After leaving their royal responsibilities in 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have settled into new roles in the U.S., rolling out exciting initiatives that mix their zeal with business and showbiz. They recently introduced a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard. A bold move that marks their stride towards crafting an identity separate from the royals.

The Birth of American Riviera Orchard

Meghan Markle, formerly known for her acting work and now as the Duchess of Sussex, has unveiled her new lifestyle label, American Riviera Orchard. Launching softly with its own website and a buzz on social media since March 14, 2024, the brand mirrors Meghan’s passion for home design, cooking skills, and hosting talents. Merging her personal flair with her celebrity status, she targets connecting with people worldwide.

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  • The official launch of the brand is expected sometime this spring.
  • Meghan Markle’s latest offerings suggest a wide array of items, including preserved foods, recipe books, and home goods.
  • On the website’s main page, there’s an option to sign up for special updates about their products.

Still, some critics have raised eyebrows at potential issues with the brand. Some have slammed the logo’s design, implying it was hastily put together. Royal author Tom Quinn doubts how unique this new project is, comparing it to Meghan’s old blog The Tig.

Views from Experts and Royal Changes

Despite the negative feedback. Meghan’s brand has been in the spotlight. Specialists think that this could be a critical moment for her as she tries to make her mark without the royal endorsement. Relocating to California means not just a change of scenery but also a different approach in reaching out to people. They’re now centred on authenticity.
Authenticity and relatability are now more valued than the grandeur of royalty.

Quinn’s observations highlight the difficulties Meghan is dealing with as she transforms her public persona from a royal duchess to a businesswoman. This shift from life within the monarchy to the cutthroat corporate realm brings risks as well as chances.

Netflix Collaborations and Future Projects

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have two upcoming series they plan to produce for Netflix,

  • A lifestyle show, steered by Meghan, will delve into topics like cooking, gardening, and hosting gatherings. Leah Hariton takes charge here, aiming to celebrate the joy found in daily pursuits.
  • A polo themed series will reflect Prince Harry’s passion for the sport by giving viewers an insider’s perspective on its competitive aspects. The series will primarily follow events at the US Open Polo Championship, highlighting players’ commitment and expertise.

Some new projects are in the early production phase, with their release dates and names coming up soon. This shows that the Sussexes keep working on programs that match what they care about. They might give us a closer look at what they’re into.

Looking Back at Past Work and Royal Life

Their previous work with Netflix, like the series Harry & Meghan and Heart of Invictus, caught a lot of eyes. It let people see what matters to them and highlighted important issues. These works go hand in hand with their goals to talk about serious social problems and share different stories.

Meghan uses her background, including her once popular blog The Tig, in her latest business moves. She has a plan for her new brand focus. Even with some negative feedback, she keeps getting a lot of attention from the public and tells her own story without relying on royal ties.

Looking Ahead

As the date for their spring launch gets closer, everyone is eager to see how consumers will take to American Riviera Orchard and how it’ll stack up against other big names in lifestyle brands. At the same time, Meghan’s step into entrepreneurship and production will probably keep getting a mix of criticism and praise.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are just starting out in showbiz and lifestyle branding. What happens with their recent projects could shape not just what comes next for them but also affect other celebrities’ ventures. They’re joining a bunch of famous folks who are mixing what they love with business, trying to use their fame for something impactful.

Ryan Lenett

About the author

Ryan Lenett

Ryan really likes cars and is great at bringing teams together. He writes stories that many people enjoy and has a lot of fans. Ryan pays attention to the small details in his writing and tells stories beautifully. Every word he writes stands out.