Meghan Markle Feels ‘Picked On’ Amid New Projects and Scrutiny

Meghan Markle is gearing up for a series of new ventures, including her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and a Netflix cookery show. Despite her efforts, the Duchess of Sussex reportedly feels that every move she makes is met with criticism and that she is “unfairly picked on,” according to royal author Tom Quinn.
“There is a growing rift between Harry and Meghan caused by Meghan’s increasing concern that her life is not going in the direction she had planned,” Quinn told the Mirror US. “She loves media attention and hates the fact that surveys suggest she and Harry are no longer of much interest to the American public.”

Markle, 42, announced the launch of American Riviera Orchard back in March, but the brand has yet to sell any products to fans. So far, she has sent jams and dog treats to friends and influencers like Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins, and Kris Jenner. Despite the initial excitement, Markle was reportedly in tears when her new jam was widely mocked for being expensive and unremarkable.

“She has reached the point now where she thinks that anything and everything she does will be unfairly criticized,” Quinn added. “Like her husband, she feels that people are unfairly picking on her – she cannot understand why people don’t admire her work.”

Brand strategist Lucie Green suggested that the delay in selling could be due to Markle trying to find investors for the company. “It could be that she’s still courting investment,” Green said. “If the brand is direct to consumer, versus wholesale, there will need to be a substantial marketing budget for consumer acquisition. The jams may have been a precursor to show proof of concept to talent and investors.”

While the website is not yet operational, items expected to be offered by American Riviera Orchard include bedding pillows, soaps, home décor, fragrances, cookbooks, and cookie mixes. A source close to Markle said, “She’s been working on this for over a year and it’s all the things that are close to her heart – all the things she’s passionate about.”

Despite the setbacks, many royal fans have expressed their enthusiasm for the launch on social media. One fan wrote, “So excited for these lovely heavenly jams from American Riviera Orchard, a wellness brand I will subscribe to!”

In addition to her lifestyle brand, Markle is set to launch a new cooking show on Netflix, contingent on the renewal of their contract. Quinn noted that the couple’s Netflix contract might be under threat, along with the mockery that greeted the launch of her online brand, leaving Markle feeling very much under siege, according to Daily Express.

The couple faces financial pressures, including a $9.5 million mortgage for their Montecito mansion and an estimated $3 million a year on round-the-clock security. Their documentary series “Harry & Meghan” received mixed reviews, and Markle’s animated series “Pearl” was canceled by Netflix while still in development.

Prince Harry, however, continues to receive accolades for his work. Last week, he received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS, recognizing his commitment to the Invictus Games. The Duke of Sussex received a cheer from the audience as he was introduced by close friend and host Serena Williams.

Harry, dressed in a dark suit and tie, attended the event at the Dolby Theatre with Markle, who wore a long white dress from Staud’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection. In his emotional acceptance speech, Harry said, “The truth is I stand here not as Prince Harry Pat Tillman Award recipient but rather as a voice on behalf of the Invictus Game Foundation. This award belongs to them, not to me.”

Harry expressed gratitude to the awards for bringing attention to the work of Invictus. “Moments like these help us reach the people who need Invictus most,” he added.

Despite the criticisms and challenges, body language expert Darren Stanton observed that Markle wanted Harry to be the center of attention at the ESPYs. “Meghan often takes a dominant lead in the engagements she attends with Harry, but she wanted her husband to be in control,” Stanton said. “It was her way of saying, ‘This is Harry’s night.'”

Stanton noted that Meghan felt a sense of pride, respect, and compassion for all Harry has done. “She still sees Harry as the love of her life and is happy to be by his side in these special moments.”