Meghan Markle Effect: ‘Suits’ Star’s Strathberry Handbag Sells Out Fast

The Meghan Markle effect has officially started after the “Suits” alum’s first royal engagement with her fiancé, Prince Harry, last week.

Photos and videos of the 36-year-old surfaced online, and she was seen carrying a burgundy leather tote back from Strathberry. Within hours, the $675 bag has become sold out.

Brand owners Leanne Hundleby and her husband, Guy, are thrilled that their bag became an instant bestseller after fans saw Markle using it. Hundleby also revealed that she gave Markle an entire collection of bags and purses even before her engagement to Prince Harry was announced.

“It was a fantastic surprise and we are really excited. We’re suddenly incredibly busy,” she told The Telegraph.

Last month, there were predictions suggesting that Markle could change the royal fortune once she marries Prince Harry. But no one really predicted that her effect on the fans would happen right after they got engaged.

UK experts Brand Finance CEO David Haigh told News.co.au, “Although it’s difficult to speculate about numbers, it can be expected that Ms. Markle will join the Duchess of Cambridge as a great ambassador of the Monarchy, especially in her native United States and in Canada where she has recently lived.”

The publication noted that the royal effect brought in over $269 million to the UK economy in this year alone. Majority of this figure came from the royal family’s unofficial endorsements, as well as the products they were seen using or wearing.

Two years ago, the money that came from the royal family’s unofficial endorsements was much bigger. This year, Prince William and Kate Middleton decided to dress down their kids to protect their privacy.

“Nevertheless, the commercial impact of the royal children will grow with them, when they start making their own choices on what to wear, where to go on a holiday and who to party with,” Haigh said.

Meanwhile, Markle and Prince Harry will soon get married. Prior to their May wedding, the two will attend some official functions. It is possible that whatever Markle will use or wear will also be sold out.