Meghan Markle's triumphant return was witnessed to the red carpet at the prestigious Power Of Women gala last week.
The event, attended by A-listers like Margot Robbie, Carey Mulligan, and Leonardo DiCaprio, marked a significant moment for the Duchess.
It's been almost a year since the release of Archewell Productions' controversial series, Harry & Meghan, a Netflix hit chronicling the couple's journey from courtship to stepping back as senior Royals. However, in the fast-paced world of Hollywood, a year can feel like a lifetime.
Following the success of Harry & Meghan the production company has faced challenges in replicating its success.
The series Live To Lead, focused on world leaders, failed to capture audience attention, while Heart Of Invictus, exploring Prince Harry's Invictus Games, received praise for its cause but was criticized as 'worthy but dull' by industry insiders.
Meghan's foray into children's animation with 'Pearl' faced cancellation, and even the Sussexes' $20 million podcast deal with Spotify met an unceremonious end, with one executive labeling the couple as 'grifters.'
Meghan's appearance is just the beginning of what insiders reveal as a 'strategic effort' to establish her as a formidable power player in her own right.
"We have so many exciting things on the slate. 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, she said."
Insiders are not mincing words about Harry and Meghan's standing in the industry.
According to an executive at a major studio, "The truth is that a lot of people think the couple have blown it."
Harry is portrayed as someone stuck in the past, nursing grudges, while Meghan grapples with the challenge of turning attention into substantial financial gains.
The Sussexes' reputation has taken hits, with accusations of hypocrisy for their use of private jets conflicting with their eco-tourism advocacy, and their call for privacy seemingly at odds with their own interviews and public statements.
Against this backdrop, Meghan's announcement of 'upcoming projects' at Thursday night's gala raises questions.
The elusive nature of these projects has left the world as clueless as it was when Meghan hinted at her return to Instagram, declaring she was 'ready for her next act' last year.
Despite leaks, potentially from 'Team Sussex,' suggesting major endorsement deals with luxury brands like Dior and Chanel, nothing concrete has materialized yet.
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