Staff Reports
In the latest installment of the media’s inexplicable obsession with Meghan Markle, it seems the former duchess has found a new way to sprinkle magic into our mundane lives—literally. The former royal recently spoke at the Time100 summit in New York, where she discussed how adding dried flower petals to her breakfast is the secret to blissful living. In a world rife with serious issues, one might question whether flower petals on one’s scrambled eggs are going to make a meaningful difference. Yet, for someone who has made a career out of confusing everyone about what exactly she is offering to the world, maybe this sprinkle of floral wisdom should not be such a shock.
Meghan Markle’s venture into the world of lifestyle advice seems like a satire of itself. Who needs policies or reforms when you can overhaul society’s woes with a handful of marigold or rose petals, right? The real issue at hand appears to be her persistent quest for identity. Forget Hollywood or even public service; Meghan’s raison d’être seems to have shifted toward self-styled guru territory. This quest, of course, comes from the woman who left the royal job of a lifetime to seek something…else. Unfortunately, her various entertainment endeavors don’t seem to stick enough to hold her attention either.
It appears what Meghan truly desires is the crown, just not the English sort. She aims to don the title of America’s unofficial princess, brandishing influence and respect with a sprinkle of fairy dust. This would be more humorous if it wasn’t so unabashedly transparent. The irony is rich, as Meghan continues to leverage her royal connections, all while criticizing and distancing herself from the institution she claims to have been confined by. Her charm offensive in the land of the free seems less about freedom and more about fame—a fame that seems to come with added legitimacy.
From her podcast releases to Netflix projects recognizing her lifestyle brand “As Ever,” Meghan’s aspirations are as scattered as the dried petals she lavishes on her meals. It’s an interesting strategy, trying to carve out a slice of celebrity in America while holding onto pieces of the royal trappings she publicly eschews. Her story is at best a puzzle, perhaps as befuddling as finding bits of floral garnish on one’s parfait. But at worst, it’s an ongoing narrative that lacks both direction and sincerity.
The world’s fascination with Meghan Markle seems destined for a cycle of reinvention and rebranding. As long as the spotlight remains, so will her endeavors to sell elusive ‘magic’ to a public desensitized to her proclamations of profound simplicity. Meanwhile, many look on with a mix of amusement and incredulity, pondering the question: is this the best she can contribute? If flower petals are Meghan’s answer to life’s complexities, it’s safe to say the real magic is having the luxury to focus on prettifying a plate while the rest of us are busy trying to put food on ours.
