Some of Meghan Markle’s friends think that her new business venture “won’t get her anywhere”, according to reports. The Duchess of Sussex launched her new brand – American Riviera Orchard – last month, with her first product being an exclusive selection of strawberry jam.
Meghan sent just 50 jars out to selected friends and influencers in the last few days, as a potential tease of what’s to come. It hasn’t been confirmed if these jam jars will be mass-produced.
After receiving the product, some of Meghan’s friends – including fashion designer Tracy Robbins – took to social media to express their delight at being one of the lucky few to receive one.
However, according to one royal expert’s comments on the latest episode of GB News, even some of her friends aren’t convinced over her latest venture. Speaking on the show, royal correspondent Michael Cole said: “As far as I know, 50, as you say, have been distributed to [Meghan’s] nearest and dearest friends and influencers.
“I’m not sure [that] a single jar has been sold yet and we don’t even know what the price is going to be.” Following actress Melissa McCarthey’s recent praise for the former working royal, Mr Cole spoke of what Meghan’s other friends are believed to think.
He said: “Other friends of the great Meghan have taken a contrary view and think that going down this route of selling jam is not going to get her anywhere in life.”
“The fact of the matter is she’s got to make money, she’s got to capitalise on her royal status and she’s set up this blog, this lifestyle channel, and it’s interesting that she’s calling the it ‘jam’, in America they tend to call it ‘jelly’.”
Meghan launched her brand on March 14, with nothing more than a new Instagram account and a website.
It remains unknown whether the jam – which was also received by Delfina Blaquier, the wife of Harry’s polo friend Nacho Figueras – will be sold publicly. Aside from her brand launch, Meghan is set to release a new series on Netflix.
With filming reportedly already in full swing, Meghan’s base for the series won’t be her multi-million-pound Californian mansion.
According to new reports, the show will “celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship”. Alongside his wife, Harry will also be releasing a series which delves into his love of polo.
