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In the ongoing evolution of modern royal influence, the paths of Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have diverged sharply-particularly in the success of their respective initiatives.
Catherine has quietly cultivated strong corporate partnerships to her work in early childhood development, while Meghan's latest media venture is reportedly faltering in its early stages.
The Princess of Wales, 43, has made early childhood a cornerstone of her royal work. Through her initiative, The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, launched in 2023, she has brought together leading businesses to families and improve developmental outcomes for children under five.
The initiative has been met with enthusiastic from major global brands including LEGO, IKEA, and Deloitte.
LEGO has contributed by donating educational playsets to preschool programs, and IKEA has offered products and supplies to baby banks across the UK. Deloitte, a key er, has funded over 1,300 early years teacher training programs and now offers 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave for new parents-a move praised as a model for other companies.
Taskforce chair Sir Ron Kalifa emphasized the critical role businesses play in shaping society beyond economics.
"These roles aren't just business functions-they're incredible platforms for meaningful action," Kalifa explained.
He added that companies, whether global giants or local retailers, have a unique opportunity to champion childhood development and well-being.
The program's most recent report underscores that investing in the early years of a child's life doesn't just benefit individual families-it also fosters healthier communities and long-term economic stability. Despite Catherine's recent health challenges, her work behind the scenes continues to drive momentum and inspire confidence in the project's mission.
Meghan's New Podcast Struggles to Find Its Voice
While Catherine's efforts are gaining recognition and traction, Meghan Markle is facing an uphill battle with her latest media endeavor. Her new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, launched in collaboration with Lemonada Media, aims to spotlight the journeys of women entrepreneurs-including her own experience with her recently launched lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
However, the show has received lukewarm reactions. Industry insiders say the Duchess has struggled to book high-profile guests. Despite aggressive outreach, the podcast has reportedly failed to attract the A-list lineup she hoped for-names like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have not signed on. Instead, the show has featured lesser-known influencers and startup CEOs, which some say undercuts its intended impact.
Critics have also pointed to the show's tone and content, with some reviews claiming it leans too heavily on Meghan's personal narrative rather than highlighting her guests. One Hollywood publicist commented that the podcast "lacks the star power needed to elevate it into a must-listen."