Hello everyone! Gather ’round because today, we’re diving into the latest chapter of Meghan Markle’s entrepreneurial journey. Now, if you’ve been keeping an ear to the ground, you might have heard whispers about her new venture, the American Riviera Orchard.
Launched in March, this brand stirred up quite a bit of curiosity when the Duchess of Sussex introduced it with a personal touch—a video filmed at her and Prince Harry’s stunning Montecito mansion. It was the kind of reveal that had everyone buzzing, as Meghan was seen bustling around her kitchen and enjoying the sprawling grounds of their estate.
So, what’s the scoop with American Riviera Orchard? Well, Meghan envisioned a brand that would go beyond just a name. She planned to roll out a range of products, from chic kitchen and homeware to gourmet goodies like oils, nut butters, and preserves. There was even talk of home fragrances and stylish furnishings. On March 14, Meghan made things Instagram-official, unveiling her project and sending ripples through social media.
But here’s where it gets interesting—Meghan’s ambitions didn’t stop there. A trademark application hinted at the revival of The Tig, her beloved lifestyle blog. This time, it was set to feature everything from elegant tableware and kitchen linens to a mouthwatering lineup of jellies, jams, and marmalades. And she wasn’t alone in this endeavor—celebrities like Mindy Kaling, Kris Jenner, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Chrissy Teigen were all in on the trend. Teigen even posted an Instagram Reel, giving fans a taste of what was to come.
However, not everything has been smooth sailing for Meghan. One of her products, a strawberry jam, quickly became a hot topic, but perhaps not in the way she had hoped. Despite the fanfare, the jam didn’t quite hit the mark. Reviews were mixed, with some calling it underwhelming.
This wasn’t just a blip on the radar—it added to the challenges she’s faced, including difficulties in hiring top talent for her brand. It’s been reported that her high standards have made it tough to find the right people for key positions like CEO.
Royal author Tom Quinn chimed in on the situation, noting that Meghan was “dismayed” by the criticism, particularly because the media and public forums weren’t kind to her new jam. The lukewarm reception and the subsequent scrutiny left Meghan feeling unsettled. Despite the glamorous launch, details on when American Riviera Orchard will officially hit the market are still under wraps, leaving everyone in suspense about her next move.
Quinn didn’t hold back, mentioning that Meghan’s “American Riviera Orchard” brand is seen by some as the latest “fly in the ointment.” The jam, in particular, faced backlash for being pricey without delivering anything special.
Meghan, who’s always been sensitive to criticism, especially when it comes to her lifestyle, reportedly feels unfairly targeted and is struggling to understand why her work isn’t being more appreciated.
Adding to the drama, a staffing shake-up has dealt a blow to Meghan and Harry. Sources revealed that losing key personnel was both humiliating and demoralizing for the couple. Just as they embarked on an exciting tour of Columbia, news broke that another team member had resigned, reigniting rumors about their leadership style and making it clear that the road ahead for American Riviera Orchard is anything but smooth.
