'She's basically Fergie now': Royal insiders baffled over Meghan Markle's latest venture
This is quite a unique venture for a royal!
Meghan Markle has quite the unique business move on the horizon according to reports. She is said to be about to headline a luxury retreat!?
The Duchess of Sussex is set to front a women-only retreat in Australia in just a few weeks time. Here is everything we know so far as royal insiders speak out comparing her to none other than Sarah Ferguson…
Meghan Markle’s new venture
Harry and Meghan are adventuring to Australia next month.
During their time down under, Meghan Markle has quite an unusual opportunity at hand.
The Duchess of Sussex will be speaking at a “girls’ weekend like no other”.
Meghan Markle is expected to be a keynote speaker at a women-only luxury retreat.
The retreat will include a grand dinner, where she is expected to speak.
VIP ticket holders will also be given the chance to grab a photo with the famous royal.
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Unsurprisingly, this experience doesn’t come cheap.
Tickets for the event will reportedly set you back a whopping £1,439.
As per The Mirror, it is believed 300 tickets will be sold by organisers, Her Best Life podcast, founded by Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Gemma O’Neill.
Meghan Markle to front ‘girls weekend retreat’
An advert explains: “A girls’ weekend like no other! An unforgettable weekend for women ready to reconnect, recharge and have some serious fun. Join us for an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and unforgettable experience.”
Gemma O’Neill, in wake of Jackie stepping back from their joint podcast, confirmed Meghan’s collaboration in an episode of the podcast on Wednesday, March 11.
She said of Meghan Markle getting involved with the retreat: “I have admired [Meghan] and what she has endured… and how she has demonstrated how a woman can be pushed down, and she can still rise.”
The Mirror reports: “Early bird tickets cost an eye-watering $2,699 AUD (£1,439), which are limited to just a handful of sales ahead of general release. Meanwhile, the VIP experience tickets are priced at $3,199 AUD (£1706.75), and promise a seat at a table in the front two rows for the gala dinner hosted by the Duchess.”
Your chance to sit down with the Duchess of Sussex
VIP ticket holders will also snag the chance of getting a group photo with Meghan.
They will also be treated to a goodie bag, and a luxury hotel room with an ocean-view.
Other lavish opportunities are also expected to be on offer over the weekend retreat.
These are said to include morning yoga classes, meditation and manifestation sessions, a chat with Meghan Markle and a sound-healing experience.
Harry and Meghan’s Australian tour will be the first time they have visited Oz since stepping away from The Firm.
They last visited Australia in 2018 – the same year they wed.
Meghan Markle compared to Sarah Ferguson
It looks like Meghan’s latest move is quite reminiscent of another royal…Fergie.
Daily Mail Royal Editor Rebecca English has chimed in on the matter, penning: “Indeed, a ‘Meet Meghan’ event to be held in Sydney is currently hawking ‘VIP experience’ tickets for £1,705 as part of a weekend of activities which even boasts a ‘group table photo with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’. The price includes twin-bed hotel accommodation for two nights.
“The revelation led one well-placed royal insider to liken her to the former Duchess of York. ‘She’s basically Fergie,’ they said.”
The comparison likely comes from Sarah Ferguson’s own attempts to use her royal name to leverage her career over the years.
Fergie built her career selling books and building brand partnerships.
Not only has Sarah Ferguson had a best-selling book, she was also the spokesperson for Weight Watcher in the 90s.
Some agencies have even listed her fee for appearances, keynote speeches, meet and greets and fireside events as $100K–$200K.
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield told previous told The Daily Mail of Meghan and Fergie’s alleged similarities.
“Meghan’s return to Hollywood reflects her inability to deviate from Sarah Ferguson’s post-royal playbook. Both women have written children’s books, hosted podcasts, appeared on reality television, lifestyle television, and collaborated closely with Oprah Winfrey.”
She went on to say: “Fergie has produced Hollywood films, and Meghan is producing Meet Me at the Lake. Fergie played herself in an episode of Friends; Meghan is now playing herself in Close Personal Friends.”
Harry and Meghan’s trip to Australia
Meanwhile, their recent trip to Jordan was said to have rubbed Prince William and Princess Kate the wrong way, as the Sussexes were supposedly ‘acting like royals’.
Elsewhere, Prince Harry is said to be hopeful that their fresh faces could impress The Firm and that they could prove that they can do their bit for the monarchy on their own terms.
What do you think?
Representatives for Meghan Markle have been contacted for comment.
Read more: ‘Tearful’ Prince Harry ‘snubbed’ at ‘cold and distant’ public appearance with royal family
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