Prince Harry and Meghan Markle typically keep their Thanksgiving celebrations private, but this year could prove different with Meghan building a lifestyle brand and the holidays could be a promotional tie-in.
With Thanksgiving approaching, royal author and consumer research expert Pauline Maclaran weighed in on how the Sussexes might navigate the upcoming holiday season.
Maclaran voiced concerns that Meghan’s entrepreneurial ambitions could potentially complicate Harry’s efforts to rebuild his relationship with his father, King Charles, which Prince William is reportedly warming up to.
“Meghan certainly seems to have been sharing more of their private side so she may feature their Thanksgiving celebrations in some way on her Instagram,” Maclaran said.
She highlighted why increased social media activity could be problematic: “It does seem Harry is trying not to stir things with his family. I imagine he would like to see his father more frequently and is mindful of how his behaviors may impact on the King.”
Maclaran doesn’t anticipate Meghan “making a big deal over Thanksgiving” because she has different priorities in mind.
“Certainly there’s a gift box of jams featured on her As ever site and talk of the ‘holiday season’ but more in line with Christmas rather than Thanksgiving,” Maclaran said.
“I suspect she is saving most of her efforts for the Christmas trade which makes sense as there is much more gift-giving at this time. Her products are ideal as presents!”
“Given her product range, which is much more suitable for presents, I think it would be a mistake to promote her range too much for Thanksgiving given how close to Christmas it is and the risk of consumer fatigue.”