It seems that Meghan Markle just can’t seem to catch a break, at least according to her loyal supporters.
The once-popular mantra, “what Meghan wants, Meghan gets,” appears to be fading into the background as her recent attempts to break into the lifestyle market have been met with numerous setbacks.
The latest venture to face the music?
Her ambitious launch of the American Riviera brand.
Unveiled with great fanfare back in March, the American Riviera brand was intended to be Meghan’s grand entrance into the realm of upscale lifestyle products.
With promises of everything from artisanal jams to stylish dog treats, it initially seemed like she was gearing up to take the market by storm.
However, the reality has been far less glamorous than anticipated.
Instead of captivating consumers, the brand has struggled to carve out its niche, leaving many scratching their heads over its true purpose.
The concept behind American Riviera was straightforward: sell a luxurious lifestyle through a diverse range of products, including olive oil dispensers and chic salt and pepper shakers.
Yet, as is often the case with Meghan’s ventures, the execution has been fraught with challenges.
Reports suggest that many of the products were not properly registered, resulting in delays and unexpected costs.
While the financial impact may not be disastrous, it has certainly raised eyebrows within her team.
According to the Daily Mail, trademark registration issues for American Riviera were flagged as early as July.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office pointed out several irregularities, such as incorrect classifications for items like yoga blankets and picnic baskets.
Correcting these mistakes and covering the associated fees is estimated to cost around £9,000, or roughly $11,000.
This administrative blunder merely scratches the surface, revealing a larger issue of organizational chaos.
The fallout from this situation has led to a swift reshuffling at Archwell, the charitable foundation run by Meghan and Prince Harry.
The frequent turnover of personnel at Archwell hints at potential accountability issues within the team behind American Riviera.
Public sentiment has not been kind either; many viewed the brand’s launch as an attempt to overshadow other events, such as Diana’s awards and the ongoing Kate-Gate scandal.
Instead, it has morphed into a source of embarrassment.
Critics have labeled American Riviera a “nothing burger,” describing it as a venture lacking substantial products, solid financial backing, or even basic paperwork.
The term “empty page” seems to encapsulate the project’s impact on the market quite aptly.
In a particularly telling moment, Meghan reportedly expressed her frustration, questioning why the burden of organization always seems to fall on her despite paying professionals to handle it.
While it’s easy to empathize with someone facing mounting frustrations, this situation highlights a more significant issue: a lack of effective leadership and an understanding of what it takes to successfully manage an enterprise.
The ongoing saga surrounding American Riviera mirrors other high-profile but ultimately failed ventures, such as Meghan’s Netflix cooking show and Prince Harry’s polo series.
Critics argue that these initiatives are more about generating buzz than delivering real substance.
The narrative that Meghan’s projects often resemble “fake news” or are destined for failure continues to gain traction.
As Meghan navigates the fallout from the American Riviera debacle, questions loom about whether the brand can ever recover from this misstep.
With a reputation for acting on instinct and pursuing personal motives, skepticism about the future of this latest venture is hardly surprising.
