Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has found herself at the center of controversy once again. In March, she announced the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which aimed to blend her love for luxury with the organic, sustainable ethos she has often championed. Initially, the announcement was met with intrigue and excitement. A beautifully shot promotional video, featuring Meghan cooking in her and Prince Harry’s Montecito mansion and strolling through their expansive gardens, created a buzz about what was to come.
However, details about the brand remained scarce, leaving many to speculate. It wasn’t long before Meghan revealed the product lines she would offer: a range of kitchen and homeware items, alongside a collection of oils, nut butters, jams, preserves, home fragrances, and furnishings. Yet, what should have been a triumphant moment for the former actress and royal turned sour as public reaction became increasingly critical.
Royal expert and author Tom Quinn weighed in, suggesting Meghan was “in tears” after the backlash against her brand, particularly focusing on the first product to hit the shelves — her exclusive range of jams. “Meghan’s new internet brand, American Riviera Orchard, faced a rough start. She was reportedly devastated when her high-end jams were criticized for being overly expensive and ‘nothing special’ compared to similar products already available on the market,” Quinn explained. “She feels targeted, believing any venture she undertakes is met with unwarranted skepticism and negativity.”
Adding to the strain, Meghan faced further backlash for the perceived elitism of her brand. Critics have accused her of being out of touch with everyday consumers, questioning the high price tags attached to her products during a time of economic uncertainty for many. This criticism struck a nerve, with Meghan reportedly feeling deeply hurt by the suggestions that her brand was more about cashing in on her royal connections than offering genuine, quality goods.
The scrutiny over American Riviera Orchard has led Meghan to ramp up her PR efforts. Determined to change the narrative, she has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, seeking to refine her brand message and better connect with her target audience. Despite the initial hurdles, she remains committed to her vision, convinced that American Riviera Orchard has the potential to become a significant player in the lifestyle market.
Meghan’s recent struggles have drawn comparisons to other high-profile women who have faced intense media scrutiny. Many of her supporters argue that the criticism she faces is often harsher than what others experience, speculating that this may be due in part to her background and the public’s complicated perception of her since she married into the British royal family.
Despite the challenges, Meghan remains hopeful. Insiders suggest she is looking to launch additional product lines soon, with a particular focus on sustainability and supporting small-scale producers. The Duchess believes that by staying true to her values and focusing on high-quality, ethically sourced products, she can eventually win over her critics and build a successful, respected brand.
The road ahead may be rocky for Meghan Markle and American Riviera Orchard, but if there’s one thing the Duchess of Sussex has shown the world, it’s her resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Only time will tell if her latest endeavor will succeed in winning over both critics and consumers.
