Is Meghan Markle quietly gearing up for a comeback to her lifestyle guru days? One royal expert seems to think so.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, told Fox News Digital that the Duchess of Sussex may be eyeing a return to her now-defunct lifestyle blog “The Tig” as early as this month.
A spokesperson for the former American actress, 41, didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
“I believe Meghan is planning on relaunching ‘The Tig’ in February,” said Schofield. “Inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan launched ‘The Tig’ at the height of her ‘Suits’ fame. I think ‘The Tig’ perfectly aligns with Meghan’s ultimate objective, which seems to be being an influencer rather than a royal.”
“‘The Tig’ trademark was filed again in February of 2022 by Meghan’s team, with whispers of a Feb. 14, 2023, launch,” Schofield said. “Valentine’s Day is a special date for Meghan as it was the day the Sussexes announced their pregnancy [with their daughter] Lili. It was also the day Princess Diana confirmed she was pregnant with Prince Harry.”
Markle shut down her lifestyle website months after she started dating Harry in 2017. The site – aimed to share Markle’s personal reflections as well as her passions for food and travel – was created in 2014. Its name is inspired by the Italian wine Tignanello.
“After close to three beautiful years on this adventure with you, it’s time to say goodbye to The Tig,” she wrote. “What began as a passion project (my little engine that could) evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun and frivolity. You’ve made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy. Keep finding those Tig moments of discovery, keep laughing and taking risks, and keep being ‘the change you wish to see in the world.’ Above all, don’t ever forget your worth – as I’ve told you time and time again: you, my sweet friend, you are enough. Thank you for everything.”
In 2019, Markle’s business manager filed documents in the U.S. to keep the rights to her site until 2021. This prompted speculation that the duchess was relaunching it. However, a palace spokesperson said at the time that there were “absolutely no plans to relaunch ‘The Tig.’”
“The lasting trademark is to prevent false branding, to avoid others purporting to be the duchess or affiliated with her,” the spokesperson added.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020. At the time, they cited what they saw as the media’s racist treatment of the duchess and a lack of support from the palace. After moving to California, Markle launched a podcast titled “Archetypes” in 2022, which topped Spotify charts around the world. In December, the couple’s six-part Netflix documentary was released. On Jan. 10, Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” shattered the record for the fastest-selling nonfiction book of all time.
Markle was noticeably absent while Harry led a media tour to promote his book. Schofield suspected the mother of two was purposely lying low as she prepares to launch her own solo project.
“A successful lifestyle and digital brand would put Meghan in the same categories as Paltrow, Jessica Alba or even Kim Kardashian,” Schofield said. “The idea would be to brand everything around a property that existed before Meghan marrying into the royal family to give the appearance that Meghan has success on her own. The reality is, Meghan will be given incredible opportunities because of her proximity to the royal family.”