Meghan Markle’s recent venture into the world of entrepreneurship with her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has stirred controversy within royal circles. The Duchess of Sussex’s foray into the business world has garnered significant attention, with over 570,000 followers on social media eagerly anticipating the brand’s launch as reported by BBC News.
The brand, which merges lifestyle and culinary content, is expected to feature prominently in Meghan’s upcoming Netflix cooking show and offer products such as jams, marmalades, and home decor items. While the announcement of the brand has generated excitement among fans, it has also raised concerns among royal experts about its potential impact on the monarchy.
Author Tom Bower has suggested that Meghan’s business pursuits could pose a risk to the reputation of the Royal Family, describing her brand as a potential “ticking timebomb.” Bower argues that the project appears rushed, pointing out that Meghan has not yet appointed a chief executive to manage the business.
Moreover, Meghan’s increased focus on building the Sussex brand in America has coincided with what some perceive as a downgrading of her and Prince Harry’s presence on the Buckingham Palace website. Once prominently featured, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now share a brief joint biography, signaling a shift in their status within the royal hierarchy.
Bower speculates that this update to the official website could be the first step toward stripping Meghan and Harry of their royal titles. Such a move, he suggests, would be aimed at protecting the integrity of the monarchy, particularly as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cambridge work to strengthen the institution.
However, the process of removing royal titles is complex and would require an Act of Parliament before it can be enacted by the King. The decision to bestow the Sussex title upon Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 by Queen Elizabeth II adds emotional significance to the potential revocation of their titles.
Meghan’s unveiling of her new venture on Instagram has fueled speculation about additional projects linked to the Sussexes’ Netflix deal, which is set to expire in 2025. While the couple initially signed a $20 million contract with the streaming platform after stepping back from royal duties, renewal contracts for the coming years have yet to be confirmed.
As Meghan and Harry navigate their post-royal lives and pursue new opportunities, the impact of their decisions on the monarchy continues to be scrutinized. The launch of Meghan’s lifestyle brand has reignited debates about the couple’s role within the royal family and raised questions about the future of their titles.
