Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has ignited a firestorm. She launched a ShopMy page where she earns commissions from affiliate links to luxury fashion items.
Critics call it a “cash grab,” while supporters praise her entrepreneurial spirit.
MEGHAN MARKLE’S SHOP
Meghan’s ShopMy page, titled ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,’ features a mix of high-end and high-street items. She has worn all these items on her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, according to Daily Mail
Highlights include:
- Heidi Merrick’s ivory silk gown (R28,000)
- Saint Laurent leather sandals (R12,000)
- Reformation linen shirts (R2,600)
- Uniqlo trench coats (R2,000)
A disclaimer warns: “Some products may contain commissionable links” – code for ‘Meghan earns a cut if you buy’, according to Town and Country.
POLARISING OPINIONS
Some critics had a lot to say on the matter. “Reduced to flogging stuff – what a comedown. Embarrassing,” snarked one X user.
“From royalty to retail affiliate. Meghan Markle once recoiled at being a ‘royal clothes horse’. Now, she’s hoping you’ll buy her Jimmy Choos for commission,” mocked another.
Her supporters. however, rallied behind her. “FINALLY! I’ve been hoping Meghan Sussex would do this,” cheered a fan.
“She’s providing outfit details – smart marketing to strike deals with brands,” noted another.
POTENTIAL FOR MILLIONS IN COMMISSIONS
Experts estimate that Meghan Markle’s 2.6 million Instagram followers could translate to millions in commissions, according to The Independent.
For example:
- If 1% of her followers (26,000 people) buy a £128 shirt (R2,600), she’d pocket R1 million at a 15% commission rate.
- Saint Laurent sandals (R12,000) or Loro Piana cashmere (R29,000) would boost earnings further.
For South Africans, the prices are steep. A R28,000 gown could buy groceries for a family for months.
MEGHAN MARKLE ENTERS THE INFLUENCER SPACE
Meghan’s move mirrors trends in SA’s influencer space. Local creators use affiliate links but without royal titles. “She’s leveraging her fame – fair play,” says SA marketing expert Sipho Moyo.
Yet, the monarchy angle fuels outrage. “Using ‘Duchess of Sussex’ in her URL feels like exploiting royal ties,” argues UK-based royal watcher Emily Wilson.
Meghan’s ShopMy page divides opinion. While critics label it a “cash grab,” supporters see it as savvy business.
DO YOU THINK MEGHAN MARKLE’S ‘SHOPMY’ PAGE IS A SMART BUSINESS MOVE OR A ‘CASH GRAB’?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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