Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has made headlines once again with the launch of her latest venture, American Riviera Orchard, signaling a foray into the lifestyle brand arena. The unveiling of Markle’s new brand comes amidst a storm of controversy surrounding her former in-laws, Prince William and Princess Kate, as scrutiny intensifies over alleged photo editing scandals at Kensington Palace.
Markle announced the creation of American Riviera Orchard via Instagram, presenting a tantalizing glimpse into the brand’s offerings through a carefully curated nine-post grid and a captivating short video. The brand’s logo, featuring the letters A and R intertwined within a crest, hints at Markle’s creative involvement in its design, with the inclusion of “Montecito” underscoring her California roots.
While details about American Riviera Orchard remain somewhat scarce, trademark filings shed light on the brand’s potential trajectory. Plans indicate a comprehensive array of products ranging from tableware, cookbooks, and servingware to gardening items, home decor, and pet gear. The filings suggest a business model akin to lifestyle brands led by prominent figures like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba, with an emphasis on curated retail offerings catering to diverse consumer needs.
Notably, this isn’t Markle’s inaugural venture into the lifestyle brand arena. Before her marriage to Prince Harry in 2017, Markle captivated audiences with her lifestyle blog, The Tig, where she shared insights into fashion, interviews with celebrities, and personal anecdotes. The launch of American Riviera Orchard represents a strategic expansion of Markle’s business portfolio, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision.
Meanwhile, public attention has been riveted by developments at Kensington Palace, where allegations of photo manipulation have cast a shadow over Princess Kate. Amidst mounting scrutiny and controversy, Kensington Palace’s reputation as a reliable source of information has been called into question, amplifying speculation surrounding the Princess’s recent absence from public view.
As Markle embarks on this new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey, the juxtaposition of her brand launch against the backdrop of Kensington Palace controversies underscores the enduring fascination with royal figures and the complexities of navigating public scrutiny in the modern era.
