Exclusive:
Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard was unveiled earlier this month, but critics of the former actress claimed she launched the new venture to grab attention from the Royal Family
Meghan Markle “calculated” the timing of American Riviera Orchard news, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duchess of Sussex announced her new lifestyle brand in a post on Instagram, revealing the new logo of the exclusive business venture as well as a promotional video that was filmed at her and Prince Harry’s home in Montecito, California. Fans were stunned to see rare footage from the lavish mansion that Meghan and Harry worked hard to turn into a sumptuous family home where they’re raising their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
However, critics of the former Suits star were quick to point out that not only did she decide to launch American Riviera Orchard on the same day as The Diana Awards, but her “calculated” move was also an effort to grab attention from the Royal Family as they are engulfed in a health crisis. King Charles went public with his cancer diagnosis in February, after he underwent surgery on an enlarged prostate. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton was forced to go public with her cancer diagnosis last week following intense speculation surrounding her health and whereabouts.
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READ MORE: Meghan Markle causing ‘groans’ from Palace over ‘grubby moneymaking’ with American Riviera Orchard
“Meghan has calculated that the Kate health mystery and King Charles’ illness mean there is more attention on the royal family than usual, and that she might be able to benefit from some of that attention,” royal author Tom Quinn told The Mirror. He also suggested that Meghan had strategically used the unveiling of her new lifestyle brand to “cash in” Diana’s legacy, as the announcement was made on the same day as The Diana Awards, which was attended by her estranged brother-in-law Prince William.
“It’s really significant that Meghan‘s new American Riviera Orchard brand was launched on the same date as the Diana award – Meghan has always seen herself as Diane’s heir,” Tom claimed. “She sees herself as suffering because of the media, just as she feels Diana suffered, but on this side of the pond at least, there will be a huge amount of criticism that she is just trying to cash in on Diana’s legacy.”
Kate went public with her health news after weeks of scrutiny and a photo editing scandal that engulfed the Royal Family, leading the mother-of-three to release an emotional video in which she revealed cancer was found after her operation. “The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she explained.
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