Meghan Markle named ‘most disappointing celebrity’ of 2025 by Toronto Star

TORONTO, CANADA: Meghan Markle was labeled the “most disappointing celebrity of 2025” in a year-end piece published by the Toronto Star, which argued that several of her highly anticipated ventures failed to deliver the momentum many had expected.

The article, written by Star critic Patricia Treble, assessed Markle’s year through the lens of public visibility, commercial output, and cultural impact. While acknowledging her global recognition and past success, the paper concluded that 2025 did not live up to the expectations surrounding her slate of media and lifestyle projects.

Article highlights unmet expectations across media and business ventures

In its year-end assessment, the Toronto Star wrote, “Meghan Markle was poised for a huge year. Instead, she’s our most disappointing celebrity of 2025.”

The article pointed to several initiatives that, in the paper’s view, failed to gain sustained traction. Among them was Markle’s ongoing partnership with Netflix. While the Duchess of Sussex signed a multi-year overall deal with the streaming giant, the Star noted that no major new projects beyond a holiday special were released during the year.

The paper also referenced the status of Markle’s podcasting efforts. Her previous Spotify series did not secure a second season, and no new audio projects were formally announced in 2025.

In addition, the article examined developments surrounding Markle’s consumer brand ambitions. Her lifestyle venture underwent a notable rebrand after trademark challenges reportedly forced a shift from the original name, American Riviera Orchard, to the new identity, As Ever. According to the As Ever, those hurdles slowed momentum and contributed to uncertainty around the brand’s future direction.

The piece further noted that Markle’s ShopMy merchandise hub, which was tied to her lifestyle branding, was launched and later removed within the same year. The paper cited this as another indicator that commercial expectations were not fully realized.

Reflection on Meghan Markle’s public journey

The Toronto Star also reflected on Markle’s personal connection to Canada, where she lived for seven years while starring on the legal drama 'Suits.' The article described that period as one in which she experienced a sense of normalcy before her life changed dramatically following her marriage into the British royal family.

It also referenced the moment Markle and Prince Harry first appeared publicly together at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017, an event that marked the beginning of their highly visible global profile.

Despite those ties and her continued international recognition, the paper argued that Markle’s projects in 2025 did not generate the cultural or commercial impact many observers had anticipated when her high-profile deals were first announced.

The Star clarified that its assessment was not based on polling or data analysis. Instead, it framed the designation as an editorial judgment reflecting visibility, outcomes, and public engagement over the past year.