In a world where motivational speeches flow as freely as royal tea, Meghan Markle has positioned herself as the ultimate oracle of foresight and ambition. For years, the Duchess of Sussex has captivated audiences with her impassioned pleas for vision, planning, and forward-thinking—urging everyone from young leaders to global influencers to “think ahead” about the changes needed for a better tomorrow. Yet, as 2025 draws to a close, the irony couldn’t be starker: the future of her own charitable endeavors and business ventures with Prince Harry looks anything but bright.
Staff exodus, financial losses, and a string of failed projects paint a picture of an empire teetering on the brink, raising questions about whether Meghan’s lectures were ever more than just words. From her early days as an actress-turned-activist to her post-royal life in Montecito, Meghan has never shied away from the spotlight when it comes to dispensing wisdom on the horizon. In a 2022 speech at the One Young World summit, she told a crowd of emerging leaders, “You are the future, you are the present,” emphasizing the need to drive “positive and necessary change” right now. This wasn’t a one-off; it’s a recurring theme in her public addresses. At the 2023 Ms. Foundation’s Women of Vision Awards, Meghan delivered a stirring acceptance speech, highlighting the importance of uplifting others and envisioning a world where service and kindness pave the way for progress. She spoke of the awardees’ “visions for the future,” urging collective action to build a more equitable society.
Even earlier, during her 2018 royal tour in Fiji, Meghan’s first major speech as a duchess focused on women’s education, stressing how investing in girls’ futures creates ripple effects for generations. Meghan’s advocacy often extends to personal anecdotes that underscore her belief in strategic planning. In a 2025 interview, she reflected on motherhood, admitting it hadn’t gone as “envisioned” but emphasizing the need to adapt and think ahead—perhaps a nod to balancing family with her ambitious projects. At the Young Leaders Summit that same year, she inspired attendees by reinforcing that true leadership involves not just dreaming big but executing with purpose.
And in a powerful 2018 address on International Women’s Day, she declared, “It isn’t enough to simply talk about equality. One must believe in it… and work for it.” These words have resonated with fans, positioning Meghan as a beacon of progressive thought, always one step ahead in advocating for systemic change. But beneath this veneer of visionary rhetoric lies a stark contrast: the apparent unraveling of Archewell, the couple’s flagship charitable organization, and their assorted business ventures.
Launched with fanfare in 2020, Archewell was meant to be a powerhouse for humanitarian efforts, blending philanthropy with media production. Fast forward to December 2025, and the foundation is undergoing a dramatic restructuring, including a name change from Archewell Foundation to Archewell Philanthropies. This shift, announced just weeks ago, comes amid reports of inevitable staff redundancies and a move to “fiscal sponsor status,” which allows the organization to operate under another entity’s umbrella—often a sign of operational streamlining or financial strain. The troubles don’t stop there.
Archewell reported a staggering $2.6 million loss in its latest financials, with donations plummeting—a far cry from the high-profile launches and celebrity endorsements that once fueled its image. Critics point to a lack of “signature initiatives” and high staff turnover as key issues, with the organization producing more press releases than tangible outcomes. In a blow just days ago, James Holt, the couple’s longest-serving advisor and executive director, stepped down—hot on the heels of their 11th publicist departing. This exodus has fueled speculation that the foundation is “collapsing and heading toward bankruptcy,” as one observer put it on X. Beyond Archewell, the couple’s forays into media and lifestyle branding have fared no better, casting doubt on their ability to translate vision into viable success.
Their Spotify podcast deal, which birthed “Archetypes,” ended abruptly after minimal output and criticism for lackluster content. Netflix projects, including a highly anticipated lifestyle show tied to Meghan’s brand, have either bombed or been quietly shelved, with reports of recycled controversy over fresh ideas. Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” sparked backlash rather than acclaim, while animated series like “Pearl” vanished without trace. Perhaps the most emblematic flop is Meghan’s lifestyle brand.
Initially launched as American Riviera Orchard in March 2024 amid much hype, it promised kitchenware, jams, and beauty products. By February 2025, however, it was forced into a rebrand as “As Ever” due to trademark issues and stalled momentum. Initial sales of limited-edition jams were touted as sell-outs, but restocking never materialized, leading to admissions in interviews that the project might be shelved for reassessment. As one X user quipped, “Meghan Markle has JUST ADMITTED… her brand AS EVER has FAILED as she has NO IDEA WHAT TO DO NEXT!”
This pattern of high-profile launches followed by quiet failures has drawn sharp criticism. On X, users have labeled her efforts a “string of underwhelming failures,” from the short-lived 40×40 initiative to the Invictus Games’ reported veteran exodus. “Meghan is good at failing,” one commenter noted, pointing to laziness and a refusal to heed advice as root causes. Another analysis called it “the cost of squandered opportunity,” arguing that despite global goodwill and elite connections, Meghan’s focus on grievances over substance has eroded credibility.
Even as Meghan hints at “interesting” future plans in recent interviews—perhaps fashion or more media ventures—the evidence suggests a disconnect between her preached ideals and reality. Critics argue she’s “clinging” to royal ties through the rebranded Archewell, using titles to maintain relevance amid declining star power. As one X post summed it up: “All her projects have failed miserably and her staff are all abandoning the sinking ship.” In the end, Meghan’s lectures on vision and forward-thinking ring hollow against the backdrop of these setbacks. While she urges others to plan for success, her own path seems mired in inconsistency and unfulfilled promises.
As 2026 looms, the Duchess may need to heed her own advice: think ahead, or risk watching her ambitions fade into obscurity. Whether this is a temporary stumble or the end of an era remains to be seen, but for now, the future she so eloquently describes for others appears elusive for herself and Harry.
