MEGHAN Markle is facing a major ‘red flag’ with her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard (ARO).
It’s been six months since the Duchess of Sussex teased her new business venture on social media and, according to reports, she’s still struggling to hire a permanent chief executive.
4
Recent reports claim Meghan Markle’s new business venture is strugglingCredit: Getty
4
Lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard was teased on social media back in MarchCredit: Twitter/lrethsurion
4
ARO is the latest in a string of new ventures for the Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince HarryCredit: Getty
Back in March, Meghan – who shares a grand mansion with Prince Harry, 40, in Montecito, California – turned heads with the soft launch of American Riviera Orchard.
The duchess sent a gift basket of branded items including what appeared to be jams and preserves, to her friends, with one pal commenting: “Breakfast, lunch and dinner just got sweeter.”
Fans of the former Suits star – who’s mum to Archie, five, and three-year-old Lilibet – have been excitedly awaiting her curated collection.
But, despite over 600,000 followers on Instagram, the business is yet to produce a single item for sale.
It’s claimed any candidates for the position of CEO have been put off by the high turnover of staff at Meghan’s charitable foundation, Archewell, founded in 2020.
Archewell representatives declined to comment, but close sources to Meghan say the claims are false.
Matt Yanofsky, a PR and brand marketing expert, said the news was a big concern to those considering investing in Meghan’s latest venture.
“I would have major concerns if I were an investor,” he told The Times. “If I’m an investor, I’m saying to her, ‘you need to find a CEO with a direct business plan that’s going to show profitability, or at least a revenue plan, within the next 60 to 90 days. Otherwise, I’m taking my money out’.”
The recent news that Josh Kettler, Harry’s chief of staff, left his role after just three months, is yet another warning sign for prospective employees of ARO, says Matt, who claims Meghan, “has built a penthouse without building any foundation for it.
“I’d be happy to eat my words and best of luck to her, but as of right now, [ARO] seems like it’s the wrong product with the wrong people.”
According to People magazine, the duchess is working hard behind the scenes on the full launch of the brand which, despite all the scrutiny, is expected to take off later this year.
Meghan famously shut down her website The Tig upon marrying Harry in 2018, which covered fashion, interiors, restaurants, travel and more.
The lifestyle blog was packed full of stories from the former actresses’ life, and a possible insight into what ARO has in store.
As of October, the ARO website remains sparse with no option to buy products, and the Instagram page is yet to give any sneak peeks of the much-anticipated items.
But what can fans expect to snap up if Meghan’s brand takes off?
According to a trademark application submitted in February, there’s plans to sell kitchenware, jellies, drinkware and jams, which only Meghan’s closest circle of pals have sampled so far.
Meanwhile, the duchess has finished filming a cooking show – thought to complement ARO – set to feature on Netflix soon.
Tickets are £5 and include a free drink.
Guests can get the lowdown on the Royal Family including all-things Harry, Meghan, William and Kate.
Our expert panel will be The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, The Sun’s Royal Photographer Arthur Edwards and ex-BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
The trio will share some of their favourite stories about the Firm, lifting the lid on what it’s like to work with them, and some of their biggest scoops to date.
Guests will also get the opportunity to ask questions about what really goes on behind the doors of the palace.
So come prepped to quiz the panel in front of a live audience at our London Bridge offices on October 4, from 7pm until 9pm.
News
Why Queen Elizabeth Chose Balmoral for Her Final Days: New Revelations Leave Us Wondering What It Meant for the Royal Family
King Charles has revealed why his late mother Queen Elizabeth II ‘chose’ to spend her final days at her ‘treasured’ Balmoral home in Scotland. He reminisced fondly about her time…
Meghan Markle’s staff reveal her reaction to Kate Middleton’s comeback: ‘She was so shocked she threw her phone, causing it to break, and screamed hysterically…’
Meghan Markle’s staff reveal her reaction to Kate Middleton’s comeback: ‘She was so shocked she threw her phone, causing it to break, and screamed hysterically…’ JELOUSE MEGHAN!…
Meghan Markle is horrified to learn that Netflix paid Trevor to reveal secrets about her past
Imagine being thrust into the spotlight, your life dissected by tabloids and scrutinized by millions. Now, picture your past coming back to haunt you, not just through…
‘There is now genuine animosity for Harry and Meghan’, ‘It’s schadenfreude with added venom’: Has Hollywood turned against the Sussexes?
The beautiful and the powerful of Hollywood circulated over ginger margaritas and spicy tuna bites on the rooftop of the Waldorf Astoria after the Emmy awards on…
The reason Queen Elizabeth II’s hands now look purple has been revealed
Queen Elizabeth delighted royal fans today as she stood smiling and unaided in her first meeting since spraining her back. Bu… Queen Elizabeth delighted royal fans today…
King Charles strips Meghan of her Royal Highness title: can’t let the noble title be tarnished any longer
Meghan Markle STRIPPED Of Titles by King Charles! The Final Decision on Her UK Future! In a world where royal drama captures the headlines and keeps us…
End of content
No more pages to load