The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are reportedly hopeful for redemption in the new year, aiming to overcome setbacks and media criticism faced in 2023.
Recent claims also suggest Meghan may return as a producer after engaging with entertainment executives at an event. However, experts anticipate potential challenges for the couple in the coming year.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Are Prioritizing ‘Quality Over Quantity’ In Their Work Choices
Harry and Meghan are anticipating a year of “redemption” following challenges such as the Omid Scobie book scandal, comedic show criticisms, and the loss of their Spotify deal. The couple is also reportedly contemplating a move from their serene Montecito residence in Santa Barbara County to Los Angeles as a fresh start for the upcoming year.
Per the Daily Mail, their decision to relocate is influenced by the belief that being nearer to Hollywood would help take advantage of their popularity. Additionally, they are prioritizing quality over quantity in their work choices, with Meghan reportedly declining numerous offers and Harry being described as “extremely high demand.”
A source said, “They’ve actually been shocked by how popular she [Meghan] is. Her team has never seen anything like it. There’s this perception that Harry and Meghan have been snubbed in the entertainment industry. But the way they see it, they’re choosing quality over quantity instead of grabbing every opportunity that comes their way.’
Meghan Might Be Making A Comeback As A Producer
It comes after Meghan’s appearance at the “Power of Women” gala in Los Angeles, where she hinted that she and her husband “have so many exciting things on the slate.”
She added, “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.”
It is unclear what the projects would be about, as the former actress didn’t share. However, Meghan has noted that she intends to create “things that make people feel” and promote a “sense of community.”
In the meantime, sources have speculated that Meghan is interested in making a comeback to the acting industry but is “100 percent more interested in directing and being behind the camera.”
The rumors were further fueled by the fact that she was seen interacting with power brokers like female American producer Janet Yang and Pearlena Igbokwe, current chairman of Universal Studio Group, and the high-profile gala.
Experts Predict A Trouble-Filled Year For The Sussexes
According to the Daily Mail, Experts have predicted that Harry and Meghan’s expectations for the new year may not unfold as anticipated.
Mark Borkowski, a crisis manager, said that the couple’s brand could be “finished in the next year, as the duo could do something that might just be its undoing. He also stated that Meghan’s Hollywood relaunch is “clearly not working,” adding that her new talent agency, WME, might be gearing up to cut ties with her.
Borkowski’s notion seemed to be backed up by brand and culture expert Nick Ede, who claimed that the racial row that stemmed from Scobie’s book might make Meghan “too hot to handle.”
Mr. Ede said, “[Endgame] is potentially a career incendiary device for Meghan. The issue for a huge Hollywood agent is that they will find it hard to navigate the career of Meghan, fearing that more will come out over time…and could potentially damage the reputation of her agency.”
Harry & Meghan Are Embroiled In Several Court Cases
Apart from facing off against critics this year, Harry and Meghan have also spent some of their time embroiled in court cases with Britain’s tabloid publishers, per the New York Times.
Per reports, the Duke claimed that he and his inner circle had their voicemail illegally accessed through illicit methods spanning from 1996 to 2011. Additionally, Harry alleges that one of the tabloids unlawfully obtained other private information, including his medical records.
One of the legal filings also asserts that the prince experienced considerable distress and developed a sense of distrust, even towards his closest friends, amid the entire drama caused by seeing his personal information in the media.
In some previous legal actions, Harry and his wife Meghan have emerged victorious and even earned financial settlements. One such case was against The Mail on Sunday for invading Meghan’s privacy by publishing a letter she wrote to her estranged father in 2018.