Meghan Markle ‘in tears’ over backlash against American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand

It was supposed to be Meghan Markle’s next big move but the public’s reaction has left her distraught, a royal expert claims.

It was tipped to be Meghan Markle’s next big move into a new career phase but the backlash against her new lifestyle brand has left the royal in tears, it has been claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex revealed her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard in March to much fanfare, with an artfully shot video showing her walking around the lavish grounds of her Montecito mansion.

Meghan Markle has been thrown by the backlash against her lifestyle brand.

The online store lifestyle brand, which goes live later this year, includes kitchen goods, home fragrances, furnishings as well as a range of oils, nut butters, jams, and preserves.

However, Meghan’s soft launch strategy was mocked by many online, who appeared underwhelmed by her apparent attempt to emulate US lifestyle guru Martha Stewart.

Meghan Markle’s pricey jam range has been slammed as out of touch. Picture: Instagram

The Duchess of Sussex is sensitive to criticism, a royal expert says. Picture: Getty Images

Royal expert and author Tom Quinn said Meghan would have been devastated following the lacklustre reception to American Riviera Orchard.

“The one fly in the ointment is Meghan’s new internet brand, America Riviera Orchard,” he told The Mirror.

“Meghan was in tears when the brand launched and her new jam was widely mocked for being expensive and nothing special.

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

The royal expert said Meghan was particularly sensitive to criticism.

“She is especially sensitive about any criticism of her luxurious lifestyle in the US – from her point of view this is something to be admired not criticised,” he said.