Meghan Markle is using an “in your face” ploy to “turn a profit” following her recent visit to Australia with Prince Harry, royal commentator Jennie Bond has claimed. While the couple maintained a hectic schedule, dashing between Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, the Duchess drew criticism for sharing outfit details on a shopping platform.
They participated in several engagements, including meeting survivors and emergency workers connected to the Bondi Beach shooting, delivering speeches and greeting large crowds.
Although the tour was widely seen as a success, the apparent commercial move sparked significant debate. The Duchess is understood to have a financial stake in OneOff, a “style-driven fashion discovery platform” linking users to items worn by public figures. It is believed she earns a commission on sales generated through the site.
Several looks from the four-day visit were uploaded, but one in particular sparked backlash. A post featured Meghan at Bondi Beach, where she had been meeting victims and first responders following the terror attack, alongside links for followers to buy the clothes she wore during that visit.
The attack, which took place in December last year, saw gunmen open fire at a Hanukkah event, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Harry and Meghan later visited the area to speak with those affected and the emergency services involved. Royal commentators questioned the judgment behind promoting fashion linked to such a sombre occasion.
Ms Bond suggested that while Meghan is entitled to monetise her wardrobe, the decision to highlight that particular outfit may have been ill-considered.
Ms Bond told the Mirror: “I have to admit it feels rather ‘in your face’ to use every public appearance to turn a profit. There’s a case for being more selective about when she shares links to her clothing. Charity engagements or visits connected to tragic events like Bondi don’t seem appropriate moments for that.”
Ms Bond remarked: “That said, there are plenty of appearances she makes as a celebrity where I can’t see any issue with encouraging people to buy what she’s wearing and earning a commission.”
The commentator added that Meghan’s current position gives her far greater freedom than when she was a working royal. Having stepped back from official duties more than six years ago, she is no longer bound by the same restrictions and can pursue commercial partnerships.
Ms Bond said: “She’s a working woman now, not a working royal. She wouldn’t have been able to be involved in something like this while carrying out duties on behalf of the Royal Family, and those limitations were clearly frustrating for her.”
Even so, Ms Bond suggested Meghan might benefit from further separating her commercial ventures from her royal title.
Ms Bond added: “It might be wiser for her to rely solely on her own name rather than continuing to trade on the title. That would make her independence — and the freedom that comes with it — absolutely clear.”