By Molly Claire Goddard
7:58am PST, Nov 7, 2025
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Meghan Markle's return to the big screen in the upcoming movie
Closer Personal Friends might not be the best idea, public relations expert
Renae Smith believes. "From a PR standpoint, it feels more like a headline grab than a professional reinvention," she told
Daily Express. "Strategically, it's confusing too. She's spent the past couple of years trying to reposition herself as a businesswoman and philanthropist, then as an influencer/lifestyle brand. But definitely not a performer. This move muddies the narrative. Is she building a brand, or chasing relevance? My guess is she's going for 'anything that will get attention.'"
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Renae Smith also noted how Meghan Markle's cameo — in which she plays herself — isn't "exactly a career comeback."
"I think calling this a 'return to acting' is generous. I wouldn't call it acting any more than I'd call another Oprah [Winfrey] interview acting. It's still just Meghan being Meghan, but this time with better lighting and perhaps a better storyline," the commentator said.
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In a headline-making move, Meghan Markle signed onto the Amazon Prime film
Close Personal Friends starring
Lily Collins,
Brie Larson and
Jack Quaid. The
Suits star was
photographed on set at MGM Studios in Pasadena after an eight-year break from acting.
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The announcement of Meghan Markle's latest project came as
Prince William visited Brazil for the Earthshot Prize Awards. "Meghan drawing headlines away from
Prince William's high-profile event will not go unnoticed by the palace," royal expert
Kinsey Schofield told
Fox News Digital. "The pattern of
Prince Harry and Meghan retreating from the spotlight for months, only to reemerge during William's major moments, is something his team is acutely aware of."
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Meghan Markle's latest venture is surprising, as an insider claimed Hollywood is sick of the
With Love, Meghan star and Prince Harry. "There is not only no appetite left for them in Los Angeles, but they've also worn through any good will they had," the source told
Page Six.
