Meghan Markle’s red carpet appearance was designed to revive Hollywood ambitions

Meghan Markle’s red carpet appearance at a recent Hollywood event was a “strategic effort”, according to sources.

Meghan Markle’s recent red carpet appearance at a power event for women was an “attempt to silence rumours” that could end her and Harry’s Hollywood ambitions, industry experts have claimed.

According to The Sun, the Duchess of Sussex appeared at the Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles on Thursday evening to make a point.

The former Suits actress said she is “really proud” of the projects Archewell Productions has created so far, including Netflix docu-series Harry & Meghan.

The couple’s six-part soul-baring series was the streaming giant’s most-viewed documentary.

Meghan Markle arrives for Variety's Power of Women event at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles, California. She “hit the red carpet like a pro”, said sources. Picture: AFP

But Archewell has struggled to find a follow-up hit and there are rumours that Netflix is planning to “quietly allow” their £112 million ($A214m) deal to lapse in 2025.

This would put an end to their Hollywood ambitions.

It also comes after their deal with Spotify was ended by mutual agreement.

Now insiders believe Meghan’s attendance was a “strategic effort” to prepare a showbiz comeback and rebrand.

Eric Schiffer, who runs one of Hollywood’s leading crisis management firms, said: “It’s clearly time for a relaunch of Brand Sussex, and Meghan’s solo appearance speaks volumes about the direction they are headed.

Meghan Markle arrives for Variety's Power of Women event at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

“Americans don’t like whingers. We like a can-do attitude, and that’s what Meghan demonstrated last week.

“She hit that red carpet like the pro she is and she worked the room.”

Wearing a camel, off-the-shoulder dress paired with her hair back in a slicked bun, Meghan said she wants to create “things that make people feel” as well as create “a sense of community”.

“We have so many exciting things on the slate,” she said.

“I can’t wait until we can announce them, but I’m just really proud of what we’re creating. My husband is loving it too which is really fun.”

Meghan Markle arrives for Variety's Power of Women event at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles. Picture: AFP

The 42-year-old posed alongside famous faces including Barbie producer and actress Margot Robbie and Carey Mulligan at the star-studded event.

US singer Fantasia Barrino, and US singer-songwriter Billie Eilish were honorees.

Meghan was also photographed with two of the most powerful women in Hollywood: Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the organisation behind the Oscars) and Pearlena Igbokwe, who runs Universal Studios.

Australian actress Margot Robbie arrives for Variety's Power of Women event at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles. Picture: AFP

Meghan said: “I think the more we support each other it just amplifies the work, amplifies our community and I’m just thrilled to be back in it and to be able to sit in this room and be in such good company tonight.”

Meghan’s public appearance followed the launch of the final series of Netflix’s The Crown, which focuses on the death of her mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales.

It also comes after royal writer Omid Scobie made claims about her husband, the Duke of Sussex, ahead of the publication of his new book, Endgame.

Originally published as Meghan Markle’s red carpet appearance was designed to revive Hollywood ambitions