Expert: Meghan Markle's brand rehab efforts are similar to Martha Stewart's, but she is perceived as inauthentic.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been likened to Nigella Lawson, a domestic diva and celebrity chef, as she readies to debut Netflix's 'With Love, Meghan.'

Expert: Meghan Markle's brand rehab efforts are similar to Martha Stewart's, but she is perceived as inauthentic.
Expert: Meghan Markle's brand rehab efforts are similar to Martha Stewart's, but she is perceived as inauthentic.

This year, Meghan Markle, a former American actress, is striving to assume the role of a domestic diva.

The Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," has been postponed to March 4 due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Prior to its release, the former "Suits" actress has been compared to Martha Stewart and Nigella Lawson, two lifestyle gurus who overcame negative publicity.

Some royal experts believe that the mother of three has a long way to go before she can be accepted into the exclusive group.

Meghan Markle and Mindy Kaling walk through outdoor nursery
Mindy Kaling appears on Markle's new show, which is premiering on March 4. (Netflix)

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, told Planet Chronicle Digital that Meghan's team helped her put a significant amount of positive marketing and branding into her Netflix series.

""Meghan's character does not fit the sickly-sweet picture, so it may take a long time for her to succeed in the lifestyle place," said Chard."

Meghan Markle giving high-five to a man wearing a matching grey shirt.
According to reports, Meghan Markle filmed her series at a rented Montecito pad near her home. (Netflix)

"Chard stated that the portrayal of the character felt inauthentic, as if she was trying to fit in by playing a very outdated housewife role. This was odd and disempowering, given that the character had spoken ill of her family and friends and had ditched the majority of them. As a result, the character did not convey a sense of love and joy."

A split side-by-side image of Nigella Lawson, Meghan Markle and Martha Stewart
Some royal experts have compared Meghan Markle to Nigella Lawson (left) and Martha Stewart (right), two lifestyle gurus who successfully revamped their brands after scandal. (Getty Images)

The New York Times first compared the three women and observed that Meghan's plan for lifestyle domination mirrors a successful blueprint used by both Stewart, 83, and Lawson, 65.

Both women were once at the center of public crises, according to the outlet.

Nigella Lawson wearing black looking away from the camera.
Nigella Lawson leaves Isleworth Crown Court on Dec. 5, 2013, in Isleworth, England. Italian sisters Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, who worked as assistants to Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi, were accused of defrauding them. (Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

In 2004, Stewart was sentenced to five months in prison for insider trading-related charges, including obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Despite this setback, she managed to rebuild her brand and eventually regained success as an entrepreneur and TV personality.

Martha Stewart in a white blouse and blazer stepping inside a car.
Martha Stewart was released from federal prison on March 4, 2005. (James Devaney/WireImage/Getty Images)

The tumultuous marriage of Lawson and millionaire art collector Charles Saatchi, which was frequently covered by tabloids, reached a boiling point when Lawson was photographed grabbing Saatchi's throat outside a London restaurant. This was followed by their divorce in 2013.

During her testimony at the fraud trial of her former assistants, the celebrity chef confessed to using cocaine but denied being a regular user.

Lawson, like Stewart, left the past behind and began anew. She achieved success with a new cookbook and appeared in multiple cooking specials. Currently, she is more famous for going viral due to her distinctive pronunciation of "microwave."

Nigella Lawson wearing a white and black striped blazer in front of a dining table.
English cook and food writer Nigella Lawson attends a book-signing and lunch at the Melbourne restaurant, Taxi Kitchen, during her tour of Australia, January 24, 2018. (Scott McNaughton/The Age via Getty Images)

Martha Stewart is a successful leader in her field," said Chard. "She achieved her success not only through her talent but by being true to herself and having immense grit and determination. She was innovative and impressed her audience.

"Nigella, a renowned chef and host, is known for her captivating, genuine, and entertaining personality."

Martha Stewart in a gold dress blowing a kiss and holding her Sports Illustrated cover issue.
Martha Stewart attends the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue release party at Hard Rock Hotel New York on May 18, 2023, in New York City. She made the cover that year. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit)

"Chard stated that he considers Megan's Lifestyle series outdated and believes she should incorporate more elements to make it contemporary and engaging. Additionally, he suggested that she acquire expertise in the field to establish credibility and attract more viewers."

Meghan, before joining the British royal family, ran a lifestyle blog called The Tig. The blog was shut down after she became engaged to Harry in 2017. As a member of the royal family, one of her first initiatives was to partner with the Hubb Community Kitchen for a fundraising cookbook.

"It feels inauthentic. Like she is trying to fit in somehow by playing a very dated housewifey role… very odd and disempowering. She has spoken ill and ditched the majority of her family and friends, and this certainly doesn't conjure a picture of love and joy." — Helena Chard, British broadcaster and photographer.

Meghan Markle wearing a blue sleeveless dress.
Meghan Markle, who starred as Rachel Zane in "Suits," had a lifestyle site called The Tig. It was shut down following her engagement to Prince Harry. (Robert Ascroft/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Over the years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been the subject of numerous headlines due to their criticisms of royal life. In 2020, they moved to California and gave an interview to Oprah Winfrey, detailing their struggles with royal life. Later in 2022, they released a Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," followed by Harry's memoir "Spare." Each launch brought forth new allegations about their time as royals.

Oprah interviews Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
Oprah Winfrey interviewed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for a special in 2021 where they revealed their struggles with royal life. (Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images)

Experts contend that selling a new role that has already been filled multiple times will be more challenging.

According to Doug Eldridge, an agent, celeb branding and marketing expert, and founder of Achilles PR, Martha Stewart was the first mover in the lifestyle industry and is credited with creating it.

Two people with their backs turned watching Meghan Markle on television.
Office workers in London watching the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's controversial documentary, "Harry & Meghan," on December 8, 2022. (Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)

"The industry has become increasingly saturated in the past three decades, making it harder for Meghan to carve out her own corner of the lifestyle market. It's like swimming in a crowded pool with many people, versus swimming alone in an empty pool. It's challenging to stand out and dominate when the competition is that fierce."

A split side-by-side image of Meghan Markle and Martha Stewart wearing beige in the kitchen.
Meghan Markle has plenty to learn from the pros that came before her, several royal experts argued. "Martha Stewart was really the first mover in this space and, some would argue, created the entire lifestyle industry," Doug Eldridge, an agent, celeb branding and marketing expert, told Planet Chronicle Digital. (Netflix/Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

Eldering suggested modifying the stroke or swimming in a different direction entirely.

Hilary Fordwich, a British royal expert, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that she believes the 43-year-old has not yet found her footing. According to her, the series has failed to accurately portray Meghan's true character.

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"Fordwich advised Meghan to focus on her brand by leveraging her slim figure, which many Americans and people worldwide would aspire to achieve. However, it is impossible to maintain such a figure while indulging in unhealthy foods like sugar, cakes, and the like from her trailer. Instead of showcasing unhealthy recipes, Meghan should share healthy ones to inspire her followers."

Meghan Markle holds pink flowers in Netflix campaign
Meghan Markle announced her new Netflix show on her recently launched Instagram page. (Netflix)

"Fordwich said, "Also true to brand, she landed a prince." Instead of giving tips on landing eligible bachelors, many women would like to act. How about providing advice on landing acting jobs?"

Fordwich stated that she should remain true to her identity.

But not everyone agrees.

Meghan Markle wearing a light blue shirt in a garden opposite a woman in a bright blue blouse.
"This is about connecting with friends… making new friends… and just learning," said Meghan Markle in the trailer for her Netflix series. (Netflix)

According to royal expert Ian Pelham Turner, it's the other way around - what can Martha and Nigella learn from Meghan?

"Meghan always wins because of her immense empathy with real people, as evidenced by her successful cooking with Muslim women and fundraising efforts," he said.

Meghan Markle smiles for a photo
Meghan Markle resides in the wealthy coastal city of Montecito. (Getty Images    )

""Nigella and Martha are highly skilled. They use their intellect to connect. Meghan connects from the heart," he stated. "The success of Meghan is determined by Americans. I hope she succeeds. She deserves it," he added."

Meghan Markle speaking to a woman wearing a blue blazer and a black shirt.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, helps to prepare food at the launch of a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire on September 20, 2018. (BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Duchess of Sussex's first solo hosting project for Netflix is "With Love, Meghan." She also revealed her upcoming lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, last year. Her celebrity friends showcased her strawberry jam on Instagram.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

by Stephanie Nolasco,Ashley Papa

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