# Meghan Markle in ‘dire situation’ amid rebrand ridicule: expert

 has found herself in a "dire situation" after using "With Love, Meghan" as an attempt to revamp her image.

"In contrast to being authentic, it definitely looks like a most desperate attempt in a dire situation to reinvent herself, indeed to revamp her image, hence marketing her own children," royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital of Markle's Netflix show.

While  by many, the show "will no doubt appeal" to Markle's "own distinct fan base."





"Meghan seems eager to play the altruistic, kind soul, but it is a tad smarmy," she claimed. "My toes are curling… This is so cringey and not fun at all. It feels too staged, and the tips and tricks are far too basic… Meghan comes across as a modern Stepford Wife."

> "In contrast to being authentic, it definitely looks like a most desperate attempt in a dire situation to reinvent herself, indeed to revamp her image, hence marketing her own children."



Meghan Markle shares recipes and hosting tips in her new show. (Netflix)

An audience who already viewed the  as "unlikable" was a "high hurdle" for Markle to clear, crisis communications expert and founder of Achilles PR, Doug Eldridge, told Fox News Digital.

"Many people, whether rightly or wrongly, viewed Markle as unlikable, and that's an incredibly high hurdle to clear if you're trying to launch a brand and sell a show," he explained. "Relatability is a key factor in developing likability, both of which are needed for marketability. If you look at the variables in the overarching 'branding equation,' this is an instance where Markle is seemingly stepping back and reworking the math. All of this, however, hinges on one final variable: authenticity. If the audience thinks she comes off as more tactical than transparent, the scaffolding will crumble quickly."



Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in Montecito with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. (Henning Kaiser/picture alliance)

Markle opened up to  about her life in Montecito with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, ahead of her show's release. She told the outlet, "We’re a close-knit family, and I love those moments — putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day. Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that’s a lot of people to have in your house!"

Markle didn't do much press ahead of the release of "," aside from her one interview with People, which featured a fairly glowing review.

The exclusive interview was likely granted in exchange for favorable coverage, Eldridge noted.

"This was a savvy decision by Markle and one that will inevitably give her a much-needed PR boost, at least in the short-term."





Prince Harry makes a brief appearance in the final episode of "With Love, Meghan."

Markle told People magazine she still has the pencil skirt she wore for the first episode of "Suits," which ran from 2011-2019. "I love that it gets a new breath of fresh air," she said of the current reboot.


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