Meghan Markle Under Fire for Timing of Lifestyle Brand Launch Amid Royal Events

Meghan Markle is facing scrutiny over the timing of her new lifestyle brand announcement, coinciding with the Princess Diana Legacy Awards. Critics, including royal author Tom Quinn, suggest that the Duchess of Sussex may be leveraging heightened royal family attention due to recent health concerns within the family and Princess Diana’s enduring legacy to draw attention to her brand, American Riviera Orchard, unveiled on March 14, 2024, by “the mirror“.

This date not only marked a significant event for Prince William and Prince Harry, who were attending the biennial awards ceremony in honor of their late mother, but also preceded the public disclosure of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis. Meghan’s brand reveal, characterized by a short video and Instagram presence showcasing her signature calligraphy, has led some to question the intent behind its scheduling.

Quinn expressed concerns that Meghan’s brand launch on such a notable day might be perceived as an attempt to “cash in” on the legacy of Princess Diana, paralleling Meghan’s own experiences with media scrutiny to those of the late princess. This strategic timing has sparked debate about the appropriateness of aligning a commercial venture with a day dedicated to commemorating Diana’s humanitarian legacy.

Speculation about the official launch date of American Riviera Orchard adds to the conversation, with some royal watchers predicting an April 4, 2024, debut, linking it to the closure of Meghan’s previous blog, The Tig, on the same date in 2017. As discussions continue, the brand remains in the spotlight with its forthcoming debut and the surrounding controversy.