Timing is crucial, especially for the royal family.
Meghan Markle's recent actions have once again drawn attention and criticism, particularly from royal observers. This time, her decision to launch a new line of dog biscuits coincided with King Charles's official birthday celebration at the Trooping the Colour. The new products, part of her lifestyle brand "American Riviera Orchard," have failed to captivate audiences.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams shared his perspective in a recent interview with The Mirror. He explained that Meghan's "American Riviera Orchard" brand didn't generate much excitement among influencers when she sent out 50 samples of strawberry jam in March, resulting in few endorsements. The Duchess of Sussex is being criticized for allegedly attempting to divert attention from the royal family, but this effort appears to have backfired.
Fitzwilliams further noted that Meghan recently launched raspberry jam and dog biscuits. Choosing to do this on the same day as the Trooping the Colour reflects a naive marketing strategy, as journalists closely monitor the activities of the Sussexes. Nacho Figueras, a friend of Prince Harry and a polo player, posted photos of the jam and dog biscuits he received, but Fitzwilliams commented that the raspberry jam symbolized the Sussexes' perceived antagonism towards the royal family. On the jam jar, it was labeled "two of two," which he suggested represented the ongoing contentious relationship. Fitzwilliams concluded that for Meghan to succeed in her brand ventures, she needs to adopt more innovative marketing approaches.
In the dynamic world of Harry and Meghan, blame-shifting often seems prevalent. Whether it’s issues with their "Heart of Invictus" project, which they blamed on the editor, or their docu-series that failed to meet expectations despite initial praise, they frequently deflect responsibility. For example, they attributed the shortcomings of their docu-series to director Liz Garbus.
As they strive to establish themselves as influencers and brand ambassadors, their tactics have become increasingly transparent. Meghan was recently seen in a tracksuit resembling a character from Little Britain, sparking curiosity about their activities. They often store videos and photos to release strategically during periods of intense media scrutiny, aiming to deflect attention and shift the narrative.
However, their marketing strategies have consistently faced challenges. The jam venture, for instance, received minimal response despite sending out 50 jars. The latest venture involving dog biscuits also saw a lackluster launch, with only a few biscuits in a jar. Initially presented as a product launch, they later claimed the biscuits were a personal gift to a friend, a narrative shift that failed to convince many and appeared to be another PR misstep.
Meghan was notably upset by online comparisons to other royal collection products, such as those from Highclere Castle, known for Downton Abbey, which made her products seem less appealing. New photos revealed dog bowls priced at £3 from the Buckingham Palace shop, along with pink bone soft toys for £2. Meghan and Harry's team perceived this as intentional online trolling by the royal family, countering Meghan's products with similar items to belittle her efforts. However, it's unlikely that this was deliberate trolling; the Royal Collection Trust and Buckingham Palace shop have sold these items for years. Meghan's efforts may have simply drawn attention to these existing products, prompting the palace to promote them.
The perception within Meghan and Harry's circle is that these actions are deliberate attempts to undermine Meghan's business ventures. Every new product she introduces seems to be overshadowed and criticized, but it's improbable that King Charles personally orchestrated such moves. It's more likely that the Royal Collection Trust is simply continuing its standard operations.
