The future of Meghan Markle's highly anticipated lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard (ARO), is unclear, with royal experts expressing concern about its future.
In March, the Duchess of Sussex announced the brand's soft launch by sending 50 jars of homemade ARO strawberry jam to friends to promote the brand, who then shared the products on social media.
However, little has been heard about ARO since then and the brand is yet to be fully realised, leading some experts to speculate about its viability.
Pauline McLaran, professor of marketing and consumer studies at Royal Holloway University and royal author, is perplexed.
She told Express.co.uk: “We've been hearing a lot about Megan's lifestyle brand but nothing concrete has happened yet – nothing really solid.”
American Riviera Orchard was expected to combine Meghan's passion for wellness with her experience in the entertainment industry to become a major player in the lifestyle sector.
An official launch date for ARO has yet to be announced, but it's rumored that Meghan's first official product for the brand will be a bottle of rosé wine, and the venture is also expected to include a drinkware collection.
Meanwhile, Meghan has reportedly finished filming a new cooking and home show for Netflix, with one PR expert predicting one move could be a “game changer” for the show.
Carla Speight told Express.co.uk: “We don't know if Archie and Lilibeth will make an appearance because so far Harry has shielded his children from the spotlight that has been thrust upon them his whole life. However, if they do make an appearance it will be to the delight of fans around the world.”
She continued: “If they take a natural break from filming, as Jamie Oliver's children have been doing with their recent show, it could provide many lovely moments and a real insight into family life never before offered by any member of the royal family.”
“It would be a really amazing moment and a potential game-changer in terms of how the public views them as a family. If it happens, it could bring back a sense of protectiveness towards Princess Diana, her son Harry who is the people's princess, and their grandchildren.”
“The public once adored Prince Harry, but the distance between the Royal Family and the public has made it harder for them to maintain their sense of commitment to Harry and William over the years, and this drama has only exacerbated that.”
“Once Meghan and Harry show the world the loving family they are, the reaction will be incredibly positive.”
