Business as usual, amirite?
After several months of anticipation, Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has finally made its debut. The brand had a low-key launch with the release of its official website and Instagram account.
Upon visiting the brand’s website, you’ll be greeted with the name of the brand written in an elegantly embroidered, golden font. The city of Montecito, California, Meghan Markle’s hometown, is also written below the brand name. The website currently only allows visitors to sign up for the brand’s waitlist, hinting at the potential release of future products.
The brand’s Instagram page, having already amassed over 35,000 followers, marked the launch with nine separate posts showcasing the brand’s logo. The page also shares a candid look at Markle’s day-to-day activities. A video of Markle displayed on Instagram Stories show her choosing flowers from a bouquet, cooking in her kitchen, and preparing for an event in an elegant black ballgown.
Details regarding the brand are still primarily undisclosed, but insiders have provided some hints about Markle’s latest venture. For fans familiar with Markle’s previous website, The Tig, the focus of this brand will be no surprise.
Reports suggest that American Riviera Orchard will take a leaf out of Markle’s previous work and will shift its attention towards home, garden, food, and lifestyle. This is an area where Markle is undoubtedly knowledgeable.
Industry insiders have also shared that the brand may be Markle’s attempt at becoming a lifestyle entrepreneur, standing toe-to-toe with the likes of Joanna Gaines or Gwyneth Paltrow. The Duchess of Sussex’s new venture has been built up by sources as taking on industry leaders such as Martha Stewart.
Now that American Riviera Orchard is up and running, all eyes will be on Meghan Markle to see what she will bring to the table with her illustrious brand.
Kate Middleton’s Mother’s Day Photo Sparks Controversy and Trust Issues
Kensington Palace has been thrust into controversy following the Princess of Wales’s admission of editing a Mother’s Day portrait of herself with her children, raising concerns about the palace’s credibility as a “trusted source” of information. Phil Chetwynd, AFP’s global news director, expressed his disillusionment on BBC Radio 4, emphasizing increased vigilance in scrutinizing content from previously reliable sources. This stance by one of the world’s largest news agencies signals potential shifts in how major news outlets might handle official communications from the palace going forward.
The incident has not only sparked a debate about the ethics of image manipulation but also cast a shadow over the palace’s historical media interactions. Royal biographer Omid Scobie echoed these sentiments, suggesting a pattern of deceitful practices by Kensington Palace. The edited photo, released on March 10, marked the princess’s first public appearance since her abdominal surgery in January, which further fueled speculation and conspiracy theories regarding her health and whereabouts.
The widespread attention and ensuing speculation led to several news agencies, including Getty Images and the Associated Press, halting the distribution of the controversial portrait. Despite the princess’s apology for the editing mishap, speculation continues unabated, with Kensington Palace remaining silent on the matter.
