Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard already attracted over half a million followers on social media (Image: Getty)
Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle business is viewed as a potential “ticking timebomb” for the Royal Family, and might even be the trigger for cutting off her and Prince Harry’s royal titles, a royal expert claimed.
The Duchess of SusđâŻđ announced the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard earlier this month, pulling in over 570,000 followers before the actual site even went live.
The brand is thought to weave together lifestyle and cooking content, likely tying in with Meghan’s upcoming Netflix cooking show and selling items like jams, marmalades, and other home decor products.
Reports have suggested that the Duchess hopes to share her American Riviera Orchard vision online and possibly in book format.
However, the debut of Meghan’s brand seems to have ruffled some regal feathers, with author Tom Bower arguing royals may perceive it as a risk against “Britain’s most precious brand, the Royal Family”.
Meghan’s brand ruffled feathers within royal quarters, Bower cllaimed (Image: Getty)
Writing in the Daily Mail, Bower said: “It also appears that the project has been rushed. Meghan has not yet appointed a chief executive to manage the business.”
As Meghan takes charge of building the SusđâŻđ brand in America, it’s believed that her ambitions have led to a ‘downgrade’ of her and Prince Harry’s presence on the Buckingham Palace website.
Once prominently displayed, the Duke and Duchess of SusđâŻđ now share a succinct joint biography.
And Bower claimed it’s been suggested the recent update on the Royal Family’s official website could be the first step towards “taking their titles”.
Meghan shares video on American Riviera Orchard’s Instagram
0 seconds of 17 secondsVolume 90%
He added: “For Charles, that will be difficult. But, as the King and Kate recover from their illnesses and rebuild the institution, it is a necessary step – to protect the sanctity of Britain’s most precious brand, the Royal Family itself.”
Removing a royal title is a complicated process and would require an Act of Parliament before the King can strip titled aristocrats of their positions.
The SusđâŻđ title also has a very emotional link to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who bestowed it on Prince Harry to commemorate his wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018.
Meghan unveiled the initial details of her new venture on Instagram. Speculation has it that a possible cookery show linked to the SusđâŻđes’ Netflix deal, due to wrap up in 2025, may be part of the plan.
Meghan and Prince Harry originally struck a $20 million contract with the streaming platform after their royal departure, but renewal contracts for next year are yet to be confirmed.