King Charles has made a strategic move that seems to escalate the ongoing tension with the Sussexes.
This development follows the news that Meghan Markle plans to introduce a rosé wine line under her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Shortly after this announcement, the Monarch unveiled a new high-growth product, sparking speculation about a brewing confrontation within the royal family. King Charles has launched Highgrove Royal Estate Honey, a premium product produced by bees on his personal estate.
Priced at £25 for a 350-gram jar, this exquisitely delicate honey, with a distinctive lime flavor, is positioned as a luxurious treat for connoisseurs. The bees that produce this honey reside in the classic double-walled British beehives of Highgrove Gardens, foraging on the estate's hedgerows and lime trees. The launch of this high-end honey is the latest addition to the king's line of savory foods and preserves sold through the Highgrove shop, with proceeds going to various charitable organizations.
This timing has led many to view it as a competitive move against Meghan Markle, who is expanding her lifestyle brand with products including rosé wine, nut butters, jams, and marmalades. Meghan's American Riviera Orchard, which debuted with a stylish teaser video in March, has already released three products: dog biscuits, raspberry jam, and strawberry jam. The brand aims to offer a wide range of items, including dog shampoo, pet food, and chicken feed.
Meghan's ambition to become a leading lifestyle influencer has been evident despite initial setbacks, such as her sister-in-law, Princess Catherine's cancer diagnosis in the same month, which temporarily overshadowed her launch. Despite the challenges, according to sources, Meghan has continued to promote her brand, sending exclusive batches of jam to high-profile friends to generate public interest. Recently, close friend and Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras posted a picture of handmade dog biscuits in a jar resembling Meghan's jam jars, suggesting these could be her next product launch.
Meghan's efforts to gain traction for American Riviera Orchard highlight her determination to establish herself in the lifestyle market. She reportedly plans to leverage connections within the royal family for support. According to insiders, she hopes to enlist the help of Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, and even King Charles, despite the ongoing family tensions. Reaching out to the royal family for support would be a bold move, especially given the strained relations since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in 2020. The couple's subsequent accusations against the royals have widened the rift, particularly between Harry and his brother, Prince William. Nevertheless, Meghan believes there's still support within the family and is urging Harry to leverage these connections.
The current state of the royal family may present an opportunity for Meghan's outreach. With King Charles dealing with his own health issues and a slimmed-down monarchy, there's a potential for mutual benefit. However, gaining the king's endorsement for American Riviera Orchard products would be unprecedented, given the strict royal protocols on endorsements and Meghan's previous stance on distancing herself from the institution.
Meghan's strategy involves appealing to more commercially minded members of the royal family, such as Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, who've remained close to Harry and Meghan. Their mother, Sarah Ferguson, has also publicly supported the couple, suggesting there could be some willingness to assist. While the likelihood of the royal family endorsing Meghan's brand remains uncertain, the potential benefits for both parties make it a compelling possibility. If successful, this collaboration could help mend some of the fractured relationships within the family and provide a boost to Meghan's lifestyle brand.
