EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle ‘Left Reeling’ Over Her ‘Most Painful Review Yet’
Meghan Markle Faces Harsh Criticism From Her Former Hometown Toronto
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has recently been left “reeling” after receiving a harsh critique from a publication that once embraced her warmly. The Toronto Star, a major newspaper from the Canadian city where Meghan lived for seven years, has branded her the “most disappointing celebrity of 2025.” This stinging review is particularly painful because of Meghan’s deep and publicly affectionate ties to Toronto, a city that played a pivotal role in her personal and professional life.
Before her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan spent a significant part of her career in Toronto while filming the hit TV show Suits. It was also in this city that her relationship with Harry quietly blossomed, with the couple making their first public appearance together at the 2017 Invictus Games held in Toronto. Harry has openly expressed gratitude to the city, once crediting it for “giving him a wife” during a heartfelt speech at the True Patriot Love Foundation National Tribute Dinner in November.
Toronto’s Changing Perception of Meghan Markle
Given this history, the critical tone of the Toronto Star’s opinion piece by columnist Patricia Treble is striking. Treble argues that Meghan has failed to leverage her post-royal status effectively, despite having “all the ingredients” to become a global cultural icon. The article highlights that five years after stepping back from royal duties, Meghan’s career appears to be losing momentum rather than gaining it.
Patricia Treble points to several indicators of this decline, including the absence of any confirmed renewal for Meghan’s Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan and the lack of a second season for her podcast. Furthermore, the Sussexes’ recent “multi-year, first look deal” with Netflix is described as a downgrade compared to their previous agreement, as it only allows Netflix to accept or reject projects without a guaranteed commitment.
Behind the Scenes: The Impact of the Criticism on Meghan Markle
The criticism has reportedly hit Meghan hard behind the scenes. Sources close to the Sussexes reveal that this review from Toronto is the most painful Meghan has received, primarily because it comes from a city that once provided her refuge and a sense of normalcy. The negative feedback has shaken her confidence and left her “reeling with shock and shame.”
Patricia Treble’s article also offers insight into Meghan’s public persona and career strategy. She suggests that Meghan could achieve fame by being “open and real,” similar to the Kardashians, who have built a lucrative empire by continuously reinventing themselves and sharing their lives with the public. Alternatively, if Meghan values privacy, she could emulate Princess Catherine of Wales, whose selective public appearances have increased public fascination.
However, Treble criticizes Meghan for wanting the recognition of royalty without the responsibilities that come with it, such as engaging in numerous public duties and charitable events. The columnist also notes that Prince Harry’s public activities have been limited mainly to his ongoing work with the Invictus Games, implying a lack of broader engagement.
Internal Struggles and Staff Turnover Add to Meghan’s Challenges
The negative review coincides with ongoing upheaval within the Sussexes’ inner circle. Their longtime adviser James Holt, who managed the Archewell Foundation since 2021 and was considered a “rock” during the Megxit period, recently stepped down. His departure followed the exit of Meredith Maines, who served less than a year as the couple’s chief communications officer.
James Holt’s exit marks the sixth senior publicity figure to leave the Sussexes’ team in 2025 alone. This high turnover rate has fueled speculation and concern about Meghan’s career direction and the sustainability of her public image. Insiders suggest that the lack of a clear, defined path is causing confusion both within the team and among the public.
One insider remarked, “People around Meghan feel she needs to make a clear choice about the role she wants to play in the public eye because continuing without a defined direction is no longer effective.” This sentiment underscores the urgency for Meghan to reassess her approach and decide how she wants to shape her future.
Conclusion: Meghan Markle’s Path Forward Amidst Criticism
Meghan Markle’s recent “most painful review yet” from her former hometown Toronto highlights the challenges she currently faces in her post-royal career. The critique underscores the need for a clear strategy and renewed focus if she hopes to regain momentum and public favor. With internal staff changes and public scrutiny mounting, Meghan’s next steps will be crucial in defining her legacy beyond the royal spotlight.
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