Meghan Markle received yet another humiliating blow after an anonymous royal fan who appeared to “hijack” her new website managed to raise tens of thousands of pounds for a food bank charity in less than a week.
The incident took place last Thursday and while the official US version of her site, americanorchardriviera.com, remained intact, someone created a UK domain which led to a foodbank website.
The UK website led to a Trussell Trust landing page and then a fundraiser, which carried a special message for the Princess of Wales, who is currently undergoing treatment for a type of cancer.
The Just Giving fundraiser featured the message: “Not Meghan. Hope Meghan wouldn’t mind. Thoughts with Catherine. x.”
While the target of the fundraiser was £1,000, on Sunday afternoon it had received more than 18 times its initial target totalling £18,656 from 1,407 people.
However, on Monday morning even more funds were raised as the total came up to £21,911 from 1,609 people.
The money will go towards The Trussell Trust which works to stop UK hunger and poverty.
It is understood the user is not affiliated with the charity.
Meghan Markle soft launched her latest business venture, lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, last month.
The brand has an Instagram page for it, which showcases the new logo and linked to the .com website, which still only features a waiting list.
American Riviera Orchard’s hard launch has not been announced yet, however earlier last week, its first product – strawberry jam – was sent to 50 influencers to taste test ahead of the launch.
The duchess’s brand will be stocking a wide range of products, including household goods, cookware, pet products, gardening tools, beverages, food and condiments.
