifestyle blog, “The Tig”? Is she writing a memoir of her own, a la Prince Harry’s Spare? Is she taking her “Archetypes” podcast from Spotify to its rival, Audible? Will she run for political office? Is she going to become an influencer, or a brand ambassador, posting about a product on Instagram to the tune of a six-figure reason to do so? Speaking of Instagram, is the @meghan handle hers? Is it all part of a major re-brand? On. And on. And on.
The speculation ramped up after Meghan signed in April with talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME), specifically with Ari Emanuel, who inspired the Ari Gold character in HBO’s Entourage. A big-time talent agency and a big-time agent must mean she’s up to something big, right? The mystery of it all—of Meghan herself, and of her next move professionally—endlessly fascinates so many, some of whom love her, and some of whom don’t. For such a polarizing person, one fact remains: people are deeply interested in her, one way or the other.
In truth, it does feel like something big is brewing, and that we might just be on the cusp of what is starting to be known colloquially as the “Meghan-aissance,” which implies a rebirth or a rebrand of some sort. Here are two irons we know Meghan has in the fire: an ongoing deal with Netflix, inked in 2020, which includes behind-the-scenes work on projects like a screen adaptation of Carley Fortune’s book Meet Me at the Lake; and Archewell, her nonprofit with Harry, founded in 2020. For whatever reason, two jobs don’t seem to be enough for the general public when it comes to Meghan, so speculation mounts on what will possibly be added to her plate.
“A comeback by the Duchess of Sussex following a muted few months is believed to be imminent, in what insiders have dubbed the ‘Meghan-aissance,’” The Daily Mail reports. The outlet suggests that, based off of the resurgent popularity over the summer of her former television show, Suits, on streaming services, Meghan could be inspired to return to acting. (Highly unlikely, based off of comments Meghan herself has made in the past.)
Royal expert Tom Bower is convinced that Meghan will write a book of her own: “It will be Meghan’s truth,” he said. “There will be a readership for it because she’ll undoubtedly settle some scores from her point of view. What she says she said to the Queen, to Kate, to Philip, all that will be in the book, whether corroborated or not, and that’s a goldmine.”
Former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter had a whole lot to say about Meghan to The Sunday Times but said he didn’t think a return to acting was in her future. He did add, however, “If there is a Real Housewives of Montecito show in the works, she’d be a shoo-in.” (After all, Meghan is the dream cast member of franchise maestro Andy Cohen.)
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said that Harry and Meghan were just waiting for the right time to kick start their next move: “What’s important is that they launch a fight back—but we don’t yet know what that is going to look like,” he said, adding “The question is, why are they so quiet at the moment? What is going on? It really does seem they are brewing something up with their new team. I would not be surprised if we had an announcement from them very soon.”
The longer we wait, the more, it seems, anticipation grows—if WME is looking to make a splash when it comes to Meghan’s next move (whatever that may be), they’re poised for just that. And so, we wait.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
Serena Williams's Post-Retirement Style Pivot Is Complete
The tennis star's fashion era is taking a turn.
By Julia Gray Published
-
If You Need Karlie Kloss, She’ll Be Sorting Her $10 Vitamin Box
“It’s an investment in my self-care.”
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Actually, the Jorts Trend Isn't That Bad
Baggy denim shorts are winning over celebrities—and at least one editor.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince Harry on Why He Won't Bring Meghan Markle Back to the U.K.: "It's Still Dangerous"
He fears for his family's safety.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Critics Claim Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Tried to "Upstage" Prince George
"He wants to steal the thunder with his Invictus Games announcement."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Put “Her Own Neck On the Line” to Support Embattled Prince Harry at the ESPYs Earlier This Month
“She chose to be there for her husband.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle “Really Enjoyed Being Back In Front of the Camera” While Filming Her Forthcoming Netflix Cookery Show
“She was totally in her element.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
It’s Not In King Charles’ Nature to Upstage Daughter-in-Law Meghan Markle and Her Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard with Competing Retail Products, Royal Commentator Says
Lest we forget the so-called “royal jam rivalries” earlier this year…
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle “Feels Very Much Under Siege” As She Prepares to Launch Her Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard, Royal Author Says
“She thinks that anything and everything she does will be unfairly criticized.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are “Drowning Out the Outside Noise” Surrounding Harry’s ESPY Award Backlash
The Sussexes are “very used to the criticism, given everything that’s gone on over the last few years.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Is Reportedly "Very Pleased" With American Riviera Orchard's "Strong Start"
The brand is already thriving, says a source.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published