Meghan Markle has officially launched her long-awaited lifestyle brand on Instagram, four years after the Duke and Duchess’s official account was closed down, and the new account has been named ‘American Riviera Orchard’ – a name which has been already heavily criticised.
The brand launched on the day of Prince William and Prince Harry’s “joint appearance” at the Diana Legacy Awards which was held at the Science Museum in Central London. It was the 25th anniversary of the charity, and 20 young children were honoured for inspiring future generations.
Criticising the new Instagran account and brand launch Daily Mail columnist, Maureen Callahan, wrote: “’American Riviera Orchard’ is the latest addition to Brand Sussex, and it’s as beige and basic as our Duchess of Despair and her endless grievances.”
Ms Callahan states she has a problem understanding the name of Meghan Markle’s new brand.
She added: “Let’s get one thing straight: We don’t call our coasts ‘rivieras’ in America. They’re beaches, lakefronts, or bays. We love them, we sunbathe by them, we perambulate and picnic and walk our dogs, but we don’t call them ‘rivieras’.”
The Daily Mail columnist, also takes aim at the timing of the brand launch, referencing insensitivity as King Charles currently undergoes treatment for cancer, which was diagnosed earlier this year.
She writes: “As the King has withdrawn from his public duties, as the slimmed-down monarchy suffers amid Kate’s prolonged absence, Meghan applies for a US trademark to sell tablecloths, napkins, glasses, decanters, jams and jellies.”
However, royal fans online remain confused as to what the brand is trying to sell or be.
One X user writes: “What exactly is it? A hotel? Wine label? Restaurant? Blog? Fashion label? Very confusing name.”
Meghan Markle also shared a story on the brand’s Instagram page which showed a woman picking flowers, and Meghan stirring a bowl in a kitchen.
Music by an artist called Nancy Wilson – a song called I Wish – plays over the footage which has been given a filter to give it a vintage feel.
The Instagram page also links to a website – https://americanriviera.com/ – which is just one page featuring the brand’s logo where people can join a waiting list.
In less than a day, and at the time of writing, Meghan’s Instagram account has gained 323k followers. The account so far, is not following any other social media accounts.
Meanwhile, an insider has revealed details of what the brand may be representing, as reported in the Daily Mail. An insider said: “It’s a lifestyle and cooking brand called American Riviera Orchard.
“The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix. Meghan will be making, and selling, products such as jams.”
