Meghan's latest venture has encountered a severe backlash for allegedly emulating the long-standing legacy of King Charles and other members of the royal family. While members of the royal family have traditionally been influential figures, Meghan Markle seems to bear the brunt of criticism when leveraging her royal title to promote products. Even before her brand, American Riviera Orchard, which offers consumer goods like cookware and home decor, has opened its doors, it has already been labeled a train wreck and deemed ridiculous by social media users and the media.
Comparisons have been drawn between Meghan's venture and Gwyneth Paltrow's controversial brand, goop, which has faced substantial criticism over the years. It appears that while royals can utilize their fame and influence to generate income—such as Prince Charles with his successful organic food brand, Duchy Originals—Meghan faces ridicule for embarking on a similar path, despite no longer holding an active royal role. The notion that royalty can be completely divorced from social and cultural influence is deemed absurd by experts like Gareth Russell, who emphasizes the significant clout that royal support and patronage carry.
However, Meghan's biggest misstep lies in using her royal title to promote her products, despite her decision to step back from the royal family and pursue financial independence. Moreover, her brand seems to have drawn inspiration from previous royal brands, with notable similarities to King Charles's High Grove Orchards in both name and product range. Consequently, reports suggest that Meghan is attempting to cling onto her royal status to maintain relevance, leading some to view her actions as a desperate attempt to straddle both the royal fold and the allure of Hollywood.
Critics argue that Meghan's contributions to the world seem limited to gossip about the royal family, which has dwindled in recent times. As a result, she faces challenges in keeping her name in the headlines, prompting her to explore alternative avenues to ensure she remains in the public eye. Royal expert Angela Levin suggests that Meghan's association with the Windsor family and her penchant for making controversial statements are the only factors propping up her relevance, as her Spotify podcast endeavors fail to elevate her status in the demanding landscape of Hollywood.
Furthermore, there are claims that Prince Harry harbors a sinister desire to see Meghan ascend the throne, as he allegedly seeks to dismantle his own family. However, such notions have been met with skepticism, as they appear far-fetched and lacking substantial evidence.
Meghan Markle's new venture has faced substantial criticism for allegedly mimicking the legacy of King Charles and other royals, with skepticism surrounding her use of a royal title despite no longer being a working member of the royal family. The challenges of staying relevant and navigating the public sphere persist for Meghan, who continues to grapple with the complexities of her dual identity as a former royal and a Hollywood figure.
