For designers and retailers, Meghan Markle's influence cannot be overstated. Almost everything she wears sells out, and even more quickly if it is in a relatively affordable price range.

Bianca Gates, co-founder of the shoe brand Birdies (opens in new tab), which Meghan has worn in public on numerous occasions, says the so-called "Markle glow" is "unaffordable" marketing.

At least, it couldn't be bought before.

But now that Harry and Meghan have retired from their royal executive roles, Meghan's endorsement may, at least in theory, be for sale.

The Sussexes sought financial independence when they left active royalty and gave up other, perhaps more personal aspects of their proposed plan, such as Prince Harry's appointment as an honorary military officer, to obtain it. Harry and Meghan have made it clear that they also intend to earn a private income, but they have not stated what exactly that means. (The outbreak of the coronavirus crisis has likely changed their plans to launch a charity organization, Archelwell (open in new tab), or launch other more lucrative initiatives.)

It seems unlikely that Princess Meghan will become a full-fledged spokesperson for the company and endorse its products. And even if the Sussexes were to resume social media, it is unlikely that she would immediately make a sponsored post. Such overt promotion would be an extreme change to her own personal brand. However, it does seem likely that Meghan would start receiving free clothing and products from brands that expect to see her wearing their products.

Gifting products to celebrities and high-profile influencers is a common practice in modern marketing. Brands send products to high-profile influencers for free and expect them to showcase them publicly.

Princess Meghan certainly knows how things work in this area, having had a career before her throne as an actress with her own lifestyle blog. However, when Meghan was receiving public funds as the Queen's representative, there were many rules and conventions that she had to abide by, one of which dictated the types of gifts she could receive.

The introduction to the Royal Family's Gift Policy, which appears to have been updated in 2003 (opens in new tab), states:

The basic principles for members of the Royal Family in accepting gifts, including hospitality and service, are Family members should not accept a gift that would or would appear to obligate them in any way to the donor. In this regard, before accepting a gift, careful consideration should always be given, whenever possible, to the donor, the reason and occasion for the gift, and the nature of the gift. Similarly, before declining an offer of a gift, one should carefully consider the offenses that might be caused by such an action.

It is not entirely clear to whom exactly the language of this passage applies. However, given the lengths to which Harry and Meghan have gone to economically detach themselves from the institution of the monarchy, Meghan may be freed from these constraints. (However, if Meghan wanted to actively promote her gift, she would be subject to the rules regarding social media advertising and gift-giving.)

The "gift" would be a gift of the monarchy, and Meghan would be free to use it as she sees fit, and would be free to use it as she sees fit.

Because of this gray area, the Sussexes will likely proceed with extreme caution. Says fashion journalist Elizabeth Holmes of So Many Thoughts (opens in new tab), a topical Instagram series on royal style. Holmes notes that it is impossible to know for sure whether or not Princess Meghan will receive the clothes for free.

"I think Meghan's power as a dresser will continue. Few celebrities have the financial power to move merchandise like the royal ladies.

Christine Ross, creative director of Effervescence Media Group, which runs the popular royal fashion blog Meghan's Mirror (opens in new tab), agrees. She believes that while Meghan may start receiving gifts from companies, she will choose what she receives "responsibly."

"If an independent, woman-owned brand reaches out to her and says, 'Would you like to learn more about our brand, we'll send you a necklace,' it could happen," Ross says. [But Dame Meghan knows how influential her fashion choices are and how much of an economic phenomenon the Meghan effect is. You won't see her Instagramming flat tummy teas."

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