While the world constantly has an opinion about Meghan Markle, no one knows her better than her friends and colleagues.
In the latest Us Weekly cover story, Meghan’s loved ones and supporters gave Us insight into what it’s like to be by her side. Meredith Maines serves as the CCO for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The executive weighed in on why there’s so much discourse around Meghan, 43, her projects and her family — which includes Prince Harry and their two children: Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
“Meghan is embarking on a number of business ventures as an entrepreneur and working mom. The constant scrutiny is motivated by clickbait and systems that make sport out of attacking women,” Maines explained. “I hope that readers pause and ask why publications are so interested in clicks at the expense of a founder, a woman, a mom, who is creating and building. As Meghan deploys her brand, show and podcast, we’re looking forward to partnering with outlets that want to understand the business story and the power of brand building by a founder.”
After Meghan and Harry’s departure as working members of the royal family, the couple settled down in Montecito, California. As the pair have put down roots, Meghan has ventured into the wellness industry. This year, she launched her lifestyle brand As Ever alongside the premiere of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan. She’s also returning to the podcast game with her new interview series “Confessions of a Female Founder.” (Meghan previously hosted her “Archetypes” podcast for one season.)
As Meghan tackles multiple media projects, she is going in with a full strategy. Former NBC Universal executive Cory Shields explained how Meghan is zeroing in on her goals.
“I’ve worked alongside some of the most successful executives in the media industry. And Meghan, like them, has a clear vision, understands how to build a brand and embraces the creative process,” Shields told Us. “She operates with the same level of strategy, discipline and market awareness that defines the most successful entrepreneurs in any industry.”
Meghan’s entrance into the lifestyle realm isn’t a complete surprise. Long before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan ran her now-defunct blog, The Tig, which focused on food, travel, fashion and beauty. She shut down the site as she geared up to enter royal life. Emily Sorrells connected with Meghan via social media in the early days of The Tig. The pair have been pals since.
“The projects Meghan has been working on recently reflect a side of her I have known for years,” Sorrells told Us. “She has always felt a responsibility to use her platform to make a positive impact. In her role as the founder of the Tig, she spoke openly and vulnerably about her own life and allowed others to do the same. In the process, she created a community and connected with us all on everything from travel and food to mental health and community service.”
Sorrells added that Meghan has not only been a role model but a friend.
“The valuable lessons I learned from her many years ago have inspired my life every day since,” she gushed. “I used to make all of her recipes from The Tig in my childhood kitchen with my mom and now I am beaming with pride as I scroll through social media and see people posting their recipes and gardens inspired by the show. I was able to celebrate this new era with her at a launch party for the show and I can tell how exciting it is for her to have projects that allow her to connect with and learn from others. I have watched her persevere through the intense scrutiny of recent years and couldn’t be prouder of her for returning to the creative projects she loves despite it all.”
The time has come to journey to Montecito. After much anticipation, speculation and fleeting sneak peeks, Meghan Markle‘s With Love, Meghan, drops on Netflix on Tuesday, March 4, at 3 a.m. ET — but before that, Us Weekly nabbed and watched advance screeners of all eight episodes. Here’s everything we learned from binging the Duchess […]
Meghan’s close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen echoed similar sentiments. McKee Zajfen, who appeared in an episode of With Love, Meghan — the Duchess, Zajfen and pal Abigail Spencer made salt-baked branzino — shared that Meghan’s new projects are in her element.
“She shines so brightly in what she is so clearly meant to do, it comes so naturally to her because this is who she is every day,” McKee Zajfen said. “Making fun projects for the kids, always hosting, being so thoughtful with each guest that walks through the door. Everyone feels like they’re home … It’s a beautiful thing to see someone you love step fully into their light.”
