Meghan Markle Angles for Slice of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Empire with Seemingly Copycat Strategy: Experts

Meghan Markle seems to be setting her sights on a new career goal: becoming California’s royal answer to Gwyneth Paltrow. The Duchess of Sussex surprised followers on Tuesday by appearing alongside her Montecito neighbor, Paltrow, in an Instagram Q&A. The seemingly casual segment also served to squash rumors of a feud between the two.

While the video showed a lighthearted exchange—complete with Meghan shrugging and eating pie—experts suggest there’s more at play. Some believe that Meghan is angling to carve out her own niche as a lifestyle guru, potentially following in the lucrative footsteps of Paltrow’s $250 million Goop empire. Branding expert Doug Eldridge summed it up well: "Trying to catch up with Goop would be like starting a cross-country road trip behind someone who’s already two time zones ahead." Harsh, but not inaccurate.

Experts also emphasize that competing in the lifestyle and digital retail space is no walk in the park. Eldridge pointed out that for Meghan to truly succeed, she’ll need to embrace authenticity—something critics argue has been missing in her ventures so far. "Less production, less pomp, less scripting—just be you," he advised. Wise words, and probably easier said than done when you’re a former royal navigating Hollywood expectations.

Gwyneth, for her part, played it cool during the Instagram Q&A, shutting down feud rumors with humor. "I genuinely do not understand this at all," she responded to a fan’s question, before panning her phone to reveal Meghan sitting nearby. Paltrow later told Vanity Fair that while she doesn’t know Meghan and Harry well, she’s inclined to support other women in the spotlight. "I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes," she said, in what could be interpreted as a subtle dig at the endless drama surrounding Meghan.

The timing of Meghan’s appearance with Paltrow coincided with the launch of her new ShopMy page, where fans can buy curated fashion and beauty products she’s worn. Unsurprisingly, many items—like a $495 gold necklace and a $1350 silk gown—sold out quickly. The collection mirrors the high-end aesthetic of Goop, further fueling comparisons between Meghan and Gwyneth.

Not everyone is convinced of Meghan’s staying power in the lifestyle world. Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast, noted that while Meghan’s style is chic and relatable, it lacks the polish and longevity of Paltrow’s brand. "Gwyneth did it first," she said bluntly, dismissing any notion of professional competition between the two women. Ouch.

Still, Meghan isn’t backing down. Her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan" and upcoming podcast "Confessions of a Female Founder" suggest she’s serious about establishing a presence in the lifestyle space. Whether she can overcome the criticism of being "inauthentic" remains to be seen. As Eldridge put it, "Authenticity is king." And in the world of lifestyle empires, it’s also the crown jewel.