Royal expert hints at 'ulterior motive' behind Meghan Markle's new multi-million dollar venture

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have managed to rake in millions since leaving the royal family in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made A$30 million with their now-defunct Spotify deal and an A$130 million deal with Netflix.

However, a royal expert tells Yahoo Lifestyle that Meghan's earning potential could go up significantly with her latest move to sell handpicked products to her followers. The Duchess took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday to share the news writing, "Many of you have asked, so here you go! A little shopping to start the week. More to come. Link in bio."

The link takes you to ShopMy, where Meghan has shared a "handpicked and curated collection of the things I love," adding that "some products may contain commissionable links".

The products range from a A$160 Bleusalt white T-shirt, all the way up to items like the A$1,343 Cesta Collective bag. Some other products include A$1,100 Saint Laurent slides, a A$760 Polene handbag and a A$790 Maya Brenner necklace.

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Royal expert claims Meghan Markle could make eye-watering sum

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield tells Yahoo Lifestyle, "ShopMy commissions typically range from 10-30 per cent, depending on the brand or retailer. If all 2.6m of Meghan Markle's Instagram followers purchased Maya Brenner's Happiness Retreat Necklace at U$495 [A$795]... Meghan could make around U$390m in ShopMy commission alone."

This would be an eyewatering A$620m.

Of course, this is all hypothetical and not likely to happen, with Kinsey adding, "Realistically, I don't suspect that the demo that is fanatical about Markle is in a position to make these types of wardrobe investments. Based on the current economy and price points, I think one million dollars is a realistic expectation.

"You also have to factor in Meghan's questionable popularity and lack of range when it comes to the pieces. These aren't unique pieces that will get you stopped on the street and complimented. It's a plain white t-shirt that you can find on the clearance rack at The Gap."

Meghan's 'ulterior motive' with new venture

Kinsey explains that she believes Meghan likely has an "ulterior motive" in creating the site, as she may be "trying to attract some of these brands to reach out to her and work with her personally".

"If Meghan were to work directly with these brands on custom Instagram posts, she could charge significantly more," Kinsey says. "If it were any other normal influencer or celebrity, they could charge anywhere from [A$32,000] to [A$160,000] per post or campaign based on that 2.6M following. However, due to Meghan's proximity to the British royal family... she might be able to demand half a million or more... which is typically reserved for people with hundreds of millions of followers.

"Meghan's following still doesn't even begin to compete with the likes of Kim Kardashian or Selena Gomez. Meghan still hasn't even reached her previous number of followers from her account that she had before marrying Prince Harry."

Kinsey continues, suggesting that if Meghan did go down this path, there would be "additional scrutiny" and "there would be questions around engagement and return on investment that other celebrities don't have to deal with".

"Ultimately, I do see this as another example of Meghan Markle contradicting herself," she adds. "She specifically told People Magazine that she was not an influencer. Her actions say otherwise, and unfortunately, diminish the automatic prestige afforded to those who marry a prince."

It's true, Meghan told the publication that she doesn't identify as an influencer, saying, "I see myself as an entrepreneur and a female founder," adding, "If the brand ends up influential, then that’s great."

Royal fans react to Meghan selling 'handpicked' closet items

Royal fans have had mixed reactions to Meghan's latest move, with one X user writing, "I ran there. I bought two pieces so far... so so happy."

"How can anyone have asked when she doesn't allow comments on IG?" another questioned.

"I need that Polène bag yesterday," a third said. "I’m so glad she’s sharing in advance of wearing the pieces bc everything always sells out after she wears it."

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"I trust my own style choices rather than hers!" someone else said.

"I didn't ask," another added. "Who wants to shop in her closet? I'll pass"

"Her beige wardrobe is as uninteresting as she is," one brutal comment read, while someone else said it was "desperate and distasteful" to use her royal title to sell products.

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