Meghan Markle recently sparked controversy with the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, a privacy expert has claimed.
The Duchess of Sussex soft launched her latest business venture last month by dropping a new Instagram page for it, which featured the brand’s logo, a bio that said “by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex” and linked to a website where people can join a waiting list.
The brand’s hard launch has not been announced yet, however last week, its first product – strawberry jam – was sent to 50 influencers to taste test ahead of the launch.
Meghan is thought to be selling a wide range of items through her brand, including household goods, cookware, pet products, gardening tools, beverages, food and condiments.
But critics raised concerns that her promotional activities could breach the royal rule against brand promotion and endorsements on social media.
Members of the Royal Family are not allowed to advertise or associate themselves with brand partnerships and endorsements like any other influencers or celebrities can do.
According to the royal website, members of the Firm are not allowed to promote or endorse any product, service, or company.
This restriction aims to uphold the impartiality and integrity of the monarchy, preventing any perception of favouritism or commercial influence.
While Meghan has stepped back from her royal duties, some are concerned that her actions could still reflect negatively on the monarchy.
Earthweb privacy expert Trevor Cooke said: “Members of the royal family must tread carefully on social media, balancing their personal interests with their responsibilities to the monarchy. Any misstep could have significant repercussions for their reputation and the institution they represent.”
The Duchess of Sussex had quite a disastrous week following her product reveal, as it was followed by Celebrity chef Martha Stewart reportedly saying she finds comparisons to Meghan “irritating and insulting”, according to a source.
This week it emerged Celebrity chef Martha Stewart was reported to find comparisons to the Duchess of Sussex “irritating and insulting”, according to a source.
Meanwhile, her website American Riviera Orchard appeared to be hijacked by an anonymous royal enthusiast last Thursday under the .uk domain, raising more than £23,000 in funds for a foodbank charity.
Lastly, the duchess’s jam debut immediately boosted sales for King Charles’s own version of the product, with his strawberry conserve repeatedly being sold out.
