Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel has called out Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their string of business failures, claiming the couple dove into too many projects too quickly after leaving royal life. In a recent podcast episode, Frankel pointed to their rushed approach as the main reason behind flops like canceled deals and underperforming ventures, sparking fresh debate on their post-royal careers in the United States.
Frankel’s Sharp Critique on Sussex Ventures
Bethenny Frankel, known for her no-nonsense style from The Real Housewives of New York, did not hold back in her assessment. She argued that Harry and Meghan spread themselves thin by juggling multiple high-profile deals right after stepping away from the monarchy in 2020.
This critique comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the couple’s business moves. Frankel highlighted how their eagerness led to missteps, such as the abrupt end to their Spotify partnership and delays in other projects. She suggested a more focused strategy might have yielded better results, drawing from her own success in building a lifestyle brand.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some fans agreeing that the duo’s ambitious plans overlooked the need for steady groundwork. Others defend the Sussexes, noting external pressures like media backlash played a role.
Key Business Setbacks for Harry and Meghan
The couple’s ventures have faced several hurdles in recent years. Their multimillion-dollar Netflix deal, signed in 2020, produced hits like the Harry & Meghan docuseries but has since scaled back, with reports of creative differences and unmet expectations.
Spotify ended their podcast agreement in 2023 after just one season of Archetypes, hosted by Meghan. Sources close to the situation cited low listener engagement and production issues as factors.
Meghan’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, launched in 2024 but struggled with product rollouts. Initial excitement around items like jams and wines fizzled, leading to unsold inventory and hiring challenges for key roles.
Harry’s involvement with BetterUp, a mental health startup, has also drawn criticism. Insiders claim his role as Chief Impact Officer brought limited impact, with the company facing internal turmoil.
These setbacks have led to financial strains, including reported staff layoffs at their Archewell foundation due to cash flow problems.
Timeline of Major Projects and Outcomes
To understand the scope of their challenges, here is a breakdown of key initiatives:
| Project | Launch Year | Outcome | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix Deal | 2020 | Scaled back in 2025 | Produced docuseries but no new major hits; revenue loss reported |
| Spotify Podcast | 2022 | Canceled in 2023 | Archetypes won awards but failed to retain audience |
| Spare Memoir | 2023 | Commercial success | Sold millions but sparked family backlash |
| American Riviera Orchard | 2024 | Ongoing struggles | Products like wine and jam saw poor sales in 2025 launches |
| BetterUp Role | 2021 | Under scrutiny | Company faced layoffs; Harry’s contributions questioned |
| Archewell Foundation | 2020 | Operational cuts | Lost six employees in 2025 amid funding issues |
This table shows a pattern of initial hype followed by challenges, aligning with Frankel’s view on overextension.
Why the Rush? Analyzing the Strategy
Experts believe Harry and Meghan’s quick pivot to commercial projects stemmed from a desire for financial independence. After Megxit, they aimed to build a brand free from royal constraints, but the pace may have ignored market realities.
One factor is the competitive Hollywood landscape. Unlike established stars, the Sussexes lacked a proven track record in entertainment, making it hard to sustain momentum. Frankel noted that successful moguls like herself build empires step by step, not all at once.
Recent events, such as their absence from high-profile events like the 2025 Oscars, underscore a perceived disconnect from industry networks. Rumors of a “professional divorce” in 2025, where they pursued solo paths, suggest attempts to recalibrate, but results remain mixed.
Balancing family life with business ambitions adds another layer. With two young children, the couple’s time is divided, potentially diluting focus on ventures.
Public and Media Response to the Criticism
Frankel’s comments have fueled social media buzz, with users debating the Sussexes’ missteps. Some posts highlight perceived entitlement, while others point to systemic biases against the couple.
- Supporters argue external factors like relentless tabloid coverage hinder success.
- Critics echo Frankel, calling for more accountability in their business choices.
- Industry watchers suggest learning from flops could lead to future wins, such as potential new Netflix content.
This divide reflects broader conversations on celebrity transitions and the pitfalls of fame-driven enterprises.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Frankel’s verdict offers practical takeaways beyond the royal spotlight. Rushing into multiple ventures can lead to resource strain and diluted branding, a common trap for newcomers.
Successful examples, like Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine media company, show the value of starting small and scaling thoughtfully. For Harry and Meghan, refocusing on core strengths like advocacy could turn the tide.
As their story unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale on balancing ambition with strategy in today’s fast-paced business world.
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