Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has faced disappointment and tears following the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand, inspired by her life in Montecito, debuted earlier this year with its first product, a strawberry jam. However, the response has been far from what Meghan had hoped for, leading to emotional distress.
High Hopes and a Disappointing Launch
In March, Meghan Markle excitedly announced her new lifestyle brand, which promised a range of products including tableware, kitchen linens, and edible treats like jams and marmalades. The initial excitement surrounding the brand quickly faded after the release of its first product—a strawberry jam.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, Meghan was reduced to tears when the product was widely mocked online. Critics pointed out that the jam was overpriced and nothing extraordinary, leading to a wave of negative feedback that the Duchess found deeply upsetting.
A Personal Touch, But It Wasn’t Enough
To promote her brand, Meghan sent out 50 personalized hampers to close friends and influencers. These hampers included a jar of her strawberry jam, packaged in a basket filled with lemons. Designer Tracy Robbins was one of the recipients and shared photos of the hamper on social media. Despite these efforts, the product failed to gain the positive attention Meghan had hoped for.
Quinn revealed that Meghan feels increasingly misunderstood and unfairly targeted. “She has reached a point where she believes that anything she does will be criticized. She struggles to understand why her efforts and luxurious lifestyle are not admired,” Quinn explained.
The Impact of Criticism
The negative reception of her brand has added to Meghan’s growing frustration with public scrutiny. Both she and her husband, Prince Harry, have spoken about feeling unfairly treated by the media and the public. This latest episode with her lifestyle brand seems to have deepened Meghan’s sense of vulnerability.
As Meghan continues to navigate the challenges of public life and business, her experience highlights the pressure that comes with living in the spotlight. Whether her brand can recover from this rocky start remains to be seen, but for now, Meghan Markle is left grappling with the harsh reality of public opinion.