Princess of the people? Meghan’s new fashion venture misses the mark

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has shrugged off the last vestiges of a noble life, trading access to the crown jewels to spruik a symphony of beige and not-quite royal blue on an off-note shopping page.

By linking her Instagram account to a ShopMy Page, where she receives commissions from affiliate links to a range of products – from a $199 Uniqlo trench coat to a $3495 ivory silk dress by designer Heidi Merrick – any of Meghan’s previous aspirations of being a princess of the people appear to have evaporated.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has returned to her influencer roots with her new curated online store.

“Many of you have asked, so here you go!” Meghan posted in an Instagram story to her 2.6 million followers. “A little shopping to start the week. More to come. Link in bio.”

The collection is described as: “A handpicked and curated collection of the things I love – I hope you enjoy them!” And following that, a caveat: “Please note, some products may contain commissionable links.”

An extra warning against potential drowsiness could be added, with the yawn-inducing array of items lacking any of the edge found in a Gwyneth Paltrow edit on Goop.

This inoffensive collection of products – found in the wardrobe of any aspiring influencer who likes to take selfies of themselves in straw hats with a sunset backdrop while clutching a steaming cup of matcha – is as difficult to love as Meghan’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan.

The range includes a selection of separates in linen and cashmere.

Since sending sales of Scottish brand Strathberry’s handbags soaring following her first official engagement as Prince Harry’s fiancee in 2017, the duchess is well aware of her potential to support emerging labels through the Meghan effect.

“[At] times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t gotten the attention that they should be getting,” Meghan told The New York Times last year.

Fashion powerhouses such as Uniqlo, J Crew and denim brand Frame are hardly smaller brands needing a royal leg-up.

The basic array of items does reflect elements of Meghan’s style, with chambray and striped shirts reminiscent of her Wimbledon appearance in 2019 alongside Princess Catherine, but that was nearly six years ago. Rather than appearing timeless, the curated collection looks dated.

Catherine, Princess of Wales with Meghan at Wimbledon in 2019.Credit: Ben Curtis

With each new slashie venture, taking Meghan from actor to duchess, jam maker to reality show talent and now fashion influencer, the royal allure begins to fade.

If Meghan wants to be a fashion force she needs to look at her predecessor on the fringes of palace life – Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. The American divorcee was loathed by Queen Elizabeth and the British public, but her fashion credentials were undeniable. A Cartier panther bracelet and Mainbocher gown will always trump a $787 crystal necklace and black blazer.

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