Meghan Markle has reportedly become emotional and “brought to tears” amid “unfair criticism” directed at her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The Duchess gave fans a sneak peek at the new venture in a cryptic video filmed elegantly at her and Prince Harry's Montecito mansion in March, piqued fans' interest without revealing too many details.
The video showed Meghan baking in the kitchen before walking around the grounds of the home, and it quickly became clear that she'll be selling everything from artisanal products like jams, oils and nut butters to luxury items for the home, like fragrances and furniture.
Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand has come under fire – Credit: Getty
But the excitement has faded and few details have emerged about when American Riviera Orchard will officially open, forcing Meghan into defensive mode and a major PR push to boost the brand's image ahead of the launch.
Read more: Kate Middleton's way of handling Prince William and Prince Harry's feud is heartbreaking
Read more: Stepmother reveals the real reason Meghan Markle doesn't speak to her family
Royal commentator and author Tom Quinn suggested the duchess would have been devastated by the lukewarm response to her new brand, particularly the criticism she received about her artisanal jam business.
“The only hitch is Meghan's new internet brand, American Riviera Orchard. The launch left her in tears and her new jam was widely mocked as expensive and unexceptional,” he explained.
Meghan's lifestyle brand was announced in March – Credit: ANDRES CASTILLA 2024
“She has now reached the point where she believes everything she does is unfairly criticised. Like her husband, she feels people are unfairly attacking her and cannot understand why people don't praise her for her work,” the Mirror reported.
Tom claimed Meghan was unprepared for the criticism she may face when American Riviera Orchard opens later this year, adding: “She is particularly sensitive to criticism of her luxury lifestyle in America. From her perspective, this is something to be celebrated, not criticised.”
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly preparing a major PR push ahead of the launch of her new internet brand, American Riviera Orchard. According to Daily Express sources, she will be appearing on talk shows and podcasts, as well as giving interviews to select journalists, to generate buzz in an effort to attract potential supporters and boost online sales for the brand's debut.
Meghan's brand sells artisanal products and home furnishings – Credit: Getty Images
Tom's comments come after a leading royal expert spoke to OK! and pointed out two reasons why Meghan isn't completely done with royal life.
Ahead of Prince Harry's 40th birthday on September 15, former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond spoke exclusively to The Huffington Post: “I don't think Harry always looks back to the past, but the Harry I knew as a boy was someone who was always messing around with his family and having fun with them,” she said.
“In his book Spare, he writes about fond memories of those family gatherings. It's no wonder he now feels nostalgic for those connections and is still thinking about how to repair the damage that has been done in recent years.”
“But I think Meghan has completely put her brief flirtation with being a member of the royal family behind her, except for the title and the prestige that comes with it.”
