Meghan Markle’s high-profile return to acting has ignited a fierce debate about her professional direction and purpose, with critics accusing her of adopting a “Kardashian” approach to fame. The Duchess of Sussex is set to appear in a new film, playing a version of herself, a move described by royal commentators as a desperate scramble for relevance rather than a meaningful career pivot. The announcement comes amid a week of intense scrutiny for the Sussexes, contrasting sharply with the solemn duties undertaken by the working royals during the Remembrance period.
The film, reportedly titled Close Encounters, will feature Meghan alongside friends Lily Collins and Brie Larson in what insiders are calling an extended cameo. Royal editor Matt Wilkinson of The Sun characterized the role as “giving Fergie energy,” referencing Sarah Ferguson’s self-parodying appearance on Friends, but more critically, as emitting “Kardashian energy.” This comparison underscores a growing perception that Meghan is prioritizing celebrity cameos and influencer-style projects over substantive work.
“This is probably a great thing for Prince Harry because if Meghan is on a movie set, that means she’s not sitting around… recording behind the scenes of their family life,” said royal commentator Kinsey Schofield during a panel discussion on Royal Exclusive. Schofield pointed to recent social media posts where Meghan briefly showed her children’s faces before editing them out as evidence of content-driven behavior better channeled elsewhere.
The strategic logic behind the move is being widely questioned. Charles Rae, former royal correspondent for The Sun, expressed skepticism about Meghan’s professional coherence. “I hardly think starring in it is the right phrase, Matt. I mean, it is a bit part… She’s playing the Duchess of Sussex, so it’s not exactly method acting,” Rae stated. He further questioned her overarching strategy, stating, “I don’t think she’s actually got a real purpose in the sense of a career.”
This acting return is seen by many as a reversion to her original profession after a series of ventures—a podcast, a Netflix documentary, and a lifestyle brand—that have failed to cement a definitive public role. Critics argue it reveals a lack of clear direction and loyalty, particularly to Netflix, which signed the couple to a lucrative multi-year deal. “Why not show loyalty to the company that gave you a fresh royal family?” Schofield asked, suggesting the move smacks of opportunism.
The news broke during a week where the contrast between the Sussexes and the core Royal Family was stark. While Meghan attended Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party in Los Angeles, Prince William, the Princess of Wales, and a young Prince George were engaged in solemn Remembrance events across the UK. Prince Harry, undertaking his own veteran-focused visit to Canada, found himself mired in minor controversies, including criticism for not wearing a poppy at the Jenner event and a “capgate” scandal over wearing an LA Dodgers hat in Toronto.
Harry’s sincere commitment to veteran causes was acknowledged by the panel, with Rae defending his Canada trip. “As a former soldier… I cannot say anything but praise for the fact of what he did.” However, the overarching narrative remained one of a couple adrift from their former institutional purpose. Schofield contrasted their actions with the calculated work of the Prince and Princess of Wales. “Every interview, every appearance, it’s leading up to something significant… I think that that’s what the Sussexes lack.”
The couple’s association with the Kardashian-Jenner circle has further fueled criticism, with commentators suggesting it “cheapens” their brand and by extension, the monarchy they are still tangentially linked to through their titles. This was compounded by Meghan’s attendance at the high-profile party, where a since-deleted photo showed a beaming Meghan leading a subdued-looking Harry.
Meanwhile, the Royal Family presented a unified front of duty and succession. The Princess of Wales earned high praise for her empathetic engagement with D-Day veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum. In a striking moment, Prince George, aged ten, stepped in for his father at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, signaling the firm future of the monarchy. “It was such a pleasant surprise to see Prince George,” Schofield noted, highlighting the seamless integration of the next generation.
In a separate royal crisis, Prince Andrew faces a November 20th deadline to respond to a request to testify before a US Congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Panelists unanimously agreed the Duke of York would not comply, with Rae calling the move a “PR stunt by the Democrats.” The ongoing scandal continues to cast a shadow, with discussion turning to the difficult position of his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as they navigate public life.
As the year draws to a close, the paths of the two royal households diverge ever more clearly. The Windsors emphasize continuity, duty, and a carefully managed future, while the Sussexes chase Hollywood validation. Meghan Markle’s latest reinvention as an actress playing herself raises a fundamental question plaguing their post-royal enterprise: is this a purposeful new chapter, or merely another fleeting cameo in the spectacle of fame? The court of public opinion is now in session, and the early verdict suggests a growing fatigue with what critics see as a scattered and increasingly incongruous pursuit of celebrity.
