Meghan Markle's eagerly awaited lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has faced a series of setbacks, including reports of a delay attributed to difficulties in finding a suitable CEO. Despite the anticipation surrounding the brand, which was first revealed six months ago, there has been minimal public information about its launch. While the Duchess of Sussex has been active on social media and has sent branded products to influencers, a full-scale launch remains elusive.
According to recent reports, Meghan Markle's brand has yet to hit the market, fueling speculation about delays. An anonymous source suggested that the delay is due to the couple's demanding management style, which purportedly complicates the search for a CEO. This source claimed to Closer magazine, "The brutal reality is Harry and Meghan are the toughest of taskmasters, they are very demanding and difficult to work for, and that puts a lot of people's backs up."
However, a source close to the Duchess of Sussex has refuted these claims. Speaking to People magazine, the insider stated that Meghan has been diligently working behind the scenes.
The source assured that the full-scale launch of American Riviera Orchard is planned for later this year. "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 added.
The lack of a public release has been marked by a flurry of social media activity from Meghan's influencer friends, who have shared images of American Riviera Orchard-branded jams. Despite these promotional efforts, no additional products have been made available to the general public. The brand's focus includes downloadable and printed recipe books, tableware, textiles, jams, and marmalades, but specifics about availability remain scarce.
In the midst of this uncertainty, Meghan Markle has announced a new investment venture, further illustrating her entrepreneurial spirit. The Duchess has invested in Cesta Collective, a female-run handbag company known for its hand-woven bags made in Rwanda and finished in Italy. Meghan revealed her involvement after discovering the brand online and subsequently being seen with one of its bags. The founders of Cesta Collective confirmed Meghan's investment as a minority stake but did not disclose the financial details.
In a rare interview, Meghan discussed the influence she realized she wielded after her initial royal engagements. She noted that her support for emerging brands, such as Strathberry, had a significant impact. "Times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven't gotten the attention that they should be getting," Meghan explained.
The challenges facing American Riviera Orchard are compounded by ongoing trademark issues. Meghan Markle's team has encountered several "irregularities" with the trademark application, including incorrect classifications and additional fees. These issues may have contributed to the postponement of her Netflix show, which is now scheduled for a mid-2025 release. The show, linked to American Riviera Orchard, will feature lifestyle and cooking content.
Amid these hurdles, Meghan's previous investments have been highlighted. Her portfolio includes an investment in Clevr Blends, an ethical wellness brand, and Ethic, a sustainable investment firm. These moves reflect her ongoing commitment to aligning with brands that share her values.
