Meghan Markle, the former Duchess of Sussex, has recently announced her foray into the business world with the launch of a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard.
The brand is set to offer a range of consumer products, including cookware and homeware.
However, even before the brand has officially launched, Meghan has come under fire for allegedly leveraging her royal title to promote and sell products.
While members of the royal family have historically used their influence and fame to generate income, Meghan’s attempt to do the same has been met with criticism.
Critics argue that Meghan, who stepped back from her royal duties, should not be using her royal titles to endorse commercial ventures.
The comparisons drawn between Meghan’s brand and Gwyneth Paltrow’s controversial Goop brand have only fueled the backlash further.
Renowned historian Gareth Russell highlighted the significant impact of royal support and patronage, emphasizing that the concept of separating royalty from social and cultural influence is unrealistic.
He pointed out that other members of the royal family, such as Prince Charles with his successful organic food brand, have engaged in similar entrepreneurial endeavors without facing the same level of scrutiny as Meghan.
One of the main criticisms directed at Meghan is her alleged appropriation of royal titles and branding for personal gain, despite no longer being a working royal.
Critics argue that by using names and products associated with the royal family, such as the Highgrove Orchards linked to King Charles, Meghan is attempting to maintain relevance and profit from her royal connections.
Royal experts have suggested that Meghan’s efforts to straddle both the royal and Hollywood worlds in a bid to stay in the spotlight have not been well-received.
Speculations about her aspirations to become Queen, as hinted by Prince Harry, have further fueled controversy surrounding the couple.
Some commentators have even suggested that Meghan’s attempts to remain relevant are becoming increasingly desperate, with her reliance on past royal associations and media attention.
Despite Meghan’s attempts to carve out a new identity post-royalty, she continues to face criticism for allegedly lacking substance beyond her ties to the royal family.
With the focus shifting away from royal gossip, Meghan’s struggle to maintain visibility in the public eye has become more challenging.
Critics argue that her reliance on leveraging royal connections and seeking media attention may not be sustainable in the long run.
Royal author Kennedy, in a column for the Daily Mail, hinted at Meghan’s ongoing struggle to navigate her post-royal life and establish herself in the competitive world of Hollywood.
The challenges faced by Meghan in finding her place outside the royal family spotlight have raised questions about her long-term prospects and relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture.
As Meghan continues to face scrutiny over her business ventures and public image, the debate around her use of royal titles and connections for personal gain shows no signs of abating.
The ongoing saga involving Meghan and Prince Harry’s ambitions and aspirations has captured the attention of royal watchers and critics alike, underscoring the complexities of navigating life after royalty and the pursuit of new ventures in the public eye.