MEGHAN Markle has numerous upcoming projects, from her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard to her new Netflix cookery show.
However, the Duchess of Sussex, 42, reportedly feels “every move she makes is met with criticism” and she is “unfairly picked on”, claims a royal author.
Tom Quinn claimed to the Mirror US: “There is a growing rift between Harry and Meghan caused by Meghan’s increasing concern that her life is not going in the direction she had planned – she loves media attention and hates the fact that surveys suggest she and Harry are no longer of much interest to the American public.”
Meghan announced the launch of American Riviera Orchard back in March but has not yet sold any products to fans.
So far she has sent jams and dog treats to friends and influencers, including to Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins and Kris Jenner.
Tom added: “Meghan was in tears when the brand launched and her new jam was widely mocked for being expensive and nothing special.
“She has reached the point now where she thinks that anything and everything she does will be unfairly criticised. Like her husband, she feels that people are unfairly picking on her – she cannot understand why people don’t admire her work.”
Meghan is yet to make a sale, despite the initial excitement surrounding the promotion, and brand strategist Lucie Green shared how the delay in selling could be down to Meghan trying to find investors for the company.
Lucie shared: “It could be that she’s still courting investment.
“If the brand is direct to consumer, versus wholesale, there will need to be a substantial marketing budget for consumer acquisition.
“It could be that the jams were the precursor and example to show proof of concept to talent and investors.”
While the website is not yet up and running, we have seen a few items that may be offered American Riviera Orchard.
Meghan is expected to sell bedding pillows, soaps, home décor, fragrances, cookbooks and cookie mixes on American Rivera Orchard in due course.
One source said: “She’s been working on this for over a year and it’s all the things that are close to her heart — all the things she’s passionate about.”
Many royal fans have posted their enthusiasm for the launch on social media, with one saying: “So excited for these lovely heavenly jams from American Riviera Orchard, a wellness brand I will subscribe to!”
In addition to American Riviera Orchard, Meghan is also set to launch a brand new cooking show on Netflix – if their contract is renewed.
Tom added: “With news that the couple’s Netflix contract may be under threat, along with the mockery that greeted the launch of her online brand, Meghan feels very much under siege.”
The couple are saddled with a $9.5million mortgage for their Montecito mansion and they are estimated to spend £3million a year on round-the-clock security.
Their documentary series, Harry & Meghan was met with mixed reviews, while Meghan’s animated series Pearl was savagely ditched by Netflix while it was still in development.
We last saw the couple as Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS last week.
The Duke of Sussex and his wife received a cheer as they were introduced by close friend and host Serena Williams.
Harry, wearing a dark suit and tie, was sat at the Dolby Theatre alongside the duchess, who wore a long white dress from Staud’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
MEGHAN Markle launched her brand's new Instagram page in March 2024, but no products are available to buy as of yet.
Industry insiders said the site will focus on home, food, garden and lifestyle goods.
Meghan kicked off promoting American Riviera Orchard by sending 50 branded jams to friends and influencers.
Those who received a package included Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins and Kris Jenner.
She later unveiled two new products from her American Riviera Orchard brand just hours before Trooping the Colour.
Polo player and close friend of Prince Harry, Nacho Figueras was treated to a jar of raspberry jam from the collection as well as a jar of luxury dog biscuits for his pooch.
Harry, 39, received the gong for his Invictus Games work at the star-studded Los Angeles bash.
According to ESPN, the Pat Tillman Award for Service is “given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger, Pat Tillman”.
Harry gave an emotional speech as he told the crowd: “The truth is I stand here not as Prince Harry Pat Tillman Award recipient but rather as a voice on behalf of the Invictus Game Foundation,” he told the crowd.
“And the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality
“This award belongs to them not to me.
“It is of great importance to me to highlight these allies and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity.
“Especially on nights like this in front of people like you.”
He also thanked the awards to bringing attention to the work of Invictus.
“Moments like these help us reach the people who need Invictus most,” Harry added.
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