Duchess of Sussex faces criticism as 40x40 project quietly disappears
Meghan Markle is facing renewed criticism after reports claimed she has shifted her focus away from charity work and towards her personal brand. The claims come in the wake of Harry’s decision to return to the UK.
According to sources, the Duchess of Sussex has quietly abandoned her 40x40 initiative, a project she launched on her 40th birthday in 2021. The campaign encouraged mentors to donate 40 minutes of their time to help women who lost jobs during the pandemic. While the idea initially generated publicity, critics now allege it was never built on a sustainable framework.
“It was billed as a serious attempt to help women, but the truth is it was a gimmick,” a former royal aide told RadarOnline. Another staffer added that the project lacked clear structure and quickly fizzled once media attention faded.
A Hollywood insider suggested Meghan has “moved firmly into self-interest,” with her focus now on Netflix deals, production work, and lifestyle branding rather than charitable causes. “She talks about helping others, but the reality is she’s building her personal empire,” the source said.
Critics also argue that while 40x40 was promoted as a way to support women back into the workforce, the only real career boost came for Meghan herself. “She used the project to promote her image as a humanitarian, then quietly let it die. That makes it look cynical,” another palace figure commented.
The move has fuelled further debate about her standing with the British public, with some suggesting she will never enjoy the same place in their hearts as other royals.
