Critics Draw Unflattering Comparisons Between Meghan Markle’s New Brand and a ‘Senior Living Community

Meghan Markle has unveiled a lifestyle brand four years after her departure from royal duties, leading to mixed reactions and some sharp critiques. The Duchess of Sussex announced her venture, American Riviera Orchard, on Instagram, aiming to embed herself within the Santa Barbara lifestyle, where she currently resides with Prince Harry.

The brand’s name, however, has sparked controversy among royal commentators, with some labeling it as overly pretentious and likening it to the name of a senior living community. Critics like Sky News host Rita Panahi and podcast host Kinsey Schofield have voiced their skepticism, questioning the brand’s name and Meghan’s rapid integration into the Santa Barbara community despite having lived there for only four years.

American Riviera Orchard plans to offer a range of products, from home decor and kitchenware to a variety of edibles and pet foods. The brand will also extend into beauty and skincare products, including makeup, haircare, and soaps.

However, the timing of the brand’s launch has drawn additional scrutiny. Critics have accused Meghan of leveraging Princess Diana’s legacy for promotional gain, as the announcement coincided with the Diana Awards ceremony, an event dedicated to honoring the late princess’s legacy.

This move has been interpreted by some, including royal biographer Phil Dampier and expert Tom Quinn, as a strategic, if not controversial, PR tactic, with Quinn suggesting Meghan views herself as Diana’s heir, both in terms of media scrutiny and philanthropic legacy.