Meghan Markle's newly launched lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is experiencing significant challenges right from its inception.
Reports suggest that Meghan is deeply concerned about the potential failure of the venture and is relying heavily on her husband, Prince Harry, to salvage the situation. While Meghan continues to maintain a positive public front, insiders reveal a starkly different reality behind the scenes. "The criticism is really affecting her," a source confides.
Meghan introduced the brand in March, initially featuring products like strawberry jam and "Labels of Love" jars on social media. However, the reception has been overwhelmingly negative, with some labeling the venture a flop from the start. This adverse reaction has reportedly led to hesitations among potential investors, causing Meghan considerable stress. Despite her efforts to remain composed publicly, those close to her acknowledge that there are more issues than she admits.
Adding to the pressure, Meghan is reportedly leaning on Prince Harry to garner support from potential backers. According to an insider, Harry is now tasked with securing investments to turn the brand around. This is an unfamiliar role for Harry, who is more accustomed to fundraising for charitable causes rather than commercial endeavors. Nonetheless, Meghan is said to be insistent that he leverage his connections to help her brand.
The couple recently attended the Royal Salute Polo Challenge, an event benefiting Sentebale, a charity dear to Prince Harry's heart that supports children in Lesotho and Botswana. During this event in Wellington, Harry took the opportunity to engage potential donors for Meghan's brand. Although this situation is outside Harry's comfort zone, he is determined to support Meghan's aspirations.
One notable interaction involved Harry approaching his friend, polo player Nacho Figueras, for investment. Despite Harry's sincere pitch about the potential of Meghan's jam products, Nacho declined to invest, citing various reasons. This refusal was a setback for Harry, but he continued his efforts to seek support from other attendees.
Nacho Figueras later faced criticism for his attempt to promote Meghan's jam on social media. He posted a photo on Instagram of himself eating toast with Meghan's jam, prominently displaying the American Riviera Orchard label. His caption read, "Did I tell you that I love your jam, Meghan?" Meghan had distributed 50 specially numbered jars of jam to friends and influencers, including Nacho's wife, Delfina Blaquier. However, the promotional effort was met with mixed reactions. Some fans criticized the use of friends for promotion, calling it cringeworthy and forced.
As Meghan attempts to carve out her identity separate from the royal family and her previous Hollywood career, the backlash has been swift. Under Nacho’s social media post, one user commented, "Sorry if this offends, but Meghan should not be using others to promote herself." Another user remarked, "Really cringeworthy and embarrassing," while a third noted, "Now it's getting a bit forced, just saying."
The specially numbered jam jars, limited to a batch of 50, remain a topic of curiosity regarding their retail price and availability. As Meghan continues to navigate the turbulent launch of her brand, the pressure to succeed remains high, and the scrutiny from both the public and potential investors is intense.
