Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, found herself at the center of controversy as she launched a new lifestyle brand, breaching a strict deal with the Royal Family.
The timing of her brand launch, just moments before Prince William’s emotional speech at an awards ceremony honoring his mother, Princess Diana, raised eyebrows and sparked a social media frenzy.
The Duchess unveiled her new venture, American Riviera Orchard, which features a range of products including gems and kitchenware, during the Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum in London.
Meanwhile, Prince William was expected to make a rare joint appearance with his brother, Prince Harry, though they were not to be in the same room, even virtually.
While William attended the event in person, Harry was scheduled to appear via video link from Montecito.
However, as the night progressed, there was no sign of Harry’s address taking place, leaving many wondering about the delay.
Criticism mounted as the Sussexes made two personal announcements during the awards ceremony.
Meghan’s brand launch and the announcement of the NAACP Archwell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award winner by the couple drew attention away from the event, with some questioning the timing and motives behind the decisions.
Social media erupted with comments expressing disapproval of Meghan’s actions, with users accusing her of attempting to overshadow important moments and disrespecting Princess Diana’s memory.
The Mirror reported on the backlash, highlighting the negative reactions from the public towards Meghan’s business launch.
Speculation arose regarding a potential breach of agreement with the Royal Family, as royal expert Russell Myers hinted on social media that Meghan’s business activities could violate the terms set after the Sandringham Summit in 2020.
The agreement stipulated that Harry and Meghan would not profit off their royal titles or use their connections for commercial purposes.
American Riviera Orchard, Meghan’s brand, teased its launch on social media, featuring a video with glimpses into the Duchess’s home life and a gold calligraphy logo.
The brand’s Instagram bio credits Meghan as the Duchess of Sussex and directs users to its website, where limited details are provided, prompting visitors to join a waiting list for updates on product releases.
The move by Meghan to use her royal title on social media and potentially profit from her status has raised concerns among royal fans and insiders.
The palace is reportedly considering taking action in response to the breach of the late Queen’s verdict, which prohibited the use of royal titles for commercial gain.
Amidst the controversy, Meghan’s past remarks about gender stereotypes resurfaced, with critics pointing out her recent return to the kitchen for her business endeavors.
The juxtaposition of her feminist beliefs with her business decisions has sparked further debate and scrutiny over her actions.
As the royal drama continues to unfold, all eyes are on Meghan Markle and the repercussions of her brand launch on her relationship with the Royal Family and the public perception of her actions.
The saga serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by members of the royal family in navigating personal ventures while upholding royal protocols and expectations.