Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has embarked on a new venture with the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, this year. This move comes after her and Prince Harry’s high-profile departure from the Royal Family in 2020, along with their son, Prince Archie.
The couple’s decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California marked a significant shift in their lives, further highlighted by their candid revelations about their experiences with the monarchy, including allegations of racism towards their son. Their openness on these issues was notably shared in a televised interview, stirring widespread conversation and debate, told The Mirror.
Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdwi wrote: “I suggest Meghan pull a Paltrow and ensure the products she sells are just a little bit out there. I’m not sure Goop would have been quite so successful had it not been for headline-generating offerings such as vampire repellent and vagina candles.”
Mahdwi added: “Paltrow has the vagina market covered, but considering Harry’s propensity for talking about his nether regions, Meghan could always launch cream for frostbitten todgers.”
Now settled in California, where they have expanded their family to include their daughter, Princess Lilibet, Meghan and Harry are charting a new path. Meghan’s foray into the world of lifestyle branding with American Riviera Orchard presents an opportunity for her to blend her personal interests and entrepreneurial spirit.
The suggestion that her brand could explore the territory of wellness and skincare products, inspired by the rather personal challenges Prince Harry has faced, adds an unconventional twist to the typical offerings of celebrity lifestyle brands. This idea, albeit unconventional, suggests a bold approach to product development, potentially aligning with the couple’s known tendency to break norms and set new precedents.
The concept of integrating personal experiences, even those as intimate as health issues, into a lifestyle brand is reflective of a broader trend where public figures use their platforms to destigmatize and discuss openly what would traditionally be considered private matters. This approach can foster a deeper connection with the audience, offering not just products but stories and experiences that resonate on a personal level.
Meghan’s transition from a royal family member to a lifestyle entrepreneur in California symbolizes a new chapter for her and her family. It represents a move towards independence, self-expression, and the carving out of a new identity beyond the confines of royal expectations.
The development and potential success of American Riviera Orchard could further establish Meghan as a key figure in the lifestyle industry, leveraging her unique position to influence trends and discussions around wellness, beauty, and personal care.
In embracing this new role, Meghan continues to navigate the delicate balance between her public persona and personal life, a challenge that has been a constant since her marriage to the British Royal Family. Her ability to channel personal experiences into her brand, whether directly or through inspired product lines, underscores a strategic approach to building a brand that is authentic, relatable, and reflective of her journey so far.