Huge blow for Meghan Markle’s luxury lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard

Meghan Markle’s bid to become a lifestyle guru has hit a major hurdle, as a CEO reveals how she and Prince Harry insist on being addressed.

Meghan Markle’s bid to become a lifestyle guru with her own brand has hit a huge setback, with American Riviera Orchard branded a “multi-billion dollar problem”.

The Duchess of Sussex has now been hit with legal trouble over her brand, which includes pricey jams and gourmet dog biscuits, after her application to have it trademarked was rejected.

Meghan’s bid to trademark the name hit a hurdle after a similarly-named company lodged a letter of protest with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The Duchess has now been given three months to respond to the “non-final office action”, which was issued by the office.

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand has been hit with another setback. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

The rival company, named Royal Riviera, was started in 1910 and is part of the Harry and David company, which sells premium food and gift products.

Last month, sources close to Meghan revealed to the Daily Mail that the US Patents and Trademarks Office noted “irregularities” that must be “corrected” before the full-scale launch of her brand scheduled for next year. 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are insisting on being addressed formally. Picture: AFP

It came as the newly appointed CEO of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 revealed how he was told to address Meghan ahead of their first meeting earlier this year.

Despite Prince Harry and Meghan previously insisting on informality, it appears they are now opting for formal titles.

Scott Moore received advice that strayed from the usual protocol for addressing former senior members of the royal family, the New York Post reports.

“I did make sure to ask how I should be addressing them when they get here,” Mr Moore said.

Moore was informed that a simple “Ma’am” was fine for Meghan.

He was also told to address Prince Harry as “Sir.”

Typically, male royals are first addressed “Your Royal Highness,” followed by “Sir.”

Meanwhile, female members of the royal family are addressed as “Your Royal Highness,” followed by “Ma’am.”

However, after Megxit, the Sussexes lost their HRH title, meaning they now can’t be addressed as “Your Royal Highness”.

Originally published as Huge blow for Meghan Markle’s luxury lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard