Meghan Markle has already taken the New Year by storm after she launched her public Instagram account on January 1 with a post of herself running across a beach.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, then further shocked royal fans again just a day later by posting the trailer for her upcoming Netflix show “With Love, Meghan”, which is set to air on January 15. While many across the globe have been left both shocked and excited for these upcoming ventures, there is also some confusion as fans of the duchess expected another announcement that is yet to be made.
Last March, Meghan announced that she was setting up her own brand American Riviera Orchard, which will offer a range of lifestyle products including her own homemade jam. However, almost 10 months have passed and the products are nowhere to be seen, leaving many confused about what this means. One fan wrote on X: “2025 is the year of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex!!!! American Riviera Orchard soon?”
Another questioned: “What happened to American Riviera Orchard?”
Here at Express.co.uk, we have summarised everything you need to know about the brand so far:
Brand launch date
The brand was first launched publicly in March 2024, with friends of the duchess having been given an exclusive sample of Meghan’s homemade jam in a jar featuring the American Riviera Orchard name.
Royal commentator Richard Eden reported that the brand launch may have been done prematurely as he had previously come to know about the duchess’ plans and contacted her office about this, believing that Meghan then went ahead with the announcement on American Riviera Orchard sooner than planned so she could announce it before the media.
Since the original announcement was made, nothing else to do with American Riviera Orchard regarding product launches or expected dates has followed.
Why has it been delayed?
Since last March, the launch of the brand and its products have reportedly faced delays as a result of a number of reasons.
One of the problems most reported on was Meghan’s problems with the paperwork and trademark, with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) turning down an application regarding the name of her brand.
This is reportedly because the Duchess of Sussex wanted to include ‘American Riviera’ – the nickname for the coastline near the Sussexes’ mansion in Montecito, California – in her company’s name. However, officials said businesses are not allowed to trademark geographic locations.
Another problem faced by Meghan involves the recruitment process for a CEO, which reportedly lasted longer than intended. It is now believed Meghan has appointed herself as the CEO after struggling to find a suitable candidate.
When can we expect the brand to launch?
It is still unclear when the brand will officially launch its products, however it is likely now to be within the next few months.
As Meghan has already kick-started the year with the launch of her Instagram and her upcoming Netflix series, it is likely her new brand will kick-start its business journey very soon to coincide with these other exciting ventures.
