It’s been five months since Meghan Markle revealed she’s launching her own lifestyle brand, and excited fans are still waiting for the website to go live.
There are still a number of unanswered questions about the American Riviera Orchard, including what could be causing the delay.
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Phil Dampier, author of Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan in his own words said: “Meghan first launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard in March, so it seems strange that she didn’t have the big official launch five months later ”.
So far, the Duchess of Sussex has teased a few products, including sending 50 jellies to important friends – Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins and Kris Jenner – and she also shared a provocation video.
Here we look at the first unanswered questions surrounding the “struggles” of the Meghan brand…
1. WHAT IS DELAYING THE LAUNCH?
There has been no update on when American Riviera Orchard will begin selling products, and one theory about the delay is that Meghan is still “courting investment.”
Phil shared: “There are rumors that some of the products have had trademark issues and this needs to be resolved as well as financial support.”
Meanwhile, brand strategist Lucie Greene added, “I imagine the pop-ups and seeding, and dinner series will continue until some sort of official launch.
“It may still be courting investment.
“If the brand is direct-to-consumer rather than wholesale, a substantial marketing budget will be required for consumer acquisition.
“It is also unclear what leadership she exercises at this time.
“It could be that the jams were the precursor and example to show the proof of concept to talent and investors.”
2. WHO ELSE WAS SENT A POT OF JAM?
Several A-listers posted photos of their jars of the branded jam, which appeared to be from a batch of 50.
However, there are several jam recipients who have not sent photos or clips of their deliveries.
So who else received the jam and will we see more jars posted on social media?
Phil shared: “Meghan sent samples of her ‘homemade jam’ to fifty friends, but only a few promoted it or talked about it publicly.
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“She must have been hoping for a lot more support than that.
“Everything runs the risk of going a little crazy, but only time will tell.”
3. WHAT WILL BE THE HERO PRODUCT?
While Meghan teased the jam as well as the dog biscuits – which were sent to Harry’s polo pal Nacho Figueras – we haven’t yet had confirmation as to which products will be available on the site.
But there were other rumors too.
The Duchess of Sussex is planning to release a bottle of rosé and it will be the first item available for purchase by the public, according to the Daily Mail.
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Industry experts said the site will focus on home, food, gardening and lifestyle products.
Phil added: “Meghan called her previous blog The Tig after her favorite Italian red wine and it is believed that a rosé wine could be one of ARO’s best sellers.
“Tig was very successful before Meghan met Harry and of course she gave up on him and his social media presence when she became a royal on the advice of courtiers.”
4. WHAT ROLE WILL HARRY PLAY?
Meghan and Harry have undertaken a number of projects since stepping down as senior royals in 2020.
This included Harry’s bombshell memoir Spare, his Netflix Harry & Meghan documentary and Meghan’s Archetypes podcast.
Sussex’s projects haven’t all been easy, with Meghan Spotify deal coming to an end and the backlash after Harry criticized his family in Spare.
Phil said American Riviera Orchard will be “sink or swim” for Meghan.
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The expert shared: “Meghan has been planning this for months, if not years, and she will sink or swim with it as I think the days of the couple making a quick buck by criticizing the royals are over.
“If this takes off and Meghan becomes a high-profile businesswoman, it will leave Harry a bit in the shadows and he could look like a spare part, which is ironic, bearing in mind his resentment at being William’s spare as heir.”
5. WILL THE SUSSEX CHILDREN BE INVOLVED?
Archie and Lilibet are rarely seen beyond the family’s £12million Montecito mansion.
But could they be involved in the future of American Riviera Orchard?
Phil said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if Meghan made her children Archie and Lilibet appear in any cooking or lifestyle shows she does, almost like a sophisticated Osbournes.
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“She will want to portray the image of a happy family at home using her products and cooking skills.
“But some have pointed out the irony of Meghan portraying herself as a housewife and dutiful wife and mother, when previously she wanted to be known as a feminist.
“Ultimately, she will do what she thinks is best for her, Harry and their children, and if that means a new image, she will just move on.”
What has Meghan Markle teased at American Riviera Orchard so far?
MEGHAN Markle launched her brand’s new Instagram page in March 2024, but no products are available for purchase yet.
Industry experts said the site will focus on home, food, gardening and lifestyle products.
Meghan kicked off the American Riviera Orchard promotion by sending 50 of the brand’s jams to friends and influencers.
Those who received a package included Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins and Kris Jenner.
She later revealed two new products from her brand American Riviera Orchard, just hours before Trooping the Color.
Polo player and close friend of Prince Harry, Nacho Figueras received a jar of raspberry jam from the collection, as well as a jar of luxury dog biscuits for his dog.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
