Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, a renowned agent at WME and co-owner of the newly opened Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland, California, recently revealed Meghan Markle’s efforts to secure a speaking slot at the venue. Meghan, who has transitioned from royal life to focus on her personal brand and public speaking career, has signed with WME to represent her as she pursues high-profile engagements. Among her latest endeavors is a pitch to speak at the Godmothers Bookstore, a local cultural hub that hosts intimate events centered around literature, discussions, and philanthropy.
The Godmothers Bookstore, co-owned by Walsh and Victoria Jackson, is situated in a beautifully renovated 1920s barn and aims to become a key gathering space for the Summerland community. It opened officially in September 2024, offering a wide selection of books and regularly hosting author signings, panel discussions, and workshops. The store pays tribute to unsung women who have significantly impacted their communities, making it a fitting place for Meghan, whose philanthropic interests align with the bookstore’s mission, to express interest in speaking there.
Meghan’s request to speak at the bookstore reflects her continued desire to reshape her public persona following her exit from royal duties in 2020. While her life with Prince Harry has been the subject of much media attention, she has sought to reclaim control of her narrative by engaging in meaningful public discourse. Securing a spot at Godmothers would be a strategic move for Meghan, allowing her to connect with a more intimate, supportive audience and promote her own ventures, such as her children’s book, The Bench, and Harry’s memoir, Spare, both of which are displayed prominently at the store.
Despite Meghan’s established connections—most notably with Oprah Winfrey, who co-hosted an event at the bookstore around the same time—her plea to WME for this specific slot demonstrates that even high-profile figures face challenges in navigating the competitive world of public speaking. The bookstore is set to feature a diverse range of speakers, and while Meghan’s team continues to push for the slot, no confirmation has been made yet regarding her appearance.
If successful, this appearance would likely offer Meghan a chance to speak candidly about her philanthropic efforts, career shifts, and perhaps even address ongoing media narratives surrounding her and Harry. However, the competition for such engagements, especially at a venue with as much prestige and local influence as Godmothers, remains fierce. For now, fans and critics alike await to see whether Meghan’s plea will result in a confirmed speaking role at this sought-after location.
