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Meghan Markle ‘upset and stressed’ over backlash

Meghan Markle is said to be upset over the negativity surrounding her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, as she attempts to emulate Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP success.

Invictus Games in Canada marks a 'great week' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle has been left “upset and stressed” following backlash to her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, according to a royal author.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, first teased her passion project last March — but nearly a year later, the business venture has yet to get off the ground.

The lifestyle brand — which has been plagued by a slew of trademark snafus — will reportedly be launched next month to coincide with the release of Markle’s upcoming Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

Meghan Markle is pinning a lot of her business hopes on the success of her lifestyle show With Love, Meghan. Picture: Netflix
Meghan Markle is pinning a lot of her business hopes on the success of her lifestyle show With Love, Meghan. Picture: Netflix

However, the lead-up to the launch has been nothing but stressful for Meghan, according to royal author Tom Quinn.

“Friends have noticed that like all couples, Harry and Meghan have their rows and disagreements,” Quinn told The Sun.

“These are made worse simply because, unlike most couples, they spend almost all their time together.”

Prince Harry is said to appear in the new series only briefly. Picture: Netflix
Prince Harry is said to appear in the new series only briefly. Picture: Netflix

“The relationship also gets trickier when things don’t go well with Meghan’s businesses — Meghan was hugely upset and stressed when her internet homemaking venture was mocked, and this took its toll on her relationship with Harry,” added Quinn, the author of “Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants.”

Meghan Markle will also launch her American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand. Picture: Netflix
Meghan Markle will also launch her American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand. Picture: Netflix

Markle has already filed trademark applications for her brand to cover an array of home goods, including tableware, kitchen linens, beverageware, coffee and tea services and more.

Also listed were jellies, marmalades, fruit preserves and a variety of spreads and butters, along with body soap, body oil, cosmetics and pet shampoo.

The application also covers stationery, linens, small kitchen appliances, yoga equipment and gardening gear.

As for her Netflix show, the former working royal — who finished filming the show in July 2024 — is set to release it on March 4.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Vancouver. Picture: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Vancouver. Picture: Getty Images

The upcoming series will follow Markle in the kitchen with some of her famous friends, including her former “Suits” co-star Abigail Spencer, Mindy Kaling, Roy Choi and Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai.

Some of the celeb guests are pals who were lucky enough to receive a jar of Markle’s American Riviera Orchard jam last year.

Directed by Michael Steed, “With Love, Meghan” boasts eight episodes, each 33 minutes long. Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, 40, produced the series via their Archewell Productions company.

Read related topics:Meghan Markle

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/meghan-markle-upset-and-stressed-over-backlash/news-story/558f9851238f420ebdfd619978ad7c51