Meghan Markle's neighbour takes subtle dig as Duchess makes huge career move
Meghan Markle's new brand American Riviera Orchard has not yet started selling to the public, but it has still made quite a splash.
Meghan shares video on American Riviera Orchard's Instagram
Meghan Markle has suffered a rather awkward embarrassment as it has emerged that an online seller has been using her brand name, American Riviera Orchard, to flog adult items.
The news was reported in the Montecito Journal, which details the exploits of Meghan and Prince Harry's neighbourhood and some of its most famous residents.
The online shop has used Meghan's brand name to sell anti-monarchy products, including an adult colouring book entitled Working Class Royalty for £7.75 ($9.99).
The site launched after the Duchess of Sussex announced her new range earlier this spring, although there is still no word yet on when her products will be available for the public to buy.
The colouring book claims it will "unveil the hidden royalty in everyday life" and offers its readers the chance to "explore five enchanting scenes that honor the majesty found in everyday moments".
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It is not known whether Meghan will be selling colouring books, but her range will include products for the home and garden as well as food and drink for both humans and pets.
In April the Duchess sent out 50 jars of homemade strawberry jam in customised jars to her closest friends and influencers, all though it is still not yet available for purchase.
One product she is rumoured to be launching soon is her own rosé wine, with Meghan known to be a fan of the tipple as her now-defunct blog The Tig was named after her favourite wine.
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Renae Smith, founder and director of the Atticism, told Express.co.uk how Meghan can make a success of American Riviera Orchard even in the face of criticism.
She said: "Determining the success of Meghan's rosé wine launch is challenging, given the crowded market of celebrity-endorsed wines.
"It's unlikely to target the premium wine connoisseurs but rather aims for a mid-market segment. The product appeals to Meghan's followers who appreciate (and possibly sympathise with) her brand and story.
"The eclectic mix of products—jams, dog biscuits, and now wine—suggests a comprehensive target demographic: individuals who are home-oriented, enjoy baking, have pets, and cherish aspirational home-maker lifestyle narratives."
But Ms Smith also noted that Meghan will need to be able to connect with her potential customers in an authentic way, as she elaborated: "The success will hinge on how well the brand story is communicated and resonates with this audience.
"From a PR standpoint, introducing jams and dog biscuits before launching the wine is unconventional but strategic if viewed through the lens of brand alignment."
