According to reports, the Duchess of Sussex has discouraged Harry from pursuing reconciliation with his relatives, concerned that renewed royal ties — especially during a period of scandal — could harm her commercial ventures. The move comes as the monarchy continues to grapple with fresh scrutiny linked to the Epstein saga.
Protecting the Brand
Meghan, 44, agreed to stop using the HRH title when she and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020. However, she is said to be increasingly cautious about any renewed association with the Firm, particularly as it faces renewed controversy.
The latest release of Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice has once again placed Harry’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and aunt, Sarah Ferguson, under intense scrutiny. The pair are mentioned repeatedly in the files, highlighting the extent of their past connections to the convicted paedophile.
Although King Charles III stripped the former Duke and Duchess of York of their royal titles last October, the newly released documents have reportedly pushed the monarchy into crisis mode. Royal expert Duncan Larcombe claims Meghan is determined to keep her distance.
“There’s no doubt the royal family is going through a crisis at the moment… Meghan will be aware of how upset Harry is by what’s happened… But in a way, she’ll probably be pleased that Harry has stayed out of it,” Larcombe told RadarOnline.
“I’m sure she’s telling him, ‘keep your head down, don’t get involved, the royal family is in a crisis, don’t drag us into this’.”
Larcombe added that Meghan’s priority is safeguarding As Ever, her lifestyle brand launched last year alongside her Netflix cooking series, With Love, Meghan.
Commercial Pressures
While As Ever products — including flower sprinkles, jam and crepe mix — have reportedly sold out online, Meghan’s Netflix ventures have faced challenges. Her cooking series was cancelled after two seasons due to low ratings, and the Sussexes’ previously headline-grabbing $100 million Netflix deal has since been reduced to a “first look” agreement.
Larcombe suggested that Meghan, who once benefited from her royal status in securing lucrative partnerships, is now likely to be more cautious about invoking those connections.
“There was a time when all Meghan needed to do was associate herself with the royal brand. But at the moment, particularly for her, perhaps now is not the time to be going on about what a close member of the royal family she was and still is,” he said.
Reconciliation on Hold
The reported stance comes despite suggestions that Prince Harry may be closer than ever to repairing relations with his father. King Charles, 77, is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The two held a private hour-long meeting at Clarence House in September and are reportedly expected to reunite again in July at an Invictus Games-related event in Birmingham.
Meghan, however, has not returned to the UK since September 2022, when she attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral alongside Harry.
The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 before relocating to Montecito, California, where they now live with their children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet.
As the Royal Family navigates ongoing controversy, Meghan appears focused on keeping her brand — and her household — at a careful distance.
