Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has once again found herself at the center of controversy, this time over her newly launched lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. According to a report, friends of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, have allegedly mocked Meghan’s brand, describing it as “tacky” and “overpriced.” This criticism has sparked discussions about the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the British royal family, as well as the challenges Meghan faces in establishing her brand in a competitive market.

The Launch of American Riviera Orchard

In early 2024, Meghan Markle unveiled American Riviera Orchard, a lifestyle brand aimed at offering a range of products including home goods, kitchenware, and food items such as jams and spreads. The brand’s aesthetic is inspired by Meghan’s life in Montecito, California, where she resides with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The launch was accompanied by a sleek promotional campaign, including a professionally designed Instagram page and a website, signaling Meghan’s intent to carve out a niche in the competitive lifestyle and wellness market.

The brand’s debut was marked by the distribution of limited-edition strawberry jam jars to a select group of influencers and friends, including celebrities like Kris Jenner and fashion designer Tracy Robbins. These jars, elegantly packaged and numbered, were intended to generate buzz and establish American Riviera Orchard as a premium brand. However, the high-profile launch has not been without its detractors, particularly among circles close to the British royal family.

Alleged Mockery from William and Kate’s Inner Circle

According to the report, friends of Prince William and Kate Middleton have been vocal in their criticism of Meghan’s brand, labeling it as “tacky” and questioning its pricing strategy. The article suggests that these individuals, described as part of the “Kensington Palace circle,” view the brand as an attempt by Meghan to capitalize on her royal connections while distancing herself from the monarchy. The mockery reportedly stems from a perception that the products, such as the $30 jars of jam, are overpriced for what they offer and fail to resonate with the sophistication expected of a royal-associated brand.

This criticism is not isolated but rather part of a broader narrative of tension between the Sussexes and the Waleses. Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced scrutiny for their various commercial ventures, including their Netflix deal, Spotify podcast, and now American Riviera Orchard. The reported comments from William and Kate’s friends highlight a lingering divide, with some perceiving Meghan’s business endeavors as opportunistic or out of touch with the understated elegance associated with the royal family.

The Challenges of Building a Lifestyle Brand

Meghan’s foray into the lifestyle market is a bold move, given the crowded landscape dominated by established names like Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and Martha Stewart’s empire. American Riviera Orchard aims to position itself as a premium brand, but the criticism it has received underscores the challenges of breaking into this space. The mockery from William and Kate’s circle may reflect broader skepticism about Meghan’s ability to compete with industry giants, particularly when her brand is still in its infancy.

Moreover, the pricing of American Riviera Orchard’s products has been a focal point of criticism. A $30 jar of jam, for instance, is significantly more expensive than typical supermarket offerings, leading some to question whether the brand’s value proposition justifies its cost. Critics argue that Meghan’s reliance on her celebrity status and royal ties may not be enough to sustain consumer interest in a market that demands authenticity and quality.

Public and Media Reactions

The reported mockery has fueled discussions on social media and in the press, with opinions divided along familiar lines. Supporters of Meghan argue that the criticism is rooted in personal animosity rather than objective evaluation, pointing to the ongoing media scrutiny she has faced since marrying Prince Harry. They contend that the mockery from William and Kate’s friends is an extension of the broader campaign to undermine Meghan’s efforts to build an independent career.

Conversely, detractors of the Sussexes view the criticism as a legitimate critique of a brand that may be overreaching. Some have drawn comparisons to Meghan’s previous ventures, such as her Netflix cooking show, which was also criticized for its perceived lack of relatability. The article notes that Hugo Vickers, a royal biographer, described Meghan’s cooking show as “unrealistic” due to its focus on luxury settings, a sentiment echoed in the mockery of American Riviera Orchard.

The Bigger Picture: Royal Rivalries and Public Perception

The reported comments from William and Kate’s friends are a reminder of the complex dynamics within the royal family. The rift between the Sussexes and the Waleses has been well-documented, with public disagreements over issues ranging from media treatment to the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties. The mockery of Meghan’s brand can be seen as a continuation of this tension, with friends of the Waleses potentially acting as proxies for broader sentiments within the royal establishment.

For Meghan, the criticism poses both a challenge and an opportunity. While negative feedback from high-profile circles could damage her brand’s reputation, it also keeps American Riviera Orchard in the public eye, generating free publicity. The success of the brand will ultimately depend on Meghan’s ability to navigate these challenges, deliver high-quality products, and connect with consumers on a personal level.

Conclusion

The reported mockery of Meghan Markle’s American Riviera Orchard by friends of Prince William and Kate Middleton highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by the Duchess of Sussex as she builds her post-royal career. While the criticism underscores the challenges of establishing a lifestyle brand in a competitive market, it also reflects deeper tensions within the royal family. As Meghan continues to develop American Riviera Orchard, her ability to address these critiques and deliver a compelling product will be crucial to her success. For now, the controversy serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal rivalries, public perception, and commercial ambition in the world of celebrity branding.