Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been grappling with a wave of criticism over her new venture, American Riviera Orchard, which has reportedly left her disheartened and in tears. Launched in March with high expectations, the brand aimed to offer a range of luxury home and lifestyle products, including jams, oils, and household items. However, the reception has been less than favorable, with some of Markle's products, particularly her artisan jam, being derided for their high price and perceived lack of distinction.
Royal commentator Tom Quinn has revealed that the negative feedback has deeply affected Markle. "Meghan was in tears when the brand launched, and her new jam was widely mocked for being expensive and nothing special," Quinn told The Mirror. He further explained that Markle feels she is unfairly criticized and cannot understand why her efforts are not more warmly received. This sentiment of unfair treatment echoes Harry's own experiences with public scrutiny.
The American Riviera Orchard brand was initially introduced with a stylish promotional video shot at the Sussexes' Montecito estate. The video showcased Markle preparing treats in her kitchen and strolling through their opulent grounds, creating a sense of exclusivity and luxury. Despite the grand reveal, the brand's subsequent silence on product details and launch timelines led to a diminishing buzz and mounting skepticism about the brand's potential success.
Markle's disappointment has been compounded by the challenge of managing her brand's image. Reports suggest that the Duchess is preparing an extensive PR campaign to address the negative press and boost American Riviera Orchard's visibility. Plans include appearances on chat shows, podcasts, and interviews with selected journalists to revitalize interest and drive online sales, as noted by sources in The Express.
The criticism of Markle's products highlights a broader issue with her public image. According to Quinn, Markle is particularly sensitive about critiques of her lifestyle in the U.S. and struggles to reconcile public perceptions with her aspirations. "She is especially sensitive about any criticism of her luxurious lifestyle in the US-from her point of view this is something to be admired not criticised," Quinn added.
Despite the setbacks, Markle remains enthusiastic about her new business venture. A source close to the Duchess mentioned her excitement about finally sharing her brand with the world. "This is something she's been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves," the source said, reflecting Markle's ongoing commitment to the project despite the rocky start.
The challenges facing American Riviera Orchard come amid a busy period for Markle and Prince Harry. The couple has been involved in numerous initiatives, including their Netflix projects, a podcast, and international tours. Their efforts to stay in the public eye suggest a strategic approach to maintaining relevance and influence in the media landscape.
Critics, however, argue that the Sussexes' high-profile ventures are driven by a need to sustain public interest and financial stability. Hugo Vickers, a royal expert, pointed out that the couple's continuous rollout of new projects may be an attempt to prevent their celebrity status from waning. "Unless they keep coming up with new initiatives and new goods, they're going to disappear like so many other celebrities," Vickers observed.
